Rivonia Lauded by Minister Mutati as Model for Zambia’s Economic Growth and Job Creation
Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati MP, has commended Rivonia Manufacturing Plant, describing the local agro-processor as a prime example of President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision for economic transformation, job creation, and value addition.
During his visit to the plant, Hon. Mutati highlighted five key pillars of value essential to national development, beginning with community and decent work. He praised Rivonia’s commitment to employing local labour and providing stable, fair employment, noting that fostering a “positive community” atmosphere is vital for peace and unity. This approach aligns with President Hichilema’s goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction through job creation.
The Minister further applauded Rivonia for its dedication to value addition, sourcing local raw materials such as tomatoes and mangoes and transforming them into high-quality, competitive products. Rivonia now holds a 60% market share against imported goods, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening local industries and diversifying the economy through agro-processing.
Hon. Mutati also underscored the company’s early adoption of solar energy for production, praising it as a forward-thinking solution that demonstrates the viability of clean energy at an industrial scale. This initiative supports the President’s push for renewable energy and the creation of an investment-friendly environment.
The Minister highlighted that Rivonia’s market dominance stems from consistent quality, which he linked to disciplined management and a happy, productive workforce. He stressed the crucial connection between employee welfare and world-class output.
In addition, Hon. Mutati commended Rivonia’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly its support for the Zambia Spelling Bee Association.
“The importance of the Spelling Bee is that we are creating minds that will be creative and intelligent,” the Minister stated. “That sharpness drives innovation and is supported by technology. You first need the mind, then technology helps you deliver better.”
He emphasised that nurturing young learners’ intellectual development directly contributes to his ministry’s mandate to build a knowledge-based, technologically advanced economy.
Concluding his visit, Hon. Mutati, who serves as Spelling Bee Patron and now self-described brand ambassador, encouraged the expansion of Rivonia’s CSR initiatives. He proposed hosting Spelling Bee competitions within major retail outlets such as Shoprite to engage young future consumers with Rivonia products, while simultaneously promoting local economic growth.
“Let’s be partners for much longer,” Minister Mutati affirmed. “I will be standing in Shoprite and Choppies, holding the products, marketing them because of the positive corporate social responsibility these people are delivering to young minds.”
