Zambia: Metalex, Anzana Sign MoU To Develop Electricity Grid Network For Communities And Copper-Cobalt Mine

Two American companies, Metalex Commodities Inc. (“Metalex”) and Anzana Electric Group (“Anzana”), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the development of energy and critical minerals infrastructure in Zambia’s portion of the Lobito Corridor.

The MoU establishes a framework for Metalex and Anzana—through Anzana’s envisioned joint venture with the national electricity utility, ZESCO—to expedite the development, financing, and construction of a medium-voltage electricity network. This network will connect Metalex’s Kazozu copper-cobalt mine to the national grid.

In the long term, the joint venture will collaborate with Metalex to explore captive and local power generation opportunities to meet Kazozu’s growing electricity requirements, which could reach 30 MW by 2027.

Metalex expects to create up to 350 jobs through its mining operations, while the Anzana joint venture with ZESCO is projected to create up to 800 jobs.

Metalex’s flagship Kazozu copper-cobalt mine, located in Mwinilunga District in Zambia’s North-Western Province, is a joint venture with Terra Metals Inc. The project has received support from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and is currently ramping up operations while also exploring significant expansion opportunities in the surrounding area.

Connecting Kazozu to the national grid is expected to ensure a cost-effective and reliable power supply for both the mine and nearby communities, supporting broader electrification efforts.

Comments on the development Metalex CEO, Ayo Sopitan, said: “We are excited to sign this important memorandum of understanding with the Anzana team. This is a promising partnership that will ensure our copper-cobalt project, as well as the host communities surrounding us in Zambia’s North-Western Province, have access to reliable grid power. We look forward to working together to turn this vision into a win for all stakeholders.”

Anzana CEO, Brian Kelly, added: “This collaboration demonstrates the potential of American companies across sectors working together to accelerate infrastructure investment in Africa. As Zambia’s electricity partner for the Lobito Corridor, we look forward to seeing this project take shape under our new joint venture and powering new possibilities.”

In mid-2025, Anzana signed a binding term sheet with ZESCO to form a joint venture to develop, expand, and operate the national electricity distribution network in Zambia’s North-Western Province over a 25-year period.

The joint venture is expected to deploy approximately $300 million in capital and connect around 2 million Zambians to grid-based electricity for the first time.

Metalex is a Delaware-headquartered mining and processing company with operations across the African continent, while Anzana Electric Group is a leading developer, investor, and operator of hydropower and grid distribution projects across Africa.