Vice President Guy Scott has called on Zambians in Diaspora to seriously consider investing some of the resources back home.
Dr Scott noted that Zambia requires its citizens who have acquired a lot of knowledge and experience to help develop the country.
ZANIS reports that speaking when he addressed Zambians resident in Britain at the Zambian High Commission in London last night, Dr Scott said Zambians abroad were an important resource of knowledge and experience required to move the country forward.
The Vice President said Zambia was in dire need of exposure to the outside world especially through its people living in many lands.
Dr Scott advised Zambians in England to seriously consider investing some of their earnings into the Zambian economy especially in long term projects.
He said it was sad that most people including Zambians in Diaspora were only interested in short term investments where they wanted to make quick money and leave the country.
“I would be very happy to see all of you who are ready to come back home invest your money in your country’s economy especially in long term investments. Zambia needs all of you to develop,” he said.
Dr Scott said the Patriotic Front (PF) government is ready to listen to new ideas and suggestions on how best things could be done differently than in the past.
[pullquote]“I would be very happy to see all of you who are ready to come back home invest your money in your country’s economy especially in long term investments. Zambia needs all of you to develop,” he said.[/pullquote]
Meanwhile, Dr Scott has appealed to Zambians in the Diaspora to help promote Zambia as a safe and conducive investment destination.
He said many potential investors have very little information about the country and often confuse it with other conflict torn countries on the continent.
Dr Scott noted that this was the only way the country will attract foreign investments.
“Zambia is part of the global community and must be heard and known just like any other country,” he stressed.
Earlier Zambia’s High Commissioner to Britain Bizwayo Nkunika thanked government for the support it has continued to render to Zambians in the United Kingdom.
Lieutenant Colonel Nkunika thanked Dr Scott for finding time to meet Zambians resident in the United Kingdom.
Dr Scott is accompanied to Britain by Commerce Deputy Minister Keith Mukata, Commerce Permanent Secretary, Stephen Mwansa, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director-General Andrew Chipwende and other government officials.
ZANIS
When i invest in Zambia then you start following me asking me where i got the money from? The reality is Zambia is not an investment destination for individuals… the country has to property rights.
Well no drama there…..
The Zambian vice president Guy Scott tells Hardtalk that ‘people are too inclined to pessimism over Africa’.
Not too long ago Sata was saying the opposite.
Just say Zambia is part of the planet with her sister nations. This global community nonsense sounds devilish.
Words about us investing back home though are dear and very true.
They follow those that have never seen a days work but become rich holding public office. A hardworking individual like you with clean hands would have nothing to worry about…a trend world over.
We have been weak with marketing and promoting Zed. One might be able to do something about it as long as those at the tourist board see it as support and not competition to be eliminated :) I’ll keep you posted how long it takes to have a simple email query responded to.
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We need to start “composing our thoughts” and “the power of the mind” to become Innovative, Creative and turn ourselves into job creators. What is missing from the mood in Zambia is failing to maximise our Passions, Talents, Experiences and Professional Knowledge Base, so that they can come to be.
Having an Education is not all about staying in employment for the rest of your life.
It requires one at some point coming out of the comfort zone and uses Experiences, Talents, and Passion, to create wealth that in the end creates jobs and develops a nation
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1) America was built by migrants that landed with one way tickets & without Bank Loans to start up business
2) Missionaries & Pioneers came with nothing but ended up developing Africa (though to some level, they screwed us but we still benefited from their coming.
I like my money where I can see it, in my closet.
Are you Indian?
Nasense again, please just sit down, this is a serious topic!
youg sister to Mushota…shut up!!!
young sister to Mushota…just shut the f.u.c.k up if you have nothing to say….
Nubian Princess, will you marry me?
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For too long we have been programmed & taught that when you get an education, you must go and depend on living on a salary for the rest of your life. If we are prepared to start from the bottom like most renowned successful business people in the world that end up creating jobs, then we can move the mountains suffocating Zambia today. And of course, the government has to do its part in making and create good business & investment environments.
The Internet is the most Powerful Business Tool in modern times. It can equip anyone with information and connections to the rest of the world. The 1990’s was called the Dot.com age because the world woke up and realised that running business can be done different at the cost of less overheads using the Internet.
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Warren Buffet (the world renowned investor) started his Investment Portfolio at the age of 16 years with no MBA, Economics Degree or Business Experience but just the Passion to Learn and Succeed. Today he is worth about $39- $42 Billion US Dollars
Richard Branson started selling second hand records on the market and ended up owning : Virgin Records, (2) Virgin Airlines, (3) Virgin Trains, (4) Virgin Money – and many more businesses on his portfolio (Though he sold Virgin Records)
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Every day, I read comments from intelligent people on Lusaka times but what is missing is the Passion & Zeal to follow through. In the end it ends up in Frustrations and Hindrance and too often hollering insults. That too often defeats the purpose of debate and sharing ideas.
(R Kelly) has sung one of the most inspiration songs in this century called – I BELIEVE I CAN FLY. Meaning that as long as he can see it in his head, he can achieve it. It’s a song that kicked my ass in the last decade to reach the sky-high and become what I am today.
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Lets all use this platform to debate independently and observe the discourse without using the camouflage of Political Party which too often has duped its followers or so called PF, MMD or UPND cadres. It’s the Zambia that we are defending not political parties, though by default they are the governing players to spearhead the development we all cry to see.
We have Zambians in UK who have made to be millionaire from hard work in industries such as Information Technology, Ecommerce Businesses, Property Portfolios, Import & Export, and Advertisement, Investment Banking Careers. And I am proud to be among those that came to the UK to study with nothing but made and become a millionaire in UK Stirling.
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So debate then. Topic. Today the USA is forced to run its first global tourism campaign because even though tourism as an industry is growing elsewhere, their industry has declined. As a country with an incredible amount of untapped potential, there seems to be a resistance to placing creative people in position to support the marketing and promotion of Zambia. By creative – I mean Internet, media and culturally savvy types who think outside the box and can put together the type of campaigns that attract today’s tourist. Thoughts?
I think you missed my point as this is not about the US but how we view creativity and innovation in its raw form and tap into the human resource. Seeing is believing has given us a cut, copy paste attitude to marketing our nation. Agree about the hot spot package but I’m thinking the job creation comes from protecting and building up our cultural resource. The new draft constitution begins to tap into it so I know the people on the team are listening but our traditional knowledge and intellectual property will generate untold amounts of revenue if we protect it in the constitution. It’s been missed but I’m on the case :)
On the draft the references are 4c and 5. Just don’t wanna leave a single loophole in this arena. I’m sure living where you are you know the current debate and mission regarding IP. It is quite expansively covered in th bill of rights over there and there is no doubt about how beneficial to that nation it has been.
Yes,Mr VIP, we would like to invest in Zambia but Kalijo from yo pipo. We can invest today and a month later some1 will start asking us where the money came from or how we got it. You first create that environment for us and the locals to invest. We are tired of moving 10 steps forward and then 25 steps backwards within a month just because some donkey wants to settle political scores.In the name of boma ni boma.
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I will keep preaching this message to encourager others, just like I have done so in the past 2 years
Others have taken the cry about Dual Citizenship. However, Dual Citizenship cannot benefit a person that has no Investment mindset. It’s as simple as all that. The UK, USA has millions of millionaires that do not have US & UK citizenship. They come from all over the world. However, they have made it to be counted and become millionaires by simply following it through.
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As for buying land back home, there is plenty of land that one can buy. The issue is most people are afraid to buy land outside the main cities. Take Lusaka, the city is now expanding going towards Great East Rd and the areas after the International Airport. There is massive land that one can buy from these areas. Zambia is a massive country with plenty of land and water table floating underneath our land. Don’t expect to buy land if you live in diasporas and you have never wanted to visit Zambia for a long time to learn what is going. Simply, if you want land, you can get it.
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Finally, Sata and his ministers need to stop sending conflicting messages when giving speeches abroad about the need to invest back home. Of late, Sata, Lubinda, Luo, Sichinga & Scott have been sending conflicting messages
#2 Rycus, I too watched BBC’s Hard Talk this morning. During the interview Steven Sarkur asked questions on issues like negative Fitch rating on Zambia, his populist rhetoric, 90 days more money in your pockets, PF stand on chinese employers and investment before and after elections, repossession of Zamtel, property rights, and the message it sent to investors, even his personal principles on homosexuality, etc. I thought that the vice president had an opportunity to represent Zambia on this highly watched international programme, but he waffled through and came out unconvincing. Knowing that he is an intelligent man, I concluded that he had difficulties because he didn’t really believe in what he said.
Thanks INDEPENDENT OBSERVER for the very insightful comments! Fellow Bloggers, lets lean more to this type of contribution as we post our comments. As the Holy word advises, let only wholesome talk come out of your mouth so that it may benefit those who hear it; that which will help build up your brothers and sisters.
13.1 @ A Phiri Ana Bwela
Appreciate your reply.
I agree with you. The Zambian government needs to stay upfront in promoting tourism through the Tourism Board of Zambia. MMD started the “Visit Zambia Campaign Program” and I am not sure how PF will push this program
“” However, you and I, as Zambians do NOT need to wait for the government to promote Zambia abroad. All we need is to sit down and come up with a concept and find capital to drive the initiative. ””
If you look at Tourism Industry, most tour operators in countries that have done well in tourism sectors are run by private companies. In most cases tour operators go in partnership with Airlines who benefit a lot from the unionship. That includes in the USA.
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In Zambia, we need to start promoting Zambia as a package that has so many hot spots.
We have so many nice Safari/Lodges, Resorts and National Parks that are not even known to Zambians and the outside out.
As for the US, tourism sector went down because of Recession, Visa Restrictions, After 9/11 a lot of people from Middles East & North Africa stopped going to the USA. And many more factors that I can list…
Now the US has seen the effects and wants to start inviting visitors. The UK is experiencing the same effects from lack of good numbers of visitors coming in the mainland.
I shall keep my hard earned money close to my mouth
## 20 Cyberjz:
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Kudos to you nad well said. Keep blogging and preaching the Gospel of Wholesome- Talk
Our development needs to start in our way of thinking and outlooks. I am not a Psychologist, but one can tell that we have a lot of Intelligent Zambians blogging every single day. Others will rise up just to square up onto others with insults which become a sad case.
We cannot not progress with minds consumed with Anger & Rage. It defeats the essence of Creativity & Innovations. That includes Politicians as well.
independent observer can you create a portal or a blog or website where you came be giving advice on entreprenuership and guidance, it would be of help. most websites from zambia are news based. it would be good to visit a site for one perpose only, to enlighten. thank you
Good evening
Many are called but the chosen are few.
This call for Zambians to return home and develop the country will be heard by many but I believe there are only a handful that will heed and answer this high call of duty. It takes a lion heart (umutima wa Nkalamo), will power, a strong mind and ability for Africans living comfortable lives in the West to tear down their tents and relocate to the motherland.
What we seem to forget is that Africa will always be there for us but we will not always be there for Africa. Africa awaits it’s Lion hearts… are you one one?
Hi
Sorry Mr VIP.We have endured enough your insults.I would rather keep my investment right here where it is secure
Good points. As someone who lives in the creative zone I would say building a cultural creative skills bridge has been my labour of love. I think that creativity and innovation tend to be frowned upon in the scheme of things. Experience showed me how many friends/relations had to hide their creative exploits from their parents even as adults :)
On a serious note though those who need the tools created by innovators sometimes are afraid to see the vision because of a culture of stifling so called big ideas. Tapping into that mindset to find a comfortable solution has provided me with the platform to leave a legacy for future creative innovators. Hence my genuine interest in points bring made not just today but daily. God bless Zed.
I would love to invest in Zambia, by all mean but how do I go about when I am not entitled to the NRC or Zambian passport?May be when I can be allowed dual nationality because, how can I also put so much money in a country that has already written me off as a foreigner?How safe is my investment?
#1 if you can show where you got your money and its a clean source why worry about them asking you where you acquired you wealth.
For me, there is only one country on earth: My Zambia, “a christian nation” where lawlessness is rife. The truth with investment opportunities is that not everyone can see them at the right time. Just ask people that live in Solwezi and Lumwana, they will tell you about the many foreigners flocking. With or without dual citizenship, is to work there. Life is a journey, all you need to do is to keep trying. So keep insulting the man; truth is, returns can be great in Zed, with 3% tax on an annual income of 200m ZMK if you are not domiciled in Zed; Jesus, guys, thats more money in my pocket.
I believe the tax has now been increased to 6%. How that still much less than the 20% corporation tax in the UK.
26 A Phiri Ana Bwela
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Such kind of altitude is what builds nations. Any reasonable thinking Zambian wants the best for the nation. It’s how we get the best of each other.
Bill Gates could not “revolutionised” the world with computers without “extracts” and “ideas” from other people.
Thanx so much, u r the brains we need, especially on this wall, thats what for me it means to be educated, preach each to all of us& may GOD richly bless. To others, lets learn for IO, lets not insult each other plz& avoid politiking.
The message is good but jealous back home, you do something, next is witch hunting
Uuli namatwi yakumfwa naomfwe…its up to you guys…whinning won’t help us …
14.2 @ A Phiri Ana Bwela
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You can have the best Constitutional Draft in a nation, but if the citizens are not up for the task, creative and stepping out into the private sector, it boils to nothing.
The Private Sector is what drives & grow the Economy while the government amass taxes collections to run the Civil Services, Development Frameworks and etc.. We have natural resources and all what we need courageous Zambians with ideas to stand out.
The most important change in Zambia will come from people’s Attitudes and Mindsets, those willing to step up from the comfort zones, utilise natural resources to create jobs, especially in manufacturing.
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Parallel thoughts Sir. Nice one. Well in order to tackle that mindset my intention is to help Zambians see themselves again. It does involve traditional knowledge and provides creative opportunities. Those manufacturing industries are producing products that are the intellectual property of someone albeit as a trademarked brand. We should be teaching IP in school. We think it doesn’t count then spend all day consuming someone else’s invention. Empower a sculptor to cut out the middle man:) We model lodges on villages. Reverse that. Use that. Film that. Show that in the village. Suddenly Lusaka looks less appealing :)
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Similarly, a person “without” MBA qualification can have a drive/passion to succeed in business, create jobs and make it in life. While you can give MBA Qualified guys capital to start a business venture and they will fail to perform, if they have no passion, desire in what they are doing.
I have given examples on Warren Buffet & Richard Branson above on my comments. These two guys did not have qualifications but they have built Global Business Empires, having started at the ages of 16 and 17 years.
The burning desire needs to start with each one of us in Zambia. You don’t wait for a teacher/lecture to make you pass the exams. You have to put in extra efforts and time to study and prepare yourself.
Let Bembas invest in zambia they the political power,all appointments,jobs,ambassadors like sell out Nkunika are Bembas what is therefore for people like me misery only.Nkunika jut enjoy your boredom there soon and very soon we shall recall you sllouts we know you we have a list of the first to come home.
You sad thing!! Invest for your children at least. May be you also dont want to have children because they will not be Bemba, eh?
GUY SCOT WHAT LONG TERM PROJECTS, SUCH ISSUES CAN ONLY BE BETTER BE HANDLED BY WELL EDUCATED DIPLOMATS AND NOT PEOPLE YOU TOOK TO CANADA WITH NO QUALIFICATIONS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE YOUR RELATIVES. THEY COULD ONLY TALK OF ZIDIS AS A QUALIFICATION DURING PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS, ITS A SHAME IF ZAMBIA WANT TO CONTINUE INTO THE FAMILY TREE INFACT UNDER SATA IT WILL NOW BE MANGO TREE COZ A MANGO TREE HAS SOO MANY FRUEITS UNDER IT, THAT IS WHAT HAS HAPPEND THANKS TO THE VOTERS, I THANK GOD I NEVER VOTED THIS THING. ITS NOT MY TEST AND WILL NEVER BE. HIS RELATIVES ARE COZ DISCONFORT AMONGEST PEOPLE AND PEOPLE ARE NOT HAPPY ESPECAILLY LOCAL STAFF WHOARE TREATED LIKE DOGS IN CANADA WHICH IS NOT FEAR.
You all make very good points, especially Ind. Observer,.However, does the VEEP understand that there are many zambians who are based here that want to invest?!?!
Howver, in certain circumstances, Just for even a local to get land,… is a NIGHTMARE! Once you even manage to get on their so called “list”, actual allocation and acquisition takes time,.5 people can own the same piece of land just because of corruption from the people we have entrusted to manage these issues,….!!But i still agree with Ind. Observer in that if one really just pushes hard and is determined, one can acquire what they want in this particular time, and not waiting for that “perfect moment”.I have enjoyed the points on this topic.No insults, but good views that i have even learnt a thing or 2.
The Gay Scotsman should tell us where he has invested HIS own money – in Zambia or the UK? Any sensible person will not put long term money among the kaponyas who rule Zambia. If you do, you should demand super-profits so that you recoup your investments as quickly as possible.
There was once upon a time a very promising Professor of Mechanical Engineering and world authority on ;ngozi za motoka’ who decided to go back to his home country and help out. He wanted to be President, but was spat upon, kicked about and ended up in a muddled Party which came 3rd in elections. Haven’t heard of him since.
By this invitation, the PF is asking for money to fund THEIR party. Go back to Zambia, invest, but if you are not PF, you will lose all your money when the Task Force is sent to ask you how you came to have K195 million! You will pay lawyers and by the time the courts acquit you, you will have NOTHING.
My advice: STAY PUT. YOU ARE NOT IN PF MANIFESTO.
People are different. Not everyone is business minded, or investment minded. This is true of every country. Zambia has a high enough proportion of business minded people, innovators, investors already. All they need is support. Look at the informal employment in Zambia. Nobody taught those people how to trade or do what they do. In fact they are more than those in formal employment. Find ways of empowering those SMes so that they can grow bigger and be able to employ others. its a fallacy to expect every Zambian to be an investor or a business person. Some people are not cut out for that.
~36 London Station, You are a very sad thing!! Invest for your children at least. May be you also dont want to have children because they will not be Bemba, eh?
No one is asking every Zambian to be an Investor or Business person.
Mind you investing also means making investments into people so that they can become professionals and take the nation to the next level
You cannot have a nation that has all citizens to be business people. We need professionals to be Teachers, Doctors, Engineers etc.
This is where job creation comes in if you are an investor that wants to create jobs in the Private Sector
Nubian Princess; I love you….especially the manner in which you annoy some bloggers. Keep it up. You make my day!