Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga has disclosed that Zambia’s manufacturing sector has created over 25,000 jobs in the last four years, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth.
Speaking during the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) 39th Annual General Meeting in Lusaka, Mr Mulenga revealed that the manufacturing industry has now contributed more than 9 percent to Zambia’s GDP, a record achievement that he says deserves national recognition.
He noted that while most discussions on job creation often focus on the civil service and the mining sector, manufacturers have quietly become a major source of employment and revenue.
Mr Mulenga promised to engage the Ministry of Finance and National Planning on concerns raised by manufacturers over new sectoral import tax instruments, which they fear may threaten growth and production.
Mr Mulenga stressed that the government’s role is not to compete with businesses but to create an enabling environment that supports industrial growth.
He further acknowledged challenges posed by illicit trade, saying a task force established by President Hichilema would intensify efforts to curb smuggling, which he warned undermines compliant companies and the broader economy.
Mr Mulenga also pledged government support to local producers of IV fluids, saying classifications and tax barriers affecting their operations would be reviewed to strengthen local production and exports.
He urged manufacturers to continue partnering with the government, assuring them that their concerns have been taken seriously and will be addressed collectively to enhance Zambia’s industrialisation agenda.
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