Kitwe Zambia – 23 July 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reaffirms its commitment to supporting Zambia's economic transformation through supplier development, as it joined government, private sector partners, academia and industry stakeholders in celebrating the graduation of the second cohort of Supplier Development Programme (SDP) consultants in Kitwe.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr. Hapenga M. Kabeta, by the Director of the Geological Survey Department, Mr. Gerald Mwila during the Supplier Development Accreditation Training Closing Ceremony and Award of Certificates, Dr. Kabeta said it was is encouraging to see programmes such as the Supplier Development Programme providing practical solutions by building a pool of consultants capable of supporting enterprises to improve their competitiveness and readiness to access market opportunities. 

“As we pursue our vision of increasing annual copper production towards 3 million metric tonnes by 2031, it is important that Zambian businesses are prepared to provide the goods and services required by a growing mining industry.” said Dr Kabeta. 

UNDP Zambia Resident Representative, Dr. James Wakiaga, described the programme as a critical vehicle for strengthening local enterprises, enhancing competitiveness and increasing participation of Zambian businesses in strategic value chains, particularly the mining sector.

Dr. Wakiaga commended the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development for facilitating an enabling environment which promotes greater participation of local businesses in mining supply chains and has accelerated demand for structured supplier development programmes.

"The Supplier Development Programme provides a practical pathway for local enterprises to build the capabilities required to compete effectively, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Zambia's economic growth and industrialisation agenda," said Dr. Wakiaga.

UNDP reiterated its commitment to supporting the Government through the rollout of the UNDP Supplier Development Methodology as a national framework to ensure standardization, quality assurance, consistency, and sustainability in supplier development initiatives across sectors.

Mopani Copper Mines Chief Executive Officer Eng. Charles Sakanya noted that the company has recorded increased orders from suppliers under the SDP programme and has further observed a 35 percent improvement in productivity and job creation across the pilot and that the Supplier Development Programme has been fully adopted and integrated into the company's operations. 

“This initiative was launched even before the local content regulations came into effect in 2025, demonstrating Mopani’s leadership in local content promotion and Supplier Development. Mopani provided opportunities for the 15 supplier development programme beneficiaries to participate in tenders with successful orders worth more than K20 million issued.” said Eng. Sakanya. 

Shoprite Zambia General Manager Mr Charles Bota said the lessons from the SDP continue to demonstrate the value of structured supplier development in preparing local businesses to participate more effectively in modern retail value chains. 

“Thirty-one years ago, we imported almost 95 percent of the products we sold. Today, we source 92 percent locally. At Shoprite our commitment is not simply to buy from local supplier. It is to help them grow.” said Mr Bota. 

Meanwhile Copperbelt University Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Bernard Hang’ombe said the university remains steadfast in its commitment to institutionalizing the Supplier Development Programme beyond its pilot and reaffirmed its commitment to generating evidence-based research that informs policy, strengthens local content implementation and contributes to national development. 

“We Deeply value our partnership and look forward to expanding our collaboration in pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.” said Prof Hang’ombe. 

Addressing the graduates, Dr. Wakiaga congratulated the participants for successfully completing the programme and encouraged them to become ambassadors of supplier development by supporting SMEs to grow, improve competitiveness and access new market opportunities.

The Supplier Development Programme contributes to broader national objectives including economic diversification, industrialization, job creation, citizen economic empowerment, and increased local participation in key industries.

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For more information and media interviews, contact: 

Muma Bwalya, Programme Analyst, muma.bwalya@undp.org 

Mercy Khozi, Communications Analyst, mercy.khozi@undp.org