Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Elias Mubanga, has underscored the governments committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and ‘small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing access to education, digital skills and resources.
Mr Mubanga said providing access to education, digital skills and resources will help women and SMEs succeed in the dynamic and ever-evolving economy.
He was speaking during the Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) Women in Business event in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Mubanga said such initiatives will provide a platform for women in business to gain access to digital skills and grow their business.
“Government’s efforts will help ensure that women have the tools and skills to succeed and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity,” he said.
Mr Mubanga added that government has exploited various trade opportunities available in major markets for women in business and SMEs.
“Government is exploiting the various trade opportunities available in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Continental Free Trade Area, the European Union (EU), and China, among others,” he said.
And MTN Acting Chief Executive Officer, Nchimunya Hachandi, said SMEs and women in business are the backbone of the nation as they are currently responsible for 60 percent of job creation in Zambia.
“We recognise women in business because through your creativity and hard work, you have been instrumental in driving the economy. Your efforts have not only created jobs but business prospects in the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, MTN General Manager, Mildred Chica, said the company is committed to providing women in business with the expertise needed for the growth of their businesses.
Once I read “digital skills” in the headline I thought another all talk no action speech from Mutati but now it seems other ministries are joining the bandwagon.