TRYNESS TEMBO
Lusaka
THE Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has recovered close to K93 million in loan repayments this year.
And Government says micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have shown resilience this year. Despite facing challenges such as limited access to finance, MSMEs have proved to be robust.
CEEC director general Muwe Mungule said that since 2022 when the commission introduced economic empowerment loan products for MSMEs and cooperatives in line with the Eighth National Development Plan, the Government has increased empowerment funds to K1.5 billion.
“The MSME and cooperative sector is truly the heartbeat of our economy. It contributes significantly to job creation, innovation and poverty reduction. MSMEs and cooperatives bring to life the ingenuity and determination of ordinary Zambian men and women who, through their enterprises, provide livelihoods for families and build stronger communities,” Dr Mungule said recently.
He noted that the future of Zambia’s economy lies in the success of its entrepreneurs. Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Elias Mubanga said MSMEs have shown resilience despite facing challenges such as access to finance.
Mr Mubanga stated that in addressing these financial challenges, Parliament recently approved an unprecedented allocation of K515 million to CEEC for the 2026 budget year.
He said this represents a 31 percent boost in support for targeted citizens, cooperatives and MSMEs compared to the K392 million allocated and fully released by the Treasury in 2025.
Mr Mubanga added that this will bring the total economic empowerment funding for CEEC to K1.5 billion from 2022 to date under the New Dawn administration.
This demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive economic development and the empowerment of targeted enterprises across Zambia, as championed in the Eighth National Development Plan.
“This enhanced allocation significantly strengthens CEEC’s capacity to expand access to affordable financing for targeted citizens and enterprises. By increasing the resource envelope, the Government is enabling more Zambians – particularly youths, women and persons with disabilities – to participate meaningfully in economic activities, create jobs and build sustainable livelihoods. It is for this reason that from January to date, a total of 83,722 individuals and businesses have benefited from these empowerment funds,” he said…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
