Mimbula Minerals, BDC Zambia Boost Women’s Entrepreneurship in Chingola
Mimbula Minerals Limited, in partnership with the Business Development Centre (BDC) Zambia, has launched a five-day business development training programme aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial skills among cooperatives in Chingola District.
The initiative, now in its fifth year, has already empowered over 200 women-led cooperatives with practical business knowledge and access to startup capital. The training forms part of Mimbula Minerals’ broader Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative (CSRI), which is centered on inclusive and sustainable community development.
Speaking at the launch event held at Chikola Secondary School, BDC Zambia Programmes Manager Mr. Lovate Mbao praised the ongoing collaboration with Mimbula Minerals, noting the programme’s impact on local entrepreneurship.
“This initiative, funded by Mimbula Minerals and delivered through BDC Zambia, continues to produce remarkable success stories. We offer hands-on training, personalised mentorship, and post-training business development support. Graduates are also empowered with startup capital to kick-start or boost their businesses,” Mr. Mbao said.
Acting Chingola District Commissioner, Mr. Stephanie Moonze, commended the initiative’s unique post-graduation support model, emphasizing its role in transforming lives.
“The mentorship continues for twelve months post-training. This ensures that participants are not only trained but guided through the real-world challenges of running a business. We are already seeing lives transformed and communities strengthened through this model,” said Mr. Moonze.
The initiative is aligned with Zambia’s national development priorities, particularly those promoting women’s empowerment, income generation, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Mimbula Minerals’ CSR strategy integrates economic empowerment, education, health, and hygiene. The company is also championing financial inclusion through Village Banking, helping close the financial access gap and promoting economic independence among women in its host communities.
“We’ve gained valuable skills, resources, and most importantly, confidence. This programme has truly empowered us to take charge of our futures,” said Ms. Mable Mbewe, one of the programme’s newest beneficiaries.
As part of its long-term vision, Mimbula Minerals and BDC Zambia plan to scale up the programme in the coming months to reach more cooperatives and expand its impact.
“This partnership with BDC Zambia demonstrates our deep commitment to creating shared value with our host communities,” reads a statement from Mimbula Minerals Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Ian Chitu-Chomba.
Mimbula Minerals reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development across Chingola, especially in enterprise development, education, health, and hygiene.
