Zambia is next month scheduled to host the first ever National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, and Cooperatives Indaba under the theme: “Harnessing the Power of Collaboration in Fostering MSME and Cooperative Growth for Sustainable Development”.
This came to light Wednesday morning when Minister of Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, held a media breakfast in Lusaka.
Mr. Mubanga said the indaba which is scheduled for 10th and 11th April 2024, will enhance collaboration among different stakeholders in the ecosystem to expedite promotion of MSEMs and Cooperatives and their contribution to economic growth and job creation.
He said the indaba will also provide a platform for the country to learn best practices from other countries including India, Bostwana, Malawi, Tanzania, Mauritius, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa.
“I’m optimistic that the indaba will provide valuable lessons and opportunities for collaboration to achieve the country’s objective of having an integrated coordinating framework for MSME Cooperative development programmes,” said Mr Mubanga.
He said the indaba is planned to bring together over 700 MSMEs and Cooperatives from across the country and other players in the ecosystem.
By Margaret Mwanza
