Replicate Zampalm project, IDC told

By PRINCE CHIBAWAH THE Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has been urged to replicate the Zampalm project in other parts of the country as a way of encouraging farmers to stop depending on growing maize in Zambia.

In an interview yesterday, Alliance for Luapula Young Entrepreneurs (ALYE) executive director, Edwin Nyirongo said the project had inspired several SMEs who are willing to invest in palm oil processing.

The Zampalm project which is jointly being implemented in Mpika by IDC and ZAMBEEF is expected to boost the production of palm oil in the country once fully operational.

“The decision by IDC to invest in the Zampalm project is a step in the right direction especially when we are trying to diversify our economy from copper dependence,” said Mr Nyirongo.

He said apart from empowering the farmers, the project was key to creating wealth for the country through reducing the importation of edible oil.

“According to the current statistics, the market for edible oil in Zambia is 120, 000 metric tonnes per annum. And about 70 percent of this figure is imported mostly from East Africa and South Africa as finished edible oil.” Mr Nyirongo said the implementation of such a project comes with other benefits such as improved road network, schools and clinics, among other amenities to better the lives of the locals.

He urged Zambians to embrace the Zampalm project.

“As far as we are concerned, IDC’s US$16 million in the Zampalm is worth the investment. My organisation is ready to work with IDC in all projects aimed at addressing poverty and unemployment level among the youths,” said Mr Nyirongo.

IDC recently announced that the Zampalm project would save Zambia about US$100 million in foreign exchange outflows every …..?

One of the key features of Zampalm project is the creation of outgrower schemes to cover between 5, 000 and 10, 000 small scale farmers.