North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring that local people benefit from the investment opportunities available in the country.
Mr Mulumbi said this when he officiated at the Kansanshi Dinner Gala and North-Western Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony.
He noted that the signing of Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 68 on Local Content was a strategic move aimed at empowering local businesses.
“Government is committed to creating an enabling environment that empowers local enterprises,” Mr Mulumbi said.
He added that the mining sector should directly benefit local communities, stressing that Government was putting in place strategic frameworks to promote skills transfer and enhance local procurement.
Mr Mulumbi further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), citing the establishment of a dedicated Ministry to oversee their welfare as evidence of this resolve.
Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Anthony Kabaghe challenged mining firms to go beyond procurement when awarding contracts to local contractors.
Mr Kabaghe said the Chamber stands ready to collaborate with mining companies to ensure mutual prosperity.
And FQM Kansanshi Mine Corporate Affairs superintendent Ryan Ellis said the company has already been implementing local content principles even before the signing of SI 68.
Mr Ellis said the Mining Company was working towards ensuring that contracts were awarded in line with the guidelines provided under the statutory instrument.
“First Quantum Minerals has spent over $700 million with Zambian citizen owned businesses, with hundreds of Zambian businesses already holding contracts with Kansanshi and Trident mines.”” Mr Ellis said.
