Egyptian power firm to create 40,000 jobs

AN EGYPTIAN power company, Elsewedy Electric Group of companies is set to create about 40,000 jobs in Zambia through expansion of power projects to be set up in Lusaka’s South Multi-Facility Economic Zones (MFEZ) and in rural areas.

According to company president, Ahmed El Sewedy, the firm, which has been operating in Zambia for seven years now, intended to expand its scope of work. “Our decision to expand the investment prospects was arrived at after President Lungu visited Egypt. Therefore we intend to establish an industrial hub and also expand our transmission lines,” he said. He was speaking in Lusaka recently when his company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Zambia Development Agency to allow the expansion of the group’s work expansion in Zambia. Mr. El Sewedy also said the projects were expected to create employment for the locals and boost their living standards especially in the rural areas where the company plans to invest in solar power. Former Commerce Trade and Industry minister, Margaret Mwanakatwe, said it was commendable that Elsewedy would expand its investments in Zambia. Ms. Mwanakatwe who is now Finance Minister, said she is aware that the company intends to create an industrial park at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone (LS- MFEZ). “We have seen what you are capable of doing therefore we would like to assure you that we have already identified 40, 000 square meters of land for the projects,” she said. She also said Elsewedy was keen to put up 100MW of solar power and that Government has pledged to facilitate a working relationship between the company and the ministry of energy. Ms. Mwanakatwe said the energy sector and the industrial base in Zambia was growing and therefore Government must have the capacity to produce the needed power. Elsewedy is specialised in the supply, installation and commissioning of overhead transmission lines and substations on a turnkey basis and industries including rural electrification and street lighting projects throughout Africa, the Middle East and Europe.