ZCCM Investments Holdings has declared a total dividend of approximately K183 million for the 2025 financial year, its 11th consecutive annual payout since 2015 — but a marked step down from the record K529 million declared for 2024, a fall of K346 million, or about 65 per cent.
Board Chairperson Mr Phesto Musonda, speaking at the dividend cheque handover ceremony in Lusaka on Monday 12 October, attributed the lower payout to a full provision made for a legacy legal matter and the appreciation of the kwacha, which reduced the local-currency value of the company's dollar-denominated assets. Neither factor, he said, affected the cash generated by the company's investments — investment income rose 40 per cent in 2025, supported by returns from Kansanshi, Maamba Energy and Copperbelt Energy Corporation.
Of the K183 million, majority shareholder the Industrial Development Corporation is expected to receive about K109.5 million, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning about K31.2 million, and the National Pension Scheme Authority about K27 million, with the balance shared among roughly 5,000 other shareholders in Zambia and abroad. Over the past 11 years, the company says it has returned approximately K2.4 billion to shareholders.
Mr Musonda also disclosed that ZCCM-IH repaid US$150 million to Glencore in April, settling its legacy debt, and that the company's market valuation has surpassed US$1 billion.
Permanent Secretary for Economic Management and Investments Mr Mulele Mulele commended the board, management and staff for strengthening the company's financial performance, saying the payment showed how prudent investment management and sound corporate governance turn public investments into tangible returns for Zambians. IDC Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Cornwell Muleya called on the company to rebuild its earnings and cash generation for stronger, more sustainable dividends, and said the forthcoming ten-year strategy should align investments with national targets — three million tonnes of copper and 10,000 megawatts of electricity.
Sources: 5FM Radio Zambia, “ZCCM-IH Returns K2.4 Billion to Shareholders in 11 Years” (13 Oct 2026); Diamond TV, “ZCCM-IH dividend falls by K346 million” (12 Oct 2026); ZANIS, “ZCCM-IH declares K183 million dividend” (12 Oct 2026).