Hichilema envisions food security, as $600 million urea fertiliser, ammonia plant launched

Construction of the US$600 million urea fertiliser and ammonia plant has been launched in Lusaka by the United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited.

The launch was witnessed by President Hakainde Hichilema on Friday who stressed that producing local fertiliser ensured predictability for the farmers that used the product.

“It will also be cheaper as we also strive to be net exporters of this highly sought-after commodity. Our focus is on more production, more export, and less imports, and we are confident that Zambia will not only be exporting goods services but also skills. This is our focus,” Hichilema said.

During the ceremony, Hichilema stated that government resolved to ensure that Zambia was food secure and that investment in areas such as this were most welcome.

He stated that the long-term strategy was for Zambia to progressively start importing lower quantities of fertiliser and other inputs the country used for food production.

“We are firm believers of buying Zambian products, to build the country. We call on citizens out there to adapt and join us in actioning this slogan.

“This is the enabling policy and business environment we wanted. One of our policies is positive discrimination, as long as the Zambian company meets the standards required. This will create jobs and keep money circulating locally,” Hichilema said.

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