HH scores again

… The $600 million commissioned first-ever fertilizer plant that will not only manufacture urea and omnia will also reduce the cost of fertilizer in the country

By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka (26-04-2023-Zambia24) – President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned the construction of a $600 million urea fertilizer and ammonia plant in the Chilanga district this afternoon. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, President Hichilema emphasized that the new administration is committed to valuing and commending the private sector’s contribution to developing the country.

He pledged his government’s collaboration with the private sector, both inside and outside the country, to grow the economy.
The President vowed never to allow anything to stand in the way of national progress, emphasizing that the government would not give clearances based on political affiliations, but rather on the viability of proposed business activities that will focus on developing the local people.
President Hichilema further added that his government has a responsibility to buy from investors operating in the country and ensure that the citizens benefit from the national resources. He called upon foreign investors to prioritize skills development to allow locals to learn and enable the construction industry to expand.
The President observed that technology plays a critical role in building industries in today’s society.
President Hichilema was of the view that the construction of the new plant will enable farmers to buy fertilizers at reduced prices.
He said the beauty of investment lies in its ability to create business opportunities for suppliers and jobs for locals.
Through these activities, the country will benefit from the revenue generated. The President noted that the revenue realized from these activities is now enabling the government to buy desks for children and send those who cannot afford an education back to school.


He added that the government’s secret to providing for its citizens was to cut extravagant expenditures, seal loopholes in corruption, and redirect funds to support education and social welfare programs.
The President also stated that his government has resolved to give artisanal miners proper licenses to extract raw materials for the new plant. He emphasized the need for technological know-how and for larger businesses to support small businesses. President Hichilema urged the United Capital Fertilizer to expedite the construction of the plant and offered government support to address any challenges.
He noted that the project’s development will create more jobs for local people.
Then, they will be able to take care of other family members. My request to the Chairman, the team, and the Chief Executives is to support you. We are aware of global fertilizer prices. Hence, as we negotiate prices, let us ensure that we benefit by making fertilizer affordable to farmers.
He advised the company to give farmers good prices because the government is ordering quantities.
Furthermore, we will be able to produce more food, and Zambians should understand that we have an actual opportunity to grow food for other neighboring countries.
They have been paid as well, and the number goes up in the afternoon. President Hichilema said that the new Dawn administration wants farmers to grow more food for the citizens and the neighboring countries who need the food.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Du Xiaohui, has disclosed that once the ultra-modern fertilizer plant is completed, it is expected to provide 300,000 tons of urea each year, greatly reducing agricultural costs and promoting agricultural development in Zambia.
Xiaohui said the project is of great significance for China-Zambia relations in the new era in three aspects.
0He said the first aspect is that China-Zambia practical cooperation has achieved fruitful outcomes in several key projects, including the Kafuel gauge lower hydro-power project, which demonstrates the successful completion of high-quality China-Zambia cooperation.
He said this urea project has received great support from President Hichilema and is another testament to the fact that the political guidance and leadership of both heads of state will advance China-Zambia relations to gain new progress continuously.
Second, Du Xiaohui said China can provide solutions for addressing uncertainties in the world.
He said China remains committed to the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity, and good faith, as well as a principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, in strengthening solidarity and cooperation with fellow developing countries and safeguarding the common interests affected by multiple factors.
Some countries in southern Africa have encountered the main crisis recently, and he said China supports President Hichilema’s proactive measures to promote the development of Zambia, of which this project is a prime example.
As long as our two countries work together in the spirit of mutual respect, we can make our deal contribution to the food security of the world.
Minister of Commerce Chipoka Mulenga said the instructions he received were to ensure that the vision is being implemented from the time they have been in office. Mulenga instructed himself and many other cabinet officials to create sectors that will give value addition, resulting in industrialization and providing jobs for people.
Mulenga acknowledged the efforts put in by the area Member of Parliament who is implementing such directives of positive discrimination, making sure that the locals get jobs from the industry. He added that he intends to call upon the president after calling the Minister of Agriculture.
Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri expressed happiness that a new plant for ammonia and urea construction has begun in Zambia. Phiri said Zambia is now self-sufficient in the production of seeds. He thanked the private sector for their guidance and support through the president to start the plant that will take away the administration of fertilizer in the next two years.
He said Zambia will never import fertilizer unless by choice, not by requirement. The only remaining responsibility is for Zambia to harvest the water that will help in the agriculture industry.
Lusaka PS Robert Kamalata, on behalf of the provincial minister Mulyata, who was not present, said that the United Capital Fertilizers Company and their Company Limited was established in 2021 as the subsidiary of a group of companies Limited. The company has a production capacity of 300,000 metric tons per annum and an investment of 108 million US dollars.
It has created over 750 direct jobs through its operations.
He added that this project will add to the many projects the province has witnessed since this government came into power.
These include the Milling plant in Choongwe District run by the Zambia national service, which is producing cheaper prices and making it affordable to the general populace.
Furthermore, the completion of the Tazara Memorial Park in Choongwe symbolizes the friendship among the three countries of Zambia, Tanzania, and China.
As a province, they are extremely happy with the various projects that have happened in Lusaka Province. The government, in partnership with Afra, has implemented the JIC irrigation infrastructure interfere to increase food security, welfare, and incomes of small border farmers in the province.
The project is targeted to benefit 300,800 hectares of smallholder and commercially-owned land to enhance access to clean and safe water.
The government, in partnership with the Chinese government, also constructed the Kafue water supply of 50,000 cubic meters in Lusaka City today.
The groundbreaking ceremony being witnessed this afternoon will create over 2,500 jobs and later over 1,800 direct jobs during the operational state. Furthermore, the project will have a huge impact on the value chain as 100% of raw materials would be sourced within Zambia and will reduce the cost of fertilizer effectively.
Once operational, it will contribute to the national development agenda and ensure improved landlords through accelerated economic recovery.
Vice President of Wuhuan Engineering Company Limited of China, Zhang Jinyue, observed that although Zambia is an agricultural country, it had always relied on imported fertilizer.
The coming of a new plant that will provide over 300,000 metric tons will help reduce the cost of importing fertilizer.
Furthermore, the project will create more than 2,000 jobs that will contribute towards economic development.
The company promised to use advanced materials that will guarantee the protection of the environment and to follow internationally accepted required standards.
With over 3,000 projects spread across the world, they are committed to completing the project within the stipulated time.
Additionally, they will also train local technical staff that will run the project in the future.

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