By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
THE Government is scouting for an investor to partner with in developing a Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) in Luapula Province, acting Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Joyce Nsamba has said.
In an interview in Lusaka, Mrs Nsamba said the administration in the province was working with the Zambia Developing Agency (ZDA) to look for a private partner to establish an MFEZ in Chembe District.
“The area has a lot of potential for various investments, that is why as the local administration we want to develop an MFEZ in partnership with private companies as a way of  attracting  investments,” Ms Nsamba said.
The land has already been secured but has not been demarcated until specifications are given by ZDA and a private partner once found.
Ms Nsamba said the area was endowed with good soil, water resources and market prospects which makes it one of the most preferred investment districts in the province.
She said so far, Sakiza Spinning Company Limited had expressed interest in setting up a 10,000 hectare sugarcane production and processing plant in district.
“The company is looking for about 10,000 hectares of land and is ready to start once all the formalities are done,” Ms Nsamba said.
She said investors who would invest in the MFEZ would be assured of readily available market for their products looking at the location of the proposed site.
The MFEZ has been planned to be established near Mikambo Border with the Democratic Republic of Congo which has potential for many products.
Ms Nsamba said successful implementation of the project would see more jobs created for the local people as well as market for various farm products as the Government would continue emphasising on out-grower schemes with investors.