By EditorZambia
The Copperbelt Province has undergone a significant economic transformation since the UPND government implemented investor friendly policies to revive the mining sector.
This document provides a technical analysis of how these policies have directly improved living conditions for ordinary Zambians, particularly mining families, compared to the previous regime’s era of mine closures and liquidations. 
Under the previous administration (PF), the Copperbelt faced severe economic decline due to mismanagement, mine closures (e.g., Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) placed under care and maintenance), the liquidation of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and the politicised mining suppliers list and payments.
These actions led to massive job losses, reduced household incomes, and deteriorating living standards.
Since 2021, the UPND government has prioritised:
- Stabilising the mining sector through transparent investment policies.
- Attracting new capital to reopen and expand mining operations.
- Enforcing fair labour practices to protect workers.
- Strengthening local procurement to benefit Zambian businesses.
This report assesses the measurable improvements at the household level.
- Direct Benefits to Mining Families
2.1. Employment Restoration & Job Security
Before UPND: Over 10,000 jobs were lost due to mine closures (2015–2021).
After UPND: Over 7,000 direct jobs were restored in MCM and KCM, with thousands more in supplier and contractor roles.
Impact:
- Household incomes have increased, reducing dependency on informal sector survival strategies.
2.2. Improved Wages & Working Conditions
Before:
- Delayed salaries, poor safety standards, and frequent labour disputes.
After:
- Timely salary payments due to stricter compliance enforcement.
- Improved occupational safety, reducing mine-related accidents.
- Better collective bargaining leading to fairer wages.
2.3. Skills Development & Youth Employment
- Government-led apprenticeship programmes in mining towns have upskilled youths through CDF skills development programmes, increasing employability.
- New mining investments (e.g., Kobold Metals, Vedanta’s return) have created technical and engineering opportunities for locals.
- Indirect Benefits to Households
3.1 Local Business Growth
Increased demand for goods/services:
- Mine employees now have disposable income, boosting local markets.
Supplier development programs:
- Mines now prioritise Zambian owned SMEs for procurement, supporting entrepreneurship.
3.2 Enhanced Social Services
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments:
- New clinics and upgraded hospitals (e.g., Sinozam Hospital in Kitwe).
- Running two ISO-certified hospitals (Wusakile and Malcom Watson) and several community and underground clinics.
- Run a host of community sensitisation and curative healthcare programmes. These include HIV/AIDS projects, anti-malaria initiatives, club foot correction services, cervical cancer screening, etc. and scholarships for miners’ children.
Improved infrastructure:
- Road repairs and water projects funded through increased mineral royalty allocations.
Improved funding to Sports:
Mopani Copper Mines PLC supports over 10 sports clubs across all disciplines: football, golf, tennis, swimming, squash, and rugby. Of the clubs supported by the Company, three; namely Nkana Football Club, Nkana Golf Club and Mufulira Tennis Club, have in recent years set up junior academies to tap and nurture talent from the communities at a tender age in both Mufulira and Kitwe.
KCM sponsors Nchanga football club
3.3. Poverty Reduction & Financial Inclusion
More banked households:
- Formal employment has increased access to credit and savings products.
Reduced urban migration:
- Stable jobs have discouraged youth from leaving Copperbelt towns in search of work.
- Comparative Analysis: UPND vs. Previous Regime
Indicator: Previous Regime (2015–2021)
Mine Operations
- closures & liquidations
- Massive job losses
Salary Delays
- Frequent
Local Business Impact
- Decline in demand
Social Infrastructure
- Deterioration
UPND Government (2021–Present)
Mine Operations
- Reopened and new investments
Employment Levels
- Thousands of jobs restored
Salary Delays
- Rare, due to stricter oversight
Local Business Impact
- Boom in SME activity
Social Infrastructure
- Upgrades through CSR & royalties
In conclusion and policy recommendations, the UPND government’s mining sector reforms have had a direct positive impact on Copperbelt households, reversing the decline seen under the previous administration. To sustain this progress, the following recommendations are suggested:
- Continued investor confidence-building through policy consistency.
- Expansion of skills training programs to match industry needs.
- Strengthening local procurement laws to ensure Zambian businesses benefit more.
The evidence is clear: the UPND’s policies are lifting mining communities out of poverty and restoring the Copperbelt’s economic vitality.
