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Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development Siazongo Siakalenge says Zambia’s horticulture industry has significant potential to contribute to economic growth and increase the country’s export earnings.

Mr Siakalenge says agricultural exports have, over the past 10 years, remained below a billion United States dollars annually, but surpassed the 1.1 billion dollar mark for the first time in 2025.

He says increased investment in the horticulture sector, particularly rose flower and blueberry production, is expected to further boost exports and create more employment opportunities.

Mr Siakalenge was speaking in Chongwe district today when he toured and inspected Khal Amazi Farm, a 70-hectare flower farm to familiarise himself with the operations.

He said the planned expansion of blueberry production presents an opportunity for Zambia to significantly increase her agricultural export earnings.

He said a new blueberry farm planned for the Nkwerere area is expected to initially cover about 100 hectares, with potential to expand to approximately 600 hectares.

And Mr Siakalenge says government is aware of challenges affecting the industry, including concerns over taxation and casualisation of labour.

He said government has set mechanisms in place through the Tax Policy Review Committee, to take care of concerns raised by stakeholders and incorporate appropriate measures into the national budget.

On casualisation, Mr Siakalenge said the Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary will be expected to engage the Ministry of Labour and Social Security as well as Ministry of Finance and National Planning to better understand the concerns affecting the sector for consideration by Cabinet.

He said the growth of the horticulture industry is in the best interest of the country, as it will contribute to increased exports, employment and improved livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Zambia Export Growers Association (ZEGA) Chief Executive Officer Luka Mbewe disclosed that Khal Amazi Farm is the largest flower farm in Zambia, with more than 70 hectares of greenhouses producing various flowers, mainly for the European market and South Africa.

He said the farm has also ventured into blueberry production grown on Scimitar farm also in Chongwe district.

He said another major investment in blueberry production is expected in the Nkwerere area, where more than 100 hectares will initially be planted with blueberry plants sourced from South Africa.

He cited delays in the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds and import duties on greenhouse plastics as some of the challenges facing commercial farmers, noting that the removal of import duty on greenhouse plastics will help reduce production costs and enable farmers to expand their operations.

The ZEGA Boss said the future of the horticulture industry remains bright if government continues providing a conducive business environment

Mr Mbewe said the horticulture industry currently employs more than 4,000 permanent workers while the Khal Amazi Farm alone has employed 1,600 workers.

Speaking during the same tour and inspection, Scimitar Farm Production Manager Yobe Rusunda disclosed that the farm harvest 30 tonnes of blue berries on a weekly basis.

And Khal Amazi Farm Director Gary Yeoman expressed gratitude to government officials for visiting the farm to understand the challenges and opportunities in the horticulture industry.

Mr Yeoman said the visit provides an opportunity for government and industry players to strengthen collaboration and identify measures that can support the growth of the sector.

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