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Eastern Province Prioritizes Consumer Safety Amidst Rising Agricultural Ventures

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Eastern Province Prioritizes Consumer Safety Amidst Rising Agricultural Ventures

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, has called for more public awareness on products covered by compulsory standards to protect consumers from unsafe products in the market.

Mr. Thole emphasized the need to educate people about regulated locally manufactured and imported products to enable the public to make informed choices. He made these remarks during a meeting in his office in Chipata on Thursday, where a delegation from the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) paid a courtesy call on him on the sidelines of the 2024 Ncwala traditional ceremony.

Mr. Thole highlighted the increase in cooperatives involved in food processing in Eastern Province, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety, reliability, and high quality of such products. He commended ZCSA for its proactive enforcement of compulsory standards, urging the agency not to relent in its mandate.

“We are witnessing an increase in the value addition of agro products in Eastern Province,” Mr. Thole said, noting that women-driven agro-cooperatives, sponsored by the World Bank, have established production centers in about four districts of the province. He stressed the need to enhance the quality of these products.

Mr. Thole also urged ZCSA not to be punitive, especially towards upcoming food processors, emphasizing the importance of guiding producers with best manufacturing practices. He mentioned that some cooperatives in the province have started producing stock feed locally using raw materials from maize and groundnuts.

Furthermore, Mr. Thole expressed concern about the harmful nature of some locally manufactured alcoholic drinks and the health risks associated with wearing second-hand undergarments. He assured his office’s full support for ZCSA’s mandate of ensuring public safety, health, environmental protection, and consumer protection.

In response, ZCSA’s Head of Communications, Brian Hatyoka, announced plans for a roadshow in Chipata to educate the public on the dangers of embracing unregulated potable spirits and the health risks associated with wearing used undergarments. He emphasized the importance of producing and consuming safe products to safeguard consumer health.

ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, has offices in all provincial centers and major border entry points. The agency was established by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 to administer, maintain, and enforce compulsory standards for public safety, health, consumer, and environmental protection.

Issued by: Onishias Maamba,
Public Relations Officer,
Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency

Time for Zambia’s tourism to forego lazy targets and go big

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Time for Zambia’s tourism to forego lazy targets and go big

By Shoks Mnisi Mzolo

Zambia’s tourism sector is set for a bumper year following a few cool moves since late-2022. The sector has hitherto swayed from lousy performance for years. Two of the notable moves were an agreement of the China-Zambia bilateral year and LAM’s resumption of the Maputo-Lusaka line. Now let the fun begin and let government’s top brass forego lazy targets and go big.
The Maputo-Lusaka line will not only bolster the region’s economic and tourism activity and lift productivity, but will also unlock sources of forex and add to Africa’s efforts to foster shared economic development.

This is important as the economy continues to sway from crisis to crisis – exemplified by a depreciating kwacha and rising inflation (after breaching 13% in December). What is the net effect? The number of hunger-stricken people has shot up – beckoning a fall in life expectancy and a rise in social ills (alcohol abuse, school dropouts, teen pregnancies, etc.). For his part, Chimwemwe Mwanza retraced part of the economic malady to the old guard’s borrowing of “billions for consumption [only to sprinkle] some change on infrastructure projects”. The rearview mirror yanks us to the enduring havoc due to the structural adjustment programme (SAP). Founding president Kenneth Kaunda moaned SAP for reducing Zambia’s existence merely “to pay the IMF”, wrote Julius E Nyang’oro in Beyond Structural Adjustment in Africa: The Political Economy of Sustainable and Democratic Development.

So, no matter how tough it is, President Hakainde Hichilema should refrain from yanking a begging bowl or resorting to SAP-type deal. It doesn’t matter who the lender is: Beijing or New York. Hichilema’s focus should be to simultaneously reverse the effects of Team Dununa’s mess and ramp up production to create income opportunities for millions – equitably, across provinces. Quick fixes are anything but.

To switch lanes: government has curiously treated tourism lightly despite its potential to showcase Zambia’s beauty, grow soft power, and earn billions. Ministers Brenda Tambatamba and Douglas Syakalima will readily cite skills transfer, job creation and other aspects. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, who must be closely watching the unfolding maelstrom in Malawi, isn’t only a well-rounded economist but has experienced the effects of forex shortages. Thankfully, he appreciates the role of tourism in shared economic growth. But, before you shift all blame to the Patriotic Front, look at the incumbents’ record: juxtapose their missing of low targets with a surge in global demand.

You thus wonder to what extent tourism ministers and their top brass are results-orientated or just, as a routine, trot the globe for meetings: Beijing, Berlin, Dar, Davos, Sandton, Singapore and so on.
At last count, Zambia hosted 1.4-million travellers a year. That is a lowly 2% market share of the 70-million people who visit Africa. In this regard, the 1.5-million target, cited by Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba, is puny. This year’s target of 2-million is as lazy. While on that, where would the nation’s tally be if it weren’t for Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls? By the way, that’s the sole Unesco-declared world heritage site in these climes. Indeed, the other half of the falls is in Zimbabwe. Globally, tourism accounts for 10% of employment and contribution to the GDP, versus Zambia’s poor 7.5% on both counts. In contrast, Botswana’s tourism sector accounts for a tenth of jobs.
Independent of tourism, LAM’s re-entry, slashes travel times between Lusaka and Maputo to about three hours from up to 20 hours previously (if you factor in the Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa connection). By all means, LAM’s move is serious. So is the question of how to sustain demand. SA Airways’ soapie, called suspension-resumption-suspension of flights to Malawi, is instructive.

On the downside, despite its openness and geographic proximity, the landlocked destination is off the radar for holidaymakers, asserted the Mail & Guardian. Zambia has a meditative landscape, plentiful wildlife, thriving art scene, and more. This is a filmmaker’s paradise and a place to be for photographers, but that means little if Sikumba’s team isn’t flying the flag. Furthermore, the country, along Tanzania, is the region’s cradle of freedom. Where else would you find a Cabinet Minister assigned to decolonisation like Simon Kapwepwe was?

Many freedom fighters, including those from the DRC – when Brussels ran the puppet show – found succour here. Lusaka housed the offices, guerillas and members of Swapo, Zanu and, later, Malawi Freedom Movement, at the height of Kamuzu Banda’s terror. Oliver Tambo House and Freedom Camp heritage sites are in Lusaka. The Copperbelt has a piece of Cold War history in the Dag Hammarskjöld crash site. The region abounds with historical places and museums (very thin on patrons though), home to one of the world’s biggest chimpanzee sanctuaries, and great nightlife.

Pity, many khaki-clad tourists barely see that side. Nor do they see other waterfalls, taste African dish, hit dancefloors, sample some Towela Kaira, Slap Dee, Angela Nyirenda, Rikki Ililonga, and Alick Nkhata, or visit museums and galleries. That is because lazily-designed itineraries send tourists from wildlife sightings to Zambezi and Livingstone and to souvenir outlets (sculptures and paintings to mugs, keyrings and T-shirts bearing African maps or images of wildlife). From that routine box-ticking circuit, many tourists dash to airports without tasting Zed’s way of life or interacting with the everyday, non-postcard, Zambia.

Hichilema acknowledges the missing link in promoting Destination Zambia for leisure and business. If focused, Zed can muster 5-million annual arrivals by 2025 – outdoing government’s lousy targets. This is independent of China-Zambia, a link that could see the partners enhance their cooperation in tourism, culture, youth and other fields.
Prior to LAM’s return, most Maputo-Lusaka travellers, flew via Joburg, a prolonged journey that does nothing to save our planet. Carbon emissions are notable amid natural disasters that rock the globe.

Meanwhile, Zambia has removed visa requirement for tourists from Australia, Canada, and elsewhere, not least China. The new policy does little for the continental market as it excludes neighbouring Congo and African nations north of the equator. It’s an anomaly. For overseas visitors, the policy will enable some nationalities, for the first time sans visa, to crisscross the subcontinent by road from the south of Zambezi to Lake Malawi, Ndola and Kalambo – the cradle of artisanship. Sikumba ought to press for Unesco’s world heritage status for Kalambo, a throwback to the world’s oldest wooden object. Some governments – like Zambia’s – have reportedly not sent nomination proposals for Unesco’s approval. Also missing is Kalambo’s paperwork, an indictment if you consider the relics from hundreds of millennia ago.

Back to the flavour of the year: China. This is the world’s largest source market with annual departures pegged at a sizzling 150 million. For Zed to win just a percent of that would set it up big time. Much as the China-Zambia bilateral Year of Culture and Tourism is a boon, market acquisition requires “a lot more than visa openness and a flag carrier”. We argued elsewhere for a comparable and graded tourism industry “replete with human capital, backed by infrastructure.” To become more competitive, this country, a destination described by many as warm and charming (yet unknown to legions of leisure travellers), would do well to arm its hospitality personnel with some French and Portuguese, spoken in neighbouring countries. Don’t forget Mandarin and others.

With so many positive factors in place, what’s stopping Zambia from staging a major turnaround this year? Over to you, Minister Sikumba. Let the sector shoot the lights out. It can. The nation has high hopes.

Shoks Mnisi Mzolo is a roving storyteller with a background in arts & culture and financial journalism. He also works as an independent researcher and is an avid traveller.

MP Munir Zulu Suspended For Wearing Chitenge to Parliament

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MP Munir Zulu Suspended For Wearing Chitenge to Parliament

Lumezi Member of Parliament, Munir Zulu, has been handed a seven-day suspension from Parliament for gross disorder after defying guidance on the dress code. Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, announced that the suspension would be effective from February 27th to March 13th, 2024.

Ms. Mutti stated that Mr. Zulu had deliberately violated the dress code by wearing a chitenge despite clear guidance given to Parliamentarians regarding appropriate attire for Parliamentary sessions. She emphasized that adherence to the dress code was essential for maintaining decorum in the House.

The ruling was made during a session of Parliament, where Ms. Mutti reiterated that Mr. Zulu would be prohibited from entering the Parliament building or participating in any Parliamentary activities during his suspension period.

In a separate development, the National Assembly addressed concerns about the Speaker’s decision not to allow certain MPs to wear Traditional Head Gears in honor of the upcoming N’cwala Traditional Ceremony. Senior Media Liaison Officer, Nshamba Muzungu, clarified that the Speaker acted in accordance with parliamentary rules and procedures regarding the dress code.

Mr. Muzungu explained that Standing Order Number 206 of 2021 specifies permissible traditional attire in the National Assembly, such as “Siziba.” He urged the public to refrain from issuing misleading statements regarding Parliamentary proceedings and emphasized that it is contemptuous to do so.

Furthermore, Mr. Muzungu emphasized that the National Assembly is open to all stakeholders interested in learning its rules and procedures, urging for accurate representation of Parliamentary affairs by all parties involved.

Zambia’s Kwacha Emerges as Top African Currency against USD in 2024

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Zambia’s Kwacha Emerges as Top African Currency against USD in 2024

Zambia’s kwacha has emerged as the top-performing African currency against the U.S. dollar in 2024, surging by 13.8% to 22.8 against the greenback. This increase is attributed to the aggressive monetary policy tightening by the central bank, which included raising commercial banks’ reserve ratios and hiking interest rates. However, analysts emphasize that sustained strengthening of the kwacha depends on attracting more foreign investment.

Last November, the Bank of Zambia raised the statutory reserve ratio for deposits in both local and foreign currencies by 3 percentage points to 14.5%. Despite government efforts to boost the sector, declining copper production, a crucial source of foreign exchange, has also impacted the currency’s performance.

Bank of Zambia governor Denny Kalyalya highlighted measures taken to address excessive demand, particularly from the mining sector. He emphasized the importance of increased foreign currency flows for further gains in the kwacha.

Although the kwacha has weakened slightly this week, economists expect stabilization around 21-22 per dollar. The government is finalizing arrangements for new investors to take over key copper mines, aiming to attract additional investment.

Analysts stress the importance of fiscal consolidation and balance of payments reform to establish an attractive policy environment and address structural imbalances. The conclusion of external debt restructuring is also seen as crucial to unlocking investment flows into the country.

Veterinary Association of Zambia Calls for Stricter Measures to Combat Dog Meat Trade

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Veterinary Association of Zambia Calls for Stricter Measures to Combat Dog Meat Trade

The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) has raised alarm over the exposure of unsuspecting members of the public to dog meat, calling for stringent measures to address the illicit trade. VAZ President Malcolm Chiyoba emphasized the need for strengthened laws to regulate the sale of meat intended for public consumption, citing gaps in existing legislation.

Dr. Chiyoba underscored the importance of requiring sellers to produce valid meat inspection certificates before selling meat to the public, advocating for the revision of outdated legislation such as The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. He emphasized that animals intended for meat should only be slaughtered at designated facilities under veterinary supervision.

Furthermore, Dr. Chiyoba urged for the expedited enactment of the Animal Welfare Act to modernize the legal framework and deter illicit activities. He warned of the potential underground business of dog breeding, expressing concerns over the sale of dog meat disguised as other meats to unsuspecting customers.

“Dogs have serious zoonotic diseases, and their consumption exposes humans to the risk of diseases such as rabies, Trichinella, Cryptosporidium, and other parasites,” Dr. Chiyoba cautioned.

Sheila Oparaocha, Vice Chairperson for Lusaka Welfare Society and representative of Zambian Animal Welfare Organizations, echoed Dr. Chiyoba’s concerns, highlighting the health risks associated with consuming dog meat. She condemned the continued sale of unvaccinated dogs to the public, stressing that it is not a part of Zambian culture and increases the risk of rabies transmission.

Dr. Oparaocha called on VAZ to provide guidance to professionals in both the government and private sectors to address the issue effectively. She emphasized the deep connection between the well-being of humans and animals, urging for collective efforts to safeguard public health and animal welfare.

The Consortium of Animal Welfare Societies in Zambia joined the call for action, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in combatting the illegal trade of dog meat and protecting both humans and animals from health risks associated with unregulated consumption.

Government Urges Adherence to Regulations in In-Vitro Fertilization Clinics

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Government Urges Adherence to Regulations in In-Vitro Fertilization Clinics

The government has called upon the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) and other stakeholders to ensure that providers of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) adhere to regulations governing reproductive health in the country. Health Minister Sylvia Masebo emphasized the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards in the delivery of IVF services, stressing the need for compliance with established regulations.

Speaking at the launch of the Seeds of Innocence IVF Clinic, Minister Masebo, represented by Mukatimui Munalula, Senior Medical Superintendent of the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Women and New-Born Hospital, highlighted the significance of the clinic in offering hope to countless couples longing for parenthood in Zambia. She acknowledged that not all couples can conceive naturally, underscoring the vital role played by fertility clinics like Seeds of Innocence Associates in addressing infertility issues.

Minister Masebo expressed confidence in the technology and expertise available at the clinic, which provides a ray of hope to childless couples seeking to start a family. She emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of IVF treatments.

Founder of Seeds of Innocence, Gauri Agarwal, renowned for her expertise in fertility treatments, echoed Minister Masebo’s sentiments, expressing enthusiasm about introducing cutting-edge Reproductive Genetics testing to infertility treatment in Zambia. Dr. Agarwal emphasized that the technology employed by the clinic enables the identification and mitigation of genetic risks, thereby enhancing the success rates of IVF treatments and ensuring the health of both mother and child.

India’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Ashok Kumar, hailed the introduction of fertility medicine as a beacon of hope for couples struggling with infertility in Zambia. He expressed optimism about the positive impact of the IVF clinic in addressing the needs of individuals and couples facing challenges in conceiving.

The launch of the Seeds of Innocence IVF Clinic marks a significant development in the field of reproductive health in Zambia, offering hope and advanced medical solutions to those grappling with infertility issues. As the clinic begins its operations, adherence to regulations and ethical standards will remain paramount to ensure the well-being of patients and the integrity of IVF services in the country.

Malawi Suspends Passport Issuance After Cyber-Attack

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Malawi Suspends Passport Issuance After Cyber-Attack

The government of Malawi has taken the drastic step of suspending the issuance of passports following a cyber-attack on the immigration service’s computer network. President Lazarus Chakwera informed Members of Parliament that the cyber intrusion constituted a grave national security breach, disclosing that the hackers responsible were demanding a ransom.

President Chakwera categorically stated that the government would not entertain the demands of the cybercriminals, emphasizing that Malawi would not negotiate with those who threaten the nation’s security. Instead, efforts are underway to address the issue and restore control over the immigration system.

“We are not in the business of appeasing criminals with public money, nor are we in the business of negotiating with those who attack our country,” President Chakwera asserted.

The suspension of passport issuance comes at a time when demand for travel documents is high in Malawi, particularly among young people seeking job opportunities abroad. President Chakwera has directed the immigration department to provide a temporary solution within three weeks to resume passport issuance while additional security measures are implemented for the long term.

This announcement follows two weeks of disruptions in passport services, initially attributed to a technical glitch. President Chakwera’s revelation of the cyber-attack sheds light on the underlying cause of the delays, although details about the hackers and potential implications for data security remain undisclosed.

The suspension of passport issuance adds to the frustrations of Malawians already grappling with backlog issues and previous disruptions in passport services. Last year, a shortage of passport booklets compounded the problem, exacerbated by foreign currency shortages. Additionally, termination of a passport contract in 2021 due to irregularities further exacerbated delays, prompting criticism of government inefficiency and corruption allegations.

In light of the suspension, individuals without valid passports or whose documents have expired face obstacles in travel plans until passport issuance resumes. The government’s response to the cyber-attack and efforts to restore normalcy in passport services are awaited anxiously by citizens affected by the disruption.

Former RTSA CEO Zindaba Soko Detained for Failure to Attend Court, Faces Forgery Charges

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Former RTSA CEO Zindaba Soko Detained for Failure to Attend Court, Faces Forgery Charges

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), Zindaba Soko, has been detained until further notice following his failure to attend court sittings in a forgery case. The development comes as Lusaka Principal Resident Magistrate Irene Wishimanga reserved ruling to March 1, 2024, following Mr. Soko’s explanation for his absence in court.

Mr. Soko, who is charged with forgery and uttering false documents, cited being misled by his previous lawyers regarding the court schedule as the reason for his absence. He claimed that this misinformation led him to travel to Dubai for a job interview, which resulted in his failure to appear before the court.

The situation escalated after Magistrate Wishimanga issued a bench warrant against Mr. Soko on February 19, 2024, due to his non-appearance in court.

In the ongoing case, Mr. Soko is jointly charged with two others for forgery, in addition to facing the charge of uttering false documents.

NCWALA 2024: A Benchmark for Organized and Well-Promoted Traditional Ceremonies

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NCWALA 2024: A Benchmark for Organized and Well-Promoted Traditional Ceremonies

The Ncwala traditional ceremony of 2024 has emerged as a benchmark for organized and well-promoted cultural events, receiving commendation from unexpected quarters for its meticulous planning and effective promotion.

Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba, President of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), hailed this year’s Ncwala ceremony as a shining example of unity, cultural preservation, and effective event management. While expressing personal reservations about certain cultural practices associated with the ceremony such as “Koswe-eating and blood drinking antiques”, Dr. Mumba commended the organizers and promoters for their exceptional efforts in showcasing the rich heritage of the Ngoni people.

“As your traditional cousins, I know that we don’t easily concede, but on this one, you have set the bar very high and set the standard on how well-organized these traditional ceremonies can be,” Dr. Mumba remarked in his statement.

Acknowledging the significance of traditional ceremonies in preserving cultural values and history, Dr. Mumba emphasized the importance of promoting unity and mutual respect among different cultural groups. He extended his congratulations to His Royal Highness, Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni People, and all his subjects for the success of the Ncwala ceremony.

The praise from Dr. Mumba underscores the widespread recognition of the exceptional organization and promotion of this year’s Ncwala traditional ceremony. It sets a precedent for other cultural events to emulate, promising a future of vibrant and well-coordinated celebrations across various ethnic groups in Zambia.

As attention turns to future traditional ceremonies, including the anticipated Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena, Dr. Mumba hinted at potential emulation of the successful strategies observed at Ncwala, signaling a positive trend towards enhanced cultural exchanges and collaboration among diverse ethnicities.

The success of Ncwala 2024 not only highlights the cultural richness of Zambia but also reinforces the importance of traditional ceremonies as platforms for cultural preservation, unity, and celebration.

President Hichilema Engages with IMF and IGC in Economic Growth Forum

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President Hichilema Engages with IMF and IGC in Economic Growth Forum

President Hakainde Hichilema led discussions yesterday in an ‘Economic Growth Forum’ alongside Cooperating Partners from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Growth Centre (IGC). The forum provided a platform to exchange visions and ideas on maximizing Zambia’s natural resources for national development.

During the forum, President Hichilema articulated the government’s commitment to exploring critical economic sectors such as mining and agriculture, particularly amidst challenges posed by climate change, including the ongoing drought in some regions of Zambia. Strategies to enhance production efficiency in these sectors were emphasized, underlining the government’s determination to unlock Zambia’s economic potential and create job and business opportunities for all citizens.

“We are resolute in our efforts to optimize the utilization of Zambia’s abundant natural resources for the betterment of our nation,” President Hichilema affirmed.

The engagement with IMF and IGC representatives signifies a collaborative approach to addressing economic challenges and fostering sustainable development in Zambia. By leveraging international partnerships and expertise, the government aims to implement innovative solutions that promote inclusive growth and resilience in the face of global challenges.

President Hichilema concluded the forum with a reaffirmation of his administration’s dedication to advancing Zambia’s economic agenda, stating, “Together, we will work tirelessly to realize our vision of a prosperous and thriving Zambia for all.”

Socialist Party Condemns ZNS Involvement in GMO Mealie Meal Trade

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Socialist Party Condemns ZNS Involvement in GMO Mealie Meal Trade

Reagan Kashinga, Copperbelt Provincial Spokesperson for the Socialist Party (SP), has strongly criticized the Zambia National Service’s (ZNS) participation in the importation and exportation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) mealie meal. This condemnation follows the recent report of over 200 bags of GMO mealie meal being stolen from a ZNS storage facility at the Kasumbalesa Border Post in Chililabombwe.

In a media statement, Mr. Kashinga expressed shock at the revelation that GMO mealie meal, originally intended for export to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), had made its way into the local market. He raised suspicions of a syndicate’s involvement in the ZNS mealie meal business, questioning how the alleged thieves managed to breach the heavily guarded ZNS storage facility.

“We want to categorically state that the whole episode of ZNS exporting mealie meal is questionable, and we suspect a syndicate is behind this business. How did the alleged thieves break into one of the strongly protected ZNS storage facilities housing imported Eagle’s mealie meal meant for export to the DRC?” Mr. Kashinga remarked.

He called upon the ZNS command to swiftly trace the stolen GMO mealie meal before it could be repackaged and distributed within Zambia. While acknowledging ZNS’s role in meeting local demand for mealie meal during crises, Mr. Kashinga asserted that importing and exporting mealie meal was not within the organization’s core mandate. He urged ZNS to leave such activities to private Zambian suppliers, highlighting concerns about potential ulterior motives behind the ZNS’s involvement in the mealie meal trade.

“This incident has just confirmed that ZNS has been feeding our people with imported GMO mealie meal instead of utilizing its milling plants. There is no doubt that this dubious mealie meal trade by people abusing ZNS has resulted in the people of Zambia consuming imported GMO mealie meal unknowingly,” Mr. Kashinga lamented.

Mr. Kashinga cautioned against what he described as a government led by “sophisticated businessmen” whose interests, he claimed, were primarily self-enrichment rather than the welfare of the nation. The Socialist Party remains steadfast in its stance against what it perceives as corrupt practices within the government.

Vice President Nalumango Commends Economic Governance Training For Cabinet Ministers

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Vice President Nalumango Commends Economic Governance Training For Cabinet Ministers

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has lauded the recently concluded Economic Governance Training Workshop for Cabinet Ministers, emphasizing its role in shaping government policy decisions and strategic interventions. Addressing ministers at the closing ceremony of the four-day training workshop in Lusaka, Ms. Nalumango underscored the invaluable insights gained from comprehensive discussions and analysis of various aspects of economic governance.

The Vice President highlighted the significance of exploring crucial elements of economic governance vital for the country’s development and prosperity. She stressed the importance the government places on ministerial training, urging ministers to leverage the skills and knowledge acquired to provide effective leadership and oversight in their respective portfolios.

“Our commitment is to leave a positive footprint in the development of the country, necessitating a holistic approach to economic governance,” Ms. Nalumango affirmed, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required across sectors to drive economic growth and job creation. She called for increased collaboration and coordination among sectors to achieve the country’s economic transformation agenda.

Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Makozo Chikote, echoed the sentiment, noting the training’s role in emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving economic growth. He highlighted the review of service delivery and governance in public sectors as integral components of the training, expressing satisfaction with its outcomes.

Former Secretary to the Cabinet, Leslie Mbula, emphasized the training’s importance in acquainting ministers with the operations of the public service machinery. Mr. Mbula stressed the necessity for ministers to not only understand but also effectively implement the knowledge gained, urging them to share their insights with subordinates within their ministries.

“What remains now is for these ministers to ensure they realize what they have learned here, pass it on to others so that the vision can be realized,” Mr. Mbula stated, underlining the imperative of knowledge dissemination within ministries.

The Economic Governance Training Workshop stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to capacity building and effective governance, setting the stage for informed decision-making and coordinated efforts towards national development goals.

Mwape Upbeat Ahead of Ghana Olympic Clash

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Mwape Upbeat Ahead of Ghana Olympic Clash

Zambia Shepolopolo coach Bruce Mwape is upbeat ahead of Friday’s Paris 2024 Olympics third round, first leg qualifier against the Black Queens of Ghana in Accra.

Mwape has carried 23 Stars players to the west African country following the arrival of midfielders Hellen Chanda and Misozi Zulu from Turkey on Tuesday.

Mwape has assured Zambians of a good result against Ghana.

“I am sure all the Zambians are expecting a good result because the team has been doing well. The Zambians should expect a good result,” Mwape said on arrival in Ghana.

Friday’s match will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium at 19h00CAT.

The second leg will follow at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola on 28 February, 2024 at 18h00.

It an embarrassment for Zambia to be poor despite its mineral wealth – MUZ President

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It an embarrassment for Zambia to be poor despite its mineral wealth – MUZ President

Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) President Joseph Chewe says it is embarrassing that Zambia has been classified as a poor country despite being rich in minerals that include gold, emerald,copper, manganese and cobalt.

Mr. Chewe has advised that Zambia should properly harness its abundant mineral resources to end poverty.

He said Zambia should learn from Middle East countries that have utilised oil to create national wealth.

“Look at how the Arabs have harnessed their wealth through oil.Where have we gone wrong as a country? We have copper and copper as we speak today is one of the minerals that is being used in this energy transition and we must leverage on these benefits and be counted that these minerals copper and manganese can end poverty in our country,” Mr. Chewe told Radio Icengelo News.

“We need to become like Arabs who have harnessed the wealth very well in terms of minerals. We call upon all Zambians that we need to show the next generation that these minerals God has given us must end poverty,” he said.

Mr. Chewe warned that foreigners have been abusing local minerals.

“It is very embarrassing that we can be classified as a poor nation in the midst of abundance, when those countries calling us poor have no minerals. This is very embarrassing so I think as a country we need to come out of these doldrums and change the way this country is classified by utilising our mineral resources and creating more jobs. The mining sector can absorb many unemployed graduates like it used to happen during ZCCM days,” he said.

Former President Lungu shocked by DEC allegations and media reports

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Former President Lungu shocked by DEC allegations and media reports

Zambia’s Sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu has expressed shock at the false allegations by the Drug Enforcement Commission that they have nabbed his driver or former driver for trafficking in cannabis.

The former President says he has never had a driver named Juvensio Mathews Phiri under State House or under officers attached to his office from the Zambia Police.

He has called on the Drug Enforcement Commission(DEC) Director General, Mr. Nason Banda to show minimum decency and professionalism.

Former President Lungu has called on public institutions to remain professional despite the political pressure they receive from desperate leaders who are engaged in attempting to tarnish his name or his legacy.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) issued a statement stating that its officers in Eastern Province arrested former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s Driver and Security personnel, identified as Juvensio Mathews Phiri, male aged 53, for trafficking in 55.6 Kg of loose cannabis.

President Lungu has also called on the media to be professional despite the current political pressure, the state of shrunk democratic space, and reject the temptation or allure of making them as paid voices to parrot government propaganda.
He gave an example where he called on the Implementation of quality education in Zambia and the need NOT to sacrifice quality education in the name of free education, a statement that has grossly and falsely been reported that he called for the cancellation of the free education policy.

President Lungu said Zambia was facing a serious crisis with the challenges of the economy, disease outbreaks and the worst cost of living in many decades.

He said Zambia was also facing the threat of food insecurity following the drought caused by the El Niño weather effect and the wanton maize exports that was done without due consideration the national strategic maize reserves.
He said the concerns about food security was so serious that it may worsen the current economic conditions if not dealt with adequately.

He called on the Government of President Hakainde Hichilema to concentrate on delivering service to the people of Zambia and resolving the various crises facing the nation than his efforts concentrating of attempting to destroy democracy and the Opposition in Zambia.

Issued by;
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
Chairperson of Information and Publicity
Member of the Central Committee
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