Zambia to export potato chips

BUSINESS REPORTER writes
A GERMANY company is headed for Zambia to start local produce of French fries (potato chips) for both local and regional export markets, says German Agri business president Frank Nordman.
Mr. Nordman said the initiative was a direct response to the growing potato business in Zambia and the region.
He was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita at the embassy offices in Berlin.
Mr. Nordman said under the auspices of German Agribusiness Alliance, about 10 German businesses and a 7 member Ministerial delegation would be attending the Zambian annual Agri Tech show in Chisamba from the 9th to the 12th of April known as Chisamba Agriculture show.
He said while in Zambia, the delegation would meet the Minister of Agriculture and share their vision for their investment in the agriculture and expect a buy-in from the Zambian government.
Mr. Nordman said German farmers in Zambia had developed their potato growing leading to complete satisfaction of the local market and making unnecessary their import from outside the country.
“We can assure you Your Excellency that we are able to fully supply the Zambian market with potatoes without recourse to outside suppliers”, said Mr. Nordman.
He said to assist in the transfer of skills to local farmers, the German farmers in the Chisamba area had set up a training facility which had been offering courses that include farm management, equipment maintenance, tractor operating, and growing all kinds of vegetables.
Mr. Nordman said the German Agribusiness Alliance was grateful that Lusaka for providing it the necessary support to the training facility an indication of its commitment to the development of the agricultural sector.
Ambassador Mukwita said German business decision to head to Zambia was testimony that Zambia was a favored investment destination largely due to its stability and business friendly environment.