Apply for matching grants, producers prodded
By Ceasar Mbewe
GOVERNMENT, through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry under the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project II (ZATP II) has renewed its call for proposals from producer organisations seeking financial support to grow their businesses.
The Matching Grant Application initiative invites cooperatives, active producer organisations and farmers’ associations with strong business ideas to submit their proposals for consideration.
Luapula Province agribusiness officer for the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project Mathew Ndakasha emphasised the importance of submitting clear and well-structured proposals.
“Government is encouraging the mentioned groups to come through and bring proposals so that we can help boost them,” Ndakasha said.
He was speaking during a sensitisation meeting with farmers, associations and cooperatives in Samfya District, Luapula Province.
Ndakasha said the project offered financial support ranging from US$20,000 to US$50,000 per group aimed at empowering eligible organisations to expand their operations and improve productivity.
“The money is available to those who will qualify, and we are sensitising our farmers to submit proposals that meet the criteria,” he said.
The Samfya meeting received positive feedback from the farmers who were optimistic about the potential of the project to transform their livelihoods.
Lucy Kayope, a local cooperative leader, noted that the initiative could elevate the economic status of the farmers and their families in the district.
“This project will change lives in Samfya. Cooperatives will have enough capital to boost their business output,” Kayope said.
Another farmer, Emmanuel Chibale, said the project had the potential to enable them to expand their current farming activities.
“We are happy to see the government offering such a project because it will change the state of our cooperatives,” Chibale said.
The Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project II continues to promote sustainable economic growth by empowering smallholder farmers and cooperatives across the country.
With the ongoing sensitisation meetings, government hopes to increase the participation of eligible organisations in the programme.
Interested groups are encouraged to contact ZATP II offices for further details and guidance on the application process.
