By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –

ZAMBEEF Products and Shoprite have pledged to support the growth of the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) across the country.
The commitment is founded on the need to forge closer links between local suppliers and consumers under an initiative launched by the UK-government-funded Private Enterprise Programme – Zambia (PEP-Z).
The initiative was being supported by the Zambeef and Shoprite, who recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding as anchor companies.
Small-scale farmers and other entrepreneurs across the country would benefit from the new programme, which was building and strengthening the capacity of Zambian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the private sector to create jobs and contribute to the diversification of the economy.
PEP-Z programme manager Bayo Akindeinde praised the enthusiasm of Shoprite and Zambeef and that both companies were already working hand-in- hand with thousands of local suppliers.
“The aim now is to strengthen those market linkages further and support entrepreneurs so that they are able to supply the quality and consistency of products that is vital for these large processors and
suppliers,” Akindeinde said.
Zambeef joint chief executive officer Francis Grogan said separately in a statement that farmers had the capacity to feed the nation without relying on imports.
“Any programme that builds on that has to be good for our business, suppliers and the nation as a whole,” Mr Grogan said.
Shoprite-Zambia general manager Charles Bota said the supermarket had a firm policy of buying from local suppliers wherever possible.
“We are keen to grow this market further. It makes business sense from our perspective, and can only strengthen the economy,” Mr Bota said.
PEP-Z business linkages manager Andrew Kambobe said Zambeef and Shoprite were among Zambia’s best and most innovative companies.
“We are delighted that they are leading the way in helping entrepreneurs to become the conglomerates of the future,” he said.