GRZ-PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT

21st January, 2022 WAS ONE OF THE FINEST GRZ-PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENTS IN A LONG-TIME

The GRZ-Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) Consultative Meeting held today has tasked the latter to develop products that will facilitate streamlined access to finance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) sustainability and growth, rural development and expansion, and innovation and skills development.

The Consultative Meeting recognized that one of the challenges facing players in the economy is access to afforbale financial sector products. 

Some of the house-keeping measures that the Government could take to facilitate access to finance, were also discussed. 

Going forward, a task team will be constituted among BAZ members to submit to the Government, a product proposal document that is aimed at addressing the financial needs of SME's, rural development, and innovation and skills development.

The Government team comprised:

1.

Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP

Minister of Finance and National Planning 

2.

Hon. Elias Mubanga, MP 

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises

3.

Hon. Garry Nkombo, MP

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development 

4.

Hon. Felix Mutati, MP 

Minister of Technology and Science.

The Government delegation was very elated with the active participation of BAZ members in the deliberations and commended the delegates for their resolve to play an active and progressive part in the revival of robust economic growth. The Government team also noted the need to improve result-oriented interaction between the banking sector and small and medium scale players in the economy.