The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) says it has mobilized a total of US$ 6 million for the commercialization of Cassava in Zambia.

The money has been secured from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

CEEC director general Likando Mukumbuta has told q news that the commercialization of cassava will be supported in North Western, Luapula and Northern provinces of Zambia.

Mr. Mukumbuta says the CEEC intends to Support 12,000 small holder farmers in the mentioned provinces to produce improved varieties of early maturing and better quality cassava.

He says the commission also targets to support 25 other local companies in the processing cassava for production of starch, cassava flour and other finished products.

Mr. Mukumbuta states that the program is aimed at diversifying the utilization of cassava in Zambia and strengthen demand for cassava products in the country and in the region at large.