MWAISENI STORES AND THE ZAMBIA COOPERATIVE FEDERATION TO SUPPORT MSEMEs

By Daily News Reporter 

Mwaiseni Stores, a local retail chain, and the Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at empowering local cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The collaboration between Mwaiseni Stores and ZCF, is  focusing on supply chain development, market access, capacity building, economic empowerment, and joint marketing initiatives.

This partnership will benefit thousands of cooperative members across Zambia, upscaling their production capacities and contributing to the country's economic prosperity through market linkages by local market outlets.

Under the partnership, ZCF-affiliated cooperatives and MSMEs will supply various products, including fresh produce, processed goods, and fast-moving consumer goods, to Mwaiseni Stores, while the retail chain will provide technical support, ensuring products meet industry standards, and offer long-term contracts and consistent off-taking arrangements.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Lusaka,Mwaiseni Stores representative and management partner Richard Haatontola stated that the chainstore has committed to procuring quality products from ZCF-affiliated cooperatives that meet quality, pricing, and supply chain requirements for the benefit of the Zambian market and the growth of individual suppliers. He said the chainstore will promote products through branding and dedicated shelf spaces.

Mr.Haatontola said through the partnership, the chainstore expects ZCF to coordinate timely and quality product supply from its members, ensuring products meet Mwaiseni Stores' quality control and packaging standards, and enhancing production capabilities and value addition.

Mr.Haatontola also urged the chainstore to remain committed in supporting local enterprises through the ‘Local is Laka” initiative and contributing to Zambia's sustainable economic development

 He further added that local manufacturers, SMEs, family owned businesses, and drop shipping companies to take advantage of the available supply and vendor opportunities that the chain store is presenting. 

The rebounding of the once popular local chain store is anticipated as a stimulus for economic development and industrial developmental emancipation in Zambia.