By Jeff Kapembwa

Zambia should maximize production of coal, a fossil fuel, as a catalyst for sustained power to bolster economic growth, stifled by climate induced actions and other headwinds, local media reports say, citing Nigerian born-business magnet, Aliko Dangote.

Dangote, who stopped over in Zambia, Wednesday, in search of business opportunities contended that mined coal unlike ‘green coal’ was a good driver for enhanced power production to meet domestic and industrial needs of the Southern African state, noting the country’s capacity to maximize the product.

With the country going to the polls next August amid power shortages, Dangote, regretted the economic downturn buffeting the country spurred by El Nino induced characteristics spiced by geotropically driven development that have reversed the country’s gains.

He urged the leadership to put their minds to reversing the shortcoming through mined coal unlike the ‘green coal’ to kick-start growth.

According to climatic experts, traditional coal is a mined, non-renewable fossil fuel, while green coal is a cleaner, sustainable alternative made from waste materials or biomass.

Green coal is produced through advanced processing to reduce harmful emissions and can utilize waste like municipal solid waste or plant material, leading to a lower carbon footprint and better waste management compared to conventional coal.

Dangote is cited as urging the Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema to maximize coal, a God given product to effectively produce electricity and meet the country’s needs and that with little or no electricity being maximized, it could further reverse the economic gains, hence the need to turn to the fossil type.

He urged the Zambian leader not to be swayed by global climate campaigners to forgo the mined coal, on the argument that it was a catalyst for climate change, but should use his wisdom to decide what parameters are needed to stimulate economic growth, citing the mined coal as the agent for change.

“You have coal, use what God has given you to produce electricity. Without power, there is no growth anywhere,”

Dangote is eyeing Zambia, among other African-mineral endowed countries to bolster his business growth on the continent as he eyes partnership in coal production for energy use to drive industry.

President Hichilema stated during the meeting that electricity is the engine for growing the economy which in turn, improves the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

Even though the country’s economy has started to recover from tough times, power shortages have remained a big obstacle to growth, a call for partnership with interest groups like Dangote Group of companies.

Without enough power, the country cannot move forward as fast as it should. “Now, where we are as a country, we want to drive our economy. If you asked me what Zambia wants now, I will tell you three things, one is power, two is power and three is power,” the President said.

Zambia was eager to partner with Dangote again, after the cement factory in Ndola.

Stated had abundant coal resources ready to use and that the country was not ashamed to develop what God had given it.

“As we have done in cement with Dangote Cement, we would like to do that and even more on the electricity side. We invite you to do that. We have coal. We are not shy here. This is the resource God gave us, and we have no shame at all,” he said.

With enough power, Zambia will be able to process its minerals and other raw materials locally instead of exporting them in raw form.