INFRACO Commits US$2m to Fresh Lusaka Market
Brian Mwale – InfraCo Africa has signed an agreement with Savenda Capital committing 2-million United States Dollars towards the construction of the Zambia Fresh Lusaka Market.
The purpose-built 6400 square meter market floor will play host to fresh fruit and vegetables grown by farmers around Lusaka and across the country.
Buyers from small businesses and supermarkets are anticipated to source produce from the market which is expected to boost the efficiency of Zambia’s horticultural value chain.
Savenda Capital Managing Director SEAN MOOLENSCHOT says the fresh produce value chain presents a rare chance to create a sustainable intersection for scalable institutional support for African small-scale farmers.
In a statement to ZNBC News, Mr. MOOLENSCHOT said the commission-agent market will operate on the basis of clearly defined market rules and use a trading software system that promotes transparency and efficiency for all users.
He said cold-storage facilities will also be on site to help maximize produce shelf-life and minimise wastage adding that commercial retail buildings and an aeroponics facility growing leafy vegetables for year-round sale on the market will form part of the building.
And InfraCo Africa Business Development Manager PHILIPPA VILJOEN said his firm has extensive experience in Zambia’s agricultural sector, having been involved with the Chanyanya and Chiansi Irrigation projects in Kafue District over the past 16 years.
Ms. VILJOEN said the ZAMBIA-Fresh market feels like a natural extension of her company’s commitment as it seeks to increase and enhance fair market access for all Zambian smallholders.
She said her company is pleased to be supporting Savenda Capital to make the market a reality and hopes that it will act as a model for similar facilities across Zambia and the wider region.
Ms. VILJOEN further noted that ZAMBIA-Fresh is the first market of its kind outside of South Africa.
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