The longstanding relationship between Zambia and China, which has spanned over six decades, is facing scrutiny from key industry figures who believe the partnership has not been mutually beneficial.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been a cornerstone of economic, political, and social cooperation between the two nations.
However, concerns are growing that the benefits of Zambia’s rich mineral resources have been skewed heavily in favor of China.
Victor Kalesha, President of the Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ), expressed his concerns about the imbalanced nature of the relationship, particularly in the mining sector.
“While we appreciate China’s role in infrastructure development in Zambia, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the exploitation of our mineral resources has been largely one-sided.
China has reaped substantial rewards, often utilizing cheap labor and acquiring resources at minimal cost,” Kalesha stated.
Kalesha urged the Zambian government to renegotiate existing deals with China to ensure more equitable partnerships.
He emphasized the importance of securing grants from China to support various developmental needs in Zambia.
“We should be asking for grants that will directly benefit our people, such as core drilling machines for artisanal and small-scale miners, agricultural equipment for small-scale farmers, and training programs for African engineers in construction and technology,” he suggested.
Reflecting on the 60-year partnership, Kalesha noted that while there have been significant gains, the relationship could have been more beneficial if it were more balanced.
He called for a shift towards a win-win situation where technology and skills transfer become more transparent and accessible.
“The technology and skills transfer should not be a ‘hide and seek’ game. Both nations should benefit equally from this relationship,” he added.
As the leader of ESMAZ, Kalesha believes it is time for Zambia’s leaders to prioritize equitable partnerships that ensure the country’s mineral wealth benefits both Zambia and China, rather than being a one-way exploitation.
His remarks come at a critical time as Zambia continues to navigate its economic development in partnership with global powers.
The future of Zambia-China relations will depend on the ability of both nations to forge agreements that are fair and beneficial for all parties involved.
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