Group urges investment in infrastructure, calls for K10 million credit facility for marketeers to boost informal sector

The Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMACA) has called for increased investment in infrastructure such as modern markets, improved transportation, and storage facilities to support the growth of the informal sector.

ZANAMACA President, Mupila Kameya, said such investments would reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, and improve the overall business environment for informal sector operators.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Kameya stressed the need to provide marketeers, bus and taxi drivers, truckers, cooperatives, and small-scale farmers with access to affordable financial services such as credit and savings facilities.

“This can be achieved through partnerships with financial institutions, microfinance organizations, and other stakeholders,” he said.

He proposed the creation of a K10 million credit facility to support 1,000 marketeers, enabling them to grow their businesses and raise incomes.

Kameya also emphasized the importance of training and capacity-building programs in areas such as business management, marketing, and financial literacy.

“By investing in the skills development of informal sector operators, we can boost their productivity and competitiveness, helping them create jobs and grow their businesses,” he stated.

He added that if the UPND government intensified its support for the informal sector, Zambia could make significant strides in reducing poverty, particularly among women, youths, and persons with disabilities.

“Through initiatives like microfinancing, skills training, and market access programs, marketeers and small-scale farmers can be empowered to improve their livelihoods,” Kameya said.

He highlighted the inclusive nature of the informal sector, saying it also provided a viable option for those in formal employment, both during and after their working years.

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