Citizen Entrepreneurs Development Programme Launched

The Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ) has launched its ‘Zambia Citizen Entrepreneurs Development Programme’, aimed at improving wealth creation in Zambia by fostering entrepreneurship. 

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, EAZ president Dr Lubinda Haabazoka said the initiative was conceived after consultations with various high-level government departments as well as input from the private sector. 

He explained that the initiative would pull together expertise from the public and private sectors to support business creation by providing funds, business skills, capacity building, and establishing markets for any goods produced. 

“This initiative is designed especially for women and youth groups and takes advantage of the President’s directive to enhance local participation in the retail sector. We call upon all stakeholders including various funders to come on board to realise this grandiose project. The Project will be private sector led,” Dr Haabazoka explained. 

The EAZ president further stated that the project would focus on key-sectors within Zambia, such as agri-business, mining and urban development.

He added that the programme would bear no political affiliation and was strictly commercial in nature.

He said the programme would be open “to all Zambians regardless of tribe, race, political affiliation or religious affiliation. The Association will not tolerate the politicizing of this initiative. The programme will be implemented by the private sector with the support of state and nonstate actors”. 

Mahogany Air CEO Jim Belemu praised the initiative as a home-grown response to some of the challenges faced by the people of Zambia. He said it would change the face of the country.