The Zambia Parliamentary Caucus on Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources was officially launched at the National Assembly, Parliament Buildings, on Thursday, 11^th December 2025. Speaking during the launch, the First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Hon. Malungo A. Chisangano, MP, said that the energy, mining and mineral resources sectors remain central to Zambia’s development agenda.

Hon. Chisangano noted that minerals such as copper, cobalt, manganese and emerging rare-earth minerals position Zambia strategically in the global energy transition. She stated that these minerals are essential for the production of electric vehicles, battery storage technologies, solar systems and other renewable energy solutions.

The Deputy Speaker further said that the energy sector is a key driver of economic growth, industrialisation and social development.

“The establishment of this Caucus creates a dedicated, non-partisan platform through which Members of Parliament can deepen their understanding of sector issues, interrogate policy and engage in constructive dialogue with Government, industry, civil society, cooperating partners and communities,” Hon Chisangano said.

“Importantly, this Caucus does not replace the work of existing Committees of the House. Rather, it complements these structures by providing additional space for expert engagement, cross-sector collaboration and forward-looking policy analysis.”

Hon. Chisangano also expressed appreciation to the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) and other cooperating partners for their partnership and support in launching the Caucus.

Speaking at the same event, Chairperson of the Zambia Parliamentary Caucus on Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Mr Christopher Kang’ombe, MP, said the Caucus provides a suitable platform for Parliament to engage with various stakeholders on mining issues and energy.

And Acting Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, Mrs. Loveness M. Mayaka, said the establishment of the Caucus aims to strengthen Parliamentary oversight and promote sustainable, transparent and equitable management of energy and mineral resources for inclusive national development.

She said that the Caucus aligns with the Institution’s broader objective of enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in Parliamentary support mechanisms that underpin legislative work, oversight and constituency engagement.

And Speaking at the same occasion, CTPD Executive Director, Mr Isaac Mwaipopo, said that the energy and mining sectors are central to Zambia’s economic future, as they influence revenue generation, industrial growth, employment creation and community wellbeing.

Mr, Mwaipopo said that the CTPD’s longstanding advocacy for transparent mining contracts, fair revenue management, people-centred energy planning and responsible natural resource governance aligns closely with the objectives of the Caucus.

He added that the Caucus will therefore provide a structured platform for informed debate, deeper engagement and proactive policy scrutiny.

The launch of the Zambia Parliamentary Caucus on Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources is expected to strengthen parliamentary oversight, promote evidence-based legislation and enhance collaboration with key stakeholders, including government institutions, industry players, civil society organisations and communities directly affected by activities in the energy and mineral resource sectors.