PEPZ urges large firms to source locally

Using reputable local companies helps the local economy, supports local employment and creates strong inter-business relationships which often results in mutual business coming through the doors, according to the Private Enterprise Programme-Zambia (PEPZ).

The message PEPZ Team Leader Bayo Akindeinde , who was speaking during a business seminar hosted by the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) in partnership with the COMESA Business Council (CBC) and PEPZ that revolved around promoting local procurement and expanding regional partnerships.

“Greater business linkages between large firms that dominate the economy and local suppliers can help to link lead industries to sectors in which the poor are employed. That way, everybody wins,” he added.

PEPZ runs a Business Linkages Programme (BLP), that takes account of the findings of its extensive consultations with stakeholders and research to learn lessons from past and present business linkage initiatives in Zambia and internationally and to identify the forces for change and key success factors.

There is a strong commercial case for large companies to purchase more locally to shorten extended, import dependent supply chains, purchase products better produced locally and to reduce costs in products where Zambia is competitive, said Akindeinde.

The business forum, which took place on November 26, included panellists from Spar Zambia Ltd, Zambian Breweries Plc, the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA), Konkola Copper Mines Plc and others.