ZAMBIA – Development Agency targets training for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to support the local economy.
Entrepreneurs and representatives from companies in Zambia have gathered in Lusaka for a five day ‘Trade Training Export Promotion and Economic Partnership Agreements Workshop’.
According to Zambian press Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Chipwende, said the training is mainly targeting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The training supported SMEs as they play a pivotal role in the country’s social economic development process.
Chipwende noted that SME’s contribute significantly to the growth of the non-traditional export sector, job creation as well as income generation and poverty reduction.
He said it was for this reason that South to South trade through business linkages and strengthening of private sector in the region should be promoted.
Mr Chipwende was hopeful that enrolled participants would be able to acquire knowledge and tap into opportunities presented by the international market and encouraged them to penetrate other markets such as the European Union (EU), United States of America (USA) and Canada among others.
The Zambia Development Agency is geared towards building Zambia’s economy by supporting businesses and enterprises at all levels.
The Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) Division of the Zambia Development Agency is responsible for the operation of government policy on the sector through various programmes focused on SME development.
The ZDA and Micro and Small Enterprise Division is specifically mandated to establish strategic partnership with various SME development organisations and build capacity to effectively deliver services to SMEs. The Division is also responsible for developing, coordinating and monitoring and documenting all SME development interventions.
Zambia is an attractive investment destination offering various lucrative investment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism and mining, among other sectors.
The Zambia Development Agency’s growth facilitation mandate integrates initiatives and policies that set-up priority investment sectors to enhance the attainment of national development targets and goals.
Additional info: Zambia Development Agency website http://www.zda.org.zm
Photo by Khym54
bitwell
September 24, 2010
how do you became part of the micro and small enterprise in zambia?
musonda cephas
March 6, 2011
What advice would you give to some one who wants to start bussiness in rural Zambia?
Africa Report Team
March 8, 2011
Hi Musonda,
In order to set up a business and find assistance from anyone you will need to go about it very professionally, preparing a business plan and approaching micro-financiers and banks, along with private investors. This involves a lot of preparation and research, which I suggest you start doing. Research the following:
How to prepare for a business loan
How to apply for a business loan
Once you have prepared and done sufficient research, then you can research financiers. If you manage to follow through on all the preparations then you can think of approaching financiers with your idea.
No-one is going to invest in an idea only, you need to meet people, build up relationships and have everything formalised and in writing. It is a difficult process, but running a business is even more difficult therefore this is the foundation that you will be setting.
Good luck!
Africa Report Team
Bernard Sakala
December 18, 2011
The health sector is a growing (business) industry in Zambia that needs assistance. What can be done?