The Zambia High Commission in Botswana has revealed that it is concerned about the rising number of cases where citizens from Zambia and Botswana are being swindled of their money in fake agro-business transactions.
In a statement, the Zambia High Commission disclosed that it has received numerous complaints from agro-dealers, from both Zambia and Botswana, who have been swindled in the process of either trying to sell or buy agricultural produce or agro-products.
“The mission has noted the rising number of cases where Zambians are purporting to have agro products for sale, when in fact not. The mission has also noted, with concern, that many of the linkages between and among agro-dealers have been established through unverified social media and other online platforms.
The high commission notes that there are a lot of opportunities for mutually beneficial trade between Botswana and Zambia that are not fully exploited and that the current trend may result in reduced trade activities between the two countries, especially for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs.
This may tarnish the image of Zambia which is currently a trusted trade partner in the region and beyond,” further reads the statement from the Zambia High Commission.
The high commission emphasised that it urges entrepreneurs in both Zambia and Botswana to access investment opportunities through established channels to reduce the risk of dealing with fake entrepreneurs.
The High Commission concluded that entrepreneurs are encouraged to engage the mission for verification of companies before they conclude any business transactions across the border.
