THERE is a need to provide adequate support for local manufacturers if they are to compete at global level, Vision for Zambia Initiative Executive Director Namutula Sindila has said.
Ms. Sindila said relying much on imports from other countries was a drawback to the economy of the country.
She told The Scoop that it was unfortunate that Zambia as a country had continued to be at the mercy of foreign manufacturers who, at times purposefully withheld their products to create an artificial shortage and then increase the prices.
“We need to support our local manufacturers so that they pursue their innovations and end up with finished products that are of use to our nation. It is quite unfortunate that we have continued to be at the mercy of foreign manufacturers who have seemingly withheld their products at will, simply because they are aware that we cannot have our own even if some products may be on demand,” Ms. Sindila said.
She said it was sad that there was a shortage of some sanitary products since last year despite being on demand, a situation she described as a definite infringement of rights for women.
She said everyone had a right to choose the products they would like to use and should be made available to meet their needs.
“This is why it’s important to empower our own local manufacturers as sanitary products are essentials that should never be scarce at all,” she said.
She said Zambia’s manufacturing landscape must be heightened to ensure valuable resources in growing the manufacturing sector and fostering innovation if Zambian manufacturers were to compete favourable even at international level.
She said Zambia has potential to accelerate development through value addition that would in the process have a self-sufficient Zambia with affordable products on the market.