ZAM ANNOUNCES 16TH MANUFACTURERS' MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER

By Bangwe Naviley‍

The Zambia Association of Manufacturers has announced the 16th Annual Manufacturers' Month, to be held throughout September under the theme "Towards Vision 2030: Resurgent Manufacturing for a Prosperous and Inclusive Economy."

ZAM President Mohammed Umar said the theme reflects both the progress Zambia has made and the work that still lies ahead for the manufacturing sector.

Umar observed that a strong manufacturing sector creates jobs, adds value to natural resources, promotes innovation, grows exports and strengthens economic resilience.

He noted that the sector's priorities include reliable and affordable electricity, a lower cost of doing business, wider access to long-term finance, predictable tax policy and stronger implementation of local content policy.

Umar added that this year's programme features the Mining Local Content Conference, the Energy Efficiency Conference, the Proudly Zambian Expo, and the Manufacturers' Gala Dinner where Energy Efficiency

Awards will be presented for the first time.

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Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Crusivia Hichikumba said that between 2021 and June 2026, manufacturing accounted for 38.5 per cent of actualised investment and generated over 46,000 jobs.

Hichikumba noted that manufacturing currently contributes around 9.3 per cent of GDP and 10.4 per cent of government tax revenue as at the first quarter of this year.

He said the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry is actively working on industry priorities through its industrialisation and local content agenda.

Hichikumba affirmed that the government will be present and engaged at both the Mining Local Content Conference and the Energy Efficiency Conference.

ZAM Chief Executive Officer Muntanga Lindunda said the Manufacturers' Month has become Zambia's flagship platform for celebrating local manufacturing and promoting Proudly Zambian products.

Lindunda added that the briefing marks the beginning of the journey to invite businesses, consumers and the nation to join in celebrating manufacturing's contribution to economic transformation.

She said the media's support in telling the story of Zambian manufacturing will be instrumental in ensuring the message reaches every corner of the country.

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