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Vice President Inonge Wina has said that government has resolved to commercialise the agriculture sector. Mrs. Wina said that government is keen to see agriculture transformed from a sector that merely produces to one that embraces value addition.
Speaking when she officiated at this year’s Agriculture and Commercial Show in Lusaka, Mrs. Wina said agriculture remains government’s priority sector in terms of economic growth.
She said this year’s show theme; “Embracing Industrialization” speaks to government’s agenda on growing the economy through Industrialisation.
The Vice President said government is eager to see the sector grow and double its production level which will in turn enable Zambia to feed itself and the region.
Mrs. Wina also called on Local farmers to continue working hard and produce more food for household and national consumption.
She noted that the agriculture and commercial show is a good platform for agriculture industry players to learn best practices of farming.
Mrs. Wina further urged farmers to adopt climate smart agriculture practice as a way of being up to date with the prevailing climatic conditions.
Meanwhile, show society president Caroline Silwamba paid glowing tribute to government for creating an enabling environment for sector players.
She said this has resulted in an increased number of local and international exhibitors at the show.
This year’s show has attracted over 200 international Exhibitors.
Minister of National Development Planning Hon. Alexander Chiteme addressing the media in Kitwe on Saturday 3 August 2019. On his left is Permanent Secretary (Development Planning) Chola Chabala. The Minister announced that the Sustainable Development Goals Sub-Regional Centre for Southern Africa to be based in Lusaka will be launched on Wednesday 7 August 2019. President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will grace the launch. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | MNDP
President Edgar Lungu and Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, will launch the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG/C) Sub-Regional Centre for Southern Africa in Lusaka on Wednesday 7th August 2019. The Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme announced at a media briefing today in Kitwe.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals Centre for Africa (SDGC/A) based in Kigali, Rwanda will be officially launching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG/C) Sub-Regional Centre for Southern Africa in Lusaka, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, on Wednesday 7th August 2019.
The launch of the Lusaka SDGC/A Sub-Regional Center follows the signing of the host country agreement in September 2018 in New York between the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the SDG Centre for Africa,” Mr. Chiteme said. “The SDG Sub-Regional Centre is an international not-for-profit institution which once launched, will provide technical support, neutral advice and expertise to national governments, private sector, civil society and academic institutions in order to accelerate the implementation of the SDG agenda.”
The Minister said the sub-regional centre will assist southern African countries to start unlocking bottlenecks that hinder smooth implementation of the SDGs and help achieve the goals.
“The launch, which is a one-day event brings together over 200 government officials, international organisations, development financing institutions, statistics institutions and experts from southern Africa and beyond, to discuss the major themes relevant to SDG implementation in Africa with focus on the sub-region. The event will take place under the current chairmanship of His Excellency Mr. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda. His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia will receive the hosting key.
“As part of delegates, all the ministers charged with the coordination of SDGs implementation predominately ministers responsible for national development within the region have been invited to attend this important event.
“For any additional information regarding the launch of the sub-regional centre, its operations and location, please feel free to contact my permanent secretary for development planning who is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Zambia, including all activities related to the establishment of the Centre in Lusaka.”
President Edgar Lungu has directed the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to cancel and review licenses for mining and exploration companies that have remained dormant for a long time.
Speaking when he met met Six Chiefs in Solwezi district yesterday, President Lungu has expressed concern that some of those who own the licenses have continued holding on to them despite not being operational.
The President also said that he was disheartened with the recent tribal fight that occurred during the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) delimitation consultative meeting in Zambezi, North Western province.
President Lungu said the fight made a very sad development which should NOT be allowed to prevail in the country and assured the traditional leaders that government will expedite the construction of township roads across the country.
He however said he is pleased that the construction of major roads across the country has made tremendous progress.
And speaking on behalf of the Chiefs, Chief Matebo of the Kaonde speaking people appealed to President Lungu to consider tarring Solwezi – Kipushi road.
Chief Matebo said the road will be of great economic value to Zambia and ease the transportation of farm produce for farmers in the surrounding areas
The traditional leader also said there is need to construct a University in Northwestern Province to help produce experts that will be employed in growing the mining sector in the province.
And President Edgar Lungu has said that government has a task to create more jobs for the youth in a bid to address the increasing levels of substance and drug abuse among young people, observing that most youths have resorted to abusing substances like alcohol due to lack of jobs for them.
The Head of State says government will seriously take up the task to ensure youths contribute to economic development of the country.
The head of state also reiterated his call for Zambians to adopt healthy lifestyles by getting involved in physical exercises to fight non communicable diseases.
President Lungu said he is pleased that most Zambians are adopting the culture of exercising and adhering to healthy practices.
Prince Ndoyi the young politician from the opposition and former ruling party MMD in his latest posting has commended the new ministers of Finance and his counterpart from Higher Education for listening to concerns from stakeholders.
Ndoyi said barely a week after reshuffles Brian Mushimba announced the reopening of Copperbelt University while his Finance counterpart on Friday moved a motion where he withdrew the controversial sales tax bill, moves he said were responsive to the concerns of the public.
He noted that the development in the two ministries have demonstrated that the reshuffles were worthwhile in repositioning government to being responsive to the needs and concerns of the public.
“Brian Mushimba announced the long awaited re-opening of Copperbelt University and the uplifting of suspensions and expulsions thereof. On the other hand, Finance Minister Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu last afternoon moved a motion in Parliament to withdraw the notorious SALES TAX BILL (N.A.B Number 7 of 2019) from the current sitting of Parliament.
“These are good developments, only goes to show that the reshuffles were worthwhile in repositioning government in being responsive to what people are saying. Just as many stakeholders have said CBU should have reopened a long time ago just as for the Sales Tax should not have even gone to parliament to start with,” he said.
And Ndoyi has urged the minister in charge of Higher Education to go a step further and bring back student Union bodies in all higher education institutions as well as engage the students on matters related to their institutions.
“In view of the foregoing, we want to to appeal to the Minister of Higher Education to bring back students unions at all high learning institutions and adopt an open door policy for all university related matters. He must restore the mutual relationship with students unions and lecturer unions. It is his duty as minister to demonstrate President Lungu’s resolve to prioritize education in Zambia. We are hopeful that he will succeed,” he said.
To the Finance Minister Ndoyi appealed to him to actualise President Lungu’s promise of creating more jobs for the youths in the country.
“Also to the new minister at Finance, this move to quickly withdraw the sales tax is commendable. This will give him sufficient time to address the many concerns from stakeholders raised during the consultations concerning Sales tax. With the budget almost in sight, we want to appeal to him that as he prepares for the budget let him actualise President Lungu’s promise to create jobs for the youth. Youth empowerment, education and agriculture must be allocated more monies if we are to see growth figures next year.
“The new Finance Minister must also forestall investor confidence and re-energize our relationship with the cooperating partners and the donor community on Zambia’s commitment to improve the economy and uplift the living standards of the people.
“The Zambian people want a listening government and these efforts by the two ministers will go a long way in redeeming and renewing public trust in government. When consultations are inadequate the consequences are always disastrous,”he said.
He has since called on the other ministers to emulate their counterparts.
“We can only encourage even other ministers to be proactive in resolving policy difficulties by adequately consulting and listening to the people and stakeholders without whom these ministers would not exist. Let them help President Lungu deliver to the expectations of the people.
“If such and many other reform efforts continue on their current trajectory especially in the economy, then President Lungu will be closer to meeting the high expectations of the Zambian people. Much remains to be done.”
…Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear.”
(Psalm 10:17, NKJV)
Preparing for the Promise
In the Scripture, it says that God didn’t lead the Israelites by the shortest route to the Promised Land. He took them the long way on purpose because they were not prepared for war. God knew that if He would have taken them into the land too quickly, they would have been easily defeated. Their enemies were much bigger and much more experienced. So on purpose, God took them a longer route to protect them and strengthen them so that they could fulfill their destiny.
I’m sure they prayed many times, “God, we’re uncomfortable out here in the desert. Where’s our Promised Land?” But God didn’t answer that prayer, not because He was trying to make their lives miserable, but because He knew what was up in front of them. He had to prepare them to step into the fullness of their destiny.
In the same way, God has already laid out the plan for your life. He knows exactly what you need and when you need it. If you are in a difficult situation that’s taking longer than you hoped, know that God is preparing you. He is strengthening you. Stay in faith and keep praising Him as you move forward into the Promised Land He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for leading and guiding me. Thank You for Your hand of blessing upon my life. I choose to trust You even in the difficult times knowing that You are preparing me for the promises in my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Kabwe Central Member of Parliament TUTWA NGULUBE has urged Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo to resign for presenting a forged and false letter to parliament .
Yesterday Speaker of the national assembly Patrick Matibini ruled that Mr . Nkombo had presented a forged and false letter purporting that ZESCO had given three million Kwacha to the PF.
Commenting on the ruling Mr. Ngulube said the Mazabuka law maker has no moral right to remain in parliament after presenting forged documents to the speaker .
He also observed that what Mr. Nkombo did is part of several schemes by bitter individual who have constantly lost elections to destroy the image of the President and the party .
He wondered why an honorable member would sink so low as to accuse innocent ZESCO employees of wrong doing .
He said Zambian should treat the corruption allegation against government with a pitch of salt following the speakers ruling .
He noted that the world would have believed that the PF got money from ZESCO had it not been for the speakers ruling .
Yesterday, Mr Nkombo escaped jail for breaching Parliamentary privileges after he tabled a falsified document which he claimed was an internal memo at Zesco over the payment of K3 million to PF secretary general Davies Mwila.
In March this year, Nkombo produced and laid before the floor of Parliament, a forged letter allegedly confirming a payment of K3 million in favour of Mr. Mwila.
The PF then wrote to Zesco seeking confirmation on the authenticity of the letter and in its response, Zesco said the letter was forged, deceitful, and malicious.
This prompted party deputy Chief Whip Tutwa Ngulube to raise a point of order, seeking a ruling from the Speaker of the National Assembly if Mr. Nkombo was in order to lay on the floor of the house a bogus and malicious letter.
Mr. Ngulube also requested the Speaker to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in accordance with Standing order no. 53 and Section 18, 21 and 27 of the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act.
And in his ruling yesterday, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini, who had referred the matter to the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support services for determination, said Mr. Nkombo was in breach of parliamentary privileges.
Dr Matibini says it was a criminal offence under section 18 of the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act to present to the assembly or any committee of Parliament any false, untrue and falsified document.
Dr. Matibini warned Members of Parliament against presenting false documents to the house and that Mr. Nkombo was not in order to present a false document to Parliament as doing so was criminal and the offender could be prosecuted by the DPP.
He however exercised lenience on Mr. Nkombo as he was a first offender which he said was also the position of the parliamentary committee on Privileges which adjudicated over the matter.
1. This has been a highly anticipated statement by Eurobond holders. They have been glued to the IMF website in past few months to know the position of the IMF on Zambia’s economy.
2. IMF Board statements go through extensive reviews within the Fund. The meeting on Zambia took 30 minutes as per standard but much of the work was done weeks before the Board Meeting. What we are now reading is the Fund position on Zambia, expressing deep concern on public debt- which, according to the Fund, is a key driver to the deterioration of the economy; putting us in danger of debt distress.
3. What the IMF Board has assessed is not new to Zambia, not even to the Government. Those fears have recently been expressed by government itself, leading to ‘re-announcement of austerity measures in June.’ What is new is that the concerns are coming from the IMF Board.
4. The position of the IMF Board has implications on the performance of the Eurobond and capacity of Zambia to refinance the external debts. Investors were expecting a bit more optimism from the global monetary watcher and financier. The reading of the situation by investors is that Zambia may default on debt and this is their takeaway from the IMF Board statement. They know IMF always cultures public statements in a manner they do not negatively affect investor perceptions of the given economy.
5. However, the position of the IMF Board is not about hopelessness. It has very clearly guided Government on actions to take to reverse the deteriorating economic fortunes and this is summed up in one sentence, ‘Directors welcomed the Cabinet decision in late May to indefinitely postpone the contracting of all new non concessional loans, cancel some committed but undisbursed loans and enhance the control and management of disbursements of foreign financed loans, and to strictly adhere to public financial management rules under the 2018 PFM Act.’
6. What I strongly read from the IMF Board position is that IMF is ready to help Zambia. Where else would Zambia get reasonable concessional loans away from the Fund itself? This message is carefully nuanced in the statement and government observes the hidden but clear invitation.
7. What this means is that Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu should pick up the phone and call the Mission Chief for Zambia to do two things. First, ask her to send a replacement to Alfredo Baldini, IMF Resident Representative, who was recalled in July 2018. This person is the Ambassador whom government can start discussions with, particularly to guide government on how to clean up and harvest data that facilitates for smooth programme discussions. Second, the Minister should agree with the Mission Chief on a clear programme roadmap, more so that we are heading for general elections in two years’ time. This event has implications on programme negotiations. The earlier it is done the better and I want to assure Government that an IMF programme will actually do more good to economic stability and public support than harm.
8. I also remain optimistic that the new Finance Minister will have international goodwill if he studies this document, frankly shares it to Cabinet and then come up with clear actions in response.
9. I wish Zambia well.
Shepolopolo edged closer to the 2019 COSAFA Women’s Cup semifinals following a hard-fought-for 3-2 win over Namibia in their penultimate Group B match in Port Elizabeth on Saturday morning.
The two sides went into the break level at 1-1 in a period goalkeeper Hazel Nali flapped out two superb free kicks from Namibia captain Zenatha Coleman .
But Zambia restored their lead against the run of play through Hellen Chanda who tapped in Rachel Nachula’s pass in the 37th minute to scored her second of the tournament.
However, Namibia’s pressure paid off in the 42nd minute when Nali fouled Millicent Hikum and Coleman stepped up to equalize from the spot.
Shepolopolo then stretched their lead through Mary Mwakapila in the 60th minute to take her tournament tally to two goals.
Hellen Mubanga made it 3-1 in the 76th minute but Brummeldaw Kordom cut the gap in the 79th minute.
Shepolopolo have 6 points, three more than Namibia who suffered their first loss of the tournament.
Zambia wrap up their Group B engagements on August 6 against Botswana and will know their projected semifinal classification after that match.
Zambians across social spectra and strata in different parts of the country and beyond our borders continue to join the Patriotic Front en masse.
The natural question to ask then is; “why does the Patriotic Front (PF) continue to be the number one (01) choice to the majority of Zambians across ethnicity and across other demographics– home and abroad?”
The following paragraphs will give a few reasons to answer the above question.
1.PF IS PEOPLE CENTRED (NOT A ONE-MAN SHOW OR CULT OF PERSONALITY)
The Patriotic Front (PF) is a grassroots movement of revolutionary peasants, workers and intellectuals. We are a movement of the “people” to attain inclusive and sustainable development for all people – without leaving anyone behind.
Unlike certain political parties which exalt cult of personality by designing their relevance and motivations around one man (personality), PF from its genesis under its patriarch the late Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata (MHRIP), has been people-centered. This ethos is at the core of the PF Constitution which states:
“The main task of the Party and the working people of the Republic of Zambia is to accomplish a transition from self-centeredness”.
In contrast to PF, most opposition parties cannot distinguish themselves from their leader.
They have succumbed to the cult of personality, and the party has become a personal pet project of their leader. They thus exist for and are wrapped around the elitist finger of a particular self-serving “I-know-it-all” individual, who has no stomach for advice and constructive criticism.
Their personal interest inevitably over rides national.
In contrast, the PF is led by people-centeredness; putting the good of society and the nation first; and humility, where the citizen is the boss.
2. PF HAS A NATIONAL CHARACTER
The Patriotic Front has structures on the ground across Zambia. Our Central Committee, the guiding organ of the Party, comprises members from every region of our nation – making it the most representative party structurally as well as in terms of its ordinary members.
Evidently, the leadership of PF is not exclusive to a particular tribe or region, neither is its membership.
As *His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu* emphasized at the opening of the PF Copperbelt Provincial Conference recently:
_“Even when the darkest cloud hovered over Patriotic Front after the death of our colossus, President Michael Chilufya Sata, it was intra-party democracy which birthed his successor in the name of Edgar Chagwa Lungu._ *_In other Political Parties, just my name which comes from a different part of Zambia as that of our founding leader could have prevented me from standing here today as your President.*_
It was not tribal or material consideration that got us to be here today, it was the values we have held on to as a Party since inception: Oneness beyond tribe, religion, gender or colour…
*_”If Edgar Chagwa Lungu, with an Eastern heritage could contest in intraparty elections and succeed Michael Chilufya Sata, a northerner; then every Zambian from every tribe can be assured that Patriotic Front has a place for them to aspire and contest too.”_*
There is no political party which comes close to matching the PF. Unlike other political parties the PF is national; it is not ethnic and myopic like the others,
3.PF PRACTICES INTRA-PARTY DEMOCRACY
While some opposition political parties have institutionalised dictatorship by allowing one individual to manipulate his party’s constitution to enable him to rule unopposed indefinitely; PF’s thriving intra-party democracy means that we continue to renew our mandate with the people – the general membership on whose behalf we lead. In PF, the clarion call for continuous renewal and re-energizing of party structures across the country is non-negotiable.
That is why PF continues to be a vibrant national movement of the people themselves. Even those who join the PF are both wholeheartedly embraced and at liberty to enjoy the benefits of membership which include aspiring and contesting by any member, within the provision of the PF party constitution.
4. GENDER EQUALITY – PF VALUES WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING
The Patriotic Front (PF) understands that developing or empowering only one part of the population (men) while neglecting the other part (women) is not development, but inequality. True to this belief, the PF continues to spearhead women’s empowerment, and shall not relent in its mission of achieving gender equity and gender equality in line with national, continental and universal strategic goals.
The PF values women and the girl child so much so that the Party has pioneered the mainstreaming of gender equality through Policy and Legislation.
Under PF, Zambian women are increasingly participating and flourishing in decision-making positions including on important national matters.
Our record speaks for itself; it is unparalleled.
5. PF IS YOUTH DRIVEN
Unlike a certain opposition political party that only has a few shadowy and elitist “mayadi” youths whose presence is mainly on Facebook for the purpose of insulting, disparaging every good deed by PF and fabricating/spreading fake news; the majority of Patriotic Front members are youths drawn from across Zambia’s socio-economic landscape.
As stated in its Manifesto the Patriotic Front is pro-youth. We believe that Youth Entrepreneurship is the present and future of Zambia’s inclusive and sustainable development.
The PF believes in youths and matches this with actions by formulating and implementing Youth Empowerment Programmes for Zambia’s industrialization through manufacturing including agro-processing and others.
Unlike other political parties with “muyayaya” mentality, the Patriotic Front has a well-articulated leadership progression programme which allows the Youth to progressively take up more key leadership positions.
6. PF HAS EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU – THE SUPER LEADER: “LEADING OTHERS TO LEAD” ZAMBIA TOWARDS VISION 2030 AND AU AGENDA 2063
The masterpiece and the icing on the cake is the character and quality of our leadership.
Since His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu took over leadership of the Patriotic Front, from our founding father the late President Michael Chilufya Sata (MHRIP), he has continued to emulate our Patriarch and has thus demonstrated a leadership style that has been about more than just a title or a designation.
President Lungu has rolled up his sleeves and has socialised with us, as one of us – which he is. He works with us, he laughs with us, he cries with us and hopes with us. Therein lies one of his key strengths; strong yet personable, humble, accommodating, a statesman, a visionary with qualities needed for a super leader.
He has continued to oversee the Patriotic Front’s unprecedented infrastructural development in terms of roads, primary schools, universities, hospitals, airports, dams and so on.
This infrastructural development has been so unprecedented since the 1960s and 1970s, that United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), African Union (AU), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Development Bank (ADB) have jointly recognised President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as a Champion of the Third Industrial Decade for Africa (IDDA3).
Shockingly, certain opposition parties and some negative forces with their fits of envy have banded together to disparage this infrastructure development by labeling it as “corruption and underdevelopment”.
However, the majority of Zambians ask themselves this question:
_“If the widespread infrastructural development, which the opposition are also enjoying, is called corruption and underdevelopment; then what development could this same opposition party hope to bring Zambia?”_
_Would they stop and uproot all infrastructure development?_
7.CONCLUSION
The majority people at the grassroots all across former opposition strongholds have seen through the deceit of the opposition and they are flocking en mass to PF.
The momentum is unstoppable…
The Author is Patriotic Front Media Director At the Patriotic Front Secretariat Lusaka
The International Monetary Fund says the Zambian economy is expected to slow down to as much as 2% this year.
The Fund cites decline in mining activity and the impact of the drought on hydro power production.
It said the outlook is further clouded by the ongoing drought and heightened debt vulnerabilities.
This is according to a statement released after the IMF Executive Board Concluded its 2019 Article IV Consultation with Zambia Friday evening.
“Growth is projected to slow to 2 percent in 2019, reflecting a decline in mining sector activity in an uncertain environment for mining companies and the drought’s impact on hydro power production,” it said.
“Absent significant policy adjustments, growth is likely to remain subdued over the medium term as expenditure arrears and an ongoing forced adjustment in response to increasing debt-related pressures weigh on the private sector,” it said.
It also stated that it expects Inflation to remain above the top of the Bank of Zambia’s (BoZ) target band in 2019 and 2020.
“The BoZ increased the policy rate by 50 bps to 10.25 percent in May. While the central bank has moved to shore up reserves as market conditions have permitted, reserves are projected to decline to 1.6 months of import cover by end-2019. Key risks include the uncertain impact of the drought, a potential tightening of global financial conditions, a further escalation in trade tensions, and the uncertain growth dividend from recent infrastructure investments.”
It added, “Zambia’s development strategy has focused on a rapid-scaling up of public investment to address the country’s infrastructure needs.”
“While public investment has increased sharply, economic growth remains well below levels seen earlier this decade and is estimated at 3.7 percent in 2018.”
“Inflation averaged 7 percent in 2018, but a depreciation of the currency late in 2018 and again this spring coupled with food price rises has pushed inflation above 8 percent. Fiscal revenues exceeded budget targets in 2018, but the deficit widened above 10% percent on a commitment basis (over 8 percent of GDP on a cash basis) due to a rising interest bill and a surge in public investment reflecting faster than expected execution of public investment projects.”
It stated, “Total public and publicly-guaranteed (PPG) debt including arrears at end-2018 was 78 percent of GDP. The current account deficit widened to 2.6 percent of GDP in 2018 due to higher imports and debt service, while reserves declined from 2.4 months of import cover in 2017 to 1.9 months at end of 2018.”
The Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal noting the deterioration in macroeconomic outcomes in Zambia and heightened vulnerabilities due to the ongoing drought and recent policy slippages.
They also expressed concern that public debt and debt service have increased rapidly due to heavy reliance on non concessional debt to finance large infrastructure investment.
The noted that this happened while growth has lagged, thus putting Zambia at high risk of external and public debt distress.
Against this background, Directors emphasized the urgency of reforms and of a firm commitment to implement them.
The Directors noted that under current policies public debt is on an unsustainable path, and ongoing financing constraints have started to force the inevitable fiscal adjustment to occur in a disorderly way, with mounting expenditure arrears.
They cautioned that there is a narrow window for tackling fiscal challenges in an orderly and planned manner.
“This would require a large front loaded and sustained fiscal adjustment centered on stronger control and prioritization of public investment projects and postponing the contracting of new non concessional debt, accompanied by enhanced revenue mobilization and the scaling back of exemptions and tax expenditures, while reducing domestic expenditure arrears,” the said.
Directors stressed that the adjustment strategy should aim to minimize drag on growth and contain the impact on priority social spending.
Some Directors also urged the authorities to carefully consider the benefits and disadvantages of shifting from a value?added tax to a sales tax.
Directors welcomed the Cabinet decision in late May to indefinitely postpone the contracting of all new non?concessional loans, cancel some committed but undisbursed loans and enhance the control and management of disbursements of foreign?financed loans, and to strictly adhere to public financial management rules under the 2018 PFM Act.
The IMG Directors emphasized that strong actions would be needed to reduce debt?related vulnerabilities and called for continued efforts to enhance debt management and transparency.
They urged the authorities to address weaknesses in procurement and in project selection and management to ensure prioritization and greater investment efficiency.
They also stressed that stronger procedures are needed to ensure that budget execution reflects the authorities’ fiscal goals.
Directors noted the importance of ongoing and future technical assistance in enhancing the authorities’ capacity in these areas.
Directors also welcomed the recent monetary tightening by the Bank of Zambia (BoZ).
They underscored the important role for forward?looking monetary policy in securing macroeconomic stability and supporting reserves, in conjunction with a reorientation of the fiscal stance.
They further commended BoZ’s actions to implement the recommendations of the 2017 FSAP, including strengthening its supervisory capacity and enhancing the crisis preparedness framework.
The Directors urged the authorities to closely monitor pressures from the macrofinancial linkages between the financial system and the sovereign.
They also recommended continuing to address nonperforming loans.
Directors saw potential for growth to accelerate over the medium term with the appropriate fiscal adjustment.
They emphasized that achieving inclusive growth and reducing poverty will require a steady focus on improving the investment climate, promoting productivity and human capital, and addressing the risk of corruption.
They advised the authorities to develop proactive strategies to respond to the drought and climate?related risks and to promote well?functioning support programs in the agricultural sector to enhance resilience.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya
Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya has urged the people of Eastern Province to work together, in order to ensure development in the province.
Ms Siliya who is Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Member of Parliament for Petauke Central says peace and unity is key in fostering national development.
The Minister noted that for development to take place, there is need for the people in the area to work together regardless of their political affiliations.
Ms Siliya said President Edgar Lungu wants all Zambians to embrace each other and work together towards developing the country.
She noted that the President and his administration are striving to empower all Zambians regardless of their political affiliations.
The Minister was speaking during the official handover of empowerment tools and relief food by the Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund at Petauke Day Secondary School grounds today.
Ms Siliya also urged the people of Eastern Province to be grateful to the Head of State for empowering them with tools to make wealth.
And Speaking during handover, Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund National Coordinator Clement Tembo revealed that the distributed equipment and mealie mealie are worth K245, 000.
Mr Tembo said two block making machines were for the youth groups, while the incubators are for the women groups.
He further narrated that five churches will get 25 bags of cement each, to help them build their structures while the vulnerable people will each receive a bag of mealie meal.
The Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund team and the Area MP are also expected to pay a courtesy call on two traditional leaders, Chief Mumbi and Chief Kalindawalo where they are expected to distribute mealie meal to vulnerable people and handover incubators to women clubs.
Chipolopolo coach Aggrey Chiyangi is backing his team to hold their nerve and overcome Botswana in Saturday’s 2020 CHAN qualifier at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
Pressure is on Zambia head into the August 3 second round, final leg match tied at 0-0 from the first leg played on July 26 in Francistown.
A 0-0 draw will see the match decided on post-match penalties while a 1-1 result will see Botswana booted out on away goals rule by Botswana.
“Yes we know we shall have a lot of pressure playing in front of our fans but what is important is to know how to handle the pressure,”Chiyangi said.
“If we allow pressure to swallow us, then we shall fail to perform. It’s time to gun down the Zebras and progress to the next stage.”
Botswana has never eliminated Zambia from a CHAN qualifier after Chipolopolo overturned a loss and draw away in the 2009 and 2013 qualifiers respectively.
Winner over both legs will advance to the final round to play Angola or eSwatini this September for a place in January’s tournament in Cameroon.
UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema has called for an immediate stop to the alleged Patriotic Front party maneuvers in parliament in which they are intending to pass the constitutional amendment bill without following the parliamentary procedure.
The PF instead of opening the debate in parliament on the constitutional amendment bill they have instead laid on the table the actual bill for implementation which does not require a two third majority.
Mr. Hichilema has described the move as illegal and unconstitutional adding that it must be stopped forthwith.
He said what the PF leaders are trying to do in parliament is illegal but typical of the PF dictatorship.
Mr. Hichilema said the current happenings in parliament over the constitution must be stopped immediately as they don’t mean well for the country.
He added that this is the time for the citizens to stand up in unity of purpose and stop the alleged corrupt Patriotic Front party leaders from continuing to run down the country and turn it into a one party state.
Zambia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Dr Joseph Chilengi confers with Electoral Commission of Zambia chairperson Honourable Justice Esau Chulu at the Zambian Chancery in Ankara
Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey, Joseph Chilengi has urged Turkish investors to participate in the Zambia National Building Society housing estates development project under the Public Private Partnership arrangement.
Dr. Chilengi said Zambia had a housing deficit of 1.3 million units, which could escalate to 3 million by 2030 if not addressed.
“As a country, we have opened up new districts which require housing units and ZNBS is looking for partners, so this project is available for participation by the Turkish private sector,” Dr. Chilengi said.
He was speaking during a special presentation at an event co-organised by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey and Bodrum Chamber of Commerce in Turkey’s port city of Bodrum yesterday.
The discussion themed “Business opportunities for the Turkish exporters in the African market” focused on economic relations between Turkey and Africa, especially in the construction and tourism sectors.
Dr. Chilengi said Turkey has successfully implemented a robust social and low-income housing model from which Zambia and the entire African continent could benefit through partnership with the Turkish private sector.
He also said Zambia had other PPP projects available for investment in energy, agriculture, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), hotels, road construction and railway.
Dr. Chilengi cited the solar renewable energy project, the US$ 964 million Nseluka-Mpulungu Railway project, US$ 837 million Livingstone-Kazungula-Sesheke Railway, the US$ 220 million Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Twin Palm mixed use real estate development project, and the Lusaka City Council Waste to Resource project, among others.
He said Zambia remained an investment destination of choice due to peace, political stability and appropriate business incentives for investors.
Dr.. Chilengi said by investing in Zambia, Turkish companies will also be tapping into the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Southern African Development Community markets with a combined population of over 600 million.
On opportunities in Africa, Dr. Chilengi said all the 55 members states of the African Union (AU) had a common agenda to construct and overhaul infrastructure such as roads, airports, railway systems, schools and hospitals.
He said Africa provided immense opportunities for investment by Turkish companies in the construction sector.
Dr Challenge urged Turkish companies to help Africa achieve road, railway and air connectivity in line with the aspirations of the continent’s development blueprint, Agenda 2063.
“You come with one thing, which others don’t have, your quality of goods and services are superior. Africa provides huge opportunities so don’t be left behind,” Dr Chilengi said.
This is contained in a statement issued by Jerry Munthali, the First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Turkey.
