Zambia is taking further steps to expand domestic manufacturing at the Golden Baobab Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Kafue, where truck-trailer assembly has begun alongside timber processing and preparations for animal-feed production.
Ministry of Information and Media Director and Spokesperson Henry Kapata says these developments reflect the country’s efforts to strengthen local industries, create employment and increase opportunities for Zambian businesses.
Truck-Trailer Assembly Creates Local Skills Opportunities
TONGYA AUTO has started assembling approximately five truck trailers using imported components while training Zambian workers in different aspects of the assembly process, according to Kapata.
The company plans to increase local participation by manufacturing components domestically and engaging Zambian businesses to supply parts. This approach could create opportunities for local suppliers while gradually building technical skills and industrial capacity.
Animal-Feed Plant Prepares for Production
Meanwhile, the company has completed construction of the animal-feed plant and is preparing to begin production. The facility is expected to process 10 tonnes of animal feed daily and directly employ more than 100 people.
The company is also seeking suppliers of maize, wheat and soya beans, creating potential market opportunities for local farmers and agricultural businesses.
By linking agricultural production with industrial processing, the project aims to strengthen domestic value chains and create additional demand for locally produced raw materials.
Solar Power Project to Support Industrial Operations
A 5-megawatt solar power plant is also under development to supply electricity to businesses operating within the economic zone. Operations are expected to begin in the coming days, according to the report. The planned facility will provide additional electricity to support industrial activity at the site.
Supporting Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda
Kapata says the developments support President Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to increase agricultural output, expand manufacturing, strengthen local supply chains and generate employment.
The agenda includes production targets of 10 million tonnes of maize, 3 million tonnes of soya beans and 1 million tonnes of wheat. It also sets an ambition to increase national electricity generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts.
However, achieving these goals requires more than increasing agricultural production. Kapata emphasises the need for industries that can process farm produce, manufacture goods locally and create reliable markets for Zambian suppliers.
Building Industrial Capacity Through Local Investment
The Golden Baobab zone in Kafue hosts truck-trailer assembly, timber processing, an animal-feed plant and a solar power project.
The projects illustrate how investment in manufacturing, agricultural processing and energy infrastructure can support Zambia’s wider industrial development ambitions.
TONGYA AUTO’s assembly operations could help develop local component supply, technical skills and Zambian business participation in the truck-trailer value chain.
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