A steady income for young Zambians

 

By Derrick Silimina

Affordable Chinese-made motorcycles are changing how Zambians work and move. They enable many young people to find work as couriers or in repair shops amid a labor market that offers few alternatives.

Amid the hustle and bustle of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, a swarm of small, swift and brightly colored Chinese-made motorcycles has become a familiar sight. Over the past months and years, they have become the primary transport and delivery means in a city where jobs are scarce and opportunities limited. 

“Working in the courier business is a dream come true. With my bike, I can now earn more than twice what I used to make as a driver in the industrial area,” 34-year-old Chileshe says as he kicks the starter and the engine rumbles to life with a satisfying growl.

Chileshe’s red Xianfeng motorcycle isn’t just a workhorse, he says, but his lifeline as most Chinese-made brands such as Haojue and Lifan are known for their reliability, affordability, their fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance. 

The young man began working as a delivery rider two years ago when he finally managed to purchase a Chinese motorcycle. Since then, he has successfully leveraged this opportunity to improve his livelihood. 

“Now, I have flexible working hours and a steady income, which not only enhances my economic stability but also gives me a sense of purpose and well-being,” he says. “Now I can even set aside some savings.”

A steady income amid unemployment

Chileshe’s story is one of many. Lots of young people in Zambia have found a new way to greater prosperity with the low-budget motorbikes. The Chinese-made vehicles provide them with job opportunities via courier platforms amid high unemployment. 

Young riders earn income through delivering various goods such as food, flowers, household appliances and parcels and receive payment for each delivery. 

Speaking to them on the streets often yields the same response: they no longer struggle to look for another job and are happy to earn a living via a courier business, enabling them to pay rent and provide food for their family.

Interestingly, the influx of Chinese-made motorbikes has also led to an increased skills transfer among young motorbike repairers and spare-parts dealers in the southern African country, says Joel Phiri. 

The young and aspiring motorcycle mechanic recently recognised the abundant availability of motorbike spare parts, particularly from Chinese manufacturers that allow for easy maintenance and customisation. 

It inspired him to establish a motorcycle-based garage along Lusaka’s Lumumba Road, the city’s important commercial and transport corridor, to make a living from the growing demand for motorcycle repairs and modifications in the city. 

“Actually, I no longer worry about the high cost of living in Lusaka. I make a stable daily income as the demand for bike repairs is really high,” says Phiri.

Local hopes amid growing Chinese exports

As Chinese investment in motorcycle production and assembly plants is growing across Africa, including Zambia, Phiri hopes that some of these investments promote greater local production and create further employment opportunities. 

Yet, most of the motorbikes are being exported from China to African countries. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Zonsen Motorcycle exported over 130,000 motorcycles worth nearly $ 90 million, said International Department Manager Zhou Chun in a China Daily article. “Africa is one of our most important overseas markets,” he added.

Phiri’s expectations do not seem too far-fetched. A delegation from a Chinese company recently expressed interest in establishing a motorcycle assembly plant in Zambia’s Kapiri Mposhi district, an important transport and logistics hub located at the intersection of two major railway lines. 

Officials have welcomed the investors and expressed hopes that the plant will create employment opportunities for local residents as well as revenues for local authorities that could be used to fund public services and infrastructure projects.

A Transformative Masterpiece

By Derrick Silimina

In the Kigongo area of Mwanza Region, northwest Tanzania, fishmonger Neema Aisha remembers how the morning’s fresh catch would sour while she queued for the ferry, putting her business at risk. 

“I struggled daily with fish spoiling in the harsh sun and the moisture from melting ice, which posed a constant threat to my livelihood,” Aisha told ChinAfrica. 

But today, as Aisha steers her pickup across the Chinese-built Magufuli Bridge which connects Kigongo (in the Mwanza Region) and Busisi (in the Geita Region), a cool breeze and the steady hum of traffic set a soothing tone for her morning.  

Aisha now benefits from insulated containers that keep her fish fresh during transit, ensuring they arrive at the market in Sengerema District still glistening and of high quality. The bridge has significantly shortened her travel time and provided her with a sense of security and control over her business operations. 

“My fish stock now arrives fresh and timely. This has significantly reduced the stress and losses associated with goods getting stuck in ferry queues or delays, thereby improving my clients’ satisfaction and reliability of supply.” 

Baba Juma, a coffee vendor in Busisi Town, shares the sentiment. He once spent his mornings anxiously watching the aroma of freshly roasted beans fade as he waited in the ferry queue. 

“As the sun climbed, my profits dropped. But today, my mornings are different! I feel the cool grip of the steering wheel and hear the confident hum of my engine as I glide onto the bridge,” Juma told ChinAfrica. 

“I no longer feel the frustration of wasted time,” he said. “Instead, there’s a calm, focused energy, knowing my business moves as fast as the traffic on this majestic new structure.” 

Before the bridge, ferry delays caused operational inefficiencies and economic losses for entrepreneurs, a consequence of inadequate infrastructure. What was once a vast expanse of shimmering water now thrums with twin white towers piercing the Tanzanian sky like sentinels. 

But for entrepreneurs in Mwanza district, the Magufuli Bridge (also known as the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge) is more than a colossal ribbon of steel and concrete. It is a tangible symbol of opportunity, turning the city’s daily struggles into tangible success. 

  

Connectivity dividends 

Across Lake Victoria, the Magufuli Bridge marks a milestone in Tanzania’s infrastructure development. At 4.66 km long, with a 520-metre extradosed cable-stayed span, it holds the title of Africa’s longest bridge of its kind. 

Built as a four-lane dual carriageway designed for high-speed traffic, it links the towns of Kigongo and Busisi, transforming the corridor into a strategic hub set to energise trade, tourism and agriculture across the region. 

Tanzania’s Minister of Works Abdallah Ulega called it a project of historic significance during a recent tour. It was built with an investment of more than TZS700 billion ($282 million) by the government. Ulega said this milestone marks a transformative step in East Africa’s infrastructure development as the Tanzanian government fully financed the project, demonstrating the country’s commitment to self-financing its major infrastructure projects. 

With its promise of improved mobility, enhanced trade and stronger regional ties, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has described the bridge as a milestone infrastructure project in the country. 

“The state-of-the-art bridge will reduce the travel time across Lake Victoria from two hours to five minutes and will also help to boost trade with neighbouring countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Hassan said during the inauguration on 19 June 2025. 

Arguably, the Magufuli Bridge stands as a symbol of progress and possibility for Tanzania and East Africa at large, as it not only honours the legacy of the late president’s infrastructure-focused leadership, but also sets a benchmark for future projects across the continent. 

Speaking at the same inauguration event, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian, affirmed that the Magufuli Bridge is a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative. 

“This is a model of China-Tanzania cooperation, highlighting its broader significance for China-Africa development,” Chen stated. 

Constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corp. (CCECC) and China Railway 15th Bureau Group, the bridge features advanced engineering techniques, including cantilever casting of 123 segments, supporting high-speed traffic and heavy loads. 

Engineers say the design not only highlights cutting-edge construction methods, but also ensures the bridge can handle high-speed traffic with precision and safety, standing as a striking testament to modern bridge engineering in Africa. 

 

Changing lives 

The bridge is expected to boost surrounding industries, including agriculture, tourism and commerce, benefitting over 1 million residents around Lake Victoria. “This drastically lowers cross-lake transport costs by 10 to 15 percent,” CCECC recently noted. 

For Raphael Ndagala, a taxi driver operating on the Busisi-Mwanza route, the bridge means more than just a faster journey; it also opens a new business territory. Ndagala said that before, Kigongo felt like a distant, unprofitable area, but now, as he drives across the bridge, he sees a continuous flow of opportunity. “I no longer fear the jarring stop-and-go of the ferry lines,” he noted. 

Ndagala is upbeat that the bridge’s gleaming white towers serve as a beacon for new customers and fares, while the sound of his phone chiming with ride requests from across the creek has become a regular, welcomed melody. 

“I no longer feel the pressure of a limited customer base, but the liberating thrill of an open road - a future with no boundaries!”

Rising with rice

By Derrick Silimina

As the sun rises over the rice paddies of Mahitsy, Ramos Rakotorinina breathes in the cool morning air, watching the emerald green shoots of Chinese hybrid rice sway softly in the breeze. 

“Our farmland barely produced enough to feed us before we started cultivating hybrid rice. Today, not only do we eat from our harvest, but we also sell the surplus,” Rakotorinina told ChinAfrica. 

The town of Mahitsy, situated 27 km northwest of Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo, once struggled with food insecurity, but is now thriving. 

This transformation was made possible by the establishment of the Chinese Hybrid Rice High-Yield Demonstration Base, which has played a key role in boosting local agricultural productivity. This development exemplifies China’s strategic involvement in enhancing agricultural output across the continent. 

Rakotorinina, a beneficiary of the Chinese rice farming model, is optimistic about another bumper harvest this season. He notes that the positive changes are evident in the joyful sounds of children’s laughter echoing through the rice fields. 

“This reflects not only an improvement in our living conditions, but also a boost to our overall well-being. It’s a clear sign of the positive impact the Chinese rice farming model has had on our community.” 

With Madagascar facing rising climate challenges, agricultural experts and farmers alike recognise the crucial role that the adoption of Chinese hybrid rice can play in fostering inclusive growth. This method not only enhances food security, but also supports sustainable farming practices and empowers rural communities. 

  

Photo taken on 26 March shows a hybrid rice demonstration centre launched by China in Mahitsy, Madagascar (XINHUA)

Higher productivity 

Since its launch in 2007, the project has significantly increased hybrid rice cultivation, expanding to 90,000 hectares with yields averaging 7.5 tonnes per hectare - two to three times higher than local varieties, according to the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences. 

The Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that Madagascar’s rice production meets approximately 85 percent of its milled rice consumption, with the cereal cultivated on over 1.6 million hectares yielding more than 3.8 million tonnes annually. 

Drawing inspiration from the use of climate-resilient rice varieties by the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yuan’s High-Tech Seed company is supporting Malagasy farmers by providing inputs on credit and offering expert technical guidance. This continuous effort is vital in encouraging the adoption of climate-resilient rice varieties and improving market access for farmers across Madagascar. 

Tatiana Andriamialy, one of the 1,000 beneficiaries of these inputs and technical services, has not only transformed her own life, but also sowed hope and resilience on her farmland. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with the right resources and an unshakable spirit, even the toughest climates can be conquered. 

“With credit, I was able to acquire new drought-tolerant and flood-resistant rice seeds. Additionally, technical guidance from Yuan’s High-Tech Seed agronomists helped to improve my agricultural practices, including new planting techniques, efficient water management, and organic pest control,” Andriamialy said. 

The combined approach of financial support (credit) and technical guidance plays a crucial role in empowering farmers like her as it helps them to adopt resilient crop varieties and implement improved agricultural practices, ultimately boosting their resilience to climate change and raising productivity. 

For Andriamialy, her thriving fields represent more than just agricultural success; they embody renewed hope, community well-being, and a brighter future. This optimistic outlook stems from the adoption of Chinese sustainable farming practices, which have played a key role in promoting environmental sustainability and delivering socio-economic benefits to the community. 

The involvement of Chinese agronomist Hu Yuefang and fellow experts in Madagascar, through the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Yuan’s High-Tech Seed company, underscores their commitment to improving food security through the introduction of high-yield hybrid varieties, promotion of modern farming techniques, and farmer training.  

These initiatives have played a crucial role in advancing Madagascar’s agricultural development and food self-sufficiency, despite the island’s diverse and challenging terrain, which includes rainforests, swamps, semi-arid zones and volcanic soils, presenting significant obstacles to agricultural productivity and innovation. 

“After years of trials, we have developed five high-yielding varieties that are well-suited to local conditions and resistant to drought, floods, and lodging, thereby enhancing the resilience and productivity of local agriculture,” Hu recently said. 

  

Knowledge transfer 

Hu noted that a more challenging task was convincing farmers to adopt these ‘foreign’ seeds, underscoring the importance of building trust and demonstrating the tangible benefits of the new varieties within the local farming community. 

To address the issue, Hu and his colleagues began to hold regular training sessions at the Centre for Professional Training in Agriculture in Mahitsy. During these sessions, they train local technicians, who in turn pass on their expertise to other farmers, thereby expanding the reach and impact of their training efforts. 

The Chinese experts have since conducted hundreds of training sessions, directly reaching over 2,000 individuals and indirectly benefitting thousands more through their knowledge dissemination efforts. 

“We’re working to build a national training platform to spread hybrid rice technologies even further,” Hu said.  

In Anosiarivo located 490 km from Antananarivo, Roselyn Nantenaina observes the enhanced traits of a new rice variety, including stronger stalks and plumper grains. 

These improvements represent hope and the promise of a more prosperous agricultural future, especially as farmers contend with the limitations and drawbacks of traditional rice cultivation. 

At the edge of the vast rice paddies, Nantenaina strolls through the rows, her fingers softly grazing the heavy, bowed heads of rice. 

“This year, the harvest will be abundant - far beyond what I ever imagined. It is a testament to my hard work, and a gift from the new life brought by the Chinese collaboration,” she said. Her voice filled with gratitude. 

For the farmers of Mahitsy and Anosiarivo, the Chinese hybrid rice project is more than just a source of food; it represents hope and a pathway to better livelihoods. It embodies their aspirations for their children’s well-being, improved housing, and a brighter future, showing how agricultural initiatives can foster wider socio-economic growth in rural communities. 

Arguably, the Chinese Hybrid Rice High-Yield Demonstration Base has not only yielded a bountiful harvest; it has sown the seeds of a new beginning in Madagascar. 

For this reason, the Malagasy government has highlighted the importance of China’s contributions to improving agricultural productivity in Madagascar, noting that the Chinese agricultural expertise is pivotal in advancing Madagascar’s agricultural sector. 

According to Michel Anondraka, a director general at Madagascar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, hybrid rice is a high-yield variety, and increasing its cultivation is crucial for achieving rice self-sufficiency in Madagascar. 

“We express our gratitude to the Chinese government for this collaboration in hybrid rice, through the dispatch of experts who share their wealth of knowledge with us,” Anondraka said. 

Moved by the benefits, local farmers have affectionately named the Chinese hybrid rice project “Tsarabe” - meaning “the best thing” in Malagasy. This nickname reflects the farmers’ growing optimism and their increasing embrace of Chinese agricultural innovation, recognising its transformative impact on their lives.

Emerging opportunities in the mining industry

By Derrick Silimina

Braving the sweltering afternoon heat, Joseph Mbomena skillfully engages the gears of the giant dump truck atop the FQM Trident’s Enterprise Nickel Mine in Kalumbila District of North-Western Province.

Mbomena, aged 35, is a trained local dump truck operator working at Mineral Link, a Zambian-owned company renowned for its expertise in bulk road-based logistics. He operates at FQM Trident’s Enterprise Nickel Mine, which is a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM). 

“I am super excited to be among the few young local people trained by Mineral Link to operate their heavy-duty trucks here at the mine site. This opportunity has really transformed my livelihood,” he said.

Mbomena, a local resident of Kisasa area, stressed that his remarkable personal growth and ambition initially started while working as a cook at Allterrain Services (ATS) Group, a key contractor providing catering services at FQM Trident mine. 

Aspired to one day work for the mine, he later transitioned to become a qualified dump truck operator at Mineral Link, illustrating his progression within the mining industry and inspiring other youth to pursue diverse career opportunities in this sector.

Mbomena is among other young people's stories that exemplifies the emerging opportunities within the mining industry as their experiences serve as an inspiration to their community, encouraging peers to explore careers beyond traditional roles and highlighting the potential for youth to engage in dynamic, modern sectors. 

“I am very grateful to FQM Trident for having engaged my employers - Mineral Link, a viable mine initiative that has benefited us local people through skills development and job creation.”

The Zambian government recently enacted the Local Content Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 68, targeting the mining sector to boost the participation of local SMEs. Signed into law in October 2025, this SI requires mining companies to allocate a designated percentage of their procurement activities to Zambian-owned businesses, thereby fostering local enterprise growth and broader involvement of local SMEs within the mining industry.

Mineral Link Limited, a prominent Zambian-owned company, is considered a major success story in local business empowerment. This success is attributed to its strategic partnership with FQM Trident, which encompasses the Sentinel and Enterprise mines in Kalumbila, ultimately strengthening its position within the industry.

“We first got introduced at FQM Trident in 2022 as a service provider with one bulldozer. Through-out the years, the mining firm has groomed us into being one of their support contractors here at their mine pit,” said Mineral Link Operations Director Melvin Karabassis. 

Established in 2001, Karabassis hinted that his firm has built a reputation for its expertise in bulk road-based logistics, primarily involving the transportation of large volumes of ore, copper concentrates, and heavy materials. 

He added that over the past four years, the company has transitioned from being solely a service provider to being considered for major projects, including the Kansanshi S3 project and ore haulage at the Enterprise mine site in Kalumbila district.

Mineral Link Limited specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for the mining and infrastructure sectors with its core services encompass maintaining and hiring out a fleet of major capital equipment, such as Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs), Front-end Loaders, Bulldozers, and Excavators, to mines and contractors. Additionally, the company acts as a mining supplier of various goods and backup services necessary for uninterrupted mine operations. It also offers essential services including civil engineering, road construction, de-silting, and comprehensive mining support.

“We’ve got an agreement with Trident Foundation to ensure that a lot of our locals get equal opportunities as well to participate in some of the mining activities. We have an apprentice programme especially on our ADTs side of business where we take seven students every three months from the Mbole Training Institute and those that excel get full-time employment,” Karabassis said.

Karabassis is optimistic that FQM Trident continues to reaffirm its commitment to promoting local business empowerment. As a result, Mineral Link has grown to become a key player in the Zambian mining supply chain, contributing to local employment and capacity building - a significant milestone in the ongoing drive to build sustainable local capacity within the mining logistics sector.

Mineral Link Site Manager Samuel Mpempulwa has praised FQM Trident for their purposeful efforts to develop local mine contractors and suppliers adding that the approach has a multiplier effect, benefiting not only the involved companies but also the surrounding communities.

“Our operational plan is both efficient and ambitious. We mobilise around 25 tipper trucks to handle 100 percent of ore movement volumes to reach full operational capacity. This fleet will operate at an optimal utilisation rate of 85 percent, supported by a highly trained local workforce,” Mpempulwa said.

He disclosed that since its inception with only 25 employees, Mineral Link has now employed over 70 local drivers, including tipper drivers, loader operators, dozer operators, excavator operators, as well as maintenance and supervisory staff.

Mpempulwa further allayed the notion that Zambian contractors lack the capacity to execute quality services and meet the demand expected in the mining supply chain.

“We have a belief and motto that Zambians can do it too and as much as we keep challenging the status quo. We are here to change the narrative on Zambian contractors and their capabilities. We urge other corporate organizations to emulate what FQM Trident is doing to harness local talent just like the way they have done to Mineral Link.”

In this context, FQM Trident Superintendent of Commercial Contracts Thomas Lungu emphasized that the partnership between the mining company and Minerallink is centered on skills transfer, workforce development, and job creation. This collaboration aims to source locally produced goods and services, improve community engagement, and upskill local workers through initiatives such as the Mbole Trades School.

“For FQM Trident and Mineral Link or any other vendor, there is a knowledge transfer, there's a skills transfer that obviously FQM benefits from at a group level, but is able to bring to contractors as well at a local level. And we also have active community based employment initiatives through the Trident Foundation limited and all that feeds into this partnership at a wider level,” Lungu stated.

He demonstrated that Mineral Link, through its unique subcontractors, is also benefiting from the partnership, an approach that enables them to reach a broader audience than FQM Trident could achieve alone, resulting in a multiplier effect that extends significantly to local vendors and the community at large.

Lungu emphasized that, given Zambia's status as a predominantly mining-driven economy, the unique partnership between FQM Trident and Mineral Link will play a significant role in facilitating skills transfer, workforce development, and job creation, a collaboration expected to have a positive impact on local employment and capacity building within the industry.

“We are basically moving a service that we've previously done ourselves and giving that to a local contractor without any change in scope, basically moving our own people and our own feet to do something that is closer to our business.”

Wheels of opportunity

By Derrick Silimina

In the busy streets of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, Joel Kangwa fired up his red Haojue. It is not just a motorbike. It is the reason he wakes up each morning with purpose. He kicked the starter and the engine responded with a low growl. 

“Working as a courier on my motorbike is a dream come true. I now earn more than double what I used to make as a salesman in the industrial area,” he said. 

As Kangwa begins his first trip, the breeze rushing past his helmet creates a smooth rhythm that evokes a sense of purpose and vitality. It highlights how essential his motorbike is to completing his daily deliveries. 

Kangwa, 30, took a job as a delivery rider two years ago. Thanks to this work, he was able to buy a fuel-efficient Chinese motorbike that is easy to maintain. This shows how gig work helped him to climb economically and build assets. 

“My flexible working hours and lack of direct supervision give me a sense of independence. The steady income improves my economic stability and brings a sense of purpose and well-being,” he said. 

  

Positive results 

The use of Chinese-made motorbikes in the Southern African country provides young people with vital livelihood opportunities amid high unemployment. By registering on courier platforms, riders earn income delivering various goods such as food, flowers, household appliances and parcels, receiving payment for each delivery. 

This delivery business not only boosts economic activity nationwide, but also provides flexible jobs for young people with few opportunities. It helps to reduce poverty and build economic resilience. 

“I do not have to look for work anymore. I am glad to use my bike to earn a living because this job lets me pay rent, feed my family and save some money,” said Kangwa. 

Joshua Mwanza, with only a month in the transport business, is already seeing positive results using his Jialing motorbike at Kapata Bus Station in Chipata District, east Zambia. This quick progress shows how fast new entrants in the transport sector can benefit and establish themselves, especially with reliable Chinese motorbikes that enable efficient passenger transport. 

“After finishing tertiary education, I tried to find a job but had no luck. I saw the transport business growing and gave it a shot after buying a second-hand Jialing motorbike,” Mwanza explained. 

For George Chirwa, a young aspiring motorcycle mechanic, the widespread availability of spare parts especially from Chinese manufacturers has made maintenance and customization easier. 

This sparked his idea to open a garage on Lusaka’s Lumumba Road where he hopes to tap into the rising demand for repairs and customization. 

At Chirwa’s workshop, the clatter of tools, the sharp ping of a dropped bolt, and the soft hiss of a tire being re-inflated form the daily soundtrack of his work. Surrounded by colorful motorcycles, his careful inspection of worn brake pads, a kinked throttle cable and a loose chain reflects his experienced approach and deep understanding of motorcycle mechanics. 

“Nowadays, I don’t worry about bills or the high cost of living in Lusaka. With the strong demand for bike repairs, I earn a stable daily income,” said Chirwa who specializes in repairing Chinese motorbikes such as Lifan, Haojue, Xianfeng, and Jialing among other brands. 

Role of Chinese manufacturing 

The use of Chinese-made motorcycles by individuals like Kangwa and Mwanza, along with Chirwa’s expertise in repairing these brands, highlights the tangible impact of Chinese manufacturing on mobility and economic participation in Zambia. 

The ease of movement and the availability of repair services for these bikes support local economic activity and employment, showing how Chinese products contribute to the welfare of local communities. 

As Chinese investment in motorbike assembly plants and production increases across Africa including Zambia, some of these efforts, such as agreements signed during the recent Western China International Fair, are expected to support more localized production and create additional employment opportunities in the region. 

Many of these vehicles are produced in Chongqing, a global centre for motorcycle manufacturing, showing China’s key role in offering low-cost and accessible transport across Africa. 

“Africa is one of our most important overseas markets. In the first quarter of this year alone, we exported more than 130,000 motorcycles worth nearly $90 million,” said Zhou Chun, manager of the International Department at Zonsen Motorcycle. 

Chongqing’s export of over 5 million motorcycles shows strong growth and points to a trade relationship that could reshape local markets and increase motorcycle use in Zambia and beyond. 

Deals worth 1.65 billion yuan ($232 million) signed between Chongqing enterprises and African countries like Rwanda and Kenya during the Western China International Fair show the deepening economic relationship between China and Africa. The agreements focus on motorcycle and car assembly and spare parts production, reflecting China’s strategic push into Africa’s automotive industry. 

Such collaborations exemplify how China’s involvement is shaping vehicle production and distribution across Africa while reflecting broader trends of growing Chinese industrial presence on the continent. 

For this reason, a high-level delegation from a Chinese company showed interest in setting up a motorcycle assembly plant in Zambia’s Kapiri Mposhi District, a strategic step aimed at boosting local manufacturing and improving supply chain integration nationwide. 

The interest in Kapiri Mposhi is largely driven by its strategic location. The district serves as a critical transportation and logistics hub situated at the crossroads of two major railway lines, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and Zambia Railways.  

Munyeke highlighted the multifaceted benefits of establishing the motorcycle plant including direct employment in manufacturing and indirect roles in supporting sectors like logistics, maintenance and retail, adding that the plant is expected to improve transportation affordability in the district. 

“We anticipate the motorcycle plant will elevate the district’s status as an industrial and innovative hub and boost our socio-economic emancipation.”