HH celebrates Zambia Sugar at 60

President Hakainde Hichilema has praised Zambia Sugar PLC at its diamond anniversary celebrations, marking the firm's six decades of operations.

The President, speaking at the commemorative event, drew parallels between the sugar producer's achievements and Zambia's own 60th independence anniversary. He described the company, one of Africa's largest sugar manufacturers, as a cornerstone of investment and employment that has made significant inroads into global markets.

The firm's outgrower scheme, which has transformed the lives of smallholder farmers near Mazabuka, received particular commendation. President Hichilema urged the company to further expand the programme to benefit other farming communities.

Amidst Zambia's current power crisis exacerbated by drought conditions, the President highlighted the company's innovative approach to energy generation. The firm currently produces 40 megawatts of electricity and plans to boost output by an additional 60 megawatts.

Once achieved, this 100-megawatt capacity would enable the company to feed surplus power into the national grid through ZESCO, the state utility.

In a statement posted to his Facebook page, the President said he had challenged the company “to find innovative ways of processing their molasses from the current liquid form to pellets for easy delivery and access to the farming community for livestock.”

He also pressed for increased local employment and procurement opportunities to facilitate skills transfer, echoing his government's broader push for investor participation in local empowerment initiatives.