Zambia has hosted the National Resettlement and Compensation Indaba with stakeholders happy with the Revised National Resettlement Policy of 2024 and the Cabinet-approved Resettlement Management Bill 2026.
Speaking in Lusaka, Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Maggie Mapalo Mwape paid tribute to the Office of the Vice President, Ministry of Mines, as well as government line ministries – Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, traditional leaders, parliamentarians, mining representatives, civil society, and community members for backing the historic national dialogue.
Mwape highlighted that copper production reached 890,346 metric tonnes in 2025—an 8% increase from 2024—and that the mining sector continues to attract over US$10 billion in investments.
She noted that mining contributes approximately 17%-20% to Zambia’s GDP and over 70% of export earnings.
Mwape commended Government, particularly the Office of the Vice President and relevant ministries, for bold steps through the Revised National Resettlement Policy of 2024 and the Cabinet-approved Resettlement Management Bill 2026.
She stated that these demonstrate a clear commitment to transforming resettlement from a source of conflict into a pathway for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Executive Director also recognised mining companies for their heavy investment in Zambia’s future, thanking them for their leadership in community engagement, compensation, and corporate responsibility.
Mwape called on mining partners to deepen collaboration by actively supporting and co-hosting future platforms such as this Indaba.
She warned that rapid development brings complex challenges, especially amid climate change.
Mwape noted that floods and droughts have displaced communities across the country, underscoring the urgent need for adaptation measures that build resilience.
She insisted that effective resettlement must go beyond compensation to restore and improve livelihoods, incorporate climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and alternative income opportunities.
“The proposed Resettlement Management Bill offers exactly that: a comprehensive and standalone legal framework,” Mwape stated.
She added that strengthening the bill with human rights, social, livelihood restoration, and environmental safeguards will reduce project delays, minimise disputes, protect ancestral lands and cultural heritage, and ensure that no Zambian is left behind.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Resettlement in the Office of the Vice President, Marvis Nkomeshya, announced the proposed Resettlement Management Bill 2026, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing how development projects treat displaced people.
Nkomeshya raised concern on the current inconsistency in compensation standards, which is leading to conflicts, unresolved resettlement, and blocking investors from breaking ground.
“The bill enforces constitutional rights to fair compensation before displacement, restores livelihoods to a standard at least equal to what existed before, and places the cost of resettlement squarely on the developer,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary, against a backdrop of 6.4 percent GDP growth and single-digit inflation, warned that unresolved resettlement matters create an economic liability, block investment, and tie up development in costly litigation.
She called on civil society to engage constructively, affirmed that communities are not obstacles but intended beneficiaries, and declared that the bill ensures no Zambian will be made poorer by development.
Earlier, Ministry of Mines Director of Large Scale Mining and Mineral Investment Promotion, Fred Banda, commended the Centre for Environment Justice for organising the National Resettlement Conference, calling it a timely and significant platform.
Banda recognised that the mining sector drives job creation and national development, but he warned that resettlement issues touch on justice, dignity and sustainability.
He stated that the proposed Resettlement Management Bill 2026, which has received cabinet approval in principle, brings clarity, coordination and accountability to resettlement processes across all sectors.
The Director affirmed that properly managed resettlement improves living standards and builds trust between investors and citizens, while poorly managed resettlement destroys livelihoods and creates long-term grievances.
He urged all participants, including civil society, traditional leaders and the private sector, to engage openly and propose actionable recommendations so that Zambia builds a resettlement framework that reflects shared values and national aspirations.
