2015 Zambia Entrepreneurship Summit Successful

By Staff Reporter, LUSAKA 

A 2015 Entrepreneurship Summit organized by Women’s Entrepreneurship Center of Resources, Education, Access and Training for Economic Empowerment (WECREATE) which took place in Lusaka, Kuku compound unfolded successfully. 

The summit was graced by Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Margaret Mwanakatwe on behalf the Republican Vice President Ms. Inonge Wina. The main theme of the summit was “Accessing Good Ideas, Accessing Financing”. 

In a speech, Mrs. Mwanakatwe said government is committed to supporting innovative businesses and social solutions, especially in prioritized areas and social-economic growth such as agriculture, tourism, Education, Health, Infrastructure Development among other things. 

She pointed that government is doing everything possible to take Zambia to a developed country by 2064, adding that development lies in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Mrs. Mwanakatwe also disclosed that government is considering re-looking at the whole approach to empowerment funds being administered by the ministries of commerce, Trade and Industry, Gender, Agriculture Youth, Sport and Child Development and Community Development and Social Welfare, with the view to harmonizing and most importantly, up scaling and redefining training for applicants. 

And US Ambassador to Zambia, Eric Shultz added that entrepreneurs could lead Zambia from reliance on aid to prosperity through business and trade. 

Mr. Schultz further said Zambia has great economic potential which young entrepreneurs should tap. 

Meanwhile WECREATE Executive Director Nambula Kachumi has called on government to address the factors which will accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship and consequently impact on the much desired transformation of Zambia into developed country.