President Hichilema: Livestock Sector Holds K26 Billion Export Potential

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for a team of experts to drive the growth of the country’s livestock sector. With proper organisation, the sector could generate up to K26 billion annually from exports, he stated.

Speaking at the Veterinary Association of Zambia Scientific Conference in Livingstone, President Hichilema said that the government had already agreed to establish Livestock Economic Zones to enhance the sector's performance and effectively manage livestock diseases.

He highlighted the importance of recognising veterinary doctors as being on par with medical doctors, assuring that the government is committed to recruiting the necessary staff for the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

Malcom Chiyoba, President of the Veterinary Association of Zambia, appealed to the government to permit feed-making companies to import yellow maize for animal feed. Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Makozo Chikote, announced that measures have been put in place to allow farmers to import yellow maize as livestock feed, urging them not to panic.

Southern Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa, stated that the province has commenced early vaccination of animals to curb outbreaks of animal diseases, adding that the province aims to vaccinate 910,000 cattle using 110,000 anthrax vaccines for cattle, sheep, and goats.

In recognition of his contribution, the Veterinary Association of Zambia awarded President Hichilema with a lifetime honorary membership.