Kangwa Commends Private Sector Role in Driving Zambia’s Agricultural Transformation
Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has commended the private sector for its active contribution to advancing Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda during a working visit to Mkushi District.
Mr Kangwa, who was accompanied by Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, Ministry of Finance and National Planning Permanent Secretary Mulele Maketo Mulele, and Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary – Technical Services John Mulongoti, toured a commercial farm owned by Blair McCleod.
The delegation observed a range of crops under cultivation, including seed maize, onions, potatoes and citrus, highlighting the farm’s diversified and commercially oriented approach to agriculture.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Kangwa expressed appreciation to Mr McCleod for aligning his investment with Government policies and contributing to national agricultural production.
He noted that the private sector remains a critical driver of growth in the agriculture sector and a key pillar in Zambia’s broader development agenda.
Mr Kangwa further emphasised that increased private sector participation will be essential in achieving the ambitious production targets set by the President, Hakainde Hichilema. These include producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize, and 1 million metric tonnes each of wheat and soyabeans annually by 2031.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment that promotes investment, productivity and innovation within the sector.
Earlier, Mr McCleod expressed gratitude for the favourable policy environment created by Government, which he said has facilitated the growth and expansion of his farming operations.
He particularly commended the Ministry of Agriculture for its continued support through the Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service, noting that the assistance has been instrumental in ensuring compliance and improving productivity.
The visit provided an opportunity for senior Government officials to assess the implementation of agricultural policies at farm level, while strengthening collaboration between Government and the private sector.
Government has reiterated its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to drive agricultural transformation, enhance food security and position Zambia as a leading agricultural producer in the region.
