ZIMEC returns to Kitwe in April 2027 with focus on mining, power and industrialisation

Zambia’s flagship mining and energy conference will return to Kitwe on 15–16 April 2027 for its 14th edition. Organizers say ZIMEC 2027 will center on investment, power generation, mineral value chains and local participation as the country pushes industrial growth.

Why it matters: - ZIMEC 2027 will bring together government leaders, mining and energy executives, investors and technology partners around Zambia’s industrial development agenda. - The conference is designed to connect mining output, power supply and project finance with practical investment opportunities. - The event comes as Zambia looks to expand copper production, strengthen electricity supply and grow local business participation.

What happened: - The Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference and Exhibition will return to Kitwe, Zambia, on 15–16 April 2027 for its 14th edition. - AME Trade is organizing the event with support from government and industry partners. - ZIMEC 2026 took place in Kitwe under the High Patronage of President Hakainde Hichilema. - ZIMEC 2026 drew more than 600 attendees, 70 speakers, 34 exhibitors and 21 sponsors from 29 countries.

The details: - The 2027 theme is “Growing Zambia: Accelerating Mining and Energy Investment for Industrialisation.” - The agenda will align with the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda. - The conference will examine how increased production, reliable electricity, competitive mineral processing and stronger Zambian participation can support growth. - A major feature will be the Zambia Power Investment Forum: Financing the Path to 10,000 MW. - The power forum will run during the morning of Day 2 within the main plenary programme. - Two linked discussions will focus on bankable electricity markets and the generation and grid investments needed to support Zambia’s installed-capacity ambition. - A ministerial policy address is planned to outline government priorities and the investment outlook. - A high-level roundtable will bring together regional ministers responsible for mining and energy. - The roundtable will focus on investment, electricity security and industrial development. - The programme will assess copper production progress against Zambia’s goal of three million tonnes annually by 2031. - The conference will also look at licensing, regulatory implementation, responsible project development, environmental protection and community engagement. - Other priorities include the Countrywide High-Resolution Aerial Geophysical Survey, access to exploration data and support for artisanal and small-scale miners. - Sessions will examine mineral value chains, logistics routes including Lobito and TAZARA, and ways to mobilize project capital. - The conference will also focus on growing Zambian enterprises, supplier opportunities, technical capability and sustainable jobs. - An international exhibition will showcase equipment, technologies and services for the mining and energy sectors. - Networking sessions and evening functions will connect delegates with customers, investors and partners. - More information is available at the event website.

Between the lines: - The conference agenda shows a shift from broad sector promotion to deal-making around power, finance and execution. - The emphasis on bankable electricity markets suggests energy reliability remains a central constraint on mining-led growth. - The focus on local participation indicates continued pressure to convert foreign investment into domestic jobs and supplier opportunities.

What's next: - Organizers will release programme updates and participation details ahead of the April 2027 event. - The power forum, ministerial address and regional roundtable will shape the policy and investment discussion at the conference. - Companies can pursue sponsorship, exhibition space and speaking roles as part of the 2027 edition.

The bottom line: - ZIMEC 2027 is positioning itself as a working forum for mining, power and industrial policy, not just a showcase event.