Mr. Kelvin Kamayoyo, Expo Advisor-Western Province has stated that the Western Province Tourism, Trade and lnvestment Expo will help boost local businesses and enhance economic empowerment and create new job opportunities for the people in the Province. Mr. Kamayoyo said this during Capital FM 99.7 Breakfast Show this morning in Lusaka. The Western Province Tourism, Trade and lnvestment Expo is scheduled to take place from the 10th to 15th October, 2022 in Mongu under the theme: “Rapid Economic Transformation through increased home-grown entrepreneurship, value addition and trade”.
Mr. Kamayoyo said the benefits of hosting an Expo have started manifesting such that some of the local cashewnut producers and mealie meal Millers have already secured shelf-spaces for their respective products in one of the large Chainstores in Zambia. This is what the Expo is intended to achieve, thus, to promote home-grown entrepreneurship and enhance market linkages in order to boost and sustain local businesses in the Province.
Mr. Kamayoyo said in line with the theme of the Expo Trade was very critical especially international trade or exports so that the Province can exploit niche markets presented by countries such as Angola, Nambia and Democratic Republic of Congo. He noted that the Angolan market was even more interesting because cross border trade through Kalabo, Sikongo and Shangombo was already taking place and to enhance that trade, it would be good if such border towns were developed further to accommodate One-Stop Border Posts or facilities for smooth and increased formal trade. Indisputably, these are possible investment opportunities and developments that could trigger infrastructure development induce derived demand in other sectors such as tourism, transport and logistics, agriculture and livestock.
Mr. Kamayoyo said that Western Province Expo was the first of its kind in the Province and also first Provincial Expo under the New Dawn Administration led by His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and as such expectations are very high. He however said that the Expo has so far generated a lot of interest from among the companies, youths, cooperatives, investors both local and foreign, and the traditional leadership.
Mr. Kamayoyo, further said that the Provincial Administration in collaboration with the Private sector and the Barotse Royal Establishment have in the last eight months put in a great deal in the preparations and come 10th October, 2022 the Expo will be a huge success and leave a memorable investment inflow landmark. He also stated that a three day workshop has since been held for the Barotse Royal Establishment Indunas to raise awareness about the benefits of hosting an Expo and the feedback was very encouraging and pleasing.
This is nice mushemi
Western province is really improving its economy. And we appreciate having an active expo