Govt erects 8 industrial yards
Written by Millennium on July 27, 2019
BUUMBA CHIMBULU writes
@SunZambia
GOVERNMENT is constructing eight industrial yards across the nation to promote women and youth entrepreneurship in Zambia, says Commerce and Trade minister, Christopher Yaluma
Mr Yaluma said five out of the eight industrial yards were near completion and ready for occupation in Chipata, Mongu, Ndola, Solwezi and Kasama.
He said that was part of the skills development and entrepreneurship project supporting women and youth under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission(CEEC).
He was speaking this week at the first ever National Economic Summit organised by the Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) under the theme: “The Future of Economic Diplomacy: Supporting Inclusive Growth and sustainable Development in Africa”.
“It is estimated that once completed, the eight Industrial Yards will host around three hundred Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which is expected to translate into at least four thousand jobs by 2021,” Mr Yaluma said.
He said Government had embarked on value chain development programmes which brought about different economic players at raw material supply, transportation, production up to the final consumer.
These value chains, Mr Yaluma said, had enabled youths and women to participate in economic activities thus reducing poverty levels and creating employment opportunities for people.
He said some of these value chain programmes included cassava, aquaculture, cashew nut, and honey, among others.
Mr Yaluma also said Government had prioritised infrastructure development as a key enabler for sustainable economic growth.
“The main thrust under infrastructure development has been road construction and rehabilitation; expansion and construction of hydro-power stations, rehabilitation of railway line and construction and modernization of airports.
“This is also aimed at linking the country to sources of raw materials and providing market access,” he said.
