Govt to use CEE Act to empower Zambians
Govt to use CEE Act to empower ZambiansBy Fridah Zinyama
Monday May 28, 2007 [04:00]
MINISTRY of Mines Permanent Secretary Leonard Nkhata has said government wants to use the citizens economic empowerment (CEE) Act to empower Zambians to invest in large-scale mining. Government has been trying to find ways in which to engage indigenous Zambians in the large-scale mining sector.
"To this end, we have been advising foreign investors coming into the country to form joint ventures with local investors," Nkhata said. "This move is meant to help empower local investors who do not have the capacity to embark on capital-intensive projects like copper and cobalt production."
Nkhata said the response had been good as some investors had shown enthusiasm and formed joint ventures with Zambians with licenses.
"Even our chiefs have entered into joint ventures with foreign investors," Nkhata said. "This move is better than indigenous people selling their mines and hence denying themselves a chance for economic empowerment."
He said in order to improve the general performance of the mining sector in the country; government was in the process of reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act.
Nkhata said the revised Act would help make the investment climate better, especially in the mining sector.
"We have realised that participation in the mining sector for indigenous people has been restricted to the small-scale mining," he noted. "We would like to see this situation change as our people become more empowered."
Nkhata said government also hoped to empower Zambians by implementing the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act. "We are hopeful that the CEE Act will increase Zambians participation in mining activities in the country," he said.
Nkhata explained that Zambian citizens would be able to access funds set aside for the empowerment process to invest in capital projects. And on value addition on mining products, Nkhata said his ministry was working hand in hand with the Ministry of Commerce.
"One area we hope to do so, is by establishing economic zones like Chambishi and Chilenje Economic Zones and coming up with policies that will create favourable incentives for investors," he said.
Nkhata said investors could assist Zambia add value to its products by accessing such zones.
"As a ministry, we were asked to do a study on what type of markets were available for value added Zambian products in the region," said Nkhata.
Labels: CEE, LEONARD NKHATA, MINES AND MINERALS ACT
posted by MrK @ 3:42 AM
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