HH PUSHES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR JOB GROWTH

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Posted by admin on May 30, 2026 at 5:30 AM

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President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the New Dawn government’s commitment to building a private sector capable of creating as many jobs as the public sector, describing this as a “healthy balance” for Zambia’s economy.

He made the remarks when Barrick Mining Corporation Chief Operating Officer for Africa and the Middle East, Sebastiaan Bock, paid a courtesy call at State House.

“The super pit is an extremely important project. We know the benefits; as you have said, the project alone will employ an additional 500 plus people. Our intention is to support the overall growth of the economy. The jobs in the private sector soon should overtake the number of jobs that we have created in the public sector. That’s a healthy balance,” President Hichilema said.

Mr. Bock revealed that since 2019, Barrick has contributed more than US$5.1 billion into Zambia’s economy, thanking government for its consistent support to the mining sector.

He added that Barrick is expanding the Lumwana Super Pit, with works progressing well Output is expected to increase from 150,000 tonnes of copper to 240,000 tonnes by 2028, The expansion will create 550 permanent jobs.

During the construction phase, an additional 2,500 jobs will be generated.