The Development Finance Associates has underscored the need for the country to re-position itself amidst the challenges small and Medium-sized Enterprises, SMEs, are facing in view of climate change.
DFA is a Zambian based non-profit social enterprise that supports enhanced access to finance for SMEs, youth, women and marginalized groups at the bottom of the pyramid.
Associate Senior Managing Partner Trevor Hambayi says DFA will therefore launch the SME Climate Change Investment Readiness Bootcamp Program in Lusaka.
“The program is in direct response to the country’s current challenge with the impact of the drought brought about by climate change on SME’s,” said Mr. Hambayi in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said that the soon to be launched Program is a 3-year initiative that will roll out in 5 provinces across the country to incubate a total of 150 local SME’s.
Mr. Hambayi also said that the first cohort of 25 Lusaka Province based enterprises will undergo an intensive 5 months training period that will equip the SME’s with practical business skills and knowledge in business regulatory compliance, governance, financial management, market access, climate resilience, gender equity and the emerging trends on climate finance.
He said that the agenda to drive a long-term sustainable solution to addressing the country’s climate resilience lies in the country’s SMEs who constitute 97% of the country’s private sector.
By Angel Kasabo
