By Derrick Silimina

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), in partnership with the Luapula Chamber of Commerce and Trade has successfully conducted a Business Clinic on the margins of the Luapula Province Investment Exposition.

In a statement, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa said the Expo is aimed at strengthening the capacity of local businesses and preparing them to seize emerging investment opportunities in the province.

“As ZDA, part of our mandate is to promote and facilitate local businesses’ development, thereby enhancing Zambia’s competitiveness. It includes promoting and facilitating investments, both local and foreign,” Halwampa said.

Speaking when he officially opened the Business Clinic on the sidelines of the Expo, Halwampa noted that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to empowering local businesses, unlocking investment opportunities, and accelerating economic development in Luapula Province and Zambia at large.

He reaffirmed ZDA’s mandate to promote and facilitate local business development, trade expansion, and the attraction of both local and foreign investment, describing these as key pillars for enhancing Zambia’s competitiveness.

Halwampa further encouraged Zambian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the vast untapped investment potential in Luapula Province and emphasized the need for greater collaboration among local businesses to build resilient and competitive enterprises.

Speaking at the same event, Luapula Chamber of Commerce and Trade President Shone Mwelwa commended ZDA for organising the Business Clinic, describing it as a timely and impactful initiative that delivered practical value to local businesses and chamber members.

Meanwhile, Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project (ZATP) Regional Facilitator Abel Ngoma highlighted the project’s interventions aimed at strengthening agribusiness market linkages, improving access to finance, and driving growth across Zambia’s agricultural sector, including Luapula Province.

The Business Clinic featured presentations from key stakeholders, including Shoprite Zambia, Agriculture Leasing Company Zambia Limited, and Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO), among others, who showcased various business opportunities, financing solutions, and support products available to local businesses.

The Business Clinic forms part of ZDA’s ongoing nationwide efforts to promote enterprise development, enhance investment readiness, and foster a conducive environment for sustainable business growth across Zambia.