CHINGOLA, Zambia, July 21, 2026 : – Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has announced a landmark ZMW 93 million (US$5 million) sponsorship pledge over the next five years with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), aimed at strengthening football development across the country. This sponsorship reflects the passion of KCM’s employees and workforce for football and their desire to contribute to Zambia’s broader aspirations for sporting excellence. 

The sponsorship will support Zambia’s national football teams, making KCM the Official Partner of FAZ and the largest corporate sponsors of football in Zambia. The announcement follows KCM’s recent sponsorship of the Copper Queens, who are currently representing Zambia at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Copper Queens have become a source of national pride, earning recognition both locally and internationally through their outstanding performances on the continental and global stage. 

Under the new five-year pledge, KCM is expanding its support beyond women’s football to include both men’s and women’s football competitions across the country. As part of the partnership, KCM will become the Title Sponsor of the KCM FAZ Cup. 

Commenting on the partnership, KCM Board Chairman Dr Moses Banda said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the Football Association of Zambia at the behest of our passionate employees, once again. Football has a unique ability to unite communities and inspire future generations. Through this partnership, we are investing not only in the game but also in the development of young talent, national pride and community wellbeing across Zambia.”

FAZ General Secretary Mr Charles Chakatazya welcomed the partnership, saying: “Partnering with KCM to support football at both national and club level is a significant milestone for FAZ. This sponsorship will strengthen the growth of the game, enhance our competitiveness across all levels and create more opportunities for players, coaches and supporters throughout the country.” 

KCM remains one of Zambia’s leading corporate supporters of sport and currently invests more than US$7 million annually in sports development initiatives across the country. As part of its community investment programme, KCM sponsors four football clubs, including Nchanga Rangers FC, Konkola Blades FC, Nampundwe United FC and Aguila Stars FC —supporting both men’s and women’s teams as wellas junior academies under these clubs. This investment has contributed significantly to the growth and competitiveness of the clubs. 

It has helped produce world-class football players such as Rachel Kundananji of the Zambia national women’s team amongst several others. KCM’s continued support for local clubs is part of its commitment to nurture grassroots football development and the creation of pathways for future football talent. 

A Proud Legacy of Supporting Zambian Football KCM has a long and distinguished history of supporting football in Zambia. Between 2005 and 2011, the company partnered with FAZ as sponsor of the National League, widely known as the KCM League, providing critical financial support to clubs across the country. 

KCM also supported the Zambia National Team’s preparations leading up to the country’s historic victory at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), one of the greatest achievements in Zambian sporting history. Through this latest investment, KCM reaffirms its commitment to developing football at all levels, strengthening the domestic game and supporting Zambia’s continued success on the continental and global stage.

About KCM 

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc is one of Zambia’s largest copper producers and is owned by Vedanta Resources (79.4%) and ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (20.6%). The company operates mining  and  processing  facilities  in  Chingola,  Chililabombwe,  Kitwe  and  Nampundwe.  With Vedanta’s commitment to invest more than US$1 billion into KCM, the company aims to unlock key growth projects, including  the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), and increase copper production to 300,000 tonnes per annum by 2030, contributing significantly to Zambia’s ambition of becoming a major global copper producer. 

About FAZ 

The  Football  Association  of  Zambia  (FAZ)  is  the  governing  body  of  football  in  Zambia  and  is responsible for the administration, promotion and development of football across all levels of the game. FAZ oversees national teams, domestic competitions and grassroots football programmes aimed at nurturing talent and growing participation throughout the country. 

For more details: 

Corporate Affairs Department 

Konkola Copper Mines Plc 

John.kunda@kcm.co.zm

www.kcm.co.zm