• Women led businesses have huge potential to contribute to job creation and Economic Development in Zambia
• Businesses have continued to face challenges such as lack of access to business opportunities in the public sector.
• Government remains committed to addressing regulatory challenges

Vice President Mutale Nalumango says women led businesses have huge potential to contribute to job creation and Economic Development in Zambia, therefore the need to put in place mechanisms that ensure that their businesses are fully supported by Government.
Speaking at the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) Women in Industry 2022 Conference, Mrs. Nalumango said businesses have continued to face challenges such as lack of access to business opportunities in the public sector and lack of access to finance.
She stated that it is for this reason that Government remains committed to addressing regulatory challenges, promoting local content in the public sector and creating a favorable businesses environment.

“There is a lot more that needs to be done in our country in terms of women in Employment, the 2019 Labour force survey by Zambia statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS) shows that women accounted for only 38.2 percent of the total Employed persons in Zambia . Comparatively the figure has actually reduced from 2017 when Women accounted for 39.5 percent of the total employed persons in Zambia. Overall, Women representation in the work place has constantly been below 40 percent, “she said

Mrs Nalumango added that the statistics point to the need to upscale the efforts in achieving equal representation in workplace.
Mrs. Nalumango said this in a speech read on her behalf by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Chewe Chulu.

And speaking at the same event, Zambia Association of Manufacturers Vice President Chipego Chileshe has called on Government to help reduce the high cost of production for the industry, necessitated by the high cost of fuel.
The 2022 ZAM Women in Industry Conference was held under the theme; Positioning Women in Industry for Global Leadership and Impact.