Stakeholders in Southern Province have welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s announcement on the establishment of a Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) in Monze District, describing it as a major milestone towards boosting economic growth in the province.
President Hichilema made the announcement during the official opening of the Southern Province Trade Exposition 2025 in Livingstone recently, where he revealed that Cabinet had approved the creation of the MFEZ to attract investment and promote industrialisation in the region.
The media reports that the Livingstone Chamber of Commerce and the Pemba District Administration are among the stakeholders that have expressed support for the initiative.
Livingstone Chamber of Commerce President, Banwell Mwila, says the Chamber of Commerce has for a long time wished for an economic zone in the province.
Mr Mwila noted that the MFEZ will bring about economic growth as jobs will be created.
“District economic performance will increase, and local authorities will be able to get levy, so we are so excited,” Mr Mwila stated.
Pemba District Commissioner, Obey Habeenzu, noted that Pemba, being a neighbouring district to Monze, stands a good chance of benefiting from the MFEZ.
“We join Monze in celebrating the incoming MFEZ, which as Pemba District we believe is going to benefit our district,” Mr Habeenzu said.
Mr Habeenzu added that the MFEZ will also open up markets for the people in a number of ways including agriculture.
And, Pemba Town Council Secretary, Samuel Chilombo, is also optimistic that the economic benefits which will be accrued in Monze will spill over to Pemba.
“We feel as a sister council which is near Monze, the economic benefits that will be accrued in Monze will extend to Pemba which is about 35 Kilometers from Monze,” Mr Chilombo said.
