Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) approves the construction of a rice and sunflower cooking oil processing plant in Kawambwa District, Luapula Province. The project will be established through Agripreneur Foundation Limited at a total cost of over K4 million.
Construction of this processing project was approved at the 8th sitting of the Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) of the ZEMA Board.
ZEMA Acting Director General, Maxwell Nkoya said Agripreneur Foundation Limited would produce virgin vegetable oil and processed rice. Importantly, the raw materials will be acquired from local farmers through the out-grower scheme programme. “The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved one of the biggest agro-processing plants in Kawambwa District of Luapula Province.
Production aptitude for plants is estimated to be at 100,000 litres of cooking oil and 200 tonnes for rice annually.  This is according to Mr Nkoya. Additionally, this project will subsidize the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors. Moreover, this sector currently contributes about 10% to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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Significance of the Rice and Cooking Oil Processing Plant to Zambia’s Economy
The construction of the Rice and Cooking Oil Processing Plant in Zambia would have positive economic impacts on Zambia’s economy. Particularly, it would provide employment opportunities for Zambians, contribute to the GDP of the country, and improve quality. Additionally, the plant will enhance the availability of food products within the region. The plant will further enhance the increase in exports of processed rice and cooking oil, providing a valuable source of revenue.
Furthermore, the production of local crops through the plant could reduce dependence on food imports, helping to protect the economy from potential market fluctuations. Furthermore, the increased availability of processed foods could help to reduce malnutrition among Zambians, improving overall health and well-being.
