Making a Difference

Community Development

Without the support of communities, companies cannot flourish. This is why we prioritise community engagement, focusing on external stakeholders and striving to move beyond conventional business practices.

Investment in local procurement

Zambeef is one of the largest business partners and employers in many rural areas. We actively promote the procurement of locally produced raw materials, resulting in poverty alleviation and sustainable development of these rural economies.

The economic multiplier effect of our policy of sourcing from local small-scale suppliers is significant:

 

  • We promote economic stability by encouraging local business networks.
  • We rely on smallholder farmers to supply us with livestock and produce for processing, distribution and retailing in our outlets. We also support other small agribusinesses by purchasing and stocking their products in our macro outlets.
  • This system actively raises farmer’s incomes and expands markets and jobs through our nonfarm segments, such as our retail outlets. The money earned by local farmers is reinvested into infrastructure and their families, improving livelihoods.

Supporting small-scale farmers

We work closely with small and medium-scale farmers across all our operations. Empowering small-scale farmers is integral to our continued success. We support numerous small and medium scale outgrowers, sourcing a significant percentage of our cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, maize and soya beans from rural areas or through outgrower schemes.

We also have a cattle improvement programme in Western Province in collaboration with two NGOs. This scheme aims to improve cattle population numbers, quality and reproduction rates within the national herd. It is specifically targeted at small-scale farmers, and includes an educational programme in animal husbandry, cattle dipping to reduce tick-borne diseases and treatment for liver fluke. Under the scheme, we pay a premium price for all cattle that successfully undergo the prescribed treatments. Additionally, we provide 30 bulls from our herd for breeding, to improve the genetics of the traditional herd in the project area.

 

Our programme supporting the growth of small-scale dairy farmers in Mongu, Western Province, with the NGO Musika is ongoing, with the Mongu milk processing plant now fully operational. Under this scheme, we:

 

  • Constructed a milk processing plant in Mongu.
  • Provide technical assistance, training and guidance to small-scale dairy farmers to improve yields and animal husbandry practices.
  • Provide an assured market for smallholder milk farmers.

 

By fostering these partnerships and initiatives, we contribute to the sustainable development of rural economies and enhance the livelihoods of the communities we serve.

Education for growth

As an agri-business deeply rooted in the local agriculture and livestock sector, we not only deliver positive economic impact but also place educational support at the heart of our community development efforts. We recognise that education at all levels is essential and support various educational institutions and programmes across the country, enhancing education through infrastructure development and material provision.

In our commitment to education, we have established or continued to support pre-schools, primary and secondary schools in the areas where we operate and contribute to government schools in various regions. Collaborating with higher education institutions ensures a steady supply of graduates and interns for the workforce.

 

At Mwayasunka Day in Chisamba, near Huntley Farm, we have backed an enhanced education delivery drive. Additionally, Mpongwe Farm Nampamba Private School, situated within the Zambeef Mpongwe Farm estate, is fully operated by us. This school serves not only the children of our employees but also children from the surrounding villages. We employ all the teachers and auxiliary staff and provide all teaching materials and resources necessary for the school’s operation.

Social Investment

We are committed to social investment in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We continuously support worthy causes, organisations and charities aimed at poverty alleviation through both cash donations and regular provision of free Zambeef products. Our active feeding and donations programme operates across the country, and we support healthcare initiatives by partnering with the Ministry of Health and local councils to address community health needs. Our investment in medical centres and clinics, including maternity wings, underscores our dedication to positively impacting our communities.

 

We support the following areas:

 

  • Construction of schools and health centres.
  • Provision of electricity and clean water facilities.
  • Funding educational and healthcare materials.
  • Donation of food to the vulnerable.
  • Promotion of sports.
  • Support to traditional ceremonies.

Our company's leadership, including our Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Faith Mukutu, and other executives, actively engage in various board positions, offering expertise and insights. They also extend their knowledge in support of community related to small and medium businesses, small-scale farmers, health, education and entrepreneurship.

 

Through divisions like Zamleather and Zamshu, we contribute to conservation efforts, particularly in collaboration with the Department of National Wildlife. We also support tourism and preserving cultural heritage by backing traditional ceremonies in regions where we operate, affirming our commitment to the local communities and the nation's heritage. Our deep engagement in community initiatives is made possible through partnerships with local traditional leaders, such as our chiefs.

 

Additionally, we have partnered with basketball club Matero Magic for initiatives aimed at empowering communities through sport – particularly focusing on the girl child, promoting education, combatting drug abuse and fostering socio-economic development through sports.