Local Content to Increase to 40 percent- President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to empowering Zambians through the local content law in the mining sector, telling residents of Lubengele, Chililabombwe District, that the share of local participation will rise from 20 percent to 40 percent. “With local content in the mines, we want to move from 20 percent to 40 percent to benefit Zambians,” he said, questioning why previous governments had failed to introduce similar measures.

Addressing thousands of residents, President Hichilema urged them to turn out in large numbers for the August 13 elections and to continue supporting the United Party for National Development (UPND). He reminded the crowd of Zambia’s past instability: “We should not forget where we are coming from, a bad situation of violence. Your vote brought freedom for you and the country.”

The President linked the act of voting to ongoing development projects, pointing to the revival of Lubambe Mine and the opening of Mingomba Mine. He stressed that continued support was vital to tackling remaining challenges such as water reticulation and the second phase of hospital construction. He added that Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company had been instructed to expedite its work.

Closing his address, President Hichilema urged voters to vote for UPND candidates at every level of government: “My request is that we do the right thing, which is voting for the UPND. Vote for all UPND candidates. Bally loves you.”