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

What the report says

AllAfrica published a Global Witness report on July 21, 2026, alleging that Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals and people or entities linked to it have exerted covert influence over Zambian politics for about two decades. The investigation focuses on President Hakainde Hichilema and his United Party for National Development, saying sources alleged FQM became a major financial backer of the party ahead of Zambia’s August 2026 election and had supported it across earlier election cycles.

The report says Global Witness does not allege corruption by FQM, and it includes the company’s denial that it funded Hichilema’s party previously or pledged support for the 2026 campaign. Global Witness also describes alleged roles for the Brenthurst Foundation, SABI Strategy Group and figures associated with Hichilema’s campaign operations, including claims that policy, logistics and social media work benefited the president’s political rise. These claims are attributed to interviews with insiders and supporting documents cited by Global Witness, many from anonymous sources.

According to the report, FQM has benefited since Hichilema took office in 2021 through mining-friendly reforms, tax changes and a closed-door 2022 agreement with state-owned ZCCM-IH. Global Witness said independent analysis it commissioned estimated FQM saved $771 million from tax regime changes between 2022 and 2025.

The investigation matters because Zambia is heavily dependent on copper, a critical mineral for the global energy transition. Global Witness frames the case as a warning about how large extractive firms and international consulting or donor networks can affect democratic systems in resource-rich countries, while Zambia continues to face high poverty and inequality despite its mineral wealth.