Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson, Henry Kapata, says Zambia’s drive to expand local manufacturing is beginning to take shape at the Golden Baobab Multi facility Economic Zone in Kafue, where truck trailer assembly is now underway, alongside timber processing and preparations for animal stock feed production.
Mr Kapata says TONGYA AUTO is currently assembling about 5 truck trailers using imported components while training Zambians in different aspects of the assembly process.
He says the company plans to move towards manufacturing components locally and engaging Zambian businesses to supply parts.
Mr Kapata says the animal stock feed plant is complete and awaiting the start of production.
The plant is expected to process 10 tonnes of feed daily and recruit more than 100 direct employees.
The company is also seeking suppliers of maize, wheat and soya beans.
Meanwhile, a 5-megawatt solar power plant is being developed to supply electricity to companies operating within the zone, with operations expected to begin in the coming days.
Mr Kapata has told the media business news that the developments align with President Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to increase agricultural production, expand manufacturing, strengthen local value chains and create jobs.
The agenda includes targets such as producing 10 million tonnes of maize, 3 million tonnes of soya beans and 1 million tonnes of wheat, alongside expanding electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts.
Mr Kapata says achieving these ambitions requires more than increasing production saying this also requires industries that can process agricultural produce, manufacture goods locally and create markets for Zambian suppliers.
With trailer assembly underway, timber processing in operation, an animal stock feed plant awaiting production and solar power being developed, Golden Baobab is beginning to demonstrate how investment in industry can support the wider objectives of the Grow Zambia Agenda.
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