Today, President Hakainde Hichilema attended the 60th anniversary celebration of Zambia Sugar PLC, a leading sugar producer in Africa. He commended the company for its impressive growth and significant contributions to Zambia’s economy and the global market, marking the occasion as a noteworthy milestone.
In his address, President Hichilema drew a parallel between Zambia Sugar’s achievements and the nation’s 60th Independence Anniversary, emphasizing the company’s role as a model for success that other sectors could emulate. He praised the company’s commitment to empowering local communities, particularly through its outgrower scheme, which has enabled numerous smallholder farmers around Mazabuka to thrive. The President encouraged Zambia Sugar to expand the program, allowing even more farmers to benefit from this initiative.
With Zambia facing ongoing energy challenges, exacerbated by drought conditions, President Hichilema acknowledged Zambia Sugar’s innovative efforts in renewable energy. The company currently produces 40 megawatts of electricity and has plans to increase capacity by an additional 60 megawatts. This expansion would bring total production to 100 megawatts, enabling Zambia Sugar to supply surplus energy to the national grid through ZESCO, contributing to the country’s energy needs.
President Hichilema also called on Zambia Sugar to explore new ways of processing molasses from a liquid state to pellets, which would make the byproduct more accessible to livestock farmers. He highlighted the potential benefits this could have for Zambia’s agricultural sector. Additionally, he urged the company to prioritize local hiring and contract opportunities to promote skills transfer and local economic empowerment, aligning with the government’s broader goals.
The President’s presence at the celebration highlighted the significance of sustainable business practices and inclusive economic development as Zambia continues to position itself as an attractive investment destination. His call to action reflects a vision for a future where local businesses, such as Zambia Sugar, play a central role in the nation’s economic growth and development.
