FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
MARCH 08, 2026

FIRST QUANTUM EMPOWERS OVER 1,000 WOMEN THROUGH BUSINESS PROGRAMME AS ZAMBIA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – First Quantum has trained more than 1,000 women in entrepreneurial and business management skills through its Women in Business programme, providing women in Kalumbila with the tools to transform informal trading into formal enterprises that can access financing and participate in the mining value chain. 

The milestone, announced during a graduation ceremony where 30 women completed the latest skills development programme in Kalumbila, comes as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” a call that resonates deeply with the programme’s mission to break down barriers preventing women in Kalumbila from accessing economic opportunities. 

Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary Subeta K. Mutelo commended First Quantum’s approach, noting its alignment with the government’s Rural Enterprise Development Initiative (REDI) programme. 

“Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of any economy. If we fail to nurture, inspire, and sustain them, we risk slowing down our country’s development. The work being done by FQM is a model worth emulating,” said Ms. Mutelo. 

First Quantum Trident Social Performance and Risk Management Superintendent Winne Kakunta Solopi explained that the company has deliberately implemented policies promoting gender inclusion across its operations, including procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses. 

“At First Quantum, we believe in putting people first, because our greatest asset as a mining company is our people and that includes women. When you invest in a woman, you invest in a family, a community, and ultimately the nation,” Kakunta said. 

First Quantum Trident Foundation Local Business Support, Elizabeth Ngenda, oversees Women Empowerment Programmes at the Trident Foundation, emphasised the collaborative nature of the initiative, which provides business training, financial literacy, access to financing, and market linkages. 

“We work closely with the government and other partners because empowering women cannot be done by one organisation alone. Our goal is to expose women to opportunities, equip them with business skills, and help them access financing and other forms of support,” Mrs Ngenda explained. 

Guest speaker Veronica Ryder, proprietor of Kansanshi Hotel in Solwezi, shared her entrepreneurial journey and encouraged graduates to start where they are with whatever resources they have. 

“No matter how small your business idea may seem whether you are selling fritters, baking, or growing vegetables in your backyard start somewhere. With determination and consistency, even the smallest idea can grow into something meaningful,” Mrs Ryder advised. 

As First Quantum celebrates 30 years of operations in Zambia, the Women in Business programme stands as testament to the company’s commitment to inclusive growth ensuring that women in Kalumbila are not left behind as the country develops but are instead equipped to become active contributors to national prosperity. 

-Ends- 

About First Quantum

First Quantum 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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