By JUDITH NAMUTOWE –
ELIF Business Solutions Limited has called for national dialogue on the diversification of Zambia’s economy to find solutions to various economic challenges the country is facing.
Elif is organising a national dialogue on Zambia’s economic diversification which is expected to be officiated by
. Wina
Vice-President Inonge Wina at Ndola’s Savoy Hotel from October 14 to 16 this year.
One of the objectives for the dialogue is to review and validate the 2002 report of deepening Zambia’s economic diversification and transforming the Copperbelt which was initiated by late President Levy Mwanawasa.
Elif chief executive Edwin Zulu said this was a national dialogue for Zambian citizens and Government, with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and other critical stakeholders.
“We are inviting all progressive Zambians to be part of developing the National Diversification Plan and solving the current economic situation sustainably.
“This will be an opportunity for Zambian citizens to discuss and come up with our own home-grown solutions and ideas,” Mr Zulu said.
Mr Zulu said the event had multiple benefits for individual participants and the country as a whole in that it would accord Zambians and other delegates an opportunity to learn more about Zambia’s full diversification opportunities and strategies.
He said this would further contribute to the long-awaited practical road to national economic diversification, economic growth and national sustainable economic development.
Mr Zulu said that all Zambian cooperating partners and foreign investors were invited to attend the closing ceremony by Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda during which the 2015 national economic diversification declaration was expected to be presented.
Under the declaration, Mr Zulu said they were looking at identifying and establishing three to five new industries for promotion and development in each province focusing on agriculture and renewable energy, among others.
“For Luapula Province, we are looking at establishing a banana scheme considering its potential,” he said.
