Small and Medium Entertprises (SMEs) are the engine of communities and when nurtured well, local economies and greater national development. With a vision to grow beyond its mining roots, Kalumbila’s SMEs are benefiting from strategic empowerment to ensure sustainable development.

First Quantum, through its subsidiary FQM Trident Limited, successfully hosted the Fifth Kalumbila Business Clinic in the North-Western Province. Held in partnership with Prospero Limited and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), the event was held under the theme ‘Building Local Enterprise Resilience.’

The clinic’s aim was to build capacity for local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), ensuring they can participate meaningfully in the mining firm’s value chain.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Elias Mubanga, noted that the “wheels of the Zambian economy are now turning.”

He commended First Quantum for its continued investment and emphasised that his Ministry serves to link local entrepreneurs directly to major mining companies.

First Quantum Country Manager Dr Godwin Beene reiterated the company’s shared commitment to fostering an inclusive business ecosystem.

He highlighted that through incubation programmes, agribusiness hubs, and skills centres, First Quantum is preparing SMEs to grow from small businesses into major industry players.

“Sustainable growth is only possible when compliance is meaningful, and integrity is not negotiable. So, these things are very important for us. And First Quantum remains fully committed to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to ensure that local enterprises in Kalumbila and across Zambia are not only compliant but competitive, innovative, and resilient,” said Dr Beene.