Pick n Pay, Skydates sign MoU to boost SME development

RETAILER Pick n Pay has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Skydates Enterprises Limited aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Pick n Pay Head of Fresh Produce Wayne Manton said the retailer was pleased to partner with Skydates, describing the company as a well-organised operation that supports small-scale farmers.

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RETAILER Pick n Pay has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Skydates Enterprises Limited aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Pick n Pay Head of Fresh Produce Wayne Manton said the retailer was pleased to partner with Skydates, describing the company as a well-organised operation that supports small-scale farmers.

Mr Manton said Pick n Pay views small-scale farming as the fastest growing segment of Zambia’s agriculture sector.

Skydates Operations Manager Grey Malite said the company was established in 2011 and aggregates vegetables and fruits from small-scale farmers to ensure quality and consistency of supply.

“Skydates has created a dependable market for small-scale farmers while ensuring that its clients receive high-quality produce,” Mr Malite said.

He thanked First Quantum Minerals for its support through market linkages, mentorship and consultancy, and described the partnership with Pick n Pay as a milestone for improving product delivery.

Mr Malite said Kansanshi Mining PLC is investing about K17.6 million to equip SMEs in Solwezi under the SME Accelerator Programme.

FQM Corporate Affairs Manager Kyansenga Chitoshi said the partnership marked a milestone in the company’s efforts to support local businesses and enterprise development in Solwezi.

Ms Chitoshi said Skydates is among 17 local SMEs being supported by Kansanshi Mining PLC through the programme, and will receive a refrigerated truck as part of the support.

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