By KETRA KALUNGA
WILD fruits are being harnessed for value addition and export, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise, Elias Mubanga has disclosed.
Mr. Mubanga has also urged women to venture into various businesses across the country as he assured them of government’s support towards any sustainable venture.
Mr. Mubanga said the government would support any business proposal that supports value addition to local products including wild fruits.
He said in an interview that his ministry has so far received a business proposal from a youth cooperative that wants to venture into the production of drinks from Masuku wild fruit.
‘’We want to promote value addition to wild fruits and export. We already have the Munkoyo drink on the market which is made from wild roots, so any idea that would add value to wild fruits, is welcome,’’ he said.
He said the ministry was established to offer financial and technical support to small and medium enterprises including those run by the women to guarantee sustainability.
Mr. Mubanga said the ministry was so far pleased with the response from cooperatives wanting to set up businesses which he described as overwhelming
He said having an influx of cooperatives submitting business proposal is the beginning of development for the country.
Mr. Mubanga however clarified that the ministry was not empowering cooperatives but giving them skills, mentorship to sustain their business and help them access financial support.
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