GOVERNMENT SIGNS THREE (3) MOU’S WITH U.S COMPANIES

WASHINGTON, D.C., Wednesday December 10, 2025. The Zambian Government through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has signed three (3) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU’s) with three (3) United States Companies in processing of critical minerals, data sovereignty, and partnership to promote Zambia’s investment in the US.
Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Chibamba Kanyama, witnessed the signing held at the Embassy of Zambia in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
The three (3) signed MoU’s are between the Zambia Development Agency and Austin Elements, the Zambia Development Agency and Lucid Circuit and the Zambia Development Agency and Busara Advisors, INC.
The partnership, between ZDA and Austin Elements strengthens Zambia – U.S. relations at a strategic moment when the United States is working to diversify and secure its critical mineral supply chains, while, Zambia stands ready to be a reliable partner in this effort, ensuring responsible mining, adherence to global sustainability standards, and advancement of green energy technologies.
The ZDA and Lucid Circuit MoU marks an important milestone in Zambia’s journey toward digital independence and economic transformation.
This MoU formalizes a partnership that is forward-looking, strategic, and aligned with His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision under the 8th National Development Plan, the Digital Transformation Strategy, and our national industrialization agenda. Zambia is signaling to the world that we are not mere consumers of technology, we are ready to shape, produce, and govern our own digital future.
The ZDA and Busara Advisors, INC is a practical demonstration of Zambia’s commitment to economic diplomacy, which positions foreign engagements to directly support national economic transformation.

Austin Elements Chief Executive Officer Jacob Jin said 80 percent of the minerals will be processed in Zambia before exporting to the United States.
He said the idea of processing the minerals in Zambia is to empower the local communities and create jobs for the youth.
And Busara Advisors INC Founder, Ambassador Reuben Brigety said Zambia stands at a pivotal moment with over a century of expertise in copper mining and an expanding portfolio in critical minerals exploration.
He said Zambia is uniquely positioned to be a continental leader in the global energy transition.
“The recent $300 million agreement with Dubai Ports World and Zambia's integration into the Lobito Corridor are transforming the country into a regional logistics hub. These developments don't just move goods - they connect markets, create opportunities, and position Zambia as an essential link in Africa's economic integration.”
“These developments - in mining and infrastructure - represent more than economic statistics. They represent pathways to dignified, high-skilled employment for Zambia's growing youth population. They represent the building blocks of a more integrated, prosperous African continent. And they represent the future that we, through partnerships like the one we celebrate today, have the opportunity to help build,” said Ambassador Brigety.
And Ambassador Kanyama expressed appreciation to Austin Elements Inc. for its commitment to partnering with Zambia on the exploration, production, and advanced processing of critical minerals.
He further commended the Zambia Development Agency and Mission in Washington, D.C., for continued strides being made in advancing Zambia’s value addition agenda to boost manufacturing.
He noted that the MoU’s are strongly aligned with the 8NDP, particularly economic transformation and job creation through value addition and diversification of the economy.
He explained that Zambia’s goal is to move beyond being a source of raw materials and become a hub for processing, refining, and manufacturing, especially in minerals such as copper, cobalt, nickel, lithium, manganese, and rare earth elements.
“This commitment to processing minerals up to 90% before export directly supports our agenda for domestic beneficiation, increased revenues, and high-quality employment for our youth. Zambia continues to enjoy a reputation as one of Africa’s most stable, peaceful, and democratic nations,” said Ambassador Kanyama.
“Our consistent rule of law, predictable macroeconomic environment, and transparent investment framework give confidence to long-term investors such as Austin Elements. The Government of President Hakainde Hichilema remains fully committed to providing a supportive environment for private sector–led growth, particularly in mining and manufacturing.”
Issued by
Charles Tembo
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
Washington, DC.