Maravi

Sichula challenges SMEs to build capacity

Sichula challenges SMEs to build capacity
By Kabanda Chulu
Friday August 01, 2008 [04:00]

ZAMBIA Chamber of Small and Medium Business Association (ZCSMBA) executive director Max Sichula has challenged Small and Medium Enterprises to build capacity before establishing linkages with foreign investors. In an interview during the Smart Partnership Dialogue conference, Sichula said his organisation was using the forum to share its experience and also to learn from the successes of other countries.

“As much as we need linkages with foreign companies, a lot of effort is required to be done especially in the areas of governance and business management because at the moment, not all companies are on equal footing hence they can’t enter into such arrangements since they are weak, small and fragile,” he said.

Sichula said the ZCSMBA, which has 48 member associations across the country, was intending to attract foreign investors that would help local companies add value to their exports.

“This country is rich in various natural resources that can cater for almost all the sectors of the economy but we are lacking value addition hence exporting raw materials but through dialogue, we want to learn from our colleagues how they have managed to overcome the challenges facing the SMEs and how they have managed to grow the industry,” he said.

Sichula also expressed optimism that financing for SMEs would improve in the country following the increasing interest by several commercial banks to develop various financial products suitable for the sector.

Labels: MAXWELL SICHULA, SMART PARTNERHIPS, ZCSMBA

posted by MrK @ 4:32 AM