The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and Technoserve Zambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the business performance and competitiveness of MSMEs, small holder farmers and cooperatives, through the provision of various business development support services (BDS).
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony on April 9, 2021, ZDA Director General Mukula Makasa said the partnership between ZDA and Technoserve served as a building block for enhancing competitiveness of MSMEs, small holder farmers and cooperatives.
Mr. Makasa explained that government through ZDA was working tirelessly to help boost the growth and competitiveness of MSMEs, so that that they can be integrated into the mainstream economy and participate in regional and global supply chains.
He disclosed that ZDA already had a relationship with Technoserve Zambia and the MoU was to merely formalise an already existing relationship between the two institutions.
“We have decided to formalise our relationship and the focus of the partnership is business incubation particularly product development and business development services which will include access to finance and access to the market,” Mr. Makasa declared. “The interventions will enhance the growth of local enterprises and also increase non- traditional exports (NTE) which will contribute immensely to the economic recovery of the country.”
He expressed optimism that the partnership between ZDA and Technoserve would add significant value to the economy.
And Technoserve Country Director Chileshe Chilangwa expressed gratitude to ZDA for trusting her organisation and formalising the already existing relationship.
Ms. Chilangwa disclosed that Technoserve had been around for over 50 and has been operating in other countries and only entered Zambia in 2010.
She explained that Technoserves’ first assignment was to understand the needs of the country, which culminated into the partnership with the ZDA.
Ms. Chilangwa said her institution was excited to work with ZDA in helping MSMEs improve their standards, quality of products and to access the local super markets up to a stage where they can export their products.
“Our organisation is able to work with all these enterprises ensuring that they get the required standards, approvals and certifications at the local, regional and international level. We believe that every enterprise in Zambia is able to produce, achieve the standards and not depend on hand-outs,” she explained. “As a country we believe we need to move away from hand-outs and be self – sustaining.
Ms. Chilangwa pledged Technoserve’s commitment to supporting the work of ZDA.
