Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary Mrs. Subeta Mutelo says Government is determined to ensuring that all citizens contribute to the development of local communities by actively participating in the economic transformation agenda that promotes wealth and job creation.
Speaking when she officiated at the Government, CNC 360 and Choppies Capacity Building Workshop for market linkages in Lusaka at Mulungushi Conference Centre, The Permanent Secretary said government will continue providing platforms for pitching for business ideas, seeking for incentives, innovation and market penetration.
The Permanent Secretary said her Ministry was happy to note that few months after launching the CNC 360-Choppies Capacity building program other chain stores among them Shoprite and Pick N Pay have come forth to see how best they can contribute to the growth of SMEs.
Mrs. Subeta pointed out that Since the Launch of the CNC 360-Choppies Capacity building over 20 SMEs have been linked to the chain store and where supplying their goods across the Chainstore network.
She retaliated the importance for Government to join hands with others in order to promote the growth and development of cooperatives and SMEs.
She noted that this can be achieved by addressing the pillars of the entrepreneurship ecosystem which includes, mind-set and business acumen, access to market and finance.
The Permanent Secretary added that government will continue pursing collective goals with its partners such as Chainstores in order to realise the potential that lies within the nation for growth, innovation and creativity.
Mrs. Mutelo further called on all financial and risk mitigation firms to join government in its quest to make Zambia the financing, investment and innovation destination of choice as the nation positions itself in making a huge impact on the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.
She observed that achieving this will require concerted efforts, partnerships and strategic engagements.
And CNC 360 Consulting Limited Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lucy Nyundo has thanked government for the support rendered in ensuring SMEs and Cooperatives in Zambia supporting not only with finances but hard and soft skills that are beneficial to their daily businesses.
Dr. Nyundo said CNC360 Consulting Ltd is committed to demonstrating that synergy and collaboration among Actors in the SME Ecosystem are actualized for the nation to appreciate the SMEs potential to contribute to the socioeconomic development of Zambia.
She said the Capacity building trainings they were holding in Lusaka District is aimed at bringing innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive capacity building of entrepreneurs and SMEs using a sector responsive approach to enable them start up and sustainably grow their businesses for the greater good.
She added that trainings are also aimed that imparting knowledge and insights on financing for business growth and operations, navigating competition from big companies and benefits of compliance among other things.
She thanked government, EcoBank and USAID EDGE project for the support and partnership in ensuring that SMEs are equipped with the right skills set required for them to grow.
The Training has attracted over 200 participants and is expected to be rolled to over provinces and districts soon.
And Choppies Marketing Manager Mwansa Fundafunda thanked Government for partnering with the chain store in providing a solution and bettering the business environment for SMEs and Cooperatives in Zambia.
Mr. Fundafunda said Choppies stands ready to support SMEs in ensuring they provide the market not only to sell of their products but enjoy a network on the platform that enables them to link with others in the industry.
He said the Capacity building initiative is a good platform that targets developing MSMEs and encourages them to produce quality products.
He said by attending such training SMEs are capacitated to not only look for the local market but begin to expand and tap into the global market.
