Zambia Sugar plc announced details of a major investment project at its Nakambala sugar operations at Mazabuka which will give further impetus to the development of Zambian smallholder cane farmers and provide employment opportunities for local people during the construction phase scheduled for completion in 2016. The project scope includes the construction of a modern, high-specification refinery to more than double current annual refined sugar production capacity to around 100,000 tons and increase annual sugar production capacity from 420,000 to 450,000 tons through a range of smaller factory improvements. This project consolidates Zambia Sugar's position as Africa's single-biggest cane sugar producer and underlines the broader Illovo group strategy of focusing on growth within its domestic and regional markets and downstream opportunities to diversify its product mix.

The increased cane supply for the improved Nakambala factory will come primarily from area expansions of which the smallholder development at Manyonyo, involving some 145 individual growers, is a major part. This development will benefit the local community in terms of both revenues derived from the supply of cane to the factory and, as part of a broader multiplier effect, employment opportunities for seasonal agricultural workers and other job creation opportunities. It is estimated that upwards of 400 people will be employed during the construction phase of the project.

Aligned with Zambia Sugar's existing employment policy, priority in the recruitment process will be given to local people with the necessary skills.