Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Private Enterprise Programme Zambia (PEPZ) aimed at exploring ways to include local entrepreneurs in the mine’s supply chain.
The MoU which will run for a period of 4 years will see the furthering of opportunities for local economic development in areas around KCM’s operations.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lusaka, KCM vice president for Local Economic Development David Paterson said the aim of KCM is to encourage economic diversification of the Copperbelt province and Zambia as a whole.
Mr. Peterson says KCM intends to particularly work with partners that have similar objectives and complementary skills.
He states that it is for this reason that the mining giant looks forward to working with PEPZ, which is a UK Government’s Department for International development (DFID) funded program, to help create wealth within and outside the mining sector.
And PEPZ programme Manager Bayo Akindeinde says his organization has signed the MoU with KCM because it wants to attempt to increase Zambian local content within the mining supply chains.
Mr. Akindeinde says PEPZ finds the MoU especially significant in that KCM has made a commitment through its department of local development.
Under the MoU, PEPZ will work with KCM to assess the capabilities of prospective and existing local small and medium sized enterprise (SME) suppliers known to have the potential to do meaningful business with the mine.