The AGS Programme offers various business development services. These services are aimed at accelerating the growth of MSMEs and improving their competitiveness. The programme has so far seen success with regards to achieving these goals as evidenced by many success stories that have come from businesses that have gone through the programme.

With over 290 businesses trained so far, the AGS has continued to build the capacity of businesses to expand, compete and leverage opportunities.

Last month, two of AGS Programme businesses scooped first and third prize respectively in the ZANACO Kweza Pitch Competition. Maima General dealers, led by Mwala Mooto, a 26-year-old entrepreneur won the K1 million first prize of the challenge, while Seafood Fisheries scooped the K500,000 third prize.

The two businesses are enrolled in the AGS LEVEL UP Accelerator Programme AMSCO Cohort, a 6-month Accelerator Programme which includes tailored coaching and mentoring to make businesses investor ready. It focuses on high potential Zambian Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups with ambition to grow.

The Kweza challenge ran for over 2 months with 50 entrepreneurs pitching various aspects of their businesses. Maima General Dealers’ Mwala Mooto pitched a business model of building a stable value  chain in the agriculture sector that incorporates smallholder farmers.

Mwala indicated that the company is “setting up a 20-million-kwacha financial instrument that will be used to build a stable value chain in the small livestock sector.” Some of the funds have already been secured from various investors, including the K1 million from ZANACO. The company is actively engaging more financiers to raise the balance.