Mulungushi Reborn After 20 Years
Kabwe, Zambia24 (April 16 — 2026) — Mulungushi Textiles has been reborn after 20 years of closure, with President Hakainde Hichilema officially reopening the plant under a US$140 million Zambia–China joint venture that is expected to create jobs, drive industrial momentum, and signal renewed investor confidence in Zambia’s manufacturing sector.
“This facility must now work for the people,” he said, describing the project as a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to development through investment and strategic partnerships.
He said the plant will support local industries and provide a reliable market for cotton farmers, while contributing to economic growth. The President urged institutions to prioritise locally produced textiles to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce imports.
“This is part of our broader agenda to industrialise the economy and expand job opportunities for our people,” he added.
“We are seeing renewed investor confidence, and this is evident in the number of projects being implemented across the country,” Mulenga said.
He noted that developments across manufacturing, mining, and agro-processing sectors show that policy reforms are translating into real economic outcomes.
Mulenga cited investments in manganese processing, car battery production, and tobacco processing in Central Province as key examples that have attracted significant capital and created hundreds of jobs.
He revealed that more than 25 companies have established operations in Central Province over the past two years, creating about 2,500 jobs, largely due to the expansion of Multi-Facility Economic Zones and targeted industrial promotion.
Describing the Mulungushi Textiles Joint Venture as a key step in strengthening Zambia’s manufacturing base, Mulenga said the project reflects a shift from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods locally.
“This project represents our shift from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods locally,” he said, adding that the plant is expected to create at least 150 direct jobs in its initial phase, with more opportunities as production expands.
He further disclosed that mining investments worth about US$370 million are expected to generate over 3,000 jobs, reinforcing the country’s economic diversification agenda.
On energy, Mulenga noted that the facility will only use part of the available electricity capacity, leaving enough power to support other industries.
Chinese project representative Ju Wenbin said the initiative aims to rebuild Zambia’s textile value chain by linking cotton farming to processing and manufacturing.
“This project is designed to create a complete value chain within Zambia, from farm to finished product,” he said.
He added that the venture will provide a stable market for cotton farmers in Central and Eastern Provinces, while supporting job creation and skills development.
Ju said the investment builds on long-standing Zambia–China relations dating back to the 1970s and reflects continued cooperation in industrial development.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) President Mohammed Umar described the project as a significant milestone in Zambia’s industrial and job creation agenda.
“The reopening of this US$140 million facility demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between government and the private sector,” Umar said.
He disclosed that the plant has already created more than 500 direct jobs and is expected to benefit about 2,500 farmers through supply chain linkages.
Umar credited the progress to government support and policies promoting local manufacturing, noting that cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce and ZAM has strengthened industrial growth.
“This investment connects agriculture to manufacturing and supports Zambia’s wider industrialisation agenda,” he said.
Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa said the province is recording significant investment inflows totaling about US$3.4 billion under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).
He said approximately US$1.6 billion has already been realised, with investments spread across key sectors including manufacturing, mining, energy, and agriculture.
“Manufacturing alone accounts for about US$1.2 billion, while energy stands at approximately US$1.04 billion,” Nkulukusa said, adding that mining has attracted US$862 million and agriculture US$64 million.
He noted that the province is recording steady economic growth of between 7.8 percent and 8 percent, contributing about 8.7 percent to the national GDP.
“These investments are not just figures—they represent jobs, skills development, and real opportunities for our people,” he said.
Nkulukusa added that the developments align with national goals of industrialisation, youth empowerment, and inclusive economic participation.
Meanwhile, a student representative said young people are encouraged by such projects, noting that they create opportunities for internships, employment, and skills development.
Zambia United National Freedom Fighters Association National President George Chewe said the revival of Mulungushi Textiles reflects government’s commitment to industrialisation.
“This development will open up opportunities for freedom fighters and their families to participate in economic activities,” he said.
Kabwe Central Member of Parliament Chrizoster Phiri described the project as a significant development for the people of Kabwe.
Bwacha Member of Parliament Sydney Mushanga said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to transforming lives across the country.
“This is not just development for Central Province, but for the entire nation,” Mushanga said.
The reopening of Mulungushi Textiles signals a renewed push toward industrialisation, with government and private sector partnerships driving investment, job creation, and value addition across key sectors of Zambia’s economy.
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