FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM) Trident Limited says it desires to support local business through skills development.
FQM Kansanshi Mine Supply Chain Manager Mcgerald Mvula says his companys therefore requires that businesses to grow and be sustainable to create jobs in their localities.
Mr. Mvula reaffirms that his company’s commitment to empowering people and business with necessary skills will enable them to work in the mine or venture into viable businesses.
Mr Mvula said this during the Launch of Expand Your Business (EYB) in Solwezi district.
The initiative is aimed at equipping the local businesses from across the province with skills and knowledge that will enable them tap into business opportunities in mine.
Mr Mvula said the training which is accredited to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) will not only see local suppliers competing locally for businesses but also at international level.
“Once the suppliers are trained they will have the expertise required to secure business opportunities in the mine,” he added.
And North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi said the initiative by FQM Trident to train local suppliers is commendable.
Mr Mulumbi said the initiative is in line with government’s agenda of empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through skills development that will allow them to grow their businesses.
“This is an opportunity for you to equip yourself and strategically position yourself to benefit from business opportunities that are in mining sector,” he noted
Mr Mulumbi has urged the participants of the training to take the opportunity seriously by ensuring they acquire the business skills that will help expand and sustain their businesses.
Meanwhile, Naomi Sakala, a participant, thanked government and FQM Trident Limited for the opportunity adding that such initiatives give hope to business owners rare opportunities.
She added that as a woman in business she is confident that at the end of the training she will be able to compete with men for business ventures in the mine.
Mr Sakala has pledged to use the knowledge she will acquire from the training to grow her business.
