DSC Uges MSMEs To Take Centre Stage Im Grow Zambia Agenda
The Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development, Siazongo Siakalenge, has called on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to play a greater role in driving Zambia’s economic growth under the Grow Zambia Agenda.
Mr Siakalenge said the country’s ambition to increase production in agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, livestock and manufacturing requires the active participation of local suppliers, processors, service providers, innovators and distributors.
He was speaking during the opening of the inaugural Enterprises and Investment Indaba 2026 in Lusaka, in a speech read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at Cabinet Office, Kennedy Kalunga.
Mr Siakalenge said the Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to move the country from economic stabilisation to sustained growth under President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision, cannot be achieved without the development and expansion of MSMEs.
He urged small and medium-sized businesses to move beyond the margins of the economy and actively participate in domestic production, public and private procurement, mineral and agricultural value chains, regional trade and export markets.
Mr Siakalenge further assured businesses that Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for enterprises to start, formalise, survive and grow into competitive businesses.
He said this would require coordinated policies and regulations, improved access to finance, business development services, infrastructure, technical skills, digitalisation and stronger market linkages.
He also emphasised the need for deliberate support for women, young people, persons with disabilities and businesses operating in rural and underserved communities.
Mr Siakalenge described the Enterprises and Investment Indaba as an important platform for bringing together Government, private sector players and businesses from different sectors to identify practical solutions to challenges affecting enterprise development.
He called on delegates to use the gathering to unlock investment opportunities, promote innovation, strengthen local value chains and contribute to the successful implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.
The call highlights the importance of empowering local businesses to contribute to production, job creation and the country’s broader economic transformation.