By Arnold Tutu
Test runs have commenced at Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles -ZCMT- in Kabwe, signalling a major step towards the revival of Zambia’s textile industry and broader industrial growth.
The testing phase follows the installation of new machinery and equipment under a $140 million rehabilitation programme.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer EVERNESS NANKALA says trial operations are intended to assess production systems, equipment efficiency and overall readiness ahead of full-scale operations.
Ms. NANKALA says the factory, a joint venture between the Governments of Zambia and China, is being repositioned as a cornerstone of the country’s industrialisation drive.
She told ZNBC news in a statement that once fully operational, the facility is expected to create more than 500 direct jobs and stimulate activity along the cotton value chain through enhanced out-grower systems.
Ms. NANKALA said the ministry plans to invite members of the public to observe the full test runs, offering transparency ahead of the plant’s official commissioning later this year by President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA.
