Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Elias Mubanga has urged business entities to work closely with the government to drive economic growth and development in the country.
Speaking during the Invest Ndola business forum, Mr Mubanga said the government wants to promote economic growth and bring development to the people, hence the need for partnership with the private sector.
He said the government has created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through various sectors such as mining and agriculture.
Mr Mubanga has called on investors to take advantage of the mining sectors, which have been revamped on the Copperbelt Province.
He has called on the stakeholders to change their mindset and be innovative in the manufacturing sector.
He added that the government is willing to support business personnel who have innovative ideas but lack resources.
He said the government has partnered with financial institutions to support businesses.
Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo said Ndola offers many avenues for potential investment, such as access to business entities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola and Tanzania.
He noted that the initiative of the Ndola and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry will help unlock Ndola’s full potential of repositioning the city as a dynamic centre for commerce, logistics, and sustainable industry.
”This forum resonates with the President Hakainde Hichilema’s call to promote business growth and investment attraction that fosters a pro-business environment through streamlined regulations, investment initiatives, and robust support for SMEs and startups,” he said.
The Provincial Minister said Ndola has seen the establishment of technical and vocational training for youths in various skills, which has been crucial for building a skilled local workforce that can support industrial growth.
Ambassador of DRC to Zambia,Didier Sebge Bapaga, has called for a deeper engagement between Zambia and DRC, mostly with Ndola and the Province.
He said the two countries will economically grow and extend their partnership through such forums.
”I am happy for the participation of over 20 Congolese companies in the forum, “he said
Ambassador Bapaga added that there is need to intensify trade and investment between provinces and foster strategic partnerships that can generate employment and create economic value for both.
Ndola Chamber of Commerce and Industry Diana Kabaila commended government for developing the country in all sectors.
Ms Kabaila said the government efforts stimulate growth and improve livelihoods through Job Creation.
She has called on government through private public partnership to build more logistics and warehouse near airports and roads.
She also called on government to establish Ndola economic reviving council, a collaborative platform that would bring together public and private sector partners to identify, package and implement key infrastructure projects within.
