Thursday 8 January 2026
Zim GBC News | Regional Desk.
A contentious development debate has erupted in Zambia’s mineral-rich North Western Province, where two international mining companies are constructing separate private airports within a 57-kilometer radius, drawing criticism from analysts who label the projects “misdirected development.”
The Kalumbila Airport, built by a mining consortium, and a second similar facility under construction at Manyama by Lumwana Mine, represent investments worth hundreds of millions of US dollars. This comes amid severe degradation of public road networks in the region, leading to accusations that the companies mining Zambian copper and gold are prioritizing their logistical needs over the fundamental infrastructure required by the nation.
“Building airports from the proceeds of minerals mined in our country should never be the first option under any circumstance,” argued economic commentator Joseph Kalimbwe.
“The stretch from Solwezi to Mutanda to Chavuma is deeply damaged and has not been repaired in almost 20 years. You don’t build airports on which to land while the roads leading to and from your mines are impassable.”
The projects have ignited a broader discussion about national priorities and the social responsibility of extractive industries. Critics point to stark statistics suggesting air travel remains inaccessible to most Zambians.
“Between 1964 and 2025, only 7% of Zambians have used planes as a means of transport,” Kalimbwe stated, highlighting a disconnect.
“If the two most populous regions in our country have low air traffic, it wouldn’t be economically viable to have three airports within a 150-kilometer radius for the general public.”
The debate underscores a stark contrast in infrastructure focus. Proponents argue the airports are crucial for efficient mine operations and transporting personnel and equipment.
However, opponents urge a re-direction of resources towards President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of an interconnected national road network, healthcare, and education.
“An average Zambian would rather spend two days on a bus from Johannesburg to Lusaka than fly for one hour thirty minutes,”
Kalimbwe explained, emphasizing economic realities for citizens.
“They use the little remaining funds to ensure their kids are fed, parents taken care of, and bills paid. Our people need sustaining jobs and passable roads, not airports they may never use.”
The situation raises pointed questions about corporate citizenship and the tangible benefits communities derive from vast mineral wealth.
With the country’s main international airport averaging only 15-20 flights daily, commentators insist the nation’s problems are firmly on the ground.
“The money intended to build an airport at Manyama could rebuild our roads, revive industries like the Mwinilunga Pineapple sector, and put our people back to work,” Kalimbwe concluded.
“We must fix Zambian problems here on the ground first, before we think about fixing problems in the sky above our heads.”
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the balance between private mining infrastructure and public developmental needs.
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