Zambia (Muchinga): Muchinga Province Minister Henry Sikazwe has appealed to the Egyptian African Business Association (EABA) and its partners to consider collaborating with Muchinga Province on the use of water harvesting technology.
The Minister made the appeal during yesterday’s 2nd edition of the Egyptian African Business Association (EABA) in Cairo.
Sikazwe said Muchinga Province is aware that Egypt is advanced in using smart agriculture technology, and of interest is the water harvesting techniques.
Media reports that the Provincial Minister also stated that the government of the Republic of Zambia is unlocking the potential by improving animal health, animal identification and traceability, and livestock breeding programmes.
He said Muchinga Province is one of the provinces where the government of Zambia has set up two animal breeding centres in Muchinga Province namely Mbesuma cattle breeding centre in Chinsali District and Luchembe goat breeding centre in Mpika District.
“Opportunities to establish animal clinics and more animal breeding centres are available in Muchinga province that the Arab community may consider venturing into,” Sikazwe said.
Moreover, Sikazwe mentioned that the Zambian Government is also diversifying the tourism sector to include wildlife conservation and management, cultural tourism, health tourism and sports tourism.
He said Muchinga Province boasts of having three big national parks, namely South Luangwa, North Luangwa and Lavushimanda National Parks, as well as the Bangweulu wetlands.
The Provincial Minister further appealed to the Egyptian African Business Association (EABA) and the Arab community to consider exploring investment opportunities in the Muchinga region.
Speaking earlier, Egyptian African Business Association (EABA) Chairman Yousrey Sharkawi said the association is aware of the challenges faced by most African countries in terms of infrastructure development.
Dr. Sharkawi added that there is a need to work together to improve the living standards of most African countries, saying it’s not easy for some African countries to stand alone.
“If we work together as one, most African countries will be developed in terms of infrastructure development,” he said.
The EABA Chairman further stated that the association is ready to partner with the Republic of Zambia in attaining development in all areas. He said Zambia is a peaceful country with a lot of resources that can boost its economy.
“The resources that you have in Zambia and in Muchinga Province, like minerals, forests, water bodies, and national parks, can woo investors from here at any time,” he said.
Dr. Sharkawi further called on the Muchinga Provincial Administration to ensure modalities are put in place so that the association and its partners can start planning to invest in the Province.
Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) Vice President Ngongola Reinke said investing in Zambia offers a lot of opportunities.
Reinke mentioned some of the opportunities as affordable labour, zero rating of tax on agricultural products and supplies, and 10 percent income tax on farming profits.
She said the government is conducting geophysical surveys, which will accelerate mineral exploration, exploitation, and trade. Earlier, the Muchinga Province Assistant Director Mataa Kamenda made a presentation on the various investment opportunities available in the Province.
Kamenda assured the Egyptian African Business Association that the traditional leadership has been engaged to ensure land is available for investors.
The delegation from Muchinga, which is attending the EABA, also showcased some of the province’s resources, including different types of minerals and food.