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Media Release - Zambia Sugar Plc Invests In Major Sugar Project
ILLOVO SUGAR LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1906/000622/06)
Share Code: ILV
ISIN: ZAE000083846
(“the company”)
Media Release - Zambia Sugar Plc Invests In Major Sugar Project
18 February 2015
Zambia Sugar, a majority-held subsidiary of the Illovo Sugar Group, today announced details of a
major investment project at its Nakambala sugar operations at Mazabuka which will give further
impetus to the development of Zambian smallholder cane farmers and provide employment
opportunities for local people during the construction phase scheduled for completion in 2016.
The project scope includes the construction of a modern, high-specification refinery to more than
double current annual refined sugar production capacity to around 100 000 tons and increase
annual sugar production capacity from 420 000 to 450 000 tons through a range of smaller factory
improvements. This project consolidates Zambia Sugar’s position as Africa's single-biggest cane
sugar producer and underlines the broader Illovo group strategy of focusing on growth within its
domestic and regional markets and downstream opportunities to diversify its product mix.
The increased cane supply for the improved Nakambala factory will come primarily from area
expansions of which the smallholder development at Manyonyo, involving some 145 individual
growers, is a major part. This development will benefit the local community in terms of both
revenues derived from the supply of cane to the factory and, as part of a broader multiplier effect,
employment opportunities for seasonal agricultural workers and other job creation opportunities.
It is estimated that upwards of 400 people will be employed during the construction phase of the
project. Aligned with Zambia Sugar’s existing employment policy, priority in the recruitment
process will be given to local people with the necessary skills.
The key driver for the investment in Zambia is the strong historical and forecast domestic refined
sugar sales growth which has been primarily driven by demand from domestic and regional
industrial manufacturers. The project also brings with it a unique opportunity to align Zambia
Sugar’s manufacturing assets behind a new post-EU export sales mix and higher food safety
standards. This strategy will ensure that both direct consumers and industrial customers of the
range of Whitespoon branded products will continue to receive the sugar and syrup products which
they like best at the exacting quality standards they demand.
The project cost amounts to more than ZMW522 million (US$: 82 million), funded by debt finance
largely sourced from within Zambia itself and from Zambia Sugar’s own available cash resources.
As such, the investment underlines the company's commitment to the economic growth and
prosperity of Zambia, and aligns it strongly with the Government's clearly stated desire for greater
levels of direct investment. It is also important to note that the Nakambala factory is situated in a
predominantly rural area and that this investment continues to support the company’s efforts
towards rural development.
The project will utilise standard Zambian tax allowances as legislated, and which are in place to
encourage capital investment in the country.
Commenting on the expansion investment, the newly appointed Zambia Sugar Managing Director
Rebecca Katowa said: "The company's strategic plan focuses on diversification through value
addition to its core sugar products as key to achieving sustainable growth. This project, together
with our previous significant expansion of the agricultural and factory operations serves as growing
evidence of this strategy and of our support of government initiatives to promote rural development.
We are especially pleased that this investment touches on the continuing development of our
successful small-holder sector whose increasing cane supplies to the factory are fully supported in
the project plan and on further job opportunities for local Zambian people."
During the most recent reporting period ending March 2014, Zambia Sugar’s outgrower partners
supplied a total of 1.29 million tons of cane for processing at the factory, generating revenue of
ZMW 332 million. Of this revenue, approximately ZMW 66 million was paid directly to small-holder
farmer schemes, directly and positively impacting economic growth, enterprise development and
job creation directly and through multiple support services such as cane haulage and land
preparation. The continuing emergence of new small-holder schemes, with which the company is
directly involved, reflects Zambia Sugar’s commitment to support the development of sustainable,
commercially-directed farming business models and governance systems in the company’s
growing community.
In the six months to 30 September 2014, the company reported that revenue attributable to the half
year increased by 5% to ZMW966 million and profit from operations increased by 3% to ZMW149
million, on the back of a solid performance in both agricultural and manufacturing operations.
Zambia Sugar wishes to place on record its appreciation for the significant support it has received
through the various incentives that the Zambian government offers to investors. Says Rebecca
Katowa: “It is our sincere wish that we can continue contributing to national government
imperatives which include the enhancement of economic activity in the country, increased foreign
direct investment, rural development and increased socio-economic contributions from the private
sector which benefit all Zambians.”
Following the recent approval of the project by the Zambia Sugar Board, the various civil and
specialist equipment contracts will be awarded and full construction of the refinery and ancillary
operations, which will be integrated into the existing factory environments, will commence in the
first half of this year. It is envisaged that after the start-up of the Nakambala factory in April 2016,
the refinery will come on stream in May 2016.
Zambia Sugar is listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange and is majority-owned by the Illovo Sugar
group, listed on the JSE Limited in South Africa, which employs more than 30 000 people across
six southern African countries and is Africa’s biggest sugar producer.
Notes to Editors
Zambia Sugar is the largest sugar producer in the country and the second largest single sugar mill
in Africa. Outside of the Illovo Group’s majority stake in the company, the balance of shares are
held by local institutional investors and over 3 000 members of the public, including employees.
The company employs over 6 000 people at peak and has an estate population exceeding 16 000.
It also has an active social investment programme targeting health, education, sports and culture.
Zambia Sugar offers a wide range of education, health and social amenities to its staff and the
surrounding communities which include but, are not limited to, medical services, schools, sports
and recreation at the Nakambala Estate. Corporate Social Responsibility to smallholder
outgrowers, among other corporate social investments, is extended in a commercially sustainable
way.
Illovo Sugar Limited 031 508 4300
Gavin Dalgleish, Managing Director
Mohammed Abdool-Samad, Financial Director
Chris Fitz-Gerald, Group Communications Manager
Instinctif 011 447 3030
Kim Polley 082 610 1220
Nicholas Williams 082 600 2192
Sponsor
JPMorgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Ltd
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