The Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprise Association – ZCSMEA has called on Small and Medium Entrepreneurs – SME’s to consider conducting their businesses using online platforms, to avoid physical contact with consumers at the risk of spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19).
ZCSMEA Chief Executive Officer Moto Ng’ambi has told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in exclusive interview that local businesses should respond to the current situation by considering online selling of goods and services which could then be delivered to the recipient.
He added that despite businesses collapsing on threats of COVID -19, it is essential to avoid physical contacts and take measures of washing hands and making sure hygiene is practiced to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“People’s businesses have already been affected but we need to complement governments efforts in fighting this disease which, if left unattended to, is likely the further threaten the country’s economy and once our economy completely collapses, SME’s will suffer the most. However, lets practice online shopping on platforms like Facebook, twitter, WhatsApp to avoid recording more cases than we already have,” He said.
Moto has since urged business entities to be more pro-active and prudent enough in a way business is conducted to avoid risking the health of consumers and employees. As per guidance given, essential businesses dealing with goods and services will be kept running while restaurants will operate on a take away and delivery basis.
Some SME businesses have directly been affected and their revenue streams shut overnight following the ban on certain businesses to prevent the impact of COVID – 19, the banned businesses include Bars, Night Clubs, Gyms, Cinemas and Casinos across the country effective March 26, 2020.
Some of these SME businesses can be operated online, we have seen some gym trainers taking to online platforms to provide their services digitally, so its time to think of opening online ways to service clients. Let the SMEs be innovative to save their businesses and open up new online revenue streams. Payments can now be received via mobile money.
We have seen churches conduct online services, we have seen some businesses support their workers to work from home, so SMEs are also challenged not to just resign and close their businesses but find ways to work and sell their products via online and digital methods.
