The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Justina Nelson, says Ghana and Zambia have a strong opportunity to collaborate and optimise their mineral resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
She explained that the two mineral-rich countries can learn from each other’s experiences, share technical expertise, and explore co-investment opportunities across the mineral value chain as they work to reshape the narrative surrounding Africa’s mining sector.
Mrs Nelson made the remarks when MIIF hosted the High Commissioner of Zambia to Ghana, Mr Daniel Mahongo, and his delegation during a familiarisation visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation within Africa’s mineral value chain.
Welcoming the delegation, Mrs Nelson described the visit as a significant step toward deepening collaboration between Ghana and Zambia—two nations committed to transforming natural resource wealth into sustainable, long-term prosperity.
She noted that MIIF, Ghana’s sovereign wealth fund for mineral revenues, remains focused on maximising value from the country’s mineral portfolio, which includes gold, lithium, manganese, diamonds, and other emerging critical minerals. This, she said, is being achieved through strategic investment, value addition, local content development, and intergenerational wealth creation.
Highlighting Zambia’s leadership in the copper and cobalt sectors, Mrs Nelson emphasised the mutual opportunities for learning and partnership across both countries’ mineral ecosystems.
During the meeting, MIIF shared insights into its governance structure, investment philosophy, and risk management framework, while the Zambian delegation outlined its priorities in export diversification, investment promotion, and economic transformation.
Both parties identified key areas for collaboration, including joint investments, technical cooperation, beneficiation strategies, and the development of Africa’s emerging 24-hour mining economy. MIIF subsequently proposed the establishment of a Joint Technical Working Group to advance these commitments.
Mrs Nelson expressed appreciation for the productive engagement, noting that the visit marks the beginning of a strong and enduring partnership that will deliver tangible benefits to both countries.
Mr Mahongo, on his part, thanked MIIF for the warm reception and assured that Zambia remains committed to leveraging its mineral wealth for development, industrialisation, and diversification. He highlighted ongoing reforms in state participation, licensing, Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM) formalisation, and the creation of innovative investment vehicles.
He also expressed Zambia’s interest in learning from MIIF’s governance and portfolio strategies to enhance responsible and sustainable mineral income management.
Mr Mahongo added that Zambia is open to regional cooperation through MoUs, joint initiatives, and private-sector engagement, particularly in downstream mining, processing, and royalty-backed investments.
He expressed confidence that strengthened collaboration between Ghana and Zambia will support Zambia’s reform agenda, promote sustainable growth, and translate mineral resources into long-term national prosperity.
ALSO READ:
