MEDIA KEY INSIGHTS | 27 OCTOBER 2026
BEYOND COPPER: WHERE CAN ZAMBIA CAPTURE MORE VALUE?
The opportunity in electric vehicles, components and industrial investment
Zambia’s mineral resources provide a foundation for industrial development. The opportunity is to build competitive businesses that process those resources, manufacture products and supply growing markets.
On 22 October, the Zambia Development Agency called for investment in electric vehicles, batteries and related components, connecting mineral development with manufacturing and wider business participation.
For Media Key Marketing, this raises a practical question: where can Zambia compete successfully, and what must businesses prepare to participate?
THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE OPPORTUNITY
According to the International Energy Agency, global electric car sales exceeded 20 million in 2025. Its 2026 outlook projects electric cars will account for 28% of new-car sales worldwide. These figures include battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Zambia’s national strategy targets annual copper production of 3 million metric tonnes by 2031. This is a policy target, rather than current output.
Together, these figures illustrate the scale of the discussion: a growing global market and a national ambition to expand an important industrial input.
FROM MINERALS TO MANUFACTURING
Copper contributes to electrical systems, wiring and charging infrastructure. Participation in the wider electric-mobility industry could therefore take several forms.
Potential areas for assessment include cable and electrical-component manufacturing, charging equipment, selected vehicle components, assembly, maintenance and supporting services.
Each requires its own commercial case. Battery-cell manufacturing, battery-pack assembly and vehicle assembly involve different technologies, inputs, skills and investment requirements.
Mineral availability provides an advantage, but competitive production also depends on reliable electricity, logistics, quality standards, technology partners and customers.
WHERE LOCAL BUSINESSES FIT
The opportunity extends to engineering, construction, transport, warehousing, equipment maintenance, training and professional services.
Businesses seeking to participate should identify a specific role and demonstrate their ability to deliver it. Relevant experience, compliance, technical competence, financial capacity and clear proposals all help prospective partners assess that capability.
Successful industrial development requires strong connections between principal investors and the businesses around them.
MEDIA KEY PERSPECTIVE
Our work supporting manufacturing investments has shown us the importance of making a business proposition clear and credible.
Investors need to understand the market, potential partners and implementation requirements. Local businesses need to communicate their capabilities and evidence of performance.
Through brand strategy, investment communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement and digital marketing, Media Key helps businesses present that information professionally and build productive relationships.
Zambia’s EV and component opportunity deserves this practical approach: identify viable activities, attract suitable partners and communicate progress through evidence.
The measure of success will be competitive products, skilled employment, capable suppliers and greater economic value retained locally.
Unlock. Engage. Grow.
