PAC Warns Against Politicizing the ABSA/CEEC Public Private Collaboration

By Staff Reporter

The Opposition People’s Alliance for Change People has described as a step in the right direction the recently launched public private collaboration between ABSA and the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC). 

PAC President Andyford Mayele Banda notes that building capacity through training and opening up markets for SMEs has been the missing link in sustaining small businesses and helping them survive. 

He therefore commends the partnership as it not only seeks to broaden access to finance for small and medium enterprises, but also build capacity through training and opening up markets for small businesses.

Mr Banda tells Mafken News that CEEC should avoid the temptation of recommending politically affiliated people for such programs, as that will frustrate the efforts being made by the private sector. 

Further, Mr Banda recommends that CEEC should focus on being the facilitators of many partnerships that will see the SMEs base grow and create jobs as opposed to being in an area which they have dismally failed.