By Ireen Mulenga
Zambian Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita says Amatheon Agri Holding N.V, must be commended for creating 2000 new jobs and for introducing new agro products for export.
Amatheon is one of the largest privately owned agro companies in Zambia that has employed 2,500 Zambians.
Mr Mukwita said he is pleased that the company led by founder and CEO Carl Bruhn, continues to grow in Zambia and creating new jobs for the season 2020/2021 as it introduces new agro products on its food chain where none existed.
Mr Bruhn told Mr Mukwita in a written statement that Amatheon, a new crop portfolio would include organic chilli for export known as Long Cayene Chilli’s which take only 15 days to germinate and about 85 days to harvest.
Because of this new product (Chilli), Mr Bruhn said the company would now guarantee the engagement of about 2000 out growers this year which must double gradually at the end of 2022 to about 4000 jobs.
Mr Mukwita said the job opening is good news for Zambia because it encourages other companies in Germany to come and exploit or partner in the Zambian agro sector and create jobs for Zambians and earn foreign currency for themselves once they see Amatheon continues to grow.
He urged Zambians to be proactive and not be “passengers” by acquiring land and partnering with German business so that they can grow crops such as organic Chilli and quinoa for European export markets priced in US dollars.
“We already enjoy unfettered peace which is a huge ingredient for investors,” he added.
He further said Mr Bruhn ought to be encouraged for continuing to grow even under the cloud of COVID-19 that has shut down many conventional businesses and slashed government revenue collection.
“As part of our economic diplomacy we shall woo as many Amatheon types as possible to help grow the economy as we are blessed with 365 days or sunshine, peace and arable land,” he said.
Recently Amatheon introduced on its export food chain, a Quinoa, a high value crop which is now being stocked on European shelves after being grown from its Mumbwa farms.
The diplomat said his aim is to bring as many German agro investors to Zambia as possible because agriculture is not only a labour-intensive sector but also has huge potential to earn forex.
This was contained in a statement issued by Kellys Kaunda, the First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Berlin.
