Ict can market local brands-Govt
By Wilson Mulinda-Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary, Mushumwa Mulenga says Government will continue supporting initiatives aimed at marketing local brands through the use of Information Communication Technology -ICT’s.
Mr. Mulenga says the initiative by the Zambia Cooperative Federation- ZCF- to launch an e-solution application called the ZCF APP will allow subscribers to have easy access to a range of products, thereby benefiting local entities as well.
Mr. Mulenga said Government embarked on a National financial inclusion strategy which, as at 2015, reported to have been at 59 point 3 percent of the adult population financially included.
He said Government set a course of action to be executed by both the public and private sector to address the strategy.
Mr. Mulenga has also called on other local companies to emulate such initiatives to grow their businesses through ICT’s.
He was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by Registrar of Industries Justin Mwansa during the official launch of the ZCF APP.
Meanwhile, ZCF Director General James Chirwa said the federation intends to recruit Agro dealers across the country as agents of the ZCF App in the interest of doing more for less.
Mr. Chirwa said the increase in the use of mobile phones has brought efficiency and speed in bringing providers of goods and services closer to the people through there mobile phones.
And, United Bank of Africa UBA Chief Executive Officer, Felix Ugbebor said the bank has formed partnerships with different players in the ecosystem including cooperatives and government by providing payment solutions of over 5 thousand women beneficiaries u
der the GEWEL Project.
Mr. Ugbebor said UBA has adopted the strategy of partnerships to assist the Government of Zambia in exceeding 70 percent financial inclusion by the year 2022 as highlighted in the financial inclusion strategy.
