By HELEN ZULU – SHOPRITE Zambia has challenged local suppliers to ensure they produce quality standard products to compete favourably with the international items being stocked in the chain store. Shoprite Zambia general manager Charles Bota said it was important for local suppliers to ensure their products meet required standards by the chain store and remain consistent in supplying them. Mr Bota was speaking at the opening of the induction session for the first seven batch of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Suppliers under the partnership between Shoprite and Private Enterprise Programme Zambia (PEPZ) in Lusaka at the weekend. “The frustration we have with local suppliers is that they are not able to meet the standards, they are not consistent in their supply of products and the volumes keep changing from time to time. “We would like to encourage them that they have a big responsibility of making sure that they meet the standards required, this will make them compete well with other international products,” he said. Mr Bota said Shoprite was sourcing 75 per cent of its stocks from Zambia because local suppliers had started producing goods of high standards. He said when Shoprite opened its first outlet in October 1995, 90 per cent of the total products were imported because there were no suppliers or proper industries that could produce goods of international standards. Mr Bota said Shoprite was committed to ensure that Zambian suppliers were supported to complement Government efforts of boosting the local manufacturers. “We began intensive sensitisation, training and partnership with local companies to start stocking local products. 20 years later, we now buy about 75 per cent of total business locally. “In spite of the harsh economic climate, Shoprite is optimistic that Government’s plans would help change the current situation, we are committed to ensuring that local suppliers are brought on board and supported in their businesses,” he said. Mr Bota said Shoprite was also assisting local suppliers to export some crops and processed meat products to countries where the chain store was in operational. He said Shoprite was further helping local manufacturers to export peanut butter, honey and other products to its stores outside Zambia so that local suppliers do not have to worry about permit applications and requirements. Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame called on other chain stores in the country to emulate Shoprite Zambia and start supporting local suppliers. She urged the local suppliers to take advantage of the recently signed trade agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and start exporting their products there. “We are happy that Shoprite has taken the lead to support local suppliers by looking at stocking their products. “We would like to call upon other chain stores in the country to emulate Shoprite in promoting the local manufacturing industry,” Ms Kayula said.