Zambia must own and control its minerals – Dr. Fred M’membe

Kitwe, Copperbelt Province

The Socialist Party Zambia (SPZ) President and People’s Pact Presidential Candidate, Dr. Fred M’membe has strongly reiterated that Zambia must reclaim ownership and control of her mineral resources in order to restore national dignity and secure economic justice for citizens.

Speaking on Thursday , 5th February 2026 during a joint live radio interview on Fleva FM in Kitwe, alongside Professor Naison Ngoma and Mr. Bob Sichinga, Dr. M’membe emphasized that Zambia’s minerals must primarily benefit Zambians and not foreign interests.
Dr. M’membe stated, in clear terms, that “Lesa talufyenye ukuleta abantu muchalo nga lesa alefwaya abasungu bese kuno nga babikile muno muchalo” — meaning that if God had intended foreigners to control our land and resources, He would have brought them here from the beginning.

Dr. M’membe stressed that the time has come for Zambians to rise and demand what rightfully belongs to them.

Dr. M’membe called on the government to allow Zambians, especially small-scale miners, to participate meaningfully in mining activities, with the state playing a regulatory and supervisory role to ensure order and national benefit.

Dr. M’membe warned that as long as Zambians are not allowed to own and control their resources, true development will remain impossible.

Dr. M’membe emphasized that achieving economic sovereignty requires national unity.

Dr. M’membe called upon all political and civic leaders to put Zambia first, stating that the current situation is deeply painful and humiliating, and that the country must urgently restore its dignity.

Mr. Bob Sichinga questioned the sale of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) and demanded transparency on where the money received from the sale has gone.

Sichinga stated that the People’s Pact is very clear on the issue of ownership and control, and that Zambia’s minerals must benefit the Zambian people, not a few individuals or foreign corporations.

Prof. Naison Ngoma noted that the Copperbelt Province is economically on its knees and called on all leaders to come together, join hands, and unite around a national agenda aimed at rescuing the country and rebuilding the economy.

“The People’s Pact reaffirms its commitment to a people-centered economic policy based on national ownership, control of strategic resources, transparency, and accountability. Zambia’s minerals must work for Zambia and for the Zambian people,” pledged Prof. Ngoma.