The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s announcement on the country’s ambitious beef export plans, urging social protection beneficiaries to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the livestock sector.
Speaking in Livingstone at the South Expo 2025, held under the theme “Unlocking Investment Opportunities for Socio-Economic Transformation Through Strategic Partnerships and Innovation,” President Hichilema disclosed that Zambia aims to export one million tonnes of beef annually through the creation of Special Beef Economic Zones, the initiative that is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth through value chain development.
Reacting to the announcement, the MCDSS Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Beatrice Chilomo, expressed optimism stating that the initiative would open up sustainable income-generating opportunities, especially for small and medium enterprises.
She said beneficiaries under government-supported programmes such as the Alternative Livelihood Initiative (ALI), Food Security Pack (FSP), and Supporting Women Livelihood (SWL) should consider venturing into cattle rearing and related agribusinesses.
Ms Chilomo added that SWL beneficiaries can form cooperatives and establish feedlots to supply cattle to commercial markets, while FSP recipients can pursue agriculture and livestock ventures either individually or in groups.
“We are excited about the potential for our social protection beneficiaries to engage in livestock production, particularly cattle farming, and benefit from the growing demand in the export market,” said Ms Chilomo.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that the Ministry’s Skills Training Colleges are actively involved in empowering Community-Based Volunteers (CBVs), who are providing technical training in livestock management and business skills to communities.
She called on all social protection beneficiaries to be proactive and embrace the government’s support in entering the beef value chain.
Ms Chilomo urged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and position themselves to contribute to the country’s beef export target describing it as a viable pathway to improved livelihoods and poverty reduction.
‘’The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth through strategic empowerment initiatives and targeted interventions aimed at transforming vulnerable households into productive participants in the national economy, ’she said.
