LUSAKA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Employment levels in Zambia's private sector increased during the month of March for the first time in three months, a monthly survey of firms released on Thursday revealed.
According to the Purchasing Managers' index (PMI) conducted by Stanbic Bank Zambia, employment rose during the month despite a slight reduction in business activity.
The survey revealed that firms increased their staffing levels during the month as they were confident that output would expand over the coming year.
Victor Chileshe, Stanbic Bank Zambia Head of Global Markets, said reductions in output and new orders played a key role in the minimal ease of business activity for March after notable improvements in February.
The survey however show that business activity reduced to 48.1 from 50.4 in the previous month due to a marginal fall in new orders.
"Companies reacted to a fall in new orders by reducing their input buying, while stocks of purchases remained broadly unchanged," he said.
