By White Luhanga
The Constituency Development Fund-CDF has transformed the business of a Lumezi District businesswoman in Eastern Province.
Besnart Banda, who runs Alibarnk General Trading and Supply, says her grocery shop has seen great expansion and has been turned into a wholesale and retail hub for the people of Chitungulu.
This was after she received K200,000 under the Constituency Development Fund -CDF empowerment loans in 2024.
Ms. Banda says before accessing the CDF loan, her shop operated on a small scale with limited stock as shelves were nearly empty.
Ms. Banda says the loan has not only grown her business but also enabled her to start repaying it.
She says her business has become a shining example of how the Constituency Development Fund -CDF empowerment loans can catalyze local entrepreneurship and change lives.
Ms. Banda says she is now able to sponsor and meet her four children’s school needs, who are doing Grade 3, 7, 9, and 10.
Ms. Banda added that through the business, Besnart and her family have been able to purchase a small Probox vehicle, trekking between Chitungulu and Lundazi in a side hustle approach, which is contributing towards loan repayment.
She praised President Hakainde Hichilema for increasing the CDF, which she says is a game-changer in the communities.
This according to a statement made available to the Media by Lumezi Council Assistant Public Relations Officer Irvin Muyumbwa.
©️ Zambia Reports | September 14th, 2025