The Zambian president, Rupiah Banda, said that his country expected a 6.3% growth rate for the 2009 year, with even higher forecasts for 2010.

Zambia is Africa’s largest copper producer and this sector together with other mining activities, agriculture and the construction sector were the primary drivers of growth.

He added that the government would continue to develop the necessary infrastructure to keep up with growth targets as well as simplify the business regulation framework. He lastly noted that the government would aim to promote broad-based benefits from economic growth and specifically increase employment opportunities.

Reported by Reuters