Africa: How a Canadian Mining Giant Infiltrated Zambia's Democracy

What the report says

AllAfrica republished a Global Witness investigation on July 21 alleging that Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals (FQM) and connected actors have exerted covert influence over Zambian politics for roughly two decades. The report focuses on President Hakainde Hichilema and his United Party for National Development (UPND), alleging FQM has been a major financial supporter across election cycles and has pledged support ahead of Zambia’s August 2026 vote. Global Witness says it does not allege corruption, and reports that FQM denies funding Hichilema’s party or promising money for the current campaign.

The investigation places the allegations in the context of Zambia’s heavy reliance on copper. It reports that copper accounts for 74% of export earnings and 25% of government revenue, while the country remains deeply unequal and indebted despite its mineral wealth. Since Hichilema’s 2021 election, Zambia has promoted mining-friendly reforms and a target of raising annual copper output to 3 million tons by 2031.

Global Witness alleges that FQM benefited significantly after 2021, including through tax changes that an analysis commissioned by the group estimates saved the company $771 million from 2022 to 2025. The report also cites a closed-door 2022 agreement with state-owned ZCCM-IH and the dropping of legal disputes. It further alleges that the Brenthurst Foundation, SABI Strategy Group and other advisers supported Hichilema’s policy and campaign operations; those details are presented as findings from interviews, documents and data reviewed by Global Witness.

The article also describes alleged political maneuvering around Zambia’s contested Bill No. 7 constitutional amendments, including claims that lawmakers were taken to the Royal Zambezi Lodge before a parliamentary vote. The broader significance is the report’s warning that critical-mineral demand can intensify corporate influence risks in resource-rich democracies.