Mubukwanu pleads innovative stimulus to SMEs

JACKSON MAPAPAYI writes @SunZambian NORTH-WESTERN province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu has challenged commercial banks to come up with innovative stimulus packages that will target Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) so that they can have access to capital. Mr Mubukwanu said most SMEs have very strong bankable business plans but are failing finance their projects due to conditions attacked to borrowing from banks. “I know you have these other different interventions according to institutions, but I want to challenge you to take that route and see how you can be of help to SMEs,” he said. He said Government has invested heavily in women and youth empowerment programmes which created a good opportunity for commercial banks to come up with attractive packages. The provincial Minister was speaking during the launch of the Atlas Mara Solwezi branch. He further challenged both the private sector and general citizenry to take up leading role in the economic activities of the country. Mr Mubukwanu said there are a lot of activities that laying idle and can greatly contribute to the economic development of the country if well harnessed. He said allowing such activities being taken up by foreigners will not benefit the country as all profits that may be realised from such activities will be taken outside the country. “But if we ourselves take a leading role, whatever money we make will always remain here in our country. That’s the only difference,” he said. He stated that nobody will develop this country if Zambians themselves do not take up the challenge to.