Gov’t Delegation Commends Progress at Golden Baobab MFEZ in Kafue
A high-level Government delegation led by the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Siazongo Siakalenge, conducted an inspection of the Golden Baobab Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) in Kafue, expressing satisfaction with the pace of industrial development within the zone.
Mr Siakalenge praised the management and staff for the significant milestones achieved to date, noting that their commitment was evident in the progress witnessed.
He reaffirmed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call to decentralise investment beyond Lusaka, emphasising that the Golden Baobab MFEZ stands as a shining example of this national vision.
According to Mr Siakalenge, the zone is poised to attract over US$300 million in investment and create more than 2,000 jobs for Zambians over the next five years, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth and industrial diversification.
Golden Baobab MFEZ representative, Mr Paul Wu Jinghui, expressed gratitude for the Government’s continued support, stating that the approval and designation of the zone had laid a strong foundation for accelerated industrial expansion.
He added that the MFEZ aims to attract more companies, reduce Zambia’s reliance on imported goods, and stimulate local manufacturing.
The zone is earmarked to host advanced industrial activities and technologies new to the Zambian market. Planned developments include assembly of 40-tonne tipper trucks for mining, earth-moving machinery and commercial vehicles, steel processing, food processing facilities, two- and three-wheeler motorcycle assembly, a solar energy plant and electric vehicle assembly.
These investments will strengthen Zambia’s industrial base, support the national ambition to produce 3 million tonnes of copper by 2031, and enhance export capacity to neighbouring countries.
Mr Siakalenge was joined by Mr Alfred Sakiya, Permanent Secretary for the Management Development Division, and Mr Hilton Chibeleka, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at Cabinet Office.
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) delegation included Mr Febian Muleya, Assistant Director for Special Economic Zones, and Mr Gregory Mutumba, Assistant Director for Investment Tracking, alongside other senior officials and stakeholders.
