FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
FEBRUARY 27, 2026
First Quantum and ZICA Sign Deal to Drive Professional Excellence in North-Western Province
LUSAKA ZAMBIA – First Quantum and the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) have today signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) designed to significantly enhance the training, accreditation, and continuous professional development of accountants in Zambia.
The signings, which took place this morning at the ZICA offices in Lusaka, focus on two strategic pillars: Practical Training Accreditation and Enhanced Skills Development.
The first agreement, the Training Accreditation MOU, addresses a critical need for practical experience in the accountancy profession. ZICA has been actively seeking partners to provide supervised practical training to students pursuing the Chartered Accountant Zambia (CA Zambia) qualification. First Quantum, through its Kansanshi Mining Plc and FQM Trident operations, possesses the necessary infrastructure and financial expertise to bridge this gap.
Under this framework, First Quantum accounts staff and accounts trainees at these sites can now use their work experience gained at Kansanshi and Trident as qualifying experience toward ZICA accreditation. This MOU also establishes a mechanism for ZICA to regulate and verify the effectiveness of the training provided to these Trainee Accountants.
The second agreement, the Enhanced Skills MOU, establishes a broader collaboration framework aimed at raising the bar for professional standards in the country. A key component of this partnership is First Quantum’s commitment to sponsoring and delivering quarterly Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions in the North-Western Province.
As part of its community sustainability efforts, the mine will fund a number of spots at these quarterly sessions in Solwezi for ZICA members located in the North-Western Province. This initiative will make CPD hours more accessible for professionals in the region, removing the barrier of travel to Lusaka for mandatory training.
Commenting on the partnership, Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anthony Bwembya emphasised the strategic value of the collaboration.
“We treasure this partnership between ourselves and FQM because we understand that it aligns perfectly with our mandate of professional development for our members. It is particularly gratifying to note that FQM is not just targeting our members who work for them but is also extending these opportunities to other members within the region,” Mr. Bwembya said.
“In addition to that, we are also excited about the mentorship programme included in these MOUs. A key part of this initiative is FQM making its experienced professionals who are our members, available to support and guide upcoming accountants,” he added.
First Quantum Country Manager Dr. Godwin Beene highlighted the importance of the mining sector as a hub for professional excellence.
“We have often spoken about how magnetic the mining industry, and First Quantum in particular, is to professionals in Zambia. We are alive to the need for professionals in this country to be strongly linked to our operations,” said Dr. Beene.
Dr. Beene further explained that the industry requires high-caliber talent to thrive. “The mining industry, and First Quantum specifically, needs professionals within the organisation. We fully recognise that you are part of the body of professionals that will continue to add immense value to this industry.”
FQM has a long history of partnering with professional bodies to deliver improved outcomes, including a successful ongoing collaboration with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) and the Zambian Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS). Today’s signings reinforce that commitment to professional excellence across all sectors of its operations.
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About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2024, First Quantum globally produced 431,000 tonnes of copper, 139,000 ounces of gold and 24,000 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi, and the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/
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