Government says the retail sector’s total investment in Zambia is expected to exceed US$ 200 million this year.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said Government efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Zambia are beginning to bear fruit.
Speaking at the launch of Pick n Pay in Lusaka on Wednesday night, Mr Mutati said the retail sector in Zambia is the second biggest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) at 15 percent.

Pick n Pay is investing US$25 million in Zambia, and its goal is to open seven stores, five in Lusaka and two on the Copperbelt.
Mr Mutati said Government is keen to make a difference in Zambia, adding that the coming of investors such as Pick n Pay will help make a difference.

“The wave of inspiration is what Pick n Pay is bringing to Zambia. The company will connect 5,000 farmers who will be supplying vegetables and fruits,” he said.

Pick n Pay chairman Gareth Ackerman said the legacy of the retail store is looking after its customers, helping the business community and the surrounding community.

“Pick n Pay started in South Africa in 1967, and our focus is on developing the African operations. We are happy to be in Zambia, a market that is growing very fast with the projected GDP of 5.8 percent this year,” he said.

Pick n Pay group enterprise director Dallas Langman said the retail store chain is excited to be expanding in Africa as evidenced by the opening of its first store in Zambia.
Mr Langman said southern Africa represents an attractive market for retail stores, and the market remains untapped.

“The opening of the Lusaka store in Woodlands is an expression of confidence in Zambia…We are present in Namibia, Botswana, and soon moving to Mozambique. We have identified a site in Mauritius,” he said.

Pick n Pay Zambia general manager Andy Roberts said the company is working closely with the Zambia Development Agency as a point of contact for local business houses and Roseblooms, a Ngwerere-based farm, as a point of consolidation for small-scale farmers together with Pick n Pay South Africa.
Mr Roberts said the company plans to establish an academy to grow and improve the farming community in Zambia.

“As the group’s policy, we will use local suppliers as far as possible, and work with the local farmers in a bid to grow the local farming base,” he said.
He said the group is also exploring the possibilities of franchising Pick n Pay to investors who will meet the group’s standards.

He said the retail store will provide Zambians 10,000 line of products, and half will be secured locally.
Mr Roberts said Pick n Pay is excited to employ 140 staff at Woodlands centre, and with further expansion over the next five years, hopes to employ a workforce of 1,000 people.