Lusangazi District – Thursday, April 2, 2026
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA), in collaboration with NATSAVE Bank’s Petauke Branch, have successfully conducted a joint capacity-building training for loans and grants beneficiaries as well as local contractors in Msanzala Constituency, Lusangazi District.
The training, which brought together over 100 participants from across all the wards in Lusangazi district, was aimed at bridging the critical gap between access to finance and successful project execution, with a special focus on procurement compliance, financial discipline, and sustainable enterprise growth.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the local authority, the Council Secretary for Lusangazi District, Mr. Tembo Sekani, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of the joint initiative.
“It is my distinct honour to welcome you all to this important training. Today, we witness a powerful collaboration between the Zambia Development Agency and the Zambia Public Procurement Authority, two key institutions that drive economic growth and ensure transparent use of public resources,” Mr. Sekani said.
He reminded loan and grant beneficiaries that access to capital is only the first step.
“Without proper financial management, procurement ethics, and project execution skills, even the largest grant will fail to create lasting impact. This training will help you move from simply receiving funds to becoming bankable, accountable, and investment-ready partners,” he added.
Addressing local contractors, the Council Secretary warned that many contracts are delayed or revoked due to poor record-keeping and non-compliance. “The Zambian Government has reserved many bids for citizens. This training is designed to turn you from a casual bidder into a preferred, reliable contractor,” Mr. Sekani stated.
In a powerful moment during his opening address, Mr. Sekani emphasised that such trainings in entrepreneurial skills are a direct vision of the Republican President, Dr. Hakainde Hichilema. “His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema wants to see Zambia being transformed, beginning with rural areas like Lusangazi District. That is why even the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been increased so that no constituency is left behind,” the Council Secretary said.
He reminded participants that Msanzala Constituency now receives the same CDF amount as urban constituencies, K40,000,000, a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to equitable development. “This K40 million is not just a figure. It is an opportunity for you, the local contractors and beneficiaries, to rise. But opportunity without capacity is wasted. That is why this training exists, to ensure you are ready to deliver,” he added.
Mr. Sekani called on all participants to support the President’s vision for a transformed Zambia by the year 2030. “We need to support his vision for a transformed Zambia by the year 2030. It begins with each one of you, in Msanzala, in Lusangazi, in every rural constituency, taking these entrepreneurial skills seriously and executing projects with excellence,” he stated.
Adding a crucial private sector voice, NATSAVE Bank’s Petauke Branch took participants through practical sessions on financial management, savings culture, loan repayment discipline, and how to structure business accounts for transparency.
A NATSAVE representative, Mr. Lewis Sakala emphasised that many beneficiaries of loans and grants fail because they mix business funds with personal finances.
“Councils through CDF and us the banks are not here just to lend you money. We are here to ensure you understand cash flow, record-keeping, and how to remain creditworthy. A good relationship with your bank opens bigger doors,” he said.
The Bank also briefed participants on accessible credit lines and savings products tailored for local contractors and small-scale enterprises in Lusangazi District.
Over the course of the training, participants were equipped on:
· The Public Procurement Act and regulations
· Financial discipline, budgeting, and audit readiness
· Ethics and anti-corruption in public procurement
· Local content utilization and ZDA incentives
· Savings and loan management with NATSAVE Bank
In his closing remarks, Mr. Sekani returned to urge participants to move from training to tangible action. “Training without action is entertainment. Therefore, I urge each one of you to leave here with a personal commitment,” he said.
He challenged participants to review their internal systems, apply for opportunities correctly, and share the knowledge with fellow local contractors.
Revisiting the President’s vision, the Council Secretary concluded: “Capital without capacity collapses. Grants without governance are wasted. Loans without compliance lead to losses. You now have the capacity, the governance knowledge, and the compliance tools. Go and build Zambia with excellence. Support President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision for a transformed Zambia by 2030, starting right here in Msanzala Constituency.”
He then officially closed the session.
The joint initiative has been hailed by community leaders in Msanzala Constituency as a game-changer for local enterprise. One participant, a local contractor from Lusangazi, said: “I have lost tenders before because I did not understand procurement rules. Now I know where I went wrong. This training has given me a second chance.”
Another beneficiary added: “Hearing that our President wants rural areas to transform first gives me hope. With this K40 million CDF and the skills we have learned, we can truly develop Msanzala.”
The ZDA, ZPPA, and NATSAVE Bank Petauke Branch have committed to follow-up sessions and continued mentorship for participants to ensure that the knowledge gained translates into tangible business growth and compliant project execution.