The president of the North Western Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ms. Kayula Lombanya, giving the welcoming remarks at the 4th Business and Investment Expo, happening in Solwezi.
The Honorable Provincial Minister,
Distinguished guests, government officials, esteemed members of the private sector, esteemed partners, and all attendees,
It is a tremendous honor to welcome you to the Northwestern Business and Investment Expo, an event we have crafted to drive forward a vision of sustainable growth and prosperity for our province, our country, and our region. Today, we gather as representatives from government, business, and communities, united in purpose, to explore the transformative power of collaboration through the Lobito Corridor.
As the Northwestern Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we recognize the immense opportunity that lies within the Lobito Corridor. This corridor is more than a transit route it is a path to enhanced trade, a gateway to regional markets, and a bridge that connects our businesses with vast new opportunities. In line with this vision, we selected this year’s theme: “Sustainable Growth through Regional Integration and Value Addition: Harnessing Opportunities in the Lobito Corridor.” This theme reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Corridor brings economic advancement and sustainable development to Northwestern Province.
Our Chamber’s role in fostering this progress is both pivotal and transformative. As a bridge between the government and private sector, we have committed ourselves to the mission of fostering partnerships that will lead to meaningful economic growth. The partnerships we forge are not symbolic they are real, actionable, and designed to bring tangible results. Last year, we signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce in Moxico, and today, I am excited to share that we will be formalizing another partnership with CAFÉ Angola, a Chamber of Enterprise Development in Benguela Province. These alliances represent more than just international goodwill; they serve as strategic connections that will strengthen trade, enhance resource sharing, and drive growth through regional integration.
Our Chamber is also committed to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and ensuring they fully benefit from the opportunities presented by the Corridor. We know that our SMEs are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, creating wealth, and uplifting families. Through training, networking, and strategic initiatives, we empower local entrepreneurs and facilitate their growth, because we know that a thriving SME sector leads to a thriving region.
The Chamber will do everything within its power to make certain that the development promised by the Lobito Corridor reaches every corner of Northwestern Province. This includes investing in local manufacturing and value addition to create jobs that stay within our communities. We do not just seek development; we seek development that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.
The objectives of this year’s Expo are integral to our theme, aimed at positioning businesses for effective participation in the Lobito Corridor, harnessing opportunities within the mining supply chain, and promoting value addition to strengthen our manufacturing sector. We are also focused on increasing market linkages and diversifying the mining value chain to enable enhanced participation across sectors. These objectives reflect our comprehensive approach to building a robust and resilient economy that will thrive through regional integration and strategic partnerships.
Furthermore, this Expo is about far more than simply showcasing opportunities it’s about acting on them. Our events over the next few days, from keynote speeches to business matchmaking sessions, are designed to enable meaningful conversations, to inspire partnerships, and to move from vision to action. Together, we have the ability to shape our economy, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of our people.
As I look around this room, I am inspired by the diverse gathering of talent, vision, and ambition. Each of you represents an important piece of the puzzle. Today, I ask that we seize the opportunity before us, that we look to the Lobito Corridor not just as a gateway, but as a catalyst for economic transformation, driven by our united effort.
Let us remember that this journey is not a sprint it is a marathon. It will take sustained collaboration, shared purpose, and commitment. But with every step forward, we move closer to a future where Northwestern Province stands as a model of regional integration, innovation, and prosperity.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Thank you for your commitment to our shared vision. And thank you for your belief in the future of Northwestern Province. Together, let us ensure that this Expo is a success and that its impact endures for generations to come.
Thank you.
