Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has officially opened the PDV Metals Steel Plant, a key milestone for regional industrial development. The plant, a joint venture between China’s PDV Group and Zambia’s Nicho Group, is located in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone and represents a US$230 million investment. It is now the largest rebar production facility in Southern Africa.

The plant will supply high-quality, competitively priced steel to support Tanzania’s growing infrastructure needs, with exports expected to comprise 50-70% of its production.

Employing approximately 500 workers, the plant also plans to establish a technical training center to develop skilled labor for the region. Supported by the Zambian government, China, and the UNDP, the PDV Metals Steel Plant will play a vital role in regional economic growth and cooperation.