Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambia is making positive strides towards securing an agreement with Brazil in renewable energy.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil Alfreda Kansembe Mwamba says Zambia is close to sealing the agreement with the Brazilian Ethanol Cluster that is helping the country start a bio-fuels industry.
Dr Kansembe says Brazil has shown willingness to develop a bio-fuels industry in Zambia as a key driver of economic development.
She says following a consultative seminar held in Lusaka in May this year on bio-fuels, the Brazil Ethanol Cluster delegation leader Flavio Castellarii Alpha reported that progress has been made and that the implementation of the bio-fuel industry in Zambia will soon be attained.
Dr Kansembe says Mr Castellari-Apla and his team will visit Zambia in November to oversee progress on the matter.
She has called on the private sector and stakeholders to support government so that it can score success on the project.
Dr Kansembe notes that the bio-fuels industry provides job creation and income generation, adding that Zambian farmers would have a ready market for cassava, sugarcane, sweet sorghum and legumes.
And Brazil Ethanol Cluster Executive Director Flavio Castellari Apla says a team coming to Zambia will consist of technical experts to offer advice.
He says from the previous study conducted, Zambia’s climate environment is suitable for a bio-fuels industry and that the local farmers needed to be included in the planning stage.
This is contained in a statement issued by first secretary press and public relations at the Zambian Embassy in Brazil Grace Makowane.