Copper City, Zambia

Copper City Zambia

1. Introduction

Copper City, Zambia, is envisioned as a private city and special economic zone (SEZ) in Zambia. Inspired by the success of charter cities like Próspera in Honduras, Copper City aims to become a hub for innovation, economic development, and technological advancement. As Zambia is one of the world’s largest copper producers, the city will leverage the country’s vast copper resources to drive industrialization and the development of advanced technologies such as 3D printing, manufacturing, and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

Copper City will operate under a distinct legal, fiscal, and regulatory framework, similar to the Honduran ZEDE laws that underpin Próspera. The city will focus on creating a business-friendly environment with low taxes, privatized services, and a pro-innovation regulatory structure. The goal is to position Zambia as a key player in Africa’s future industrial revolution, while also providing sustainable development for local communities.

2. Vision and Goals

The primary objective of Copper City is to create a self-sustaining, technologically advanced urban center focused on copper processing, innovation, and high-tech industries. The city will focus on:

1. Economic Diversification: Reduce Zambia’s dependence on raw copper exports by establishing a copper-based manufacturing and tech industry. The city will focus on copper powder production, critical for 3D printing, battery technology, and electric vehicles.
2. Sustainable Development: Ensure that the city’s growth is environmentally sustainable by utilizing green technologies in processing and manufacturing, minimizing the carbon footprint of industries.
3. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Attract international investors by providing a stable and predictable regulatory framework that encourages investment in copper-related industries.
4. Job Creation: Foster employment opportunities for local Zambians, particularly in high-tech industries and manufacturing.
5. Technological Innovation: Develop research and development hubs to explore innovations in copper processing, 3D printing, electric vehicle production, and renewable energy storage solutions.

3. Governance Structure

Copper City will adopt a governance model similar to Próspera, operating as a semi-autonomous zone under Zambia’s laws but with distinct regulations and oversight for internal governance. The city’s governing structure will include:

• City Council: A council of nine members, with five elected by residents and four appointed by the Copper City development corporation. The development corporation, similar to Honduras Próspera Inc., will retain veto power on major decisions to ensure alignment with the city’s long-term vision.
• Regulatory Oversight: A committee of best practices will be established, consisting of experts in law, economics, and governance to approve all internal regulations and provide policy guidance. The committee will ensure that the city’s policies are in line with global best practices, especially in terms of environmental, labor, and business regulations.
• Legal Autonomy: Copper City will have its own civil legal system that governs contracts, commercial transactions, and property rights. Criminal law, however, will remain under Zambia’s national jurisdiction.

4. Economic and Social Model

4.1 Economic Development

Copper City will implement several economic policies to encourage investment, drive innovation, and create an attractive business environment:

• Low Tax Regime: To attract foreign investors, Copper City will have a favorable tax structure, including corporate tax holidays for key industries such as manufacturing, technology, and green energy.
• Privatized Services: Services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development will be privatized and funded through taxes, fees, and the sale of land to residents and investors. This will reduce dependency on government funding and encourage efficiency.
• E-residency: Similar to Próspera, Copper City will offer an “e-residency” program that allows individuals from around the world to register businesses and benefit from the city’s low-tax and business-friendly regulatory structure.

4.2 Social Services

Social services will be provided through a mix of public and private initiatives, ensuring high-quality services for residents:

• Healthcare: Health services will be privately run but accessible to all residents. Premium healthcare plans will be available for expatriates, while more affordable plans will cater to the local Zambian population.
• Education: Education services will be privatized and specialized, focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines, copper processing technology, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for employment in Copper City’s industries.

5. Copper City as a Global Tech Hub

One of the primary goals of Copper City is to position Zambia as a leader in copper-based technological innovation. The city will create Research and Development (R&D) centers focusing on:

1. 3D Printing with Copper: Partnering with international corporations, the city will research and develop 3D printing technologies using copper powder, a critical component in advanced manufacturing.
2. Electric Vehicles and Battery Technology: As global demand for electric vehicles grows, Copper City will focus on producing copper components critical to electric vehicle manufacturing, such as wiring and batteries. The city will also work on sustainable battery technologies using copper.
3. Renewable Energy Storage: Copper’s unique properties make it ideal for energy storage systems, which are crucial for renewable energy solutions like solar and wind power. Copper City will lead innovation in creating efficient, sustainable energy storage systems.

6. Investment and Financing

Copper City will be funded through a combination of:

• Venture Capital: Similar to Próspera’s backing by investors like Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen, Copper City will seek investment from global venture capital firms.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The city will also enter into PPPs with international companies to fund infrastructure and industrial development.
• Land Sales: Land within Copper City will be sold to foreign investors and residents, providing a steady stream of revenue for the city’s administration.

7. Conclusion

Copper City, Zambia, presents a unique opportunity to position the country as a global leader in copper-based innovation, while creating a prosperous and technologically advanced society. With its unique governance model, business-friendly environment, and focus on copper-related technologies, the city will serve as a beacon for industrialization and sustainable development in Africa.

By leveraging Zambia’s copper resources and adopting modern technologies and governance structures, Copper City will become a vital contributor to Zambia’s economic diversification and growth, transforming the Copperbelt region into a global hub for innovation and manufacturing.

8. Call to Action

To realize this vision, we seek partnerships with venture capital firms, multinational corporations, and the Zambian government to establish the necessary infrastructure and governance framework for Copper City. Together, we can create an economic powerhouse that benefits Zambia and the world.