KCM says it’s giving business to 200 SMEs

By MAILESI BANDA KONKOLA Copper Mines supports over 200 Small and Medium scale Entrepreneurs who supply the mine with goods and services as part of the promotion of growth for the local business sector.

KCM, director corporate affairs Mubiana Akakandelwa said the mine was committed to stimulate the local sourcing agenda.

Mr.Akakandelwa encouraged local businesses to be competitive and provide more services to the mines adding that this will save the sector money as they spend more on importing goods and services.

Speaking during a discussion on championing business linkages for economic growth held in Lusaka yesterday, he said sourcing products locally would reduce the cost of production for companies.

He however lamented that the major challenge with the SME sector was consistency and timely distribution of goods.

"The local SMEs sector has the potential to gain access to most companies but the biggest setback is with consistency and distribution. Most SMEs fail to deliver goods on time and once volumes increase they compromise on quality just to increase volumes, “he said.

Mr.Akakandelwa however disclosed that they sourced about 86 percent of their products and services locally representing 170 companies.

He noted that there was room for improvement in line with local sourcing adding that Government played a major role in ensuring the attainment of the buy local campaign.

"Government is in charge of the policy frame work of the country and once they are able to formulate policies that will support the buy local campaign the land scape will change, “he said.

He revealed that they were working on a project that was aimed at empowering SMEs with financial skills for economic business and economic development.