THE Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development has welcomed calls to empower youths in mobile money businesses, pledging to discuss loan allocations with customer acquisition cost.

Permanent Secretary, Subeta Mutelo, says that mobile money businesses are micro-businesses deserving equal attention like any other business.

Speaking in an exclusive telephone interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Ms Mutelo highlighted the ministry’s commitment to chartering small and micro businesses. 

Ms Mutelo emphasised that 2025 will be a year for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth through productive businesses, noting that the Ministry aims to create a coordinated business environment that will foster economic development.

She also noted that the Ministry aims to identify businesses with a growth potential alongside providing them with certificates in addition to business linkages.

Ms Mutelo further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting SMEs contribution of 80% to Zambia’s economy. 

“The Ministry has pledged to foster a favorable business environment which will ensure that SMEs have alternative funding sources,” she said.

Mrs Mutelo, who assured SME stakeholders to expect various activities throughout 2025, said the Ministry will focus on empowerment, innovation, as well as collaborations, adding that customers in Customer Acquisition Cost will also be engaged to allocate loans.

The Mobile Money Business Association recently requested for the government to support youths in mobile money businesses through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).