Economist, Yusuf Dodia, says the Ministry of Finance and National Planning’s projection that Zambia’s economy will grow by 6.2% by the end of December 2025 is attainable.
Mr. Dodia explains that despite the ongoing energy crisis, the economy is expected to register positive growth, driven largely by activity in the mining sector, where copper prices remain attractive on the global market.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Dodia, however, expressed concern over the current mining model, arguing that it does not adequately benefit the Zambian people.
He noted that most of the foreign revenue generated from copper exports is externalized.
“In as much as the country promotes foreign direct investment in the mining sector, the current model is not in the best interest of Zambians because the bulk of the revenue remains in foreign banks, leaving the local economy struggling,” said Mr. Dodia.
He has since urged government to create a framework that allows for greater local participation in copper exports, warning that foreign investment which fails to benefit the Zambian people amounts to exploitation of the national economy.
By Christabel Kamunu.
