On July 21, 2026, campaign group Global Witness published an investigation alleging that Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals secretly funded President Hakainde Hichilema’s political party across multiple election cycles to secure $771 million in tax relief.
The company, which controls over half of Zambia’s total copper production, allegedly operated as the primary financial supporter of the ruling United Party for National Development.
The report highlights how legislative adjustments to mineral royalty structures between 2022 and 2025 delivered significant financial savings to First Quantum subsidiaries while the host country managed a severe debt crisis and an International Monetary Fund austerity plan.
First Quantum has rejected the findings, arguing that the tax reforms were vital to ensure global competitiveness and encourage long-term foreign investment in the region.
Financial details and corporate responses
