THE EXPO NORTHWEST ZAMBIA 2019

By HAPPY MULOLANI- The theme of the NorthWest expo is : the hidden treasure of Northwest! Expos are among one of the ways in which provinces market themselves through showcasing the natural resources and beauty that provinces are endowed with. National Coordinator Christopher Bwalya described Northwestern as one of the provinces where hope of rest as the mineral resources. Gold, copper, fertile soils, abundant rains and strategic location. Its boundaries with the Democratic Republic of Congo and provides opportunities with other gate ways. It has abundant resources in the forms of human resource, semi skilled. The province has immense resources, it has all it takes to be a ''hub of Zambia.''The northwest is a province that we will all be looking forward to. How does sustain how this expo, its to invest heavily in technology. Models of e-library to process information and also train youths through facilities that will empower youths. North Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu in his keynote address at Taj Pamdozi hotel in Lusaka, said the event is of significance in that it signifies the importance of the upcoming expo dubbed expo ''2019: unveiling hidden treasures''. The province has 11 districts with Solwezi as the provincial capital. Each of the districts presents unique potential. "We share boundaries with Angola, and Congo. Noting that this strategic location provides potential leading to access to large markets. Little was known about this province save for it being the lest developed". The north west is now referred to the new ''Copperbelt of Zambia'' because of discovery of large mineral deposits. It is also home to some of the largest mines - Kansanshi, Lumwana and several other mines dotted across the province. Some of the common minerals include copper, cobalt, gold, among others. The province is not only endowed with mining but livestock and aquaculture development. It also has pinepal, honey, and maize grain and the famous solwezi beans. This makes it a suitable region for agricultural production. In addition, it is also a major producer of timber. Overall, the connection of the province to the national grid positions its to the outside world in real time. In the tourism sector, Zambezi river makes it renowned as province. Mr Mubukwani observes that although not much has been published in recognition of the national heritage. "We are home to various national parks, Kafue, west lunga and Zambezi grass lands in far west. He notes the essence of the expo is to market all these tourist sites in these places. "We are home to Chiengi and various civilization caves dotted around the province. Rich cultural diversity comprising diverse cultures in order to attract tourists who will turn boost revenue and forex to the country. With with the current population boom, there's increased population to meet demands of the prevailing trend. The expo will be held between 18-24 August, 2019 in Solwezi. This will be a unique time to unveil the hidden treasure of Zambia. It will be a special trend that brings both local and foreign institutions-industries engaged in agriculture research, education, mining, tourism and place special emphasis on participation of youth people. It will give opportunity to develop immense tools aimed at attracting investment into the province of diversified agriculture and forest, manufacturing and seek value addition. In this way, it will contribute to actualization of the investment in the province. Some of the specific objectives of the expo will be to compile market profiles, to promote real time interactions with key stakeholders, traditional leaders. To trigger investment attracting both local and foreign investors by providing key information to offer economic options they can tap. The expo will bring about true value, such investment will stimulate growth across all sectors. Minister Mubukwanu made a passionate appeal to all stakeholders and players to generously support this cause, as this event is a timely cause of bringing in financial resources. He called on the media to fully engage in documenting all pertinent sectors through all forms of media avenues such as - features, news packages, documentaries. Mr Mubukwanu appealed for creativity adding that the more reason of hosting this media breakfast was to ensure all stakeholders and media play an active role in dissemination of the build up to the expo. Building this partnership with the media is not only unique but will be impactful in the provision of the free flow of information It is anticipated that these expo conversations will step up and include all players ranging from mall scale, commercial, entrepreneurs. Other successful expos hosted are Luapula and Northern provinces. Government intends to open up this country side to open up and investment opportunities for meaningful investment.