Pick n Pay to launch 9th store in Zambia

 Pick N Pay East Park to be flagship store

Pick n Pay projects a total investment in Zambia in excess of US$50million by end of 2015

 Lusaka, Zambia – Thursday, 16 October 2013 – Pick n Pay Zambia today hosted an Open Day for its ninth store in Zambia, Pick n Pay East Park, which is situated at the new East Park Mall along Great East Road, next to the University of Zambia, Lusaka Campus.  The Open Day was designed to provide stakeholders with a first-hand look at Pick n Pay’s newest investment in the country and to explore opportunities for future growth. The Munali Area Member of Parliament, Professor Nkandu Luo attended this event. Also present were other senior government officials, representatives from regulatory authorities and the media.

 

The Pick n Pay East Park Open Day forms part of Pick n Pay’s efforts to partner with stakeholders to diversify across the value chain and strengthen local communities through economic empowerment.  It involved a brief overview of the Pick n Pay business in Zambia, an introduction of the East Park store management and a guided tour of the store site led by the General Manager of Pick n Pay Zambia,Mr.Andy Roberts.  A platform was also provided for media to engage the store management in a comprehensive Question and Answer session.

 

Pick n Pay, a leading supermarket in Africa, has been investing in the Zambian economy since 2009.  It opened its first store in 2010 and currently has 8 stores open in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces, with two more stores to be launched next month in the respective provinces.  The retailer projects a total investment in Zambia in excess of US$50 million by the end of 2015, complemented with a total 15 stores and 2,000 employees.

 

With a growing retail footprint in Zambia, Pick n Pay is currently working to improve the lives of Zambian small and large scale suppliers, employees and the local community through empowerment, training and skills transfers, the sale of fresh and diverse products, and social responsibility.

 

In his address to the stakeholders, Andy Roberts confirmed Pick n Pay’s commitment to empowering local suppliers and manufacturers.  He mentioned that Pick n Pay signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) with the Zambian government in 2011 and is committed to increasing local content in its offering.

 

Andy Roberts said: “In 2011 we signed an IPPA with the government to demonstrate our commitment to empower local manufacturers and suppliers.  Currently, 50% by volume of our stock is purchased from Zambian manufacturers and 25% by volume is purchased from Zambian agents of imported product.  We are also working towards the continual increase of our local Zambian content.

 

One of Pick n Pay’s guiding principles is a pledge to being a responsible corporate citizen In Zambia.  The store makes significant investments in the communities where it operates in the areas of education and empowerment of physically challenged people.  In its 4 years in Zambia it has assisted schools located near Pick n Pay stores with infrastructure development and access to clean water and literature.  An Equal Opportunity Employer, it has also recruited physically challenged personnel and encourages its employees to regularly engage in community service.

 

Andy Roberts further said: “We strive to contribute to the development of the communities we operate in through our active CSR strategy which involves adopting local schools situated besides our stores.  Some of the key projects we have undertaken include renovating the library at Woodlands A Basic School, constructing a security fence at Masala Technical School in Ndola, installing a bore hole and pump at Mindolo Primary School in Luanshya and improving water reticulation at Roan Antelope High School also in Luanshya.”