President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the cooperative movement in the country to actively support government’s efforts in fostering peace, stability and sustainable development within their communities. And President Hichilema said the government remains committed to…

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the cooperative movement in the country to actively support government’s efforts in fostering peace, stability and sustainable development within their communities.

And President Hichilema said the government remains committed to maintaining law and order during the election period to sustain the country’s political and economic stability.

The Head of State said this in a speech read for him by Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Acting Permanent Secretary Lemmy Kafwamfwa during the commemoration of the International Cooperatives Day in Kabwe.

“Global conflicts are disturbing global economic development and regional stability. Conflicts drain critical resources and hinder sustainable development. They interrupt global trade, push the cost of doing business through high inflation and unpredictable exchange rates,” President Hichilema said.

He added that global conflicts also force migration which disrupts households, livelihoods and affects the supply chain for essential goods and services.

The Head of State said Zambia recognises the importance of peace and stability in the creation of a predictable economic environment where farmers can thrive, small and medium enterprises invest in processing equipment, and where youth-led cooperatives can plan for long-term international markets.

“This year’s theme resonates well with government’s strides made so far to ensure the environment in our country is peaceful and democratic. The New Dawn administration has ensured that the socio-economic fundamentals are right for businesses, including cooperatives,” he added.

President Hichilema noted that cooperatives are a pillar of economic development as they drive inclusive growth from the grassroots.

“Cooperatives formalise rural and informal economies. They create jobs for women and youth. They also keep value addition local instead of exporting raw materials,” the President highlighted.

He said government has put in place various measures to ensure continued peace and stability in the country such as the removal of cadreism in markets and bus stations.

President Hichilema reiterated that the removal of cadres from markets and bus stations has enabled citizens to conduct their businesses freely.

Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe, who was represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary Godfrey Chitambala, reaffirmed government’s commitment to the growth of the informal sector.

Meanwhile, Zambia Cooperative Federation President Hopeson Kaluwe commended the government for the sound policies being implemented across economic sectors.

Government has so far registered a total of 70,815 cooperatives across different sectors since 2021, bringing the total number of cooperatives to 153,000 cooperatives across the country.

The International Cooperatives Day has been held under the theme: “Cooperatives for a peaceful world.”