SICHINGA

THE Patriotic Front (PF) Government seems to be on track regarding development of value chain projects around the country’s provincial centres.
Commitment being exhibited by the Government through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) is exemplary and results are there for every ally and foe to witness.
It is important to note that the Government’s vision on the development of Zambia’s economy is on course and this hinges on the scaling-up of economic projects such as the value chain concept currently being implemented.
This goes in line with the much anticipated industrial clusters which are expected to be rolled out in all the country’s provincial centres.
There will be immense benefits to nearly all Zambian citizens as these projects will endeavour to improve their standards of living through employment creation and poverty alleviation.
This is why we are elated by the fact that the Government has continued to spearhead these projects that aim at improving the country’s economic status through the diversification process.
Among the many projects that have been implemented through value chain programmes are agriculture and aquaculture, which have been identified in many parts of the country.
The recent launch of the aquaculture value chain projects in the Kafubu farm bloc in Luanshya on the Copperbelt is an economic plus for that area’s population whose main activity is small-scale farming.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Robert Sichinga, who flagged off the K1 million projects which will benefit a total of 18 fish farmers, has indicated that this economic activity is expected to create more than 70 jobs.
The minister said the project was among 26 others that the CEEC had so far approved under the aquaculture value chain programme.
Another project worth mentioning on the Copperbelt and other areas is dairy farming which CEEC has so far earmarked for funding.
There is also need by the Government, as one farmer has observed, to continue identifying potential economic projects and to increase funding in order to accelerate development.
It is hoped that Zambia will in the next decade be among the highly industrialised countries in the sub-region from the rural point of view.
What is important for the Government now is to continue mobilising resources for the development of roads, power and communication infrastructure that are key to the attraction of foreign direct investments (FDI) to these areas.
The ongoing programmes will definitely enhance economic diversification and help the country reduce overdependence on copper as its economic mainstay.
Although success cannot be achieved overnight, there is hope that the Government will deliver as per promise so that the country can increase non-traditional exports (NTEs).
Latest statistics show that Zambia’s NTE earnings have soared to US$2.2 billion, increasing by $1 billion over the last three years.
The Government certainly needs the support of all stakeholders in order for it to deliver to the satisfaction of the Zambian people.