Every major city today was a small settlement and community built after a remarkable discovery. Think of gold in Johannesburg, South Africa or when tin miners settled in modern day Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. There is always a unique story behind some of the great cities of today.

Kalumbila Town has every reason to be hopeful for an exciting future of its own.

The town sits squarely in North Western Province, where it is home to Sentinel, the country’s largest copper mine operated by First Quantum Mining. With Zambia’s long history of copper mining, this alone is enough reason to fly into Kalumbila Town for the stunning bird’s eye view of the mining operations. As the twice daily flight into the town descends into the expansive landscape, you get the sense that something special is happening here. And it is.

Kalumbila Town superintendent Michael Kabungo notes that ‘the Happiest Town in Africa’ is no ordinary mining settlement.

“The town is purpose-built for a long-term vision. While it combines modern infrastructure with small‑town charm and is being built against the backdrop of North Western Province as Zambia’s new economic frontier.”

He adds, “The town’s location positions it as a true hub for mining, manufacturing, trade and logistics. With Zambia’s economic activity shifts from the Copperbelt to North Western, it offers a central and seamless link within Zambia and beyond. But it also offers a wholesome way of life that can be rewarding.”

So, what are the five reasons to live, work, and invest in Kalumbila Town?  

Visionary Planning & World‑Class Infrastructure
With Zambian towns and cities coming under pressure from a population boom, rapid infrastructure development and demand for amenities, Kalumbila Town offers a welcome reset. From the start, Kalumbila was plotted with precision: walking‑and‑cycling‑friendly streets, underground powerlines, paved roads, solar‑lit recreation areas, and neat drainage systems built into a master plan.  

Kabungo notes, “It means residents enjoy reliable water, sewerage, lighting, clinics, schools, and even an expanding airport runway capable of handling wide‑body jets. This sets the stage for travel and trade to future hub status. Visitors to Kalumbila will no doubt catch a glimpse of what future urban planning and living looks like.”

Smart Investment-Friendly Economic Zone
The town is officially designated a Multi‑Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ), offering exciting perks. Simply put, Kalumbila Town offers investment incentives as good as any in the country – but nestled in the mineral rich North Western Province. Incentives include zero import duty on capital equipment (for five years), accelerated depreciation, and zero tax on dividends from export profits for the first ten years. All these are powerful incentives to set up shop there.

Kalumbila Industrial Park (KIP) is already the current and future home to factories, workshops, logistics hubs, and retail anchors. Think of a fast-growing town that is not only livable but self-sustained with emerging industries that are creating jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurship in auto workshops, garment manufacturing, fueling stations, lodges, and evolving retail centres.

Booming Housing & Residential Appeal
It’s not just housing in Kalumbila Town but quality living. More than 1,000 homes were initially constructed by FQM alone, and schemes like rent‑to‑buy make home ownership feasible in a town on a rapid growth path.

“If not to work and live here, investing in residential property is an opportunity not be missed. Private developers are scaling up the housing market to cater to growing families, the constant influx of professionals and a swelling community,” says Kabungo.

Community Happiness & Lifestyle Culture
Mining is rightfully seen as rock and mechanics. But Kalumbila Town is more than this. It is that rare mix of a growing but close-knit community. Residents share sports fields, churches, markets and even an outdoor gym and basketball courts under solar floodlights.

Even though it is relatively crime free, the town has a well-manned police station to ensure town life is serene and orderly. Sunrise and sunset are excellent scenes of a town that is not only moving with purpose but poise.

Long-Term Growth & Diversification Potential
Kalumbila is not the fast-growing neighbour of FQM’s Sentinel copper mine. It is designed to outgrow it. With nickel projects coming online, cross-border trade via the Lobito Corridor, and an increasingly busy airport, Kalumbila is the talk of the town in communities that have gone from boom to bust. There are lessons learned from the desolate Zambian mining towns that were once bustling but came to a hard stop when mining activities ceased.

Investors from mining suppliers to agro‑processing and logistics are already planting roots. and returns look promising as Kalumbila builds a resilient and thriving life beyond mining.

“We are building Kalumbila Town with a long-term plan in mind and action. Mining may have sparked the town’s birth but won’t define its entire life. Our goal is to become a model for how towns can thrive beyond extractives. To see planning, enterprise, and community come together to build a lasting contribution to Zambia’s economy and future,” says Kabungo.