A formal courtesy visit took place between Pick n Pay leadership and Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry as General Manager Jannie Potgieter, together with members of staff, met Hon. Chipoka Mulenga to bid him farewell ahead of the end of his tenure on Friday, 15th May 2026. The meeting reflected a moment of appreciation for the working relationship built between the retail group and the Ministry during his time in office. It also highlighted the importance of continuity in public and private sector engagement in strengthening Zambia’s economic environment. The visit was described as a gesture of respect and mutual recognition of shared achievements. It came at a time when collaboration between government and investors remains central to retail and trade development.
Discussions during the courtesy call focused on the long-standing partnership between Pick n Pay and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. Both sides reflected on efforts to strengthen Zambia’s retail sector, improve supply chain efficiency, and support consumer access to essential goods. The meeting also acknowledged the broader role of structured engagement between government and private sector players in driving economic stability. Staff accompanying the General Manager noted that the relationship with the Ministry had remained constructive and supportive over the years. The interaction reinforced the importance of dialogue in addressing operational and policy challenges within the retail industry.
General Manager Jannie Potgieter expressed gratitude for the leadership and cooperation shown by Hon. Chipoka Mulenga during his tenure. He noted that the Ministry’s openness to engagement had contributed to a productive business environment for retail operations in Zambia. He also emphasized that Pick n Pay values its role in contributing to the country’s retail landscape through job creation, product availability, and supply chain participation. The company highlighted that collaboration with government institutions has helped improve operational stability and business confidence. The farewell visit served as an opportunity to formally acknowledge these shared achievements.
In response, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, expressed appreciation for the relationship built with Pick n Pay during his time in office. He acknowledged the company’s contribution to strengthening Zambia’s retail sector and supporting economic activity through consistent investment and service delivery. He further noted that private sector participation remains essential in advancing national trade and industrial goals. The Minister thanked the delegation for their partnership and for contributing to a constructive working relationship with government. His remarks reflected a commitment to ensuring that collaboration between investors and the state remains a cornerstone of economic development.
The farewell engagement between Pick n Pay and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry underscored the value of strong institutional relationships in supporting Zambia’s economic growth. It also highlighted the importance of continuity in policy engagement between government and private sector stakeholders. As Hon. Chipoka Mulenga prepares to conclude his tenure, the interaction served as recognition of efforts made to strengthen retail sector cooperation and investor relations. The meeting reinforced the shared responsibility of building a stable and competitive commercial environment in Zambia. It concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration in advancing the country’s retail and trade development agenda.