Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development

29/10/2026

𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙃𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙖 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙎𝙈𝙀 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨

President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the newly sworn-in Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hon. Lucky Sichone, to prioritize the formalisation of businesses, the easing of access to financing for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the creation of stronger linkages to domestic and international markets.

The President issued the directive during a swearing-in ceremony held at State House, where Hon. Sichone took the Oath of Office alongside 33 other newly appointed ministers.

In his remarks, President Hichilema emphasized that SMEs are the backbone of Zambia's economy and a critical driver of job creation and wealth generation. He stated that the government's agenda of economic transformation hinges on empowering small businesses to grow from informal operations into formal, bankable enterprises capable of competing in larger markets.

The President further urged the new Minister to collaborate with relevant ministries, including Finance and National Planning, as well as institutions such as the Zambia Development Agency and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission, to create a conducive environment for small businesses. He specifically tasked the Minister with developing strategies to connect SMEs to anchor industries, public procurement opportunities, and regional export markets.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the press, and family members of the appointees.

The directive to the new SME Minister underscores the New Dawn government's continued focus on private sector-led economic growth, with particular attention to the role of small businesses in reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities, especially for the youth and women.

Hon. Sichone takes over the ministry at a time when the government is implementing various reforms aimed at improving the business environment and enhancing financial inclusion. The coming months are expected to see the rollout of new policy measures designed to accelerate the formalisation of SMEs, expand access to credit facilities, and facilitate market access through trade partnerships and value chain integration.

The President concluded by reiterating his government's commitment to creating a level playing field for all businesses and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably across the nation.

𝙄𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮:
Virginia Chilongo (Ms.)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development
[email protected]

28/10/2026

28/10/2026

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hon. Lucky Sichone - Member of Parliament for Konkola Constituency.

28/10/2026

Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development

27/10/2026

🚨 WESTERN PROVINCE, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT! 🚨

Ready to level up your hustle? The MSMEs & Cooperatives Capacity Building Programme is landing at Country Lodge, Mongu! 🔥

✅ Nov 17: Exhibition Day
✅ Nov 18–20: Training Workshop

Only K200 to secure your spot. Don't sleep on this! 😴🚫

Register NOW — link below! 👇🏽👇🏽

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWm1ac9yOcIH3LxkoNJSRDsYP6W0TKLVMgC0JJBVDTlQq4bA/viewform

26/10/2026

Remember that anyone can be an entrepreneur, even you 👉🏽👉🏽

FAZ veep hails Sunzu for venturing into entrepreneurship

FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) vice-president Mutale Ng'andu says former national team defender Stopilla Sunzu has set an example for footballers to build careers beyond the pitch following the opening of SS13 Sports Cafe.

Speaking during the opening of the facility in Lusaka on Saturday night, Ng'andu said Sunzu has created a place where football fans could continue celebrating their passion for the game.

He said Sunzu's investment demonstrates how footballers can use the discipline, teamwork and dedication developed during their playing careers to venture into entrepreneurship.

Ng'andu recalled Sunzu's contribution to Zambia's historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) triumph, particularly his decisive penalty in the final against Ivory Coast.

Zambia beat a star-studded Ivory Coast side 8-7 on post-match penalties following a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes in Libreville, Gabon.

He said Sunzu has maintained his bond with supporters by creating a space that brings national teams closer to the communities that stand behind them.

Ng'andu added that the establishment demonstrates that a footballer's legacy could extend beyond achievements on the pitch through investments that connect with and benefit communities.

He urged management and staff to maintain the standards of the facility, while encouraging football fans to support the business and provide feedback to help improve services.

25/10/2026

Good morning 🇿🇲

24/10/2026

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮! 🇿🇲

Today, as Zambia turns 62, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development celebrates the freedom, resilience, and hard work of our people.

True independence is also economic. By supporting our SMEs, we are building a self-reliant, prosperous nation. Let us continue to work together to grow our businesses, create jobs, and drive our economy forward.

Wishing all Zambians a peaceful and joyous celebration! 🦅🇿🇲

23/10/2026

𝙁𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝘿𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙩: 𝙈𝙧𝙨. 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙪

Today, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development has bid farewell to its Director of Human Resource and Administration, Mrs. Florence Sichundu, who passed away on Monday, 19th October 2026 following a short illness.

Mrs. Sichundu was a dedicated and highly valued member of the Ministry, whose contribution to the institution spanned years of loyal service. In her role as Director, she oversaw the human resource and administrative functions of the Ministry with diligence, integrity, and a deep sense of duty.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mrs. Sichundu was known among colleagues as a warm, approachable, and compassionate leader — one who placed the welfare of staff at the heart of her work. Her leadership style earned her the respect and admiration of all who served under and alongside her.

Her passing has left a void within the Ministry, and she will be remembered for her commitment to public service and her genuine care for the people she worked with.

The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the Sichundu family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we pray that they find comfort and strength in the days ahead.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.