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The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Association of Zambia has requested government to clearly segment businesses which non-citizens can engage in as it prepares to present the 2024 national budget.
Non-citizens should not be allowed to engage in minor businesses such as operating taxis, home stalls, backyard poultry and block making.
These are some of the expectations from government for the 2024 national budget presentation, according to association Board Chairman, Daimone Siulapwa in an interview on Monday.
According to Siulapwa, non-citizens should not also be allowed to engaged in businesses such as cleaning services, security, sale of land and sale of gravel, clearing & forwarding, supplying of basic commodities, basic retail and wholesale stores, hawking and many more minor businesses.
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“The SME Association of Zambia is very optimistic about the 2024 national budget, as the new dawn government has fully pledged to revamp the national economy and empower all Zambians regardless of tribe, religious or political affiliation,” he said.
Other expectations outlined by Siulapwa included increased funding to the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).
He explained that they would help many local Zambian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises due to the high cost of funds from conventional lending institutions like commercial banks.
He also called for increased funding to the immigration department and employment of more manpower so that the immigration department is empowered in its operations.
“This will curb the rampant proliferation of illegal foreigners who are diluting the local SME’s ability with unfair and illegal competition,” Siulapwa said.
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