ZACCI COMMENDS ZAMBIAN BREWERIES INVESTMENT

New manufacturing plant draws praise

ZACCI President Geoffrey Sakulanda inspects the new Zambian Breweries maltings plant

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – October 28, 2015 –  Investment in the manufacturing sector adds value to local raw materials and creates jobs, the president of the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) reiterated this week during a tour of Zambian Breweries’ US$33 million malting’s plant.

Geoffrey Sakulanda and his entourage had a first-hand look at the construction work, which is nearing completion at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ).

The new Zambian Breweries plant, which is expected to be fully operational by March 2016, will process barley grown by local farmers into malt and thus avoid the need to export the raw crop to Zimbabwe for further processing.

ZACCI President Geoffrey Sakulanda inspects the new Zambian Breweries maltings plant

“It is impressive what Zambian Breweries is doing, here, at the malting’s plant. Manufacturing is key to our growth and reducing barriers to manufacturing is important,” said Mr Sakulanda after he toured the construction site.

Once the country has fortified its manufacturing base, it will see a significant increase in government revenue and job creation, the ZACCI president added.

Zambian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director Ezekiel Sekele said the construction of the US$33 million plant is expected to be complete in the next five months.

Latest progress on the new Zambian Breweries maltings plant at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone

“We anticipate that construction will be complete by March next year. We however intend on taking the first delivery of barley in November this year. We are delighted with the development of this project as it demonstrates in practical terms the benefits that accrue from, carefully executed, import substitution and value creation to our raw materials,” said Mr Sekele.

Construction of the maltings plant commenced in October, 2014 .With an initial production capacity of 15,000 tonnes per annum, the plant will have sufficient dimension to meet local demand with the excess exported to regional markets.

Latest progress on the new Zambian Breweries maltings plant at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone

Zambian Breweries’ goal is to ensure adherence to minimum standards for all agricultural programmes, including barley, sugarcane, maize and other grains and starches such as cassava and sorghum sourced locally. This involves assessing key risks and opportunities for each programme and ensuring labour standards are met. It also supports strategies aimed at improving food security and livelihoods for small-scale farmer suppliers.