By Francis Chipalo
BuyZed Campaign has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema’s renewed call for Zambians to prioritize locally manufactured goods and services, describing it as central to job creation and economic resilience.
The endorsement follows President Hichilema’s address at the official opening of the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly on Friday, 9 October 2026.
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BuyZed Campaign Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Evans Kazonga Ng’oma said the President’s message aligns with the organization’s “Grow Zambia” agenda.
“When we buy Zambian-made products, we help sustain local businesses, support jobs and create demand that encourages our producers to expand,” Ng’oma stated.
Ng’oma said the presidential directive should move beyond rhetoric into measurable action within households, retail chains, private companies and public institutions.
President Hichilema in his parliamentary address cited sectors including fertilizer, agricultural inputs, construction materials, chemicals and medicines as examples where domestic procurement could stimulate local production.
Ng’oma welcomed the President’s recognition of the Proudly Zambian Campaign, noting that collaboration between government, manufacturers, retailers, farmers and advocacy groups like BuyZed would be critical to achieving the objective.
He outlined four practical interventions to translate the President’s call into results.
Ng’oma urged institutions to open up contracting to qualified Zambian suppliers and ensure timely payments.
“A local business needs both an opportunity to supply and timely payment to keep operating,” he said.
He also called on retailers to improve visibility for Zambian-made goods through clear labelling and prominent shelf placement to enable informed consumer choice.
Ng’oma further urged manufacturers to invest in quality, competitive pricing and reliable supply, arguing that consumer loyalty depends on trust.
“Buying local becomes a lasting habit when customers have confidence in the products they purchase,” he said.
“Our position is clear: buying local must go hand in hand with quality and access to markets. Our producers need opportunities to grow, and our consumers deserve products they can trust,” he added.
“Let us turn the President’s message into sustained action. Let us make purchasing decisions that strengthen Zambian businesses and create opportunities for our people,” he said.
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