Case stories on capacity development and sustainable results

44 Capacity: ResultsZCSMBA and its member associations lobbiedthe Government of Zambia to developan SME policy promoting a friendly businessenvironment for SMEs. The Governmentapproved and adopted thepolicy in 2009 and, for the firsttime, the country had a policy detailinginterventions and initiativesspecific to SMEs that wouldenhance and organise their contributionto the economy. Withthe policy in place, ZCSMBA alsolobbied with the Governmentto improve access to the CitizenEconomic Empowerment Fund,which had not been readily accessibleto its members.fectively its network of members spreadacross the whole country, (vi) participatedin national and technical committeeswhere relevant issues for its membershipare discussed.Development resultsCapacity development investmentsInvested in its staff members by increasing theirskills and knowledge.Leveraged its partnerships with private sectororganisations to increase the scope of services itsmembers can get from them.Undertaken issue based lobby and advocacycampaigns on issues identified by its widermembership.Provided training to local trainers who understandthe environment in their respective localities.Used effectively its network of members spreadacross the whole country.Participated in national and technical committeeswhere relevant issues for its membership arediscussed.In 2009, ZCSMBA, in collaborationwith the Zambia BusinessForum, has also lobbied successfullythe Ministry of Commerce, Trade andIndustry and the Lusaka City Council fora reduction in the license and permit feescharged on its members and other SMEs.The project has helped to enhance theskills of its member associations. Between2007 and 2010, some 1,000 entrepreneurswere trained in various business skills,such as developing business plans andleadership skills.ZCSMBA signed a Memorandum of Understandingwith the National Savingsand Credit Bank establishing a facilityof US$500,000 for exclusive financing ofZCSMBA affiliated members at affordableinterest rates and more relaxed lendingterms.Seven agribusiness centres located in ruralareas provide information on marketaccess for smallholder rural farmers. Thecentres are also used to train members inICT skills. ZCSMBA has also developedthe capacities of district business associationsto write proposals. To date, one centrehas successfully secured funding.The project has mainstreamed gender inall its activities. This has included ensuringthat at least 40 percent of project beneficiariesat all levels are female. This is inline with the proportion of female mem-