Private Enterprise Programme Zambia

The Private Enterprise Programme-Zambia (PEPZ) is a £14 million, five-year project funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) and being implemented by Nathan Associates London between October 2014 and March 2019. It has 11 staff. PEPZ aims to build and strengthen the capacity of Zambian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the private sector to create jobs and contribute to the diversification of the economy. PEPZ will be implemented through targeted interventions that will identify and enable entrepreneurs with the attitude and willingness to become more competitive. Women and youth will also be a focus of the programme. PEPZ aims to achieve these goals through an integrated approach that has four interlinked components: 1. Business Linkages to assist small businesses participate in the supply chains of larger established companies in all sectors. Business Development Services that will give small businesses a competitive edge by opening the doors to a wide range of professional services that can help them grow. Business Plan Competition to support start-ups and innovative businesses through a competition that unleashes talent and creates entrepreneurial heroes. Accelerator Fund that will provide a combination of finance and technical support to propel promising businesses onto the next level.