Minister Mubanga Urges Zambians to Support Locally Made Goods
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister, Elias Mubanga, has called on Zambians to embrace locally produced goods to boost economic growth, protect jobs, and support communities.
Speaking during a tour of Zambian Perfect Textiles and Brands Limited, Hon. Mubanga emphasized the need to promote local industries, warning that neglecting Zambian-made products could result in job losses and economic challenges.
“If we don’t buy Zambian-made products, people working in these industries will lose jobs, and our communities will suffer,” he said.
The Minister commended Zambian Perfect Textiles and Brands Limited for its role in job creation and investment in the textile sector. The company has so far created over 180 direct jobs and continues to invest in employee training, contributing to skills development in the country.
Hon. Mubanga reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under the UPND administration, to champion joint ventures across various sectors, including textiles, which have previously lagged. He highlighted the potential of the textile value chain to benefit multiple industries and drive economic growth.
He urged Zambian SMEs to take advantage of opportunities provided by initiatives such as Zambian Perfect Textiles and Brands Limited by supplying quality goods for both local and international markets.
Zambian Perfect Textiles and Brands Limited General Manager, Christopher Sandu, expressed gratitude to the government for advocating local product support.
He encouraged SMEs to partner with his company as retailers while the firm focuses on production.
“Zambia loses a lot of money importing goods that can be sourced locally and of good quality,” Mr. Sandu observed.
