PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says Government is focused on securing the country’s energy generation and supply surplus.
He has reiterated keen interest on strong partnerships between the country and regional investors to develop energy projects in the country.
The Head of State has also encouraged local entities to participate in joint venture investments such as in mining to help accelerate economic development.
He said this when he met Rostam Azizi, the Chairpersin of Tanzania’s Taifa Group, at State House.
“Adding value to our mining sector will accelerate economic development, create employment and business opportunities along the value chain and I am very keen to see joint venture investments between local Zambians and regional partners to achieve this,” he said.
Mr Azizi, is in the country to meet with various government and private sector entities relevant to the investment opportunities that his company has identified to make in Zambia.
“Tanzania and Zambia share very strong historical ties of friendship, trade and common experiences. This history and ties must now transcend into high value economic returns to our two countries.” Mr Hichilema said.
And Taifa Group, through its subsidiary Taifa Gas Limited, recently announced its first joint venture investment with Zambian entity Delta Marimba to develop a 100MW gas powered generation plant in Kasama.
And Mr Azizi said President Hichilema’s invitation is a challenge to African investors to bring capital to Zambia.
He said also stated that he would be extending his network to bring other businesses to Zambia to explore the many opportunities the country offers, working in partnership with the local Zambian investors that are already putting money in the economy.
“Zambia is in the right position to attract more investments and as Taifa Group, we will do our best to ensure that more regional investors come to Zambia. Taifa Gas will particularly leverage the strong and positive relationship between Zambia and Tanzania to develop opportunities in energy and mining, and I am happy that we already have local partners,” he said
(Mwebantu, Friday, 20th October, 2023)