Government Encourages SMEs to Embrace E-Commerce

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises says government is putting in place measures aimed at reducing the cost of doing business for small and medium businesses (SMEs) across the country.
Officiating at the 2024 E-AFRICA Expo and Conference in Lusaka, Elias Mubanga says one of the Ministry’s priorities is to ensure that SMEs and Cooperatives have easy access to the digital tools and knowledge necessary to do sustainable business.

Mr. Mubanga, who was represented by Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Subeta Mutelo, has since encouraged the corporate world to focus on empowering small businesses with regards to adoption of digital tools to enable them operate more profitably and sustainably.

“SMEs in Zambia constitute 97 percent of all businesses, 88 percent of the jobs created and 70 percent contribution towards the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).”

“Electronic Commerce and other forms of innovation, have the potential to make all sectors transform the economy,” Mr. Mubanga stated.

He added that government has demonstrated a strong commitment to E-commerce through the adoption of digital transformation aimed at enhancing service delivery.

Speaking at the same event, Africa GreenCo Power Services Company Chief Executive Officer, Ana Hadjuka said the company has placed premium on SMEs in view of the current power deficit in the country.

Ms. Hadjuka noted that SMEs have potential to provide solutions to Zambia’s energy problems through E-commerce.

This year’s E-commerce Expo and Conference was held under the theme; “Sustainable Commerce: Harnessing Digital Commerce for Environmental Innovation and Economic Growth.”