ZAMBEEF CEO Champions Innovation and SME Growth with Launch of New Poultry Facility
ZAMBEEF Products PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive agricultural development and sustainable innovation with the commissioning of its sixth Environmentally Controlled House (ECH) at Wangwa Dam, Huntley Farms in Chisamba.
The launch, attended by smallholder poultry out-growers and key industry stakeholders, marks another milestone in ZAMBEEF’s drive to modernize poultry production and empower local entrepreneurs.
The state-of-the-art ECH facility, valued at approximately USD 400,000, boasts the capacity to house 45,000 broiler chickens per production cycle. It forms part of ZAMBEEF’s broader USD 15 million investment in its poultry division—contributing to the company’s USD 100 million investment pledge announced three years ago.
ZAMBEEF CEO, Ms. Faith Mukutu, led the engagement with SME poultry out-growers during the launch event, underscoring the company’s strategic focus on integrating small-scale producers into a sustainable and innovation-driven poultry ecosystem.
“These facilities are not just infrastructure investments; they are catalysts for socio-economic transformation. They enable out-growers, their families, and employees to build better livelihoods through improved productivity, knowledge, and access to markets,” she said.
The ECH employs advanced, automated systems that regulate temperature, humidity, and ventilation to enhance poultry welfare, reduce environmental impact, and improve production efficiency—demonstrating the critical role of technology and sustainability in agricultural growth.
Ms. Mukutu highlighted the alignment of the facility with ZAMBEEF’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, contributing directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger, No Poverty, Decent Work, and Climate Action.
She reiterated ZAMBEEF’s commitment to supporting over 8,000 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly through its value chain, with a focus on MSMEs.
Representing the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), CEO Mr. Elvin Nasilele praised ZAMBEEF for its role in supporting the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) through private sector investment and innovation.
“This is the kind of innovation that drives the economic transformation we envision. ZAMBEEF is showing what is possible when the private sector leads with vision and values,” said Mr. Nasilele.
He also addressed the challenges faced by businesses, particularly local council levies, and assured stakeholders that ZACCI remains engaged in advocating for a more conducive business environment to foster expansion and economic resilience.
The event served not only as a facility launch but also as a powerful statement of partnership. ZAMBEEF thanked its network of poultry SMEs, government agencies, regulators, trade associations, and private sector partners for their continued collaboration.
“With every innovation, we are not just growing ZAMBEEF—we are helping feed the nation responsibly,” Ms. Mukutu concluded.
