Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) have signed a landmark annual sponsorship agreement worth K10.8 million, marking one of the biggest investments ever made into women’s football in Zambia.
The partnership will provide K3.6 million annually to the Copper Queens through brand and image rights, while K7.2 million will fund the newly introduced Zambian Football Association Cup (ZFA Cup), a nationwide knockout competition for both men’s and women’s football.
The historic agreement represents a major milestone in the continued growth of women’s football and domestic competitions in Zambia.
Major Investment in the Copper Queens
The sponsorship comes at a crucial time as the Copper Queens prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Through the agreement, KCM has committed significant financial support towards promoting the national women’s team while recognising their achievements on both the African and global stage.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe described the partnership as a transformative moment for women’s football.
“Today KCM, once again, steps into a pioneering role. They have seen the immense opportunity and undeniable excellence within our women’s game—a sector whose growth has not always been matched by commensurate corporate support.”
“Their sponsorship of the Copper Queens and the creation of a historic cup competition for the women’s league is a game changer.”
FAZ Hails Landmark Partnership
FAZ President Keith Mweemba praised KCM for recognising the commercial potential of women’s football and becoming one of the first major corporate entities to invest heavily in the game.
He highlighted Zambia’s impressive achievements over the past decade, including appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Olympic Games, WAFCON and the continued success of the Under-17 Women’s National Team.
“KCM has once again taken up a pioneer role by seeing an opportunity in the women’s game.”
“Our women’s game has been growing, but the level of support has not been commensurate to the joy the ladies have brought to us.”
Mweemba added that the newly introduced ZFA Cup will become the country’s biggest knockout competition by bringing together amateur and professional clubs from all ten provinces.
“It is the first time in Zambia’s football history that women will now start competing in cup games of this nature.”
KCM Reaffirms Commitment
KCM Acting Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Mewett said the company’s US$600,000 (approximately K10.8 million) annual investment demonstrates its commitment to empowering women through sport.
He explained that the sponsorship aligns with KCM’s broader initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment across different sectors.
“Through this partnership, KCM is committing US$600,000 to support the Zambia Women’s National Team.”
“This includes our support for WAFCON 2026 and the women’s package under the inaugural KCM–FAZ Cup — a historic competition that KCM is fully funding to ensure it is competitive and sustainable.”
Copper Queens Promise to Deliver
On behalf of the players, Copper Queens defender Margaret Belemu, accompanied by teammates Lushomo Mweemba and Evarine Katongo, thanked KCM for believing in women’s football.
The players pledged to repay the confidence shown in them by delivering success at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The signing ceremony was also attended by FAZ Women Representative Colonel Priscilla Katoba, General Secretary Charles Chakatazya, Vice President Mutale Ng’andu, and Executive Committee members Jordan Maliti, Chisanga Pule, and Chikonde Mbalazi.
Conclusion
The K10.8 million partnership between KCM and FAZ is more than just a sponsorship agreement—it is a significant investment in the future of Zambian football.
By supporting the Copper Queens and introducing the historic ZFA Cup, the partnership is expected to strengthen women’s football, create more competitive opportunities for clubs across the country and inspire greater corporate investment in the game.
