- As Zambia and China continue to build relations, the role of Chinese enterprises is undeniable
China and Zambia may be poles apart in various respects. But behind the scenes, relations between the two countries grow from the most unexpected places. Zambian students from the giant Asian economy, now working for Chinese companies at home, are a critical part of the building blocks in the blossoming Sino-Zambia relations. As PAULINE
BANDA who recently visited Chinese enterprises on the Copperbelt reports, the best is yet to come.
ON A typical morning in Kalulushi’s Chambishi, three Zambian employees, alums of Chinese universities make their way to Naipu Mining Machinery (Zambia) Limited, an imposing multi-million dollar mining machinery manufacturing company.Naipu is fairly new, established in March 2021.
The company has already built two gigantic plants, with extra space for anticipated growth.
Administrative manager Zumiao Zhang, is confident the company will expand in the nearest future. Naipu’s youthful workforce is planning ahead and so far, they are off to a good start.
Naipu is a formidable player in mining equipment and with every new employee, their dream of becoming a world class leading supplier of modern mining machinery in Zambia and beyond, is set to become a reality. The company has a ready market in Zambian mines. One of Naipu’s major customers is Lubambe Copper Mine in Chililabombwe.
Part of the driving force of the company is the Naipu trio, Chinese trained—Zambian employees Marvin Chanda, an economist, Mwape Daka, an aircraft engineer and Bwalya Misale, a medical doctor. The trio are among the initial 70 employees of the company, including 52 Zambians and 18 expatriates.
Mr Daka, 23, a fresh graduate (class of 2024) with an aircraft design and engineering degree from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, joined Naipu in October, 2024 while Mr Chanda, 39, graduated from Harbin Normal University in 2017 and joined the firm in February, 2024, having previously worked for Mopani Copper Mines. They are both production assistants.
Dr Misale, 25, who studied medicine at Jianghan Medical University in Wuhan, joined Naipu three months ago, as an administrative assistant.
He graduated in 2023, with a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery.
The trio are all fluent in the Chinese language and sometimes double as translators. The policy of Chinese mining enterprises is to employ most, if not all
Zambian students on their return from China and sending more employees for specialised training in that country. Skills training and transfer are a key component of major Chinese enterprises.
Mr Daka displayed his penchant for the Chinese language by translating for his workmate, Duan Xian Bing who recounted his experience working and living in Zambia. Having spent five years in China, Mr Daka’s Chinese accent is so deep that he could easily be mistaken for a Chinese national. He has an equally good command of English, switching effortlessly between the two languages.
Through Mr Daka, Mr Duan, a senior rubber technologist, who has been in Zambia for 11 months, says he enjoys his work and stay.
‘’Life is peaceful and pleasant. I feel very safe. The people are hospitable. And it’s nice to have some Zambians speaking Chinese.
It makes life easier for those of us who don’t speak English,’’ he says.
The Naipu trio ply their trade with palpable passion and are part of the glue that holds Naipu together. They play an active role in forging cultures in the factory and beyond. They converse easily with their workmates in English, Chinese and Bemba (widely used on the Copperbelt).
The trio are part of the reason relations between Zambia and China are improving. Knowingly or unknowingly, they are helping to build an unbreakable bond between the Asian economic giant and Zambia, as China strives to forge multi-level partnerships in Africa.
And Juliet Munengo, a kitchen assistant, dreams of becoming Naipu’s official spokesperson in the near future.
She has been with the company for six months, assisting the chef to prepare Chinese cuisine. Ms
Munengo has a diploma in mass communications, which will help her to pursue a career in public relations.
The visit to the Copperbelt was under the auspices of the Zambia China Friendship Association (ZCFA), whose mission is to enhance socio-cultural ties between Zambia and China and ultimately contribute to strengthening people ties and economic partnerships.
At Non-Ferrous Copper Africa Mining (NFCA), also in Chambishi, a similar pattern unfolds through Chisha Nyeleti, a 28-year-old accountant. She studied at Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants and proceeded to China in 2017. On her return in 2022, Ms Nyeleti was offered a job at the NFCA.
NFCA is one of the largest copper mining and processing companies in Zambia. The company employs a deliberate policy to support children of employees or former workers.
Ms Nyeleti is a testimony of the initiative. So is her sister Musenge, who is currently studying economics at Laioning University in China. Their father Wilson Nyeleti worked for NFCA for over 20 years.
‘‘The scholarship was an eye-opener, which has shown me a different view of the world. I came back to Zambia a totally different person, academically and personally. I am grateful to NFCA for the opportunity,’’ Ms Nyeleti says.
She says despite the language barrier and other cultural differences, she took to China like fish to water.a
‘‘In life, we have to be ready to embrace change. I adapted to my new environment and learnt a lot of things. That was my first time to travel outside Zambia.
It was a dream come true and a blessing to my family.
‘‘Being the first born, I am setting an example for my siblings. My opportunity has inspired them. That’s why my sister also went to study in China.’’
Ms Nyeleti is still perfecting her Chinese language skill but she’s able to communicate.
Several employees are experiencing life changing moments with Chinese enterprises. Alois Mbambo is a conveyor attendant at the NFCA South East Ore body, where he has been for 22 years. He started off as a casual worker and rose through the ranks.
‘‘I enjoy working with Chinese people. They are hardworking and always willing to teach. I have interacted with them for a long time and learnt things I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t join NFCA,’’ Mr Mbambo says.
And Nachilala Mubanga, another beneficiary of the NFCA scholarship programme, says working for NFCA for the past 20 years has impacted her life in many ways.
Ms Mubanga, a secretary by profession obtained a diploma in business administration from the University of Zambia and is planning to pursue further studies.
At Zambia China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (ZCCZ), Transport controller Rightwell Chileshe shares his ‘’humble beginnings’’ story. He joined the company as a driver in 2013 and 12 years later, he’s the head of transport.
‘‘Working for ZCCZ has been a transformative experience for me. The company has invested a lot in my career. Initially, I didn’t want to join a Chinese-owned company because I had heard a lot of negative things.
‘‘I have been with them at work and outside and I enjoy their company. My view has changed. Experience is the best teacher,’’ he says.
ZCCZ investment promotions manager Zhenni Liu, who also serves as a translator, says she has had ‘’a beautiful working experience in Zambia.
Because of her proficiency in English, Ms Zhenni interpreted for President Hichilema at the China/Africa Trade and Investment Forum in September, 2022 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
‘‘I love Zambia. The people are warm and friendly.
Nshima is one of my favourite Zambian dishes. I have a few Zambian friends and I enjoy my relationship with them,’’ she says.
As Zambia and China continue to build relations, the role of Chinese enterprises is undeniable. Through employment, team building and recreation, the likelihood of strengthening understanding and bonds is high.
