Copperbelt Province towns like Kalulushi once reaped the benefits of Zambia’s copper industry. But when the mines were privatized, thousands lost their jobs and Kalulushi was devastated. Through a program that focuses on the growth of diverse small businesses, USAID is working to bring jobs back to the region.

Sixty-eight district associations have been established around the country through the USAID-funded Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Business Associations. Local residents come to the district associations to acquire the skills necessary to start their own small businesses. Associations hold monthly meetings to help small business owners with management and marketing questions and provide a place where they can network to sell their products. The Kalulushi District Business Association is one of the program’s most successful partners, generating $1,600 of its own revenue in the past year. Through training, Kalulushi Administrator Chanda has learned the importance of cultivating a diverse business sector, catering to 80 members, including grocers, gem traders and plastic manufacturers.

District business associations provide an opportunity for small businesses to work closely with local government officials as well. When Kalulushi business owners complained that poor lighting and policing were hurting business, the association invited government officials and police to a meeting. As a result, street lights were reinstalled in Kalulushi and a Community Police Unit was formed to address long-term solutions to crime. Local association members were also asked to join the District Development Coordinating Committee and the mayor’s advisory council. Only through the creation of district business associations have Kalulushi’s small businesses been able to have such an influential role in their local government.