MINISTRY of Small and Medium Enterprises Permanent Secretary Subeta Mutelo has explained that the K395 million allocated for 2024 empowerment funds through CEEC will be directed towards addressing the backlog of beneficiaries, rather than accommodating new applicants. Mutelo highlights that the growing number of applications received by her ministry signals a significant interest among citizens in pursuing self-sustaining activities and entrepreneurship. In an interview, Mutelo clarified that although this year’s funding is allocated to clearing the backlog, CEEC empowerment projects will be sustained through the interests and repayments derived from previous loans. “The plan we have for 2024 is that we do not have a window that is going to permit for new applicants. This means that the 395 million...