BuyZed Campaign has called on government agencies to intervene in what it describes as soaring shop rentals and growing competition from foreign traders in Lusaka’s Central Business District (CBD).
Campaign Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Evans Kazonga Ng’oma, told Money News that local traders were struggling to compete with foreign nationals renting shops at high prices along Freedom Way, Chachacha Road and Cairo Road.
Mr. Ng’oma said some foreign traders were reportedly paying rentals of more than US$2,500, making it difficult for many local entrepreneurs to secure business space.
“We are deeply concerned about the situation, particularly along Freedomway, Chachacha Road, and Cairo Road. Local Zambian traders are struggling to compete with foreign nationals who are renting shops at exorbitant rates, with some paying up to $2,500 and more,” he said.
He added that the situation was stifling local businesses and creating an uneven playing field.
Mr. Ng’oma urged the Zambia Revenue Authority to ensure traders were paying the correct taxes and that government was collecting the necessary revenue from business operations.
He also called on the Department of Immigration to scrutinize trading permits issued to foreign nationals.
“And we call on the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency to verify the authenticity of imported goods and curb counterfeit products,” he stated.
Mr. Ng’oma further called for policies aimed at promoting local participation in business and empowering Zambian entrepreneurs.
“It’s time to prioritize Zambian businesses and give our local entrepreneurs a chance to thrive,” Mr. Ng’oma said.
He stressed that permits for foreign investors should focus on sectors where local participation remained limited, such as capital-intensive manufacturing, while efforts should also be made to build the capacity of Zambians to participate in those industries.
“We need to build capacity and create opportunities for our people. Zambians can develop Zambia, and we must make it happen,” he added.
