By JOWIT SALUSEKI –
THE role of businesses in national development world-wide has become an important agenda matter for most governments.
Even the developed countries of the north are paying a lot of attention to issues of the private led business sectors.
In fact it has been stated that in many of these developed countries almost 60 percent of their economies are made up of small-scale enterprises.
Developing countries cannot afford to neglect or ignore issues relating to the private sector as these businesses have the potential to significantly contribute to national development.
All over the world, participation by the private sector in business is rising steadily year after year.
In Zambia, the Government started pursuing the development of the private sector in the late 70s when it was becoming quite clear that the large business sector, which continues to be predominantly mining, could not absorb all those in need of employment.
At the time, the country also faced the problem of people migrating from the countryside to the urban areas in search of formal employment.
To reverse this trend, the Government started by creating the Village Industry Service (VIS) in 1978, which was meant to encourage as well as provide support to rural communities to develop and utilise artisan craft skills and thereby produce crafts that could be sold in exchange for money.
Later in 1981, through an Act of Parliament, the Government created the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO), which through an amendment of the Act during 1996 is currently known as the Small Enterprises Development Board (SEDB).
This organisation was meant to provide larger volumes of support to those venturing into small businesses.
However, although the Government provided legislation and an institutional as well as a policy framework in the initial stages of the development of small businesses, it may not necessarily be the best executor.
Over the years, chambers of commerce have been able to provide access to valuable resources, discounts, and relationships that help businesses save money and market their products.
By joining any chamber of commerce and industry, members are able to enhance their networking strategies, boost sales and significantly improve a local business’ visibility and credibility.
On January 28, 2023, the North -Western Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NWCCI) ushered in new office bearers led by Kayula Lombanya.
The chamber has in the last four years been led by Mukumbi Kafuta as the president.
Among the newly elected NWCCI executive committee were Ms Lombanya as president, Margaret Phiri as vice president commerce, Kachinga Sichalwe (unopposed) as vice president chamber services and Food 24 proprietor a Ms Fwoloshi as vice president industry and manufacturing.
By becoming the NWCCI president, Ms Lombanya is following in the footsteps of Christabel Nyongola who in 2020 became the Kabwe Chamber of Commerce and Industry president as well as Livingstone Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)president Namakau Siyanga.
With a career spanning over 13 years of proven professional leadership, Ms Lombanya says she passionately believes in working towards a vision, while seeking to gain new experiences.
“My work and two –term experience as vice –president of the North –Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as a past branch manager of one of the largest commercial banks in the country and currently working as general manager of a niche Pan-African financial services and investments group , uniquely qualifies me as a president,” Ms Lombanya says.
She notes that having had a broad experience in leadership and management, she understands the needs and knows how to get things done.
“As a president, I intend to facilitate a conducive business environment across all economic sectors by adhering to the chamber’s core values and five year strategic plan.
“I will walk with the membership in the economic future of North-Western Province and professionally listen to everyone with respect and empathy,” Ms Lombanya said in her acceptance speech.
Ms Lombanya takes over from Fortune World Investments Limited, Managing Director Mukumbi Kafuta who in 2018 became the president of the NWCCI.
At the time, Mr Kafuta, was vice-president for Industry and Manufacturing in the executive.
During that time, Mr Kafuta romped to victory after trouncing his only challenger, Chisha Chanda to claim the leadership of the chamber, from Josephine Makondo who in 2018 did not seek re-election.
Ms Lombanya says as a chamber president, she would lobby for more business opportunities and job creation for the people of North-Western from both Government and the private sector.
She holds a Master of Science -management from Walden University and a Bachelors of Science in computing from Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS).