The ZAFFICO Board of Directors has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing value addition and strategic expansion following an extensive two-day tour of major investment sites in Kalulushi district Copperbelt Province and Shiwang’andu Plantations in Muchinga Province.
The visit, which took place on May 28 and 29, 2025, covered the Pole Treatment Plant, Integrated Wood Processing Construction Plant, and Shiwang’andu Plantation.
Speaking after the tour, Board Chairperson Dr. Alvert Ng’andu expressed strong optimism about the Corporation’s value addition initiatives, emphasising their potential to significantly boost income generation and profitability. He highlighted the critical role of strategic investment in positioning the Corporation for long-term growth.
“The investment decisions we have made will soon set the Corporation on the path to sustainable expansion,” Dr. Ng’andu stated. “Profitability means stronger investor confidence, increased shareholder value, and greater resources to reinvest in advancing our operations.
“At Shiwang’andu, Dr. Ng’andu reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to the region, citing favourable climatic conditions and secure land tenure. With approximately 28,000 hectares cover, the Corporation is building on a strong foundation for plantation expansion which is aligned to the strategic pillars in the 2024 to 2028 Strategic Plan. Over the next decade, it aims to plant at least 50,000 hectares, reinforcing its long-term vision for growth starting with an addition of 5,000 hectares planted annually.
The Board Chairperson also extended gratitude to traditional leaders, community members, and government departments for their unwavering support of ZAFFICO’s expansion efforts.
Managing Director Mundia Mundia, meanwhile, revealed that the biological assets and investments in Shiwang’andu currently stand at over K300 million. He pledged continued support for the host community through job creation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“Beyond financial investments, our commitment extends to the people,” Mr. Mundia said.
“We will continue to foster employment opportunities and make meaningful contributions through corporate social programmes that uplift the community,” He added.
During the tour, the delegation obtained insights into operational challenges such as the recruitment of seasonal employee particularly in Shiwang’andu, in view of competing workforce. However, the local team has taken proactive steps to mitigate this challenge through mechanisation.Machinery has been deployed strategically for plantations that have reached the appropriate age for mechanisation to ensure greater efficiency, reduce reliance on seasonal labour and allow operations to proceed within shorter time frames.
With value addition initiatives gaining momentum, increased profitability is expected to drive sustainable expansion, benefit shareholders, and strengthen investor confidence. The Corporation remains steadfast in its vision of fostering economic growth through strategic investment and community engagement.
The Board of Directors concluded the tour with renewed commitment to ensuring continued growth through innovation, expansion, and strengthened partnerships with the local community.
