Kansanshi Mining Empowers 17 SMEs with Equipment to Boost Local Enterprise in Solwezi
Kansanshi Mining Supports 17 SMEs with Business Equipment Under Solwezi Enterprise Development Programme
Kansanshi Mining PLC has provided equipment and productive assets to 17 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Solwezi under its SME Accelerator Programme, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship, job creation and sustainable economic development.
The handover included a range of equipment tailored to the needs of participating businesses, including a block-making machine, generator, air compressor, 24 industrial sewing machines, solar power systems, transport solutions and other productive assets.
The equipment is intended to help the businesses increase production capacity, improve product quality, expand market access and create employment opportunities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Kansanshi Mining PLC Assistant General Manager Axel Kottgen said the company views local enterprise development as a key component of sustainable community growth.
“At Kansanshi Mining PLC, we firmly believe that sustainable development extends beyond mining. It includes empowering local businesses, building entrepreneurial capacity, creating jobs and fostering economic resilience within our communities. This belief is at the heart of the SME Accelerator Programme,” Kottgen said.
Supporting inclusive economic growth
North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi, who attended the event, commended Kansanshi Mining for its continued investment in citizen economic empowerment.
He said initiatives such as the SME Accelerator Programme complement the government’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship and employment creation.
Kansanshi Foundation Manager Simon Keevil encouraged the beneficiaries to use the support to build successful businesses that generate income and create employment opportunities within their communities.
Building stronger local businesses
The 17 beneficiary enterprises operate across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, food processing, metal fabrication, leather production, water bottling, poultry farming and cleaning services.
In addition to providing equipment, the SME Accelerator Programme offers mentorship, business development training, market linkages and technical support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and improve long-term sustainability.
By combining access to productive assets with business capacity development, the programme aims to build resilient local enterprises, stimulate economic diversification and increase participation of Zambian-owned businesses in the regional economy.
The initiative forms part of Kansanshi Mining’s broader community development strategy, which focuses on supporting sustainable livelihoods and promoting economic opportunities beyond the mining sector across North-Western Province.
