FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
JANUARY 27, 2023
Southern Province Minister highlights Zambeef’s impact on livestock sector growth
LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA – Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has expressed optimism that Zambeef’s heightened involvement in the livestock sector, will help boost the vital industry and raise it to a level of prosperity.
Mr Mweetwa lauded the agribusiness company’s efforts to enhance the productive capacity of local farmers through its livestock procurement programme.
Speaking during a courtesy call from Zambeef CEO Faith Mukutu, the minister noted that the sector needs extensive support due to its lack of recognition as a separate industry and significant economic player.
He stated that with the collaboration of major stakeholders, the government’s proposed Comprehensive Agricultural Support programme would address the sector’s challenges, and promote its growth and development.
Mr Mweetwa said: “If properly managed, the livestock sector could turn around the economy. Zambia enjoys a comparative advantage in terms of water endowment and grazing land. This places us at the front seat to become the number one beef exporter in the region and beyond.”
Mr Mweetwa further said that President Hakainde Hichilema has been unlocking agricultural markets in other countries to accommodate the export of beef and other products.
He urged Zambeef and other stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity and emphasised the importance of actively controlling animal diseases in the country, in order to create a successful export market.
Meanwhile, Ms Mukutu reiterated Zambeef’s commitment to realising the Southern Province’s potential as the country’s livestock production hub, by supporting projects such as cattle ranching and feedlot operations.
“Zambeef procures most of its cattle from the Southern Province, with operations in Namwala and Sinazongwe. The opportunity that lies in the province is immense and we could double the livestock that we have here and also be an example of how to promote animal husbandry,” she said.
Zambeef employs a local procurement approach designed to promote sustainable livestock farming and support small-scale farmers in the country by providing them with access to markets.
-Ends-
About Zambeef Products Plc
Zambeef Products PLC (“Zambeef”) is the largest integrated cold chain food products and agribusiness company in Zambia and one of the largest in the Southern Africa region. Zambeef is quoted on both the Lusaka Securities Exchange and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
It is involved in the primary production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, eggs, dairy, fish, flour, stock feed and day-old chicks throughout Zambia and the surrounding region. It operates 236 retail outlets in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana.
Zambeef also has one of the largest row cropping operations in Zambia, growing maize, soybeans and wheat. Zambeef plants nearly 23,000 hectares annually, with most of the resulting crops being used in the Zambeef animal feed and flour milling businesses.
Zambeef employs more than 7,000 people.
More information is available at www.zambeefplc.com
For media inquiries, please contact:
Gillian Langmead at Langmead & Baker Ltd
+260 979 060705
info@langmead.com