BUYING LOCAL PRODUCTS BUILDS THE COUNTRY

 

                                                       image by BuyZed Campaign

Local products have been suppressed due to limited initiatives geared towards promotion of local products. The rise in imports has resulted into negative balance of payments over time.

 The government's efforts towards creating an enabling business environment through business environment reforms has been acknowledged as an important pre-requisite for stimulating a public and private sector response.

 Zambia has been an import- dependent country for years but slowly this is diminishing as more people are beginning to understand the importance of appreciating local products.

 "There is need to support the local manufacturing by consuming locally made products Vice President Mutale Nalumango has said.

 Mrs Nalumango said a well-meaning Zambian, must support the campaign and promote the consumption of high proudly Zambian products.

 "Together, let us work to promote Zambian made products because Zambian products has a lot of high-quality" Mrs Nalumango stated.

 Various stakeholders are now appreciating the fact that promotion and consumption of local products are good for the economy and efforts to promote the consumption of local products is now getting maximum campaign and recognition thanks to Buy Zambia Campaign Founder Evans Ngoma who has been promoting the buying of local products.

 Mr  Ngoma said buying local products motivates local entrepreneurs and manufacturers to produce and introduce more products on the market.

“There is need for trade attaché in Zambian embassies around the world to work hard and ensure that Zambian products find themselves on the foreign shelves, more efforts are needed to ensure that trade attaché lobby market and business for the Zambian business community abroad, Mr Ngoma said”  

According to Mr Ngoma, marketing the country’s business abroad would also be beneficial to the government as there would be increased revenue collected.

Mr Ngoma explained that if production in the country is increased this will lead to an economic boom for many players as it will create jobs and contribute to poverty alleviation.

According to S. Clyde Weaver Inc , Supporting local businesses boosts your local economy. When you buy local, you’re funneling money back into the community rather than ambiguous national chains and corporations. Circulating money within your own community funds public infrastructure — things like schools, libraries, roads and parks. Local businesses also provide jobs and wages to residents and contributions to charitable nonprofits. Buying local benefits, you, your neighbors and the environment.

MERSH Investments Limited has called on Zambians to support local industries by buying locally-produced products to contribute to job creation and help stabilise the Kwacha.

Company director Evangelos Chatzigiannidis has commended Government for creating a conducive business environment that has seen private sector involvement in developing the performance of various businesses in the country.

And Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, said his ministry will work round the clock to ensure that people begin to consider buying local products as directed by President Hichilema.

Mr. Chipoka stated that successive governments have been talking about promoting local products but there has never been actualization of these promotions.

He said it is unfortunate that certain goods are imported into Zambia at the expense of those produced by Zambians.

"There is need for Zambians to start thinking buying local products because buying local products returns Revenues for the economy,what is important is buying from each and this will return jobs and create jobs for the country, government has created an enabling environment that has made multinational suppliers and local suppliers complete for business equally,"He said

                                                         (This is kawambwa tea bags produced in Luapula province)

When you buy or eat local products, you know the food on your plate didn’t have to travel 300 miles to get there. Local food products are fresher and more nutritious  not to mention tastier than products that have spent time in transit, packaging and storage for days on end. The food products you find at farmer’s markets and local shops are bound to be fresher than those in larger retailers.

According to the United Nations, over 690 million people still go hungry, while more than 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. To address this issue, SDG Goal 2, Zero Hunger, has become a top priority for governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide.

When we buy food from local farmers, we support their livelihoods and reduce the carbon footprint of our food. By reducing the distance food has to travel to reach our plates, we cut down on transportation emissions and support a more sustainable food system.

Moreover, buying food from local farmers' markets can help reduce food waste. Unlike large grocery stores, where much of the produce is packaged and shipped from far away, local farmers sell only what they have grown themselves. This means there is less risk of food being wasted due to spoilage during transportation or storage.

Eating locally sourced food can also promote sustainable agriculture practices. Local farmers often use more sustainable and organic farming methods, such as crop rotation and the use of natural fertilizers. By supporting these practices, we reduce the environmental impact of our food and promote a more sustainable food system.

                                                                   (image by the United nations)

There is need for government to serve as an example for its residents by adding language to its procurement/purchasing policy that places a preference to support local business. In my particular agency, anytime food is required for an event, the policy requires that we purchase from a local vendor.

There is need for government through ministry of tourism to also issues a dining guide that lists every restaurant by cuisine, and is updated at least once a quarter. We also list every local business (that holds a valid business license) on the Country’s website.

 we can build a more resilient and equitable food system and other local for everyone. Let's make a conscious effort to support our local farmers and local companies and create a brighter future for all.

“Zambians and all government institutions need to prioritize buying local products to promote the implementation of the “Buy Zambian Campaign” and grow the country’s local industry and ensure funds are retained in local hands, “Former Republican President Edgar Lungu said.

Speaking in an interview the former President Said in order to promote ownership and sustainability of this initiative, government needs to continue to support the private sector to enhance the market share for Zambian products on the domestic standards and ensure that products are clearly labeled with the “proudly Zambian” logo adding that some large companies have led this initiative such as Trade Kings, Carlifonian Beverage, Zambeef and others

(BuyZed Founder and Chief Executive Officer Evans Ng’oma  interacting with the minister of Agriculture Honourable Mutola Phiri at the 2023 trade fair)

With proven economic, health, environmental, and even wildlife-related benefits, it’s clear that there are enough significant reasons to start buying local, pandemic or not. Yes, you’ll be saving money and improving your offering, but you’ll also be helping your neighbours and injecting some life into your country. While we think it’s a smart financial decision, when it comes to buying local, your bottom line is not the bottom line.