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The Citizens First (CF) Party has joined other stakeholders to criticise the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15 percent export duty on precious stones and metals, calling the move reckless and detrimental to the economy.
Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, recently issued Statutory Instrument No. 4 of 2025 to lift the duty, a decision CF Party Chairperson for Mines and Mineral Resources Felistus Mumba said serves the interests of foreign investors at the expense of Zambians.
“For ordinary Zambians, it is yet another betrayal by the UPND government. This suspension will lead to a significant loss of revenue, worsening public finances and undermining economic stability,” Mumba said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday.
She warned that the move could exacerbate environmental degradation, pollution, and ecological damage caused by intensified mining activities, further harming local communities.
Mumba also raised concerns about potential illicit trade and smuggling, arguing that the suspension makes it easier for unscrupulous players to exploit resources while Zambia sees little benefit.
“The large-scale mining corporations, dominated by foreign ownership, stand to gain the most, leaving small-scale Zambian miners unable to compete,” she said.
Mumba accused the UPND government of prioritising multinational corporations over its own citizens, saying its policies fail to create fair opportunities in the mining sector.
“As Citizens First, we have consistently called for measures to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth from our natural resources,” she stated, urging the government to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms and provide financial and technical support for Zambian miners.
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