The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) is injecting in US$20 million under the Skills Development Program aimed at constructing Industrial Yards in seven provinces.
CEEC Director General Likando Mukumbuta tells Money FM News that this is the program funded by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) that is aimed at helping Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) to advance in their entrepreneurship.
Mr. Mukumbuta says the construction of these yards has started in Mongu, Solwezi, Chipata, Kasama and Ndola.
He says the construction of the yards is expected to be completed by next year.
“The Industrial Yards project is aimed at supporting SMEs in light manufacturing in the provinces who are in fields such as metal fabrication, agro-processing, timber, processing of gemstone, among other fields,” he said.
Mr. Mukumbuta says when the yards are completed, SMEs can access loans from the commission and move in the yards to do their businesses.
He says the project is expected to create over 4, 000 jobs in these yards.