African Entrepreneurship Record

Chapter 1431: Chapter 13: Copper Belt Economic Development Zone Planning

Lubumbashi leads the integration of the copper belt’s copper mines and relevant industrial resources, while it’s evidently not Mayor Deberne’s goal for Kitwe, because this clearly serves as a wedding dress for Lubumbashi.

Thus, Deberne proposed his own terms, saying to Mayor Boke of Lubumbashi: ”In the development of this copper belt, Kitwe’s relevant demands should be guaranteed. Although Lubumbashi takes the larger share, some key resources should be decentralized.”

Boke agreed readily, ”Naturally, as long as Kitwe cooperates with us, surely everyone can share a morsel of the soup. After all, our goal is to unite within the copper belt to resist external competition.”

Lubumbashi, in comparison to Kitwe, has the advantage of greater own power, which means Lubumbashi possesses stronger financial resources. Moreover, the market channels it controls surpass those of Kitwe.

After all, Lubumbashi’s role as a transportation hub tips the advantage over Kitwe, and this alone gives Lubumbashi the initial lead in the national market.

Deberne aims to utilize Lubumbashi’s funds, transportation, and market advantages to expand the copper belt’s potential. This way, everyone can get a larger share, diminishing internal contradictions and disputes.

In fact, expanding the copper belt’s potential is quite challenging, as it faces competition not only from other domestic copper mining areas but also from overseas copper mining areas. Maintaining current market share without decline is already very difficult.

However, Deberne hasn’t detailed these thoughts to Boke yet, who is still dreaming of consolidating the entire copper belt.

Which is understandable, as the copper belt is currently a more economically and industrially developed area in East Africa. If Lubumbashi can stabilize its position as the regional center, it can further accumulate capital for Lubumbashi’s future development.

In the following days, the governments of Lubumbashi and Kitwe engaged in intense negotiations regarding industrial cooperation, coordination, and allocation of industries.

...

Inside Lubumbashi’s guest house.

Deberne’s secretary, Baya, asked in bewilderment, ”Mayor, granting the center of the copper belt to Lubumbashi seems too favorable for them. Isn’t this too costly for us?”

In Baya’s view, Kitwe is also capable of being the center of the copper belt. Although Lubumbashi is very strong overall, in copper mining and related industries, Kitwe and Lubumbashi are practically indistinguishable.

Deberne took a sip of tea and replied with a smile, ”Naturally, on the surface, our Kitwe doesn’t fall short to Lubumbashi in industry, especially in copper mining-related industries. Since the entire copper belt is centered around copper mining-related industries, both Lubumbashi and Kitwe have the ability to integrate the copper industry within the region.”

”However, the unfair aspect is that Lubumbashi’s overall strength is too formidable, making it impossible for us to compete with Lubumbashi.”

”In the past, I would certainly not have easily put aside competition with Lubumbashi, but now circumstances have changed, external wolves have arrived, so the copper belt must join forces to combat external threats.”

”Each fighting individually leads to a dead end, so it’s necessary for a city to lead the copper belt to pave a bloody path, and the initial resource cost is vast, making this path not easy.”

Baya lowered his voice, ”You mean to let Lubumbashi stand at the forefront, and we...”

Deberne laughed aloud, ”Let’s not apply a villain’s heart to judge a gentlemen’s intentions. My intention for Lubumbashi to unite the regional copper industry is sincere, and from the start, my aim wasn’t directed at the copper industry itself.”

With that, Deberne stood up, walked to the window, gazing at the bustling view of Lubumbashi with measured pace, he said, ”The relationship between Kitwe and Lubumbashi is akin to two companies, both possessing technology for the copper industry.”

”But, Lubumbashi is wealthier, with broader connections, and more channels, which destined it impossible for us to compete as companies in this field.”

”Therefore, it’s better to sell Lubumbashi a favor, letting them become the leader of the copper belt. Meanwhile, since we act with sincerity, Lubumbashi will also have to pay a certain price, such as tagging us along when they prosper.”

”We can package and sell some non-competitive copper industry assets to Lubumbashi, or use them as capital to invest in Lubumbashi’s large company.”

”This benefits both Lubumbashi and Kitwe, allowing Lubumbashi to control more sources, and coupled with their market channels, maximizes benefits throughout the copper belt, enhancing our dividends.”

”Also, we essentially become the second-largest shareholder of the copper belt, but if we go it alone, our funds are inferior to Lubumbashi, and our connections and channels also lag behind. The final outcome remains Lubumbashi swallowing our company, so joining when you can’t defeat them is the right choice.”

”For Lubumbashi to aspire as the leader of the copper belt, they must contribute, convincing other towns within the copper belt. This implies Lubumbashi must share past exclusive financial reserves, political, scientific, educational resources, and market channels.”