James Chuma Phiri is a strategy and business development professional with extensive experience in the mining and energy sectors across Zambia and the broader Southern African region. As a Delivery Associate at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, he serves as an embedded advisor in the Presidential Delivery Unit, helping to design and implement national strategies and performance frameworks that advance Zambia’s mining and energy priorities. Previously, James held senior roles at Chilanga Cement PLC (formerly Lafarge Zambia), where he led commercial strategy, business development, and post-acquisition integration projects valued at over $150 million. With a strong background in corporate finance, investment appraisal, and industrial development, he is passionate about driving sustainable growth and aligning business innovation with national economic transformation.