EXPO BENEFITS
ZAMBIA must indeed get into an overdrive in attracting massive investment particularly in outlying areas which have huge potential in tourism, mining and other critical sectors.
Thus the Government should quickly complete the infrastructure development programme to open up more areas and improve communication.
Quite alright, Government has rolled out an ambitious infrastructure development programme, but this masterpiece should be concluded so that investment can trickle down to all areas in the country.
A viable blueprint was birthed to attract investment in a more balanced fashion through regional investment expositions.
Luapula Province was the first to hit the ground, followed by Central Province whose emphasis was on agriculture and agro-processing and now Northern Province is rocking.
Already, benefits in Luapula Province have started accruing.
It is expected that the Northern Province Investment Expo will have a greater impact as it is being held at the heels of the centenary celebrations of the end of the First World War.
Thus this particular expo has a unique feature and a historic aspect which has attracted a wider international audience.
This particular regional investment and tourism exposition is certainly a catalyst to economic and social growth.
As Northern Province Chamber of Commerce Secretary aptly described it, the expo is a rare opportunity for the region and country at large to showcase the potential and attract considerable investment.
Hosted under the theme, ‘Unlocking tourism and investment potential 100 years after the end of the First World War,’ this particular event should accrue considerable benefits for this country, especially in the tourism sector.
The Northern Province hosts some of the most attractive tourism sites such as the Kasaba Bay, Chishimba falls, Lumangwe falls and Kabwelume falls.
It also has the spectacular Kalambo waterfalls which is more than 200 metres deep near Mbala.
Mbala is also home to the serene but wonderful Lake Chila while Lake Tanganyika presents one of the deepest water bodies and a port in Mpulungu.
Yes, there will now be an improved networking among private sector players on one hand and the Government on the other.
No doubt, the expo provided an international platform for local firms seeking to venture across the Zambian borders. Without information a business venture cannot flourish. Therefore, the regional expos that have been held so far, have raised awareness among local and international investors.
Copperbelt will be holding its own version in the first quarter of next year while other regions will follow suit within that year.
Government decision-makers and the private sector should not slumber after the expositions, but make fervent follow ups and ensure that networking and investment benefits remain sustainable.
Private sector players, who are key in sustainable growth, must keep a tab on Government so that together they can sustain the growth agenda of this country.
It will be prudent to upscale momentum in critical sectors which include tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining and construction.
For instance, the Government should offer incentives to farmers to grow other crops rather than concentrating on maize.
Agriculture extension services must be deployed to all areas to raise awareness and also offer expert advice on other food crops.
In the tourism sector, infrastructure needs to be improved in tourism spots so that international visitors will be able to visit and sample some of the attractive and unique packages in Zambia.
There are so many wonderful waterfalls, wildlife, refreshing vegetation, lakes and rivers which have remained unexploited because of poor road infrastructure and inadequate lodging facilities.
Why should tourists from Europe lodge in South Africa and only fly into Zambia for a few hours to view wildlife and the waterfalls!
The Government and the private sector must thus work together before, during and after the expos to thrash out all investment barriers.