Finnish expertise in mining technology, forestry and education showcased in Zambia

In early April, Finnpartnership had the pleasure of co-organising FinnBizWeek event in Lusaka together with the Embassy of Finland in Zambia. Besides the event, Finnpartnership participated in the EU-Zambia Business Forum on Green Copper Value Chains. The programme was accompanied by a delegation of 14 Finnish companies and universities that represent sustainable technologies and solutions in mining, forestry, high technology, and education.

The Finnish participants showcased their offerings on sustainable forest management and off-grid connectivity solutions to provide electricity and internet to remote locations. Companies’ technological solutions to reduce environmental footprint and improve mining safety were also featured. In addition, Finnish participants presented education and skills development projects to address Zambia’s skills shortage. The delegation also got to witness the opening of the Finnish Honorary Consulate in Kitwe and present their offering to the President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema during the EU Business Forum.

The Finnish delegation was hosted by a country with a high demand for quality solutions and partnerships for example in cleantech and skills development in a wide range of industries. Zambia is a stable and predictable market with a good location in the heart of Africa, where companies are actively supported by the Finnish Embassy as part of the Team Finland network. Finland’s long-term private sector development programme Accelerated Growth for SMEs in Zambia (AGS) has also produced excellent results in the country. Also, the EU has been active in mobilizing investment through the Global Gateway strategy.

Between 2022 and 2024, Finnpartnership’s Business Partnership Support has been granted €1.2 million to Finnish companies for projects in Zambia. Many of the projects have produced excellent results. One example of a project supported by Finnpartnership is Radai Oy, which uses drones to do environmental and geophysical measurements, and has set up a joint venture with Zambian company Zanifi.

Finnpartnership would like to thank all the companies that joined the trip: Aalto University, Arbonaut, Comadev, Feasib, Hei Schools, Geological Survey of Finland, Häme University of Applied Sciences, Ima Engineering, Karugrid, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Metso, Mining Finland, Radai and Solar Water Solutions.

Business Forum image: Daniel Mwewa