Embassy of Finland and AMSCO Cooperate To Develop Zambian Farmer Enterprises

The Embassy of Finland in Zambia has signed a memorandum of agreement with the African Management Services Company (AMSCO). The partnership is geared towards accelerated development of selected farmer enterprises in Zambia.

The ceremony took place on the 22nd January 2015 at the Embassy of Finland where both parties agreed to take an active role in building the management and capacity of small holder farmers that have been organised into farmer companies.

Zambia farmer owned enterprises face challenges of shortage of business management skills, weak governance structures leading to poor leadership and non-existent business processes and systems. The Embassy has therefore agreed to a project funding of Euro 149,000 to assist in addressing those challenges. Manyonyo Irrigation Company Limited and Nzenga Irrigation Company have been identified as beneficiaries for this cooperation. AMSCO will play a key role in developing their human capital.

“It is my vision that the targeted enterprises or cooperatives become financially viable with fully functional business models and this can only happen  with strong governance structures and optimal business processes. Ultimately we would like to see sustainable businesses that are independent of donor funding” said H.E. Timo Olkkonen, Ambassador of the Finland Embassy.

Speaking at the same event, Paul Malherbe, the CEO & Managing Director for AMSCO said “We are committed to addressing the business management gaps at both farmer and enterprise levels and this includes developing skills to change the operational landscape in agribusiness and enhancing efficiency for better livelihoods. Ultimately, this will positively impact on food security in Zambia”.

AMSCO is a pan African human capital development organisation that provides integrated enterprise solutions to private and state run businesses across sub-Saharan Africa to become globally competitive, profitable and sustainable.