Pick n Pay to US$50M by the end of 2015

Pick n Pay has projected a total investment in Zambia in excess of US$50 million by the end of 2015, complemented with a total 15 stores and 2,000 employees.

Speaking during the an open day for its ninth store in Zambia at East Park Mall along Great East Road, next to the University of Zambia, Pick n Pay Zambia General Manager Andy Roberts pledged the chain store’s commitment to empowering local suppliers and manufacturers.

Mr Roberts says currently, 50% by volume of the stock is purchased from Zambian manufacturers and 25% by volume is purchased from Zambian agents of imported product.

He adds that Pick n Pay is working towards the continual increase of the local Zambian content.

Mr Roberts states that Pick n Pay is committed to increasing local content in its offering in line with the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) it signed with the Zambian government in 2011.

He further states that one of Pick n Pay’s guiding principles is a pledge to being a responsible corporate citizen in Zambia, stating that the store makes significant investments in the communities where it operates in the areas of education and empowerment of physically challenged people.

Mr Roberts says some of the key projects they have undertaken include renovating the library at Woodlands A Basic School, constructing a security fence at Masala Technical School in Ndola, installing a bore hole and pump at Mindolo Primary School in Luanshya and improving water reticulation at Roan Antelope High Scho