Case stories on capacity development and sustainable results

45bers in Business Associations affiliatedwith ZCSMBA. Of the 394 direct beneficiariesof various exchange visits and trainings,such as training in leadership skills,business proposal writing, business management,board roles and responsibilities,180 have been women.Enhanced performanceThe project has significantly enhancedZCSMBA’S institutional and human capacity.When the project started, ZCSM-BA had five staff. It now has 15 full-timestaff. The Chamber has also permanentand fully equipped offices, and other capitalassets, including vehicles. This allowsit to effectively and efficiently implementits activities and to communicate with itsstakeholders.Studies have assessed changes in the operatingenvironment of small and mediumenterprises. With the support of theZambia Information and CommunicationsTechnology Authority, three districtbusiness associations were funded. Theynow have state-of-the-art, multipurposetelecentres where members can access Information.ZCSMBA continues to play the role ofmiddle-man between its member associationsand the Government, linking memberswith service providers for the members’various capacity needs.Support to the capacitydevelopment processNational investmentsFind out morePlease contact: Ms. Patience Sakuringwa(Executive Secretary)Email: zcsmba@hrdp.co.zmPhone: +260-211-254855/253372Web: www.zcsmba.orgZCSMBA was formed by Zambian promoterswho received catalytic fundingfrom The African Capacity BuildingFoundation. Its members comprising indigenousSMEs have contributed theirown resources to make the public-privateinterface forum operational. ZCSMBA hasalso managed to attract financing fromthe Zambia Governance Fund.Development partners’ supportA number of donors are financially supportingZCSMBA, which has managed toraise $1.5 million to date. Financing fromthe International Finance Corporationhas been used to help prepare ZCSMBA’sstrategic plan and other capacity buildingneeds. The European Commission hasco-financed some of ZCSMBA’s projects,including the construction of a resourcecentre for small and medium enterprises.ACBF funding has enabled computers,furniture, and literature to be purchasedfor the centre. The Canadian InternationalDevelopment Agency have signed aMemorandum of Understanding, throughInternational Trade Centre, and have contributed(US)$28,000 towards trainingwomen exporters.Other partners were expected to add theirsupport during 2011, including the governmentsof Saudi Arabia and Finland,the African Development Bank, and theTrade Facilitation Office of Canada.