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First National Bank (FNB) Zambia and Choppies Supermarkets have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at improving access to finance for local suppliers, strengthening supply chains and supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The agreement, signed on Monday in Lusaka, establishes a framework through which Choppies’ local vendors will be able to access structured financial solutions designed to enhance their capacity to meet supply demands and operate more competitively.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, FNB Zambia Head of Business and Commercial, Kabanda Lilanda, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to empowering local businesses and advancing financial inclusion.
Under the arrangement, eligible vendors supplying Choppies would gain access to FNB’s trade finance and lending products.
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Choppies will play a key role in identifying, verifying, and recommending suppliers, while FNB will provide the necessary financial support.
“Vendors and small suppliers are the backbone of commerce. They are innovators, job creators, and silent drivers of economic growth. Yet many continue to face challenges due to limited working capital. This partnership is intended to address that gap,” Lilanda said.
He explained that reliable and predictable access to funding would enable suppliers to deliver consistently, improving supply chain stability and enhancing customer experience across Choppies stores nationwide.
A stronger supplier base, he added, would also boost operational efficiency for the retailer.
The partnership is expected to contribute to Zambia’s broader economic development agenda by promoting SME expansion, job creation, and deeper financial inclusion.
Choppies Country Operations Director, Manish Patel, described the agreement as a major milestone that highlights the supermarket chain’s growing contribution to the country’s commercial landscape.
“This partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting SMEs, especially within the food and beverage sector, to participate actively in national supply and service delivery,” Patel said.
He noted that the memorandum of understanding took several weeks to finalise, but that its completion marked the beginning of a new and promising chapter for all stakeholders.
“The wait has come to an end. The hard work has paid off, and this makes the journey ahead very exciting,” he said.
“This partnership represents the way forward—not only for Choppies, but also for SMEs across Zambia. We are confident it will deliver shared growth, sustainability, and long-term success,” Patel said.
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