On Thursday, September 21st, 2023, a transformative event unfolded at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka Zambia, as entrepreneurs and Catholic sisters alike converged for the Zambia SM$E Conference 2023.
The conference, themed “Sustainability & Climate Resilience: Creating Opportunities for SMEs,” aimed to redefine sustainability and climate resilience from obligatory compliance burdens to dynamic catalysts for innovation, competitive advantage, economic growth, and societal progress.
In her welcoming address, Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo, President of the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), underscored the significance of this conference for Catholic Sisters. She emphasized how this platform empowers Catholic Sisters to elevate their social enterprises into sustainable entities, aligning with the government’s vision for national development.
Dr. Angela Ndunge, Deputy Executive Dean at Strathmore University Business School, reaffirmed the Business School’s commitment to empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Dr. Ndunge highlighted the Business School’s mission to bolster entrepreneurial capabilities and create value for sustainable businesses.
The conference’s keynote address was delivered by Hon. Elias Mubanga, Minister for SMEs in Zambia. He reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting its citizens, particularly SMEs. Hon. Mubanga recognized SMEs as pivotal to economic growth, generating a significant portion of jobs (88%) and contributing substantially to the GDP (78%).
The subsequent session featured a panel discussion, featuring notable figures including Kanangwa Newlove, Managing Director of Loctanuga Organics, Jetty Lungu, Senior Managing Director of Premium Performance Limited, and Musonda Kabemba. These panelists shared their invaluable experiences and insights regarding strategies and best practices for enterprises to fortify their climate resilience. They also delved into the realm of climate-related risks, offering guidance on how SMEs can develop adaptation plans and harness technological advancements to bolster their resilience.
Jetty Lungu highlighted the dual nature of climate change, which presents both challenges and opportunities. Climate fluctuations, whether excess or scarcity of water, impact various sectors, from agriculture and energy supply to population migration and health. However, these challenges also unveil prospects such as renewable energy, waste management, carbon credit initiatives, and innovative agriculture practices to ensure year-round food supply.
The Zambia SME Conference 2023 serves as a pivotal platform for reimagining sustainability and climate resilience, empowering SMEs, and driving positive change in Zambia’s economic and environmental landscape. This conference precedes the 11th Annual SME Conference which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya on the 12th & 13th of October 2023 at Strathmore University.
Article by Juliet Hinga
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