Zambia Launches ZIMIS

..New Era for Mining Efficiency and Accountability in Zambia

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia – February 27, 2025 – The Zambian government has officially launched the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS), a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at optimizing the mining licensing process, promoting transparency, and combating corruption within the sector.

This initiative signifies a pivotal advancement in modernizing Zambia’s mining industry and aligns with the government's strategic objectives outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan.

During the launch event, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe emphasized the system's critical role in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the licensing process.

"Today, we celebrate a significant milestone that enhances our mining licensing framework," Kabuswe stated.

He acknowledged the frustrations surrounding delays in acquiring mining licenses, assuring stakeholders that ZIMIS had been meticulously developed as part of a broader strategy to reform the mining sector.

"Little did those raising concerns know that we were already preparing to launch this transformative system," he added.

Kabuswe outlined four essential pillars of reform underpinning ZIMIS: affordable capital, technology integration, beneficiation, and partnerships.

He emphasized that these elements are vital for unlocking the full potential of Zambia's mineral resources, noting, "These pillars are essential for maximizing the benefits of our mineral wealth."

Additionally, the minister stressed that the platform aims to diminish human involvement in the licensing process, thereby curtailing opportunities for corruption and enhancing accountability.

"ZIMIS is a critical tool in our fight against corruption," he declared.

Reassuring stakeholders, Kabuswe confirmed that ZIMIS adheres to the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 and will not disrupt current mining rights.

He urged small-scale miners and women in the mining sector to leverage the new system, stating, "Renew your licenses on time and avoid unnecessary delays."

Favour Ime, Senior Regional Manager for Africa at Open Ownership, praised Zambia for introducing ZIMIS, calling it a significant advancement in the fight against illicit financial flows in the mining industry.

"ZIMIS is a major step in ensuring that Zambia’s mineral wealth benefits its citizens," Ime remarked.

She cautioned that anonymous companies have been exploited to evade taxes, manipulate licenses, and launder illicit funds, presenting serious risks to the economy.

She stressed the importance of beneficial ownership transparency, which reveals the true stakeholders behind mining operations.

"By disclosing the genuine owners of mining companies, Zambia can avert conflicts of interest, mitigate corruption, and foster equitable resource distribution," she asserted.

Ime pointed out that ZIMIS will help identify instances where individuals control multiple companies seeking mining rights or where foreign enterprises use local citizens' identities to circumvent ownership laws while maintaining offshore control.

She urged the government to establish enforceable regulations mandating beneficial ownership disclosure to eliminate loopholes that allow corruption to thrive.

"We must ensure that transparency commitments translate into concrete action," Ime concluded.

Percy Chinyama, Smart Zambia National Coordinator, emphasized the importance of ZIMIS as a cornerstone of Zambia's digital transformation strategy.

"This platform will significantly enhance decision-making processes, ensure adherence to regulations, and improve revenue tracking from mining operations," Chinyama stated.

By utilizing advanced geospatial tools and data analytics, ZIMIS will facilitate better monitoring of mining activities and resource management.

"Real-time access to comprehensive mining data will enable authorities to track royalties and revenue flows, ensuring that mining operations contribute effectively to national development," he added.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the launch of ZIMIS, expressing confidence that a more transparent and efficient licensing system will bolster investor trust and promote sustainable mining practices.

The introduction of ZIMIS represents a significant leap forward in Zambia's mining sector reforms.

By enhancing transparency, curtailing corruption, and improving operational efficiency, the system is set to fortify governance, attract vital investments, and ensure that Zambia’s mineral wealth is equitably distributed among its citizens.

As the government continues to implement these transformative measures, the successful adoption of ZIMIS could position Zambia as a leader in mining governance across Africa, setting a benchmark for other nations to emulate.