By Sharon Siame
President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambians to take advantage of the stabilizing currency by importing equipment for production.
The President has also called for a shift from a culture of consumption to investment.
Mr Hichilema also said Government is working to create more job opportunities and attract investments to grow the economy.
President Hichilema says independent analysts have confirmed that Zambia is a viable country for investment and that the country is now a meeting place for various international partners.
He says efforts have been made to restructure the country’s debt, with significant progress made over the last four years.
Speaking during a press conference at State House today, President Hichilema stressed the importance of mining for the country’s economy.
He said the mining sector has seen resurgence with dead mines revived and new mines being developed.
President Hichilema said significant investments have been made in the mining sector and thanked Zambians for their trust and patience.
He said Government has legislated to deepen the benefits from the Mining sector including increasing Zambian ownership in the mining companies.
President Hichilema said the local content law has been implemented to ensure more opportunities for Zambian citizens in the mining value chain.
He said Government is encouraging Entrepreneurship and supplier development programmes to create more jobs in the mining sector.
The President further called for formalization of mining activities to avoid environmental damage and illegal practices.
An President Hichilema said free education has also been introduced with over 2.3 million children going back to school.
He said more bursaries, meal allowances and skills training programmes have been implemented to support education.
President Hichilema noted that over 100,000 jobs have been created in the public sector, in the last four years.
He said his Administration has also ensured inclusivity in its recruitment processes in the public sector and warned against exclusions based on political affiliations or other factors.
And President Hichilema said that the Constituency Development Fund -CDF- is now available to all constituencies, unlike the past when certain regions were neglected.
