Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary, Subeta Mutelo, says government is implementing strategies aimed at driving industrialisation across the country.
Mrs. Mutelo said this is evident through the establishment of multiple Multi-Facility Economic Zones and Industrial Yards under the Ministries of Commerce and Small and Medium Enterprise Development, designed to support manufacturing, agro-processing and innovation.
She said this when she officiated at the ongoing 5th North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business and Investment Expo, held under the theme “Unlocking Industrial Growth, Financing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Strengthening Local Content and Leveraging the Lobito Corridor.”
Mrs. Mutelo explained that to promote inclusivity, government is implementing the Local Content and Supply Development Framework to enhance Zambian participation in the mining, construction and energy sectors.
“Engagements with mining houses here in North-Western Province are ensuring that more local suppliers benefit from this sector,” she said.
She added that SMEs should explore opportunities beyond mining, citing the Lobito Corridor as a transformative project that offers vast potential for business participation.
The Permanent Secretary noted that infrastructure development remains key to unlocking rural economic potential, pointing to projects such as the Solwezi-Kipushi and Mutanda-Kasempa-Kaoma roads recently launched by President Hakainde Hichilema as examples of government’s commitment to improving connectivity.
Mrs. Mutelo said the North-West Business and Investment Expo provides a unique platform for engagement among investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers, fostering innovation and sustainable national development.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting initiatives like business expos that promote industrial growth and inclusive participation, urging entrepreneurs to remain bold, innovative and resilient.
“To our investors and partners, Zambia is open for business. We offer a stable political environment, sound economic policies and value partnerships with the private sector,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Anthony Kabaghe, called on investors to build the capacity of local suppliers to meet international standards, improve financial management and adopt safer and more efficient operational practices.
He further urged Zambian businesses to embrace excellence and form joint ventures to seize emerging opportunities.
And North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Lackson Mulumbi, noted that industrial activities in the region have expanded beyond mining into tourism, agriculture and manufacturing.
Mr Mulumbi urged SMEs to operate transparently and for cooperating partners to help remove bottlenecks such as corruption that hinder business growth.
North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Amos Kapi, thanked President Hichilema for enacting the Local Content Policy, calling for its effective and transparent implementation through strong collaboration between government, industry and business associations.
Speaking at the same event, Chief Mumena of Kalumbila District urged entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses for sustainable development.
