President Hichilema Implores Manufacturing Sector to Find Out What Is Stopping Growth

President Hakainde Hichilema has challenged the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) to come up with a checklist of what inhibits the growth of the manufacturing sector and their businesses.

Speaking during the Economic Transformation Conference hosted by ZAM, President Hichilema stressed that the government is keen to work with the association and views it as fundamental to the economic transformation of the company.

However, he added that there is housekeeping to be within ZAM before they can help Zambian manufacturing realise its full potential.

The President also pointed out that, despite the limited time his administration was given to come up with a budget, the provisions in the proposed budget are designed to help businesses grow.

As a case in point, HH explained that the government is working at creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which SMEs can take advantage.

The President’s address at the conference was a wide-ranging and illuminating speech, touching on matters of economic growth, energy, and public health.

On energy, President Hichilema urged the businesses to bring fresh blood into the energy sector, adding that currently there is a monopoly that does not allow others to come in to have Power Purchase Agreements. It is the President’s view that ZAM and the Government ought to work together to diversify the sector and realise its full potential, by easing Power Purchase Agreements for example. 

Meanwhile, the address provided a timely update to the national Covid-19 vaccination effort was provided, as the President said the Government will begin rolling out the vaccination to workplaces. 

Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga echoed his President’s point that ZAM is viewed as instrumental to realising the industrial and economic goals of the Government. 

For his part, ZAM President Ashuwini Sagar called on Government to be consistent in its policies and enhance access to finances, skilled workforce and adequate supply of power so that the sector can enhance value addition. Meanwhile, Trade Kings Group Public Relations and Corporate Manager Bridget Kambode expressed optimism that under the leadership of President Hichilema solutions can be found to the challenges facing manufacturing in Zambia today.

Photo: Zambian Association of Manufacturing