Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development Siazongo Siakalenge has praised the construction progress of the Golden Baobab Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ), describing it as a model for Zambia’s industrialisation agenda and a key driver of economic growth beyond Lusaka.
The media reports that speaking after a tour of the zone in Kafue, which is expected to host industries involved in assembling 40-tonne tipper trucks intended for use in the mining sector, Dr Siakalenge commended management and staff for what he called commendable progress in developing the fully fledged economic zone.
He said Government projects that the Golden Baobab MFEZ will attract around 300 Million United States Dollars in investments and create roughly 2,000 jobs over the next five years.
Dr Siakalenge said that many of the expected investments will bring cutting-edge technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities that are not yet present in Zambia.
“Your dedication and hard work are clearly reflected in the milestones achieved so far, and this progress is worthy of recognition,” he noted.
Dr Siakalenge said the project aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive to promote investment and industrial development in rural districts in Zambia.
“This makes the Golden Baobab MFEZ a pioneer development, the first of its kind in our country, positioning Zambia as an emerging hub for advanced industrial activities,” Dr Siakalenge said.
The zone is expected to host industries involved in assembling electric 40-tonne tipper trucks intended for use in the mining sector.
Dr Siakalenge said the trucks are expected to support Zambia’s push toward producing three million tonnes of copper by 2031 adding that a portion of the assembled units will also be exported to regional mining destinations, contributing to non-traditional export earnings.
Other planned industries include assembly of earth-moving equipment, commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, and two- and three-wheel motorbikes; steel and food processing; refrigerator manufacturing; and the establishment of a solar energy plant.
Dr Siakalenge said these investments support national objectives of economic diversification, value addition, and industrial growth.
He urged the MFEZ management to accelerate the development of backbone infrastructure to ensure the zone can begin to attract both domestic and foreign investors.
“My office stands ready to assist in resolving any bottlenecks or barriers that may arise during the implementation of this important project,” he said.
Dr Siakalenge reaffirmed the Government’s support for the initiative and encouraged continued collaboration to create jobs, develop local skills, and facilitate technology transfer for the people of Kafue.
Meanwhile, Golden Baobab Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) Executive Director Paul Wu says the organisation is intensifying efforts to attract more factories and expand local manufacturing capacity, with the aim of creating jobs and reducing Zambia’s dependence on imported goods.
Mr Wu said the project received government approval with strong support, and management is now focused on delivering tangible economic benefits.
“We are going to make our efforts to create job opportunities for Zambia, and we are trying our best to bring more factories so that we can reduce the importation.” Mr Wu said.
He said the zone is prioritising industries that will produce goods locally, noting that manufacturing items such as steel products within Zambia would significantly boost industrial growth and strengthen supply chains.
“We want to make more products here in Zambia. That is what we are trying to do, that is our goal and the direction we are moving in,” Mr Wu said.
Mr Wu reiterated the zone’s commitment to aligning its development with the national economic goals, including value addition, technology transfer, and skills development for Zambians.
The MEFZ will also have two power stations, a five megawatts Solar Plant and a 50 Megawatt Coal Power Plant which will be supplying to ZESCO.
