ZAM PUSHES LOCAL VALUE ADDITION




ZAMBIA SUGAR’S K350,000 SUPPORT BOLSTERS MANUFACTURERS’ MONTH AS ZAM CALLS FOR STRONGER AGRO-PROCESSING, LOCAL SUPPLY CHAINS AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24 — 9/09/2026 -- The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has welcomed a K350,000 sponsorship from Zambia Sugar Plc towards the 16th Manufacturers’ Month, describing the partnership as an important step towards strengthening local value addition, agro-processing and industrialisation.

Speaking at the cheque handover, ZAM Board Trustee Peter Cottan said agro-processing must be placed at the centre of Zambia’s industrial development because it creates opportunities for manufacturing, employment and stronger local supply chains.

"Agriculture should be seen not merely as a source of raw materials, but as a foundation for building competitive manufacturing industries, creating jobs and expanding productive capacity," Cottan stated.

He cited Zambia Sugar as an example of how processing agricultural products into finished goods can drive value addition, create jobs and stimulate growth across the wider supply chain.

Cottan urged local manufacturers to position themselves to supply the agro-processing value chain, including packaging, engineering, chemicals, transport and logistics.

"The opportunity is not simply to increase agricultural production, but to ensure that a greater share of the value it generates is retained within Zambia," he said.

He stressed that local participation must be underpinned by competitiveness, calling on manufacturers to invest in technology, meet standards and build reliable production capacity.

"This partnership is a demonstration of the value of collaboration between leading agro-processors and the manufacturing sector," Cottan added.

He concluded that strengthening agro-processing value chains is essential to achieving Vision 2030, reducing import dependence and building a more diversified and competitive economy.

ZAM CEO Muntanga Lindunda described the K350,000 contribution as a catalyst for strengthening local supply chains and industrial collaboration.

Speaking at the cheque handover, Lindunda said this year’s Manufacturers’ Month aims to move beyond celebration and create tangible business opportunities for manufacturers.

"We want to move beyond celebrating manufacturing towards creating practical opportunities for business linkages, investment, local supply chains and partnerships," Lindunda stated.

She expressed confidence that the engagement would mark the beginning of deeper collaboration between Zambia Sugar and ZAM members, particularly in identifying opportunities for local manufacturers to participate more meaningfully in value chains.

She thanked the sugar producer for recognising the importance of the manufacturing agenda and for supporting ZAM in delivering the annual event, which seeks to bring manufacturers and consumers closer together.

"Thank you once again for your generous support and for your confidence in ZAM," she added.

Lindunda then invited ZAM Board Trustee Peter Cottan to deliver remarks on behalf of the Board.

Zambia Sugar Plc has contributed K350,000 as a Partner Sponsor for the 16th Manufacturers’ Month, reaffirming its commitment to agro-processing and national industrial growth.

"We are pleased to be associated with the Zambia Association of Manufacturers," the company stated.

"We are happy to contribute to the successful hosting of Manufacturers' Month," it added.

The firm said it will actively participate in the month’s activities, which aim to strengthen manufacturing linkages.

"We are privileged that the sugar industry has been included in the nation's growth agenda," Zambia Sugar noted.

"This gives us clarity on targets and helps us align with stakeholders for seamless execution," the company explained.

"It is not just a number; we see it as a complete set of interrelated activities that will grow our economy sustainably," it emphasised.

Zambia Sugar thanked authorities for providing a clear and methodical roadmap for national development.

"We remain committed to making our fair contribution to making Zambia a successful country," the firm concluded.


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