The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), through its Skills Development Unit under the Business Development Department, has handed over three motorbikes valued at more than K160,000 to Longacres Multipurpose Cooperative in a move aimed at strengthening citizen participation in Zambia’s growing transport sector.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, CEEC Communications and Public Relations Manager, Michelo Mukata, said the initiative is part of the Commission’s broader mandate to empower citizens with productive assets and equip them with the necessary skills to operate sustainable and viable businesses.
“CEEC does not only provide access to finance, but also facilitates access to productive assets that can help citizens grow their enterprises,” Mr. Mukata said.
He explained that the support targets beneficiaries strategically positioned to contribute to key sectors of the economy, particularly transport, which has experienced notable growth in recent years.
Mr. Mukata observed that Zambia has seen significant expansion in transport-related services, including courier operations and ride-hailing platforms such as Yango, creating new opportunities for citizens to actively participate in emerging markets.
Describing the intervention as a holistic empowerment programme, Mr. Mukata said CEEC had complemented the asset support with training to ensure beneficiaries effectively manage their operations and meet repayment obligations within 36 months.
He further emphasized that members of the cooperative underwent training in financial management and repayment processes to promote compliance and ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
Mr. Mukata added that timely repayment of the support will allow other market cooperatives across the country to benefit from similar empowerment programmes in the future.
The handover underscores CEEC’s continued commitment to fostering citizen-driven economic growth and strengthening small and medium enterprises through targeted empowerment initiatives.
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