Did you know that Zambia exported K125.5 million worth of raw cane sugar to DR Congo in June?

Meanwhile, he indicated that processing agricultural products within Zambia would enable the country to earn more foreign exchange while strengthening local industries and creating sustainable employment.

“So, for us to maximize and make good money and utilize our human resources, I think we need to finally process everything just like the products we import, which come to us already finished,” said Mapanza.

The Chairperson, however, acknowledged that in some cases foreign buyers may specifically request raw cane sugar to suit their own refining requirements and industrial standards.

“Except that there are instances where the importer might request a particular type of sugar so that when it reaches that country they do a second refining process,” said Mapanza.

He further noted that Zambia’s sugar industry is supported by both large commercial producers and thousands of out-grower farmers who supply sugarcane to processing companies.

“If you go to Nakambala, there are small-scale farmer out-growers who produce sugarcane and sell it to Zambia Sugar Company, but they cannot process it because they do not have the processing facilities,” said Mapanza.