16/10/2025 –
The Republican President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, today officially commissioned the United Capital Fertiliser Urea Plant located at the Wonderful Industrial Park in Chilanga District, a state-of-the-art facility expected to employ over 2,500 people.
In his keynote address, President Hichilema described the commissioning as an important milestone in Zambia’s journey toward industrialisation, job creation, and technological advancement. He commended the investors behind the Wonderful Group of Companies for their continued partnership with government in driving socio-economic development through value addition and employment opportunities.
The Head of State underscored the plant’s multiple benefits, including the production of all types of fertilisers, the creation of research and learning opportunities for local institutions, and the generation of 8,500 watts of electricity to support its operations. He expressed delight that the facility operates with modern technology and without any form of environmental pollution.
President Hichilema further encouraged members of his Cabinet to visit and tour the facility, emphasizing the importance of collective leadership in fostering industrial growth. He also delivered a powerful message to the nation, urging citizens to embrace a culture of diligence and productivity, noting that “work must be followed by results, work after work, and rest after work.”
The President praised the Wonderful Group of Companies for their continued contribution to national development through job creation, business empowerment, and educational support, stating that such investments reflect the spirit of partnership between government and the private sector in uplifting the lives of the Zambian people.
Speaking at the same event, Honourable Sipho Hlazo, Member of Parliament for Chilanga Constituency, commended the President for prioritising industrial growth and job creation through projects such as the United Capital Fertiliser Plant.
He noted that the Cash for Work Programme continues to employ thousands of young people and citizens in Chilanga, with more than 40,000 families having benefited from the initiative, complementing the jobs being created by United Capital Fertiliser. The Honourable Member of Parliament further highlighted that with the new plant and other industrial developments taking place in Chilanga, traffic pressure on the Mungwi Road continues to increase due to the presence of industrial vehicles, Zambia National Service operations, and other companies operating along the stretch.
He therefore humbly appealed to the President, on behalf of the people of Chilanga, to consider upgrading the Mungwi Road into a dual carriageway from the T2–T3 junction to the Mundengwa Industrial Park, a distance of less than 20 kilometres. The ceremony also saw the President and other dignitaries witness the signing ceremony for the US$1.4 billion Urea Phase 2 Project. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by Chilanga Town Council Chairperson, Mr. Champion Tembo, Acting District Commissioner, Ms. Maureen Chilende, Council Secretary, Mr. Francis Ndola, and several Ward Councillors, among other dignitaries.
