Zambia best for investment in Africa

ZAMBIA is one of the best African countries for investment because of political stability and a conducive business environment, Central province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kabwe has said.

Mr Kabwe said this in response to challenges presented to him by Mkushi Farmers Association (MFA) acting chairman Bruce Skinner during the Mkushi Expo breakfast meeting held at Mkushi Country Club on Monday.

Mr Kabwe cited the land policy draft which he said was a hot issue to farmers and challenged them to read the document, understand it and make submissions.

He also urged the farmers to make submissions to the draft water policy.

Mr Kabwe said the Patriotic Front government was not merely a listening one but also walked the talk.

“I know your morale is low because of challenges you are going through. Government will support you. We are going to support you so that you contribute to the economy. Agriculture is key to economic growth. Our role is to support you so that you make profit because farming is business, trust us,” Mr Kabwe said.

He added: “We are consulting farmers. Land is a resource and it is very important to protect this resource. We are going to attend to some issues but will not resolve everything. Your government is very supportive. In Africa, you will never find a politically stable country like Zambia.” Mr. Kabwe said.

Mr. Kabwe said the government was working on the models of how to work with farmers for the development of the country.

Some of the major challenges Mr Skinner presented to Mr Kabwe involved issues relating to land policy, WARMA, water regulation, council charges such as crop levy, police road blocks and NAPSA online services.

Mr Skinner said the farmers wanted the land policy to be clarified because it was not clear what the new policy hoped to achieve.