Gov’t Pledges Support for Sustainable and Prosperous Cooperatives
The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering sustainable and prosperous cooperatives as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in Zambia.
During a meeting with a delegation of retired clergy at his office in Lusaka, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hon. Elias Mubanga, emphasized the vital role of cooperatives in improving livelihoods and boosting entrepreneurship.
He assured the delegation of the government’s continued support through tailored empowerment schemes aimed at enhancing cooperative capacities.
Hon. Mubanga highlighted the church’s potential to benefit from various empowerment programs and underscored the importance of partnering with faith-based organizations to drive community development.
He further pledged the Ministry’s support for entrepreneurship initiatives led by retired clergy, recognizing their participation as a model of resilience and self-reliance.
The retired clergy have established the Retired Reverend Cooperative, focusing on agricultural ventures, with operations set to commence in Chongwe District.
Speaking on behalf of the cooperative, team leader Reverend Zite Tembo praised the government’s commitment to promoting cooperatives, noting that their initiative aims to tackle economic challenges faced by retired clergy and empower them to remain productive after years of service in ministry.
Rev. Tembo expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its ongoing efforts in providing opportunities and resources that foster the growth and sustainability of cooperatives across the country.
The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development remains steadfast in its mission to create an enabling environment for cooperatives, ensuring their contribution to Zambia’s broader economic transformation agenda.
