By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
ZAMBEEF Products will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the new United Kingdom (UK) government-funded Private Enterprise Programme – Zambia (PEP-Z) to reinforce market linkages for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs across the country.
Zambia’s leading food processor is among the first anchor companies set to sign such the MoU with PEP-Z, which aims to build and strengthen the capacity of Zambian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the private sector to create jobs and contribute to economic diversification.
In statement released at the weekend Zambeef chief executive officer Francis Grogan said Zambia’s farmers had the capacity to feed the nation without the need for imports.
Mr Grogan said contrary to reports, Zambeef was expanding its meat processing operations and had no intention of closing abattoirs or lay-off workers.
PEP-Z programme manager Bayo Akindeinde welcomed Zambeef’s enthusiasm for the PEP-Z initiative saying Zambeef as one of the first anchor companies, was privileged to be working with a company that demonstrated commitment to providing a market for entrepreneurs and linking them to retailers and consumers.
PEP-Z business linkages manager Andrew Kambobe said the company was looking forward to working with a core of Zambia’s best and most innovative companies to support the entrepreneurs who will become the conglomerates of the future.
