Wonderful Group Marks 15 Years with K500,000 Boost for Manufacturing Week
The Wonderful Group of Companies has contributed K500,000 to the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) in support of this year’s Manufacturing Week, reaffirming its role in driving Zambia’s industrialisation and regional integration.
The cheque was presented at the group’s Lusaka headquarters by Acting Chief Executive Officer, Roy Mwamba, alongside Board Chairperson, Gilbert Temba, and Yauchi Wang. Mwamba said the sponsorship underscored the company’s long-standing commitment to manufacturing, regional trade, and national economic growth.
“Manufacturing is at the core of what we do. Zambia’s economic progress, and indeed the region’s, depends on a strong industrial base. Our sponsorship demonstrates our dedication to driving growth in this sector,” Mwamba stated.
The donation coincides with the group’s 15th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “Wonderful at 15”, which highlights the company’s contributions to the Zambian economy since its establishment in 2010. The group’s subsidiaries export fertiliser, steel, and packaging products to more than eight countries in the region.
Mwamba stressed that regional markets are essential for sustainable growth: “Zambia alone cannot sustain large-scale industrialisation. Expanding into regional markets allows us to maximise the potential of our products and contribute to broader development.”
ZAM President, Ashu Sagar, commended the group’s achievements, noting that it had accomplished in 15 years what many firms take decades to achieve. He cited the upcoming launch of United Capital Fertiliser’s expanded urea production – a US$600 million project – as a major milestone for the sector.
“This investment aligns with the government’s industrialisation agenda and will feature prominently at the Trade Facilitation Conference to be officiated by President Hakainde Hichilema,” Sagar said. He also welcomed recent policy measures, such as Statutory Instrument 45, which gives fertiliser preferential treatment in government procurement.
Board Chairperson, Gilbert Temba, highlighted manufacturing’s potential to generate mass employment, saying: “With high unemployment levels, no other sector can absorb workers as quickly as manufacturing. Some of our subsidiaries already export 50–60 percent of their output, but scaling further requires stable policy support.”
Temba urged government to strengthen policies that empower local manufacturers to compete regionally and globally, adding that industrialisation cannot thrive without consistent policy backing.
Beyond Zambia, Wonderful Group is listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, where it raised US$63 million through its initial public offering – a development ZAM described as a benchmark for Zambian firms with regional ambitions.
Over the past 15 years, the conglomerate has diversified into fertiliser, steel, and packaging, cementing its position as one of Zambia’s largest industrial groups. As it celebrates its anniversary, the company reaffirmed its commitment to expand operations while ensuring that communities benefit from its growth initiatives.
