Commenting on the recent expression of interest from Aliko Dangote, one of Africa’s largest investors to invest in the country’s energy sector Johnstone Chikwanda said the strategic relevance and availability of the market, the energy sector is one of the sectors that government can leverage to ensure that Zambians are empowered and have an equitable participation in the sector.
Mr Chikwanda who is the Chairperson of the Forum said Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) needs to come up with incentives for investors who incorporate indigenous Zambian shareholders.
He called on Mr Dangote to consider partnering with Zambians in what he termed as “the spirit of true Pan Africanism for the sector he is targeting to invest in.”
“Therefore, the phenomenon of “energy poverty” will continue to linger for some time; thus constituting a readily available market.Because of its strategic relevance and readily available market, the energy sector is one of the sectors that government can leverage to ensure that Zambians are empowered and have an equitable participation in the sector.
“May be the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) need to be encouraged to come up with further incentives for investors who incorporate indigenous Zambian shareholders at a certain threshold. It is a matter of grave concern that certain key sectors of the economy such as mining and the energy sectors have inadequate local Zambian participation with the exception of government controlled entities.
“To this end, the Energy Forum Zambia, while appreciating and welcoming Mr. Aliko Dangote’s interest to invest in Zambia’s energy sector, wishes to encourage him to serious consider partnering with some local Zambians in the spirit of true Pan Africanism for the sector he is targeting to invest in.” He said.
He further said his organization has been consistent in calling for incorporation of Zambians so as to compel foreign investors targeting the sector to establish smart partnerships with locals.
He noted that the interest from Mr Dangote was not just in electricity but also in the petroleum sub-sector something he said was timely as government government is trying to disengage from fuel procurement.
“As a forum we have been consistent in calling upon other foreign investors in the energy sector to incorporate local Zambians at shareholder level and we have gone to the extent of calling upon the Republican President Mr. Edgar Lungu to consider certain measures that will compel foreign investors targeting this premium sector to establish smart partnerships with local Zambians. They may not have the money but we know that any well packaged investment opportunity generally attract funding from financial institutions.
“Mr. Dangote mentioned an interest in refineries (petroleum) meaning that he could be looking at participating not only in the electricity sub-sector but also in the petroleum sub-sector. The pronouncements he made have come at a time government is trying to disengage from fuel procurement among other decisions which include embarking on studies which will inform, guide and mentor what to do with some entities in the sector,” he said.
He also praised government for its continued efforts in attracting investors to the country.
“The forum also wishes to commend government for its continued efforts to attract investors and the new Minister of Energy David Mabumba for embracing an open door policy. We know that the Dangote Group as an “industry statesman” has the capacity, skills and the means to invest successfully in the energy sector. We also know that as a down to earth true Pan Africanist, Mr. Dangote has sufficient grace to create some smart partnerships or collaboration at shareholder level that could elevate and strengthen his brothers and sisters,” he said.
well thought out.Our major problem is ZDA.Is it to do with corruption?We Zambians are in every sector & we know the local terrain,what we lack is capital.No investor should set up business without a local;Better put a FULL STOP ba ZDA.
Why doesn’t he just approach Dangote on his own account instead of trying to use PF to force Dangote to take local partners? That’s how Zimbabwe has collapsed with fake and forced empowerment deals.
PF can’t empower anyone. The only thing they know and implement very well is theft.
I see salamanders
good observation,but few people know that dangote comes from a rich family,and secondly dangote benefited from the us $1.5 billion grant us govt of which his company got $400million,am sure we have hardworking zambians who can help develop the country if only we put politics aside.we have seen a good number of zambian businessmen kissing ass of the party in power due to protect their businesses,this shouldnt be the case in modern zambia.govt private partnership(zambians) is the best approach to solve our economic stagnation.
Johnstone Chikwanda is a PF bootlicker and lobbyist ..where were you when Lazy Lungu stated that there is no need for Zambia to invest in energy as we have the RSA to depend on?
While THIS IS COMMENDABLE it raises a question as to WHY SPEAK SO PASSIONATELY on empowering Zambians with DANGOTE when OTHER FOREIGN INVESTORS have expressed interest in the energy sector but HAVE NOT BEEN URGED TO INCORPORATE ZAMBIANS? Is it bcoz Dangote is an African and BLACK LIKE US so you feel HIS HAS A MORAL DUTY to do that? The French, the Italians, the Turks have expressed interest in the energy sector but you,the Energy Platform NEVER challenged them to think of local people first!! Other think it is ZDA, No,IT IS THE PRESIDENT’s FAULT that we are failing to have ZAMBIAN PLAYERS and OWNERSHIP in the ECONOMY! IS IT NOT THAT ALL THESE INVESTOR COME THRU STATE HOUSE?
In Zani Muone and Kabangwe, Zesco power has gone yet again. Daily routine. No apology. No nothing. Life goes on. I have never seen such
Bufii kuti bakwibila bashamafii, ba PF nimpumpu sheka sheka.
Talk talk talk…. Zero action! That’s Zambia for you!
Comment:God will make a way for mother Zambian let us pray and find a solution than urging and insulting. which z not health to our mouth