By NOEL IYOMBWA
GOVERNMENT is committed to seeing that there is improvement of the energy services, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Elias Mubanga has said.
Speaking during the launch of TotalEnergies StartUpper challenge Mr Mubanga said that TotalEnergies has continued ensuring that the company’s growth is reflecting on the country’s growth in the energy sector.
Engineer Mubanga also said that the new dawn government has emphasised the importance of skills development.
He explained that it is important to note that everyone is capable of starting a business but not everyone is capable of maintaining the investment.
The minister said that in a country like Zambia with a population of over 18 million, small and medium enterprises play a critical role in the economy.
Engineer Mubanga observed that Small and Medium Enterprises are key to addressing the unemployment challenges that the country is facing and that through such programs, people will be empowered.
He commended TotalEnergies initiative and its continuous dedication to supporting the people of Zambia.
And TotalEnergies managing director Caroline Royer said that the Startupper of the year challenge will support and reward young local entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 who either have business creation project or a Start-up that is under three years old.
Ms Royer explained that a local jury made up of experts and sustainable development players and managers from TotalEnergies will select three winners.
She said that the categories will be best business creation project, best start-up under three years and the best female entrepreneur respectively.
