Amatheon agri unveils $50m investment

By Joy Nyambe

Amatheon Agri says it will invest an additional 50 million dollars to support Zambia’s agriculture production, which will create about three thousand jobs.

The investment will be done in the next two years.

And President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has praised the decision by the German private firm for the additional investment and further asked Amatheon to look for more opportunities to invest in other parts of the country other than Mumbwa.

The president is happy that Amatheon has also committed to work with local farmers in extension support and know-how sharing to increase their productivity.

President HICHILEMA says the fact that Amatheon Agri is able to produce 11 metric tonnes of maize per hectare, compared to three tonnes per hectare by local farmers, is commendable.

He has also directed the Food Reserve Agency-FRA- to pay farmers on time.

The President was speaking in Mumbwa today after touring Amatheon Agri, a commercial private enterprise.

Amatheon Agri founder LARS WINDHORST said the decision to further expand operations in Zambia is based on among other factors, President HICHILEMA’s economic stance.

Mr. WINDHORST said without successful economic activity, no country can provide for its citizens.

Meanwhile, German embassy Head of Cooperation, BERNHARD TRAUTNER said since 2013, Amatheon has invested approximately 100 million dollars in Zambia.

And Agriculture Minister REUBEN MTOLO said one billion kwacha has already been allocated for the Sustainable Agric Financing Facility towards farmer support.

Earlier, Mumbwa Member of Parliament, CREDO NANJUWA, who is also Southern province minister, pledged to support all investors in Mumbwa.

Nangoma MP and Water Development Minister COLLINS NZOVU said with the unprecedented drought, the need for innovative measures by farmers must be supported.