Government has noted with concern abrogation, by exporters and importers, of the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act, 2006 on Transportation of Heavy and Bulk Commodities by Road Regulations, 2021.
Exporters and Importers have perpetually abrogated the law by engaging foreign transporters to move goods by road within Zambia.
Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Subeta Mutelo, says the law is clear saying a person who intends to transport a commodity by road shall give preference to a local road transporter in accordance with these Regulations.
Mrs. Mutelo says the law states that these regulations shall apply to a producer, manufacturer or user of a raw material of a commodity; an oil supplier; and extends to companies such as a logistics company; a clearing and forwarding company; and an oil marketing company; and the transportation by road of a commodity to a person’s plant, industry or place of business.
She has urged all companies involved in the export and imports of goods in Zambia to abide by the law failure to which the Ministry, working with other law enforcement agencies will swing into action and ensure the culprits are brought to book in ensuring that business preference is given to local transporters as provided for by the Act.