UN Backs Zambias Critical Minerals Ambition

By Masauso Mkwayaya Zambia has been selected as one of six countries to participate in the United Nations Country Support Mechanism on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, a platform designed to help resource‑rich nations move up the global value chain. The other participating countries are GUINEA, INDONESIA, MADAGASCAR, NIGERIA and ZIMBABWE. United Nations Secretary‑General ANTÓNIO GUTERRES announced the first partner countries at the Climate Summit 2026, held on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The mechanism forms part of the UN Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, co‑led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The initiative aims to ensure mineral wealth contributes to sustainable development and enables resource‑rich countries to become active participants in the global clean energy transition rather than remaining suppliers of raw materials. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister MULAMBO HAIMBE, who is representing President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA at the General Assembly, welcomed Zambia’s selection. Mr HAIMBE said the Country Support Mechanism is an important initiative that will support the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda. He said Zambia has been a copper‑producing nation for decades, contributing to global industrial development and, increasingly, to the clean energy and digital transitions. Mr HAIMBE added that as demand for critical minerals continues to grow, Zambia’s ambition is not only to increase mineral production but also to create greater value locally through value addition and industrial development. This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by NAMATAMA NJEKWA, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.