This is a small province covering an area of 31,328 square kilometres. It is, however, one of the most developed provinces in the country due to its rich mineral deposits. The province hosts the coppermines that have for many years been the mainstay of the country's economy and have provided over 80 per cent of the foreign earnings. The mines have been the major employers of the Zambian population.

Until recently, the province's main activity has been mining, although now the province is also going into accelerated agricultural production.

There is great potential in the agricultural sector for investment and hence job creation. Out of the 3,132,829 hectares, 1,577,000 hectares is arable land. Of this only 307,000 hectares is under cultivation.

The province has reliable rainfall of about 1,400milimetres per annum with moderate temperatures suitable for crops. Perenial streams and rivers exist in the province, providing excellent conditions for irrigation throughout the year. The major crops are maize, tobacco, coffee, cotton, sunflower, soya beans, groundners and wheat.

Other crops are millet, sorghum, cassava, rice, sugar cane, oil seeds, cashew nuts, paprika, ginger, fruits and vegetables.