EMULATE LUAPULA

THE Luapula Province Economic Expo of 2017 has continued to be an inspiration of how development could be enhanced when people are focused and work together.

The Luapula Expo was a trailblazer that saw other provinces organize similar economic growth boosting expositions to attract investors to their regions.

While other regions have been quiet since staging their expos, Luapula appears to be the only region showing that resolutions passed from their expo are being followed through.

Yesterday, State House played host to several companies from Luapula Province as they showcased their products.

Among the companies that presented products are Mansa Sugar, Jembara and Kawambwa Tea.

Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa reported that following the Expo in 2017 a number of companies have come on board and have started operating in the region.

The leadership that has been exhibited by the provincial administration in Luapula is what the whole country needs to turn the country’s economy round.

The nation must see the results of the provincial expositions that followed in each province with the setting up of viable projects that are providing employment to the local populations.

Companies cannot claim that they lack support from the government when President Edgar Lungu declared that his administration will help Zambian manufacturing companies to remain profitable.

President Lungu said those who are in the manufacturing and value addition sector should be free to approach Government and suggest how best they could be helped.

We are surprised that companies are not aware of the various programmes available to them because they lack information.

If anything, it just shows that the entrepreneurs themselves do not do any research or engage with the various ministries to find out what support is available for them. While expressing sadness that most entrepreneurs were unable to access funding due to lack of information, President Lungu said those who are in the manufacturing and value addition sector should be free to approach Government and suggest how best they could be helped.

President Lungu said the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has funds to help people that were involved in manufacturing and value addition.

He said those involved in business should gather the courage to approach the ministry of Commerce and find out what programmes are there for them.

It is surprising that entrepreneurs want to be told by the President what support is available from the government when the ideal situation would be for them to keep the technocrats at the ministry on their toes.

The three companies that showcased their products at State House deserve all the support from the government for their resilience.

Mansa Sugar for example must be commended for producing sugar and ending the myth that sugar could only be produced at Nakambala in Mazabuka.

We agree with the President that Zambians must change their mindset if they are to succeed in entrepreneurship ventures.

It is the only way that the country can develop and become an exporter as opposed to being an importer of consumer goods.

The country’s foreign reserves will not improve until Zambians realise that value–addition is what will boost the economy and make life cheaper for all.