By CHATULA KANGALI –
THE Zambia Export Development Fund (ZEDF) has secured a total of $29 million to support non – traditional Zambian companies as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) to grow their export base in Zambia.
Recently, $25 million was secured from development finance funders, other funders and investors which increased the fund base to US$29 million.
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) head of communications Kwali Mfune said the fund was intended to provide affordable finance for SMEs, firms, women and youth.
Ms Mfune said in order to access the Export Development Fund (EDF), applicants should be incorporated or registered business; viable transactions with established counterpart and verifiable off-takers; support women and youth empowerment; evidence of profitability, jobs and foreign exchange earnings.