2026 Delegation · Zambia
Securing America's Critical Mineral Future
A private-sector delegation of U.S. mining operators, equipment and service companies, and investors — convening at the Insaka Mining Investment Summit in Lusaka, October 4–9, 2026.
Delegate spots are limited and selectively offered.
Institutional Support
Organized with support from the U.S. Commercial Service (U.S. Department of Commerce), the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, and the Zambian Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. A privately organized, commercially focused program — not a U.S. government or diplomatic mission.
Why Zambia, Why Now
A decisive moment in critical minerals
Zambia is scaling copper output dramatically while developing cobalt, graphite, lithium, and more — backed by the 2024 Mines Act, U.S. de-risking tools, and a U.S.-led wave of capital. This delegation is your route in.
Strategic Alignment
Critical-mineral supply security is a top U.S. priority. Zambia is the leading U.S.-aligned mining market in the region.
Government Access
Direct meetings with the Ministry of Mines, the Zambia Development Agency, and the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka.
Untapped Opportunity
Copper output scaling from 800,000 to 3 million tonnes by 2031, plus 11 designated critical minerals.
De-Risked Entry
DFC, USTDA, and EXIM financing tools, the 2024 Mines Act protections, and the U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor.
Deal-Making Platform
Full participation in the Insaka Mining Investment Summit — matchmaking, B2B meetings, and MOU signings.
USCS Partnership
On-the-ground facilitation from the U.S. Commercial Service office opened in Lusaka in 2024.
Critical Minerals
Eleven critical minerals, one destination
Zambia has designated 11 critical minerals — multi-commodity optionality anchored by a copper sector scaling toward 3 million tonnes by 2031.
Copper
FlagshipElectrification, grid, EVs
Cobalt
EstablishedBatteries, superalloys
Graphite
DevelopingBattery anodes
Lithium
DevelopingEV batteries, storage
Manganese
DevelopingSteel, battery chemistries
Nickel
EmergingBatteries, stainless steel
Rare Earth Elements
EmergingMagnets, defense, electronics
Tin
EstablishedSolder, electronics
Tantalum / Niobium
EstablishedCapacitors, aerospace alloys
Sugilite
SpecialtyRare gemstone — Zambia a notable source
Uranium
EmergingNuclear energy fuel
The Opportunity
A U.S.-led market with room to grow
The story in Zambia is not "China dominates, America is absent." It is the opposite. U.S. and Western firms and capital lead the sector — and the delegation is your route into an existing wave with room to grow.
Join an existing, U.S.-led wave
U.S. and Western firms hold over 80% of Zambia's copper production market share, dwarfing China's roughly 16%. Of the $12B invested in Zambian mining over the last four years, $8–9B is U.S./Western capital — including a recent $3B commitment to a single landmark project.
China is the legacy, not the trajectory
China runs roughly half of Zambia's large-scale copper mines — many of low or unknown value — and its illicit-mining activity poses challenges for U.S./Western investors. The new wave of capital is predominantly American and Western. The opportunity is to join a U.S.-led market, not to enter a Chinese-controlled one.
Who Should Join
Built for three kinds of company
The delegation is assembled for U.S. mining operators, equipment and service companies, and investment firms — each with a distinct path to value in Zambia.
Mining Operators
Exploration, junior, and mid-sized U.S. operators positioning inside Zambia's copper expansion.
Mining Operators →Equipment & Service Companies
Manufacturers, distributors, and specialty service providers meeting real, growing mine demand.
Equipment & Services →Investment Firms & Funds
Critical-minerals, energy-transition, and Africa-mandate funds seeking vetted deal flow.
Investment Firms →Program Highlights
Six days, built for outcomes
October 4–9, 2026 · Ciela Resort, Lusaka, Zambia, in conjunction with the Insaka Mining Investment Summit.
Arrival & Summit Opening
Delegation orientation, then the official opening of the Insaka Mining Investment Summit with optional institutional meetings.
Summit Sessions & Matchmaking
USCS facilitation, open deal time, daily 3 PM mission briefings, and a private dinner with Zambian counterparts.
Copperbelt Mine Visits
Full travel day to the Copperbelt for on-site visits to active mining operations.
Closing & MOU Signings
Summit closing, final B2B meetings and MOU signings in Lusaka, and the mission debrief.
Leadership
The team behind the delegation
Trade and legal counsel, economists, and on-the-ground operators with direct experience in Zambia and with the U.S. Commercial Service.
Schuyler "Rocky" Reidel
Managing Attorney, Reidel Law Firm
International trade and business attorney with prior on-the-ground experience in Zambia and with the U.S. Commercial Service and State Department in Lusaka.
Dr. Luka Powanga, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics & Finance
Zambian American economist with deep mining-industry relationships and connections within the Zambian Ministry of Mines.
Vincent Chakulya, MA
Economist
Economist trained at the University of Manchester and former Deputy Director in the Cabinet Office of Zambia.
Dixita Patel
Events Manager, Reidel Law Firm
On-site experience managing events and government projects across Africa.
Organizers & Support
Convened by a coalition of partners
Hosted By
Africa Energy Conference
In Partnership With
- North American Development Group, LLC (NADG)
- Southlands Engineering
With Support From
- Reidel Law Firm
Institutional Support
- U.S. Commercial Service — U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Embassy in Lusaka
- Zambian Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
Register Your Interest
Join the delegation to Zambia
usminingmissions.com
Delegate spots are limited and selectively offered. This form expresses interest only and does not commit your company.
Questions? Brent.Klepko@trade.gov