FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
MARCH 26, 2026
First Quantum Commits K12 Million to Boost Education in Solwezi
SOLWEZI, ZAMBIA – As First Quantum commemorates 30 years of operations in Zambia, the company has deepened its commitment to human capital development by handing over infrastructure and learning materials worth over K12.9 million to several schools in Solwezi, with a focus on creating a conducive learning environment and providing the tools necessary for academic excellence. The handover ceremony, held at Kimiteto Primary School, highlights the critical role of private-public partnerships in elevating the standards of education and ensuring holistic development for learners in North-Western Province.
The infrastructure portfolio officially handed over includes a newly constructed 1×4 classroom block at Kimiteto Primary School, complete with renovations, a security wall fence at Mushitala Primary School to enhance safety, water reticulation facilities across seven schools to improve hygiene and sanitation, and a modern ablution block at Kipemba School. These works form part of a broader package of infrastructure and learning support delivered to multiple schools across Solwezi District, including the distribution of 940 desks to eight schools and the provision of additional teaching and learning materials aimed at strengthening classroom environments and improving education delivery.
“Today is a celebration of what becomes possible when the private sector and Government walk together in purposeful partnership for the good of our children. It is a demonstration that Corporate Social Responsibility, when done with intention and sustained commitment, can transform lives and communities,” said Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, Permanent Secretary – Technical Services, Ministry of Education.
Government alone cannot address all school developmental needs, it is through robust collaboration and committed private sector partners like Kansanshi Mine plc that we can bridge critical gaps accelerate progress and deliver essential services more effectively. Your contribution today is a shining example of the enhanced public private partnership that the government continues to champion, added Solwezi Mayor His Worship Remmy Kapela.
Beyond physical structures, the intervention targets the core of instructional delivery. To directly impact classroom quality, First Quantum has provided teaching kits to 35 schools across Solwezi District. This support is designed to empower teachers with the resources needed to deliver effective lessons, thereby improving learning outcomes.
Kansanshi Foundation Manager Simon Keevil emphasised that while buildings are essential, the ultimate goal is educational excellence.
“Infrastructure is the vessel, but it is teaching that fills it with life. We invest in infrastructure so that children have a place to learn. We invest in teachers so that children learn well. But what we ultimately want, what we must demand of ourselves collectively, is better learning outcomes,” stated Mr Keevil.
The commitment to quality education is further evidenced by First Quantum’s focus on foundational literacy. Despite recent improvements, where Grade 2 reading fluency in Solwezi rose from 4.6% in 2021 to 11.5% in 2025, the company acknowledges that more work is needed. To address this, First Quantum continues to invest heavily in teacher training and professional development as the cornerstone of the Kansanshi Education Quality Improvement Programme (KanEQUIP).
Dr. Mambwe reiterated the Government’s unwavering support for such partnerships, noting that they are essential to achieving national education goals. He referenced the success of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, a collaborative effort between First Quantum and the Government that is helping to feeding 7,500 pupils and has empowered 40 schools with farming inputs to grow their own food.
“Partnerships like the one we are celebrating today are not supplementary, they are essential. Together, with the private sector, communities, cooperating partners and all stakeholders, we shall build an education system that prepares our children to meet the demands of the 21st century,” Dr. Mambwe added.
This latest handover marks another chapter in First Quantum’s 11 year history of supporting 35 schools in Solwezi, a journey that began with community projects in Bwana Mkubwa 30 years ago. By combining infrastructure development with strategic educational support, First Quantum and the Ministry of Education are working hand-in-hand to secure a brighter future for Zambian children.
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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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