Following a week-long mobilization exercise on the Copperbelt region in Ndola and Kitwe respectively, Zambia Association of Manufacturers is gratified with the response of players towards ensuring that the voice of the industry in the region is adequately represented and heard.
In a meeting of Copperbelt manufacturers held at Pamo Hotel, Kitwe Friday 20th April 2018, the Association recognized the need to enhance and reinforce its advocacy efforts towards intensifying its lobby for results in the following key areas;
- Strengthening of business relationships and linkages between mining houses and manufacturers by re-igniting dialogue and action under the “Zambia Mining Local Content Initiative – ZMCLI” aimed at heightening levels of procurement of locally manufactured products.
- Engaging mining houses over the perceived shortage of scrap metal on the market, and lobbying for the disbursement and release of scrap metals from mining houses for further processing by foundries in the region;
- Increasing the lobby for the procurement of locally manufactured items of clothing such as; work suits, protective gear, and school uniforms by various stakeholders including; government, mining houses, and international organizations;
- Intensifying engagement of the government on increasing costs of production including; cost of energy, labour, and production inputs through various interventions on a tax and non-tax policy basis;
- Given the rising number of shopping malls in the region, intensify the lobby for adequate representation of local products on supermarket shelves.
- Enhance sensitization on the implications of the continental free trade area on manufacturers in the region and promote efforts to enhance preparedness for increased competition.
To this effect, the Association is pleased to announce its intentions to open a Copperbelt Office in Kitwe by the end of the quarter, to enhance its responsiveness to manufacturers and more effectively deliver manufacturing advisory and support services to all sector players.
