BuyZed Campaign leads charge in reshaping Zambia’s economic future

… Ng’oma says this is a movement designed to strengthen Zambia’s economy, inspire national pride, and promote sustainable development.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (21-08-2024) – The BuyZed campaign is gaining significant traction across Zambia, focusing on local consumption not only to address economic challenges but also to reduce unemployment and promote healthy living.

Evans Ng’oma, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said in an exclusive interview with Zambia24 that the campaign aims to create jobs through supporting local businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Through championing Zambian products, we are bolstering SMEs, which are vital for job creation,” he said.

The initiative will notably impact industries such as textiles and agriculture, where local manufacturers and farmers have seen increased demand.

BuyZed also seeks to lessen Zambia’s dependency on imports, thereby minimizing foreign exchange outflows, which Ng’oma believes is essential for stabilizing the Zambian kwacha.

He highlighted the success in boosting demand for locally made furniture and household items as evidence of this approach.

Beyond economic benefits, Ng’oma said BuyZed seeks to foster national pride in collaboration with local media and influencers to raise awareness and encourage participation.

“This campaign is more than an economic strategy; it’s about fostering a self-reliant nation that values its own products,” Ng’oma suggested.

Ng’oma was of the considered view that BuyZed represents a transformative vision for Zambia’s economy, emphasizing the importance of local consumption in reshaping the country’s economic landscape.

“The campaign’s key goal is to empower local businesses through encouraging consumers to prefer domestic over imported goods,” he explained.

This support is crucial for sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, which face stiff competition from foreign products.

For instance, Ng’oma observed, the textile industry in Zambia has struggled against cheaper imports, but BuyZed aims to counter this through promoting locally made clothing, supporting local manufacturers, and creating jobs.

Additionally, Ng’oma explained the campaign seeks to build economic resilience through advocating for self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed Zambia’s vulnerability due to its dependence on imports, highlighting the need for investment in local industries.

Culturally, Ng’oma explained BuyZed promotes national pride through encouraging Zambians to value and support their own products, fostering a sense of ownership and preserving cultural heritage.

Ng’oma envisions BuyZed as a pathway for Zambia to become a producer and exporter of high-quality goods, not just a consumer of imports.

“Our long-term vision is to improve the quality and competitiveness of Zambian products, making them attractive to both local and international markets,” he said.

The campaign’s impact extends across various sectors. For instance, Zambeef Products PLC’s focus on local beef production enhances food security and reduces import dependence.

“Zambeef’s efforts to boost local beef production demonstrate how supporting local industries can decrease our reliance on imports,” Ng’oma explained.

Promoting Zambian-made textiles supports local industries and lowers the need for foreign clothing, while local service providers using domestic products experience growth and job creation.

Ng’oma stresses that each purchase of a locally produced item contributes to meaningful employment for Zambians.

“Strengthening local industries and creating jobs, BuyZed plays a crucial role in fostering economic empowerment and addressing unemployment,” he said.

BuyZed’s Impact on Zambia’s Economy and Environment

Beyond job creation, Ng’oma said BuyZed promotes economic stability through keeping money within the community.

Purchasing from local businesses like Zambeef and banking with a local bank supports jobs and reduces reliance on foreign markets.

“When consumers buy locally, they help retain money within the community, supporting jobs and encouraging reinvestment in the local economy,” Ng’oma noted.

This circulation fosters growth and innovation, as seen with local poultry production by ZamChick, which reduces the need for imports.

The campaign’s focus on local consumption aligns with global sustainability trends. Supporting local products reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing goods.

For example, Ng’oma suggested, Zambia Sugar’s local production lowers transportation emissions, while Zambezi Sawmills promotes sustainable forestry practices.

“Through supporting local production, we not only cut transportation emissions but also position Zambia as a leader in greener economies,” Ng’oma explained.

BuyZed also empowers Zambian entrepreneurs through promoting innovation and quality improvement. Local businesses are encouraged to adopt advanced technologies, and the Copperbelt University’s Innovation Hub supports startups.

“Encouraging local businesses to innovate and adopt new technologies is key to building national pride and economic resilience,” Ng’oma added.

Ng’oma’s BuyZed campaign is not just an economic strategy but a call for Zambians to actively build a prosperous and sustainable future.

“Through embracing local products, we can strengthen the economy, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation and resilience,” he said.

“This movement is about more than buying; it’s about believing in Zambia’s potential to grow from within.”

The campaign’s impact is visible in various sectors. For example, the success of local textile companies illustrates how national support can enhance industries. In agriculture, the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) has created jobs and increased production.

Similarly, BuyZed’s focus on local products could open new opportunities in manufacturing and retail.

Local success stories, such as Zambeef’s investment in domestic resources and supply chains, show how local businesses can thrive with the right support.

BuyZed aims to inspire similar innovation across other sectors and strengthen national pride and economic self-sufficiency.

Brands like Zed Air demonstrate how supporting domestic enterprises can boost economic benefits and unity.

Ng’oma’s vision for BuyZed resonates with Zambians eager to shape their economic future.

Through collective action and commitment to local consumption, BuyZed is set to positively impact Zambia’s economy.

Economist Yusuf Dodia, however, raised concerns about the long-term effects of the BuyZed campaign.

He cautions that local manufacturers may face challenges due to limited capital, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated technology.

“Addressing these challenges is crucial; otherwise, supply shortages and inflated prices may arise,” Dodia stated.

He also noted the intense competition from imports, which benefit from lower production costs.

“Local businesses face the challenge of matching the quality and variety of imports while keeping prices competitive,” he added.

Dodia emphasized the need for policies such as tax incentives, subsidies, and trade restrictions to effectively support local industries.

Recent statistics from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry show a 25% increase in local product consumption since BuyZed’s launch.

This boost has resulted in over 5,000 new jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Local business owners have reported positive outcomes.

Martha Nsofwa, a textile company owner in Lusaka, noted, “Before BuyZed, competing with imported textiles was tough. Now, Zambians are supporting local businesses, which has allowed me to expand and hire more staff.”

Farmer Chipo Banda from Eastern Province highlighted the campaign’s impact on agriculture. “The demand for locally grown vegetables has surged. I can now sell directly to larger markets, which wasn’t possible before,” Banda said.

These insights, along with the statistics, underscore BuyZed’s benefits. As the campaign progresses, it plays a key role in building a resilient economy. Consumers, businesses, and policymakers are encouraged to support local industries.

Through choosing local products and advocating for supportive policies, every effort contributes to a stronger, more sustainable future for Zambia.

Call to Action

As BuyZed continues to drive positive change, it’s crucial for every Zambian to get involved.

Support local businesses, choose Zambian-made products, and advocate for policies that foster local industry growth.

Through doing so, you contribute to a more resilient economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable development.

Together, we can build a prosperous future for Zambia—one purchase, one decision, and one investment at a time.