The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) held talks with His Royal Highness Senior Chief Ndubeni of Mpongwe on the Copperbelt, to explore how development projects that have been identified in his chiefdom can be supported to benefit his subjects.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief, Prince Reagan Ndubeni expressed the chiefdom’s desire to partner with the ZDA to transition 31 projects that have been identified in the chiefdom from concept stage to thriving businesses. He emphasized that the overarching goal was not only to spur economic development but also to generate employment and wealth for the chiefdom’s subjects and ultimately contribute to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Prince Ndubeni outlined the chief’s aspirations to attract investments across various sectors, particularly among the identified projects in their chiefdom which includes energy, mining, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. He cited mining as one key area that had even higher copper content than some named existing mines.
Energy was also a key issue that was discussed as it was considered a critical ingredient for economic activities. Dr. Emmanuel Matsika, who is spearheading this project and is also a member of the Ndubeni team said plans were underway to setup an electricity generating facility. He said this would be done using a new technology that can work either by using river water or agricultural waste. Dr. Matsika said the new technology is able to produce about 10MW that can be used for economic activities in rural areas and beyond.
Prince Ndubeni emphasised that the projects would be held in trust to benefit subjects of the chiefdom. He outlined the chief’s vision which is to foster development that would directly benefit subjects of his chiefdom as opposed to selling off land for short term benefit.
Director Business Development Mr. Gabriel Musentekwa, who was sitting in for the Director General ZDA, Mr. Albert Halwampa, commended Chief Ndubeni and his team on the development initiative. He noted that the concept by the chiefdom is not only inspiring but will go a long way towards tapping into the natural resources as well as the developmental potential in the chiefdom.
In addition, to Prince Ndubeni, other members of chief’s delegation were Ms. Nachilala Nkombo, Mr. Elias Chipimo and Dr. Brian Kennedy Banda. The meeting was intended to forge a collaborative effort to actualize investment opportunities that have been identified in the Ndubeni chiefdom.
