Invest in energy sector
By Business ReporterFINANCE and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane yesterday met eight multi-financiers interested in investing in the power sector in a bid to stop power shortages in Zambia.
Dr Musokotwane called for heavy investment in the energy sector to avert power shortages in view of increased investment in various sectors.
Speaking when a team of multi-financiers paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Musokotwane assured the team and the would-be investors that Zambia remained a safe investment place for investors.
He was happy that the team was interested in partnering with the Government in developing the power infrastructure and assured them of the Government’s commitment and support aimed at increasing power generation.
The minister said electricity should not be an obstacle to developing the nation’s economy and it was for this reason that the Government would support programmes aimed at developing the energy sector.
“I am happy that you want to partner with us in developing the energy sector because we believe that having recorded a 6.3 per cent economic growth, we are seeing ourselves growing even further. I want to assure you that your investment is safe in Zambia,” he said.
The Government was confident that any investment would bring about job opportunities for Zambians and called on investors to partner with the Government.
Among the financiers who attended the meeting were the European Investment Bank (EIB), ABSA of South Africa, DEG-KFW from Germany, Proparco from France, Citi Bank of USA and FMO of Netherlands.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Copperbelt Energy Corporation chief executive officer Henson Sindowe said a feasibility study on developing the 30 megawatts Kabompo hydro project had been conducted.
[Times of Zambia]
