By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Trade Kings Group, one of Africa’s largest glucose manufacturers, has announced plans to build the first and largest plastic waste recycling plant in Zambia.
According to Phil Daka, Group Corporate Affairs Executive Director, the project will create additional jobs, adding to the over 16,000 workers already employed by the company.
Speaking at a Pre-Budget Submission Event organized by the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) in Lusaka, Daka said, “We are working on establishing a PET Recycling Plant, which aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s aspirations, who has visited a plastic recycling plant in Ghana. We aim to support Zambia’s climate pledges and respond to the government’s call for responsible manufacturing practices.”
However, Daka noted that there are no incentives currently supporting plastic waste recycling. He requested government incentives to expedite the implementation of the PET Recycling Plant, which would create more jobs and contribute to the country’s revenue generation.
Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane assured that the government is committed to lowering taxes and reviewing proposals for incentives on a case-by-case basis.
The Trade Kings Group’s proposal has received endorsement from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Ministry of Commerce, with the Finance Ministry being the determinant ministry.
The company has also raised concerns about the Smart Invoicing at Kasumbalesa Border Post on the Copperbelt, set to be enforced in July 2024, which may create an imbalance in pricing models if not implemented fairly.”
