FinnBiz Week 2023 – Circular Economy on the rise in Zambia
The annual FinnBiz Week was organised by the Embassy of Finland in Lusaka and the Accelerated Growth for MSMEs in Zambia (AGS) Program on 23 February, in co-operation with Finnpartnership. Arranged for the 5th time, the event had altogether 180 participants, including 10 Finnish companies and research organisations.
Over 90% of businesses in Zambia are SMEs and for promoting the development of this sector, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development was created in September 2021. Honorable Elias Mubanga, Minister for SME Development of Zambia, gave a keynote speech at the outset of the FinnBiz Week event, amongst others highlighting the crucial role of SMEs in terms of job creation.
This year FinnBiz Week placed heavy focus on the circular economy and included the launch of the AGS Circular Economy Study, highlighting the market needs and business opportunities for the private sector in the circular economy space, based on available raw material for recycling and manufacturing. A panel discussion was also on the agenda focusing on the wider Zambian circular economy landscape and the role of different stakeholders in promoting and supporting the development of the emerging field.
After the more official part of the program, over two hours was allocated for matchmaking between Zambian and Finnish organisations. There was a strong interest from Zambian companies and other organisations to engage in one-on-one discussions with the Finnish organisations present. Even the Finnish organisations with previous experience from the Zambian market, including several visits to the country during the past years, felt that they met new relevant stakeholders and potential partners with whom to continue discussions in terms of concrete co-operation and partnerships.
Finnpartnership would like to thank the main organisers of the event, the Finnish Embassy and the AGS program, for a fantastic event. As always, hats off to all Finnish organisations that map business opportunities, successfully implement projects as well as do business on the other side of world!
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