The Football Association of Zambia has secured a K10.8 million annual sponsorship agreement with Konkola Copper Mines aimed at accelerating the growth of women’s football in the country, signed at a ceremony in Lusaka on July 3.
Under the agreement, KCM will contribute K7.2 million annually toward the newly introduced Zambia Football Association Cup, a first-of-its-kind national knockout competition for women’s club teams across all ten provinces, modelled on the men’s equivalent. A further K3.6 million has been allocated directly to the Copper Queens for brand and image rights, alongside a separate US$600,000 annual commitment from KCM specifically earmarked for the national team’s preparations, including the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe described the deal as a groundbreaking investment likely to inspire further corporate backing for women’s football, framing it as consistent with government’s broader push for gender equity in sport. FAZ President Keith Mweemba said the partnership builds on KCM’s long history of supporting Zambian football, dating back to its sponsorship of the FAZ Super League between 2005 and 2011 and its ongoing backing of clubs including Nchanga Rangers, Konkola Blades and Aguila Stars.
KCM Acting Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Mewett said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to women’s empowerment through its wider community development programmes, while Copper Queens defender Margaret Belemu welcomed the sponsorship on behalf of the players, pledging the squad would repay the backing with strong performances at this year’s WAFCON.
Sources: Zambian Football Data — KCM–FAZ K10.8m sponsorship deal | ZNBC — FAZ, KCM seal women’s football sponsorship | Lusaka Times — Copper Queens clinches KCM sponsorship
