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Statement Regarding Ongoing Challenges in Securing Civil Service Employment

Chief Editor
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Statement Regarding Ongoing Challenges in Securing Civil Service Employment

I am writing to express my profound concern and distress over what appears to be a recurring pattern of exclusion from employment opportunities within the forestry sector of the Zambian civil service. Despite my qualifications and ongoing efforts since my graduation in 2009, I have yet to be shortlisted for any position in this sector, an issue that seems to be shared among several of my peers, particularly those specializing in forestry.

This persistent challenge has led me to speculate on the factors contributing to our collective inability to secure employment within the government services, despite the change in political leadership and promises of a more inclusive and fair hiring process. Initially, I attributed the difficulty to the political and professional climate under the previous administration, which posed challenges for forestry professionals. However, the continuation of these issues under the new administration has prompted me to reconsider the root causes of this exclusion.

In an effort to advocate for change and highlight the plight of forestry professionals in Zambia, I have engaged in article writing and research, aiming to use my voice to bring attention to these systemic issues. Unfortunately, this approach has not yielded the desired change, and it has been suggested to me that my outspokenness may have inadvertently affected my employment prospects.

Additionally, my experience as a registrar at the Veterinary Council of Zambia further exemplifies the challenges I have faced in my professional endeavors. Despite being initially shortlisted for re-engagement, I was ultimately not selected, under circumstances that I believe were influenced by external pressures aimed at undermining my candidacy and professional reputation.

There is also a concern that personal biases, including those based on ethnic origins, may be influencing the selection process, a deeply troubling notion that, if true, undermines the principles of fairness and equality.

I am making this statement not only as a personal account of my experiences but also as a call to action for a more transparent, inclusive, and equitable hiring process within the Zambian civil service. It is my hope that by bringing these issues to light, there can be a concerted effort to address and rectify the underlying problems, ensuring that all qualified candidates, regardless of their background or personal beliefs, have an equal opportunity to serve their country.

I trust that this matter will be taken seriously and that steps will be taken to investigate and address the concerns raised.

Sincerely,

Chaliafya katungula

Poor Hygiene At Pick N Pay Levy Mall

Chief Editor
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Poor Hygiene At Pick N Pay Levy Mall

Dear Editor

I had a bad experience at Pick N Pay Levy Mall.

I bought some bun rolls and noticed two strands of hair baked inside and sticking out of the buns,even before I opened the package. Then I took it back with the receipt and asked to see the manager but they brushed me off and said the manager was occupied and couldn’t see me.

They instead asked me to fill in a customer complaint form and leave it with them.

Additionally,they stated that I should exchange the buns for other ones,and treated the matter very lightly.

They denied me to see the manager and dismissed me.

Disappointed Customer

North -West Authorities Source Land For New Airport

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North-western Province Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Tradeson Mulofwa says the Provincial Administration is considering sourcing new land for the construction of the new airport.

Speaking when a delegation from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics paid a courtesy call on him, Mr Mulofwa said looking at the rate at which the province is growing there is a need to have two airports.

“We thought it would be good to have alternative land where a big airport will be constructed so that this one becomes a city airport” Mr Mulofwa stated.

He said with barriers such as land encroachment and the gully forming around the current airport, kick starting the expansion project is being delayed.

“We are told that resources for the expansion of the airport are readily available but the current challenges are causing a delay, this is why we are looking at other options” Mr Mulofwa stated.

Mr Mulofwa however stated that encroachers such as the churches have already been talked to and they agreed to move out to the alternative land that was allocated to them.

“The people, especially the churches that have built around the airport land have already been talked to, what is remaining is us taking action so that they see that we are serious” Mr Mulofwa said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Transport and Logistics Director of Transport Nkumbu Siame said they are in the province to follow up with the council to see the progress they have made in resolving the problems.

Minister Warns of Impacts of Prolonged Dry Spell on Agriculture and Energy

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Minister Warns of Impacts of Prolonged Dry Spell on Agriculture and Energy

Collins Nzovu, the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, has issued a stark warning regarding the prolonged dry spell currently affecting Zambia, highlighting its potential detrimental effects on agriculture productivity, water availability, and power generation.

According to Mr. Nzovu, the extended period of reduced rainfall is expected to have significant repercussions on agricultural activities. Crops such as maize, soya beans, and other staples are particularly vulnerable, as they require adequate moisture during crucial growth stages. The dry conditions may lead to water stress, wilting, and yield losses, ultimately impacting food security.

Addressing the National Assembly in a ministerial statement on the performance of the 2023-2024 rainfall season and the ongoing dry spell, Mr. Nzovu noted that the situation, observed since January 20, 2024, is likely to persist throughout February, particularly in the southern regions of the country.

Furthermore, Mr. Nzovu expressed concerns over the dwindling water levels in major reservoirs like Kariba, Kafue Gorge, and Itezhi-Tezhi. He warned that this could result in reduced power generation, leading to increased load shedding, energy shortages, and disruptions in the coming months unless the situation improves.

In response to the looming crisis, the government intends to issue a comprehensive report analyzing the impacts of the dry conditions on agriculture, food security, water, and energy. The report will include recommendations for targeted interventions aimed at supporting affected communities and mitigating adverse effects.

Mr. Nzovu also urged farmers to closely monitor weather updates and adjust their farming practices accordingly. He emphasized the importance of implementing water conservation measures such as mulching and proper soil management to optimize water usage, especially in areas experiencing rainfall deficits and low soil moisture levels.

Chitimukulu Impressed With Good Crop Performance

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Chitimukulu Impressed With Good Crop Performance

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba People has expressed happiness with the good crop performance in the Northern Region.

The paramount chief noted that the performance of the crop in the Northern Province is impressive and encouraging.
He attributed the good crop performance to the favorable weather pattern and the timely delivery of farming inputs to the region.

ZANIS reports that Chief Chitimukulu said many farmers who are on the government supported input programme planted their crops on time as they were given inputs early.

He praised the government for supporting the growth of the agricultural sector in the region.
The paramount chief encouraged more people in the region to take advantage of the favourable rainfall pattern and engage in farming.

He also called on agronomists to do some research on other crops that are drought-resilient and can withstand the weather being experienced in other regions of the country.
The paramount chief urged farmers in the region not to sell their produce to briefcase buyers but leave enough for their home consumption.

Meanwhile, Alfredo Mutila, a beneficiary of the Food Security Pack (FSP) program under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Security, said he received the inputs on time and his crops are performing well.
Mr Mutila said he is confident of a good harvest this season, which will also result in more food for his family.
He said the FSP programme is a good initiative by the government that is changing the lives of vulnerable people in society.
Mr Mutila further encouraged other beneficiaries to ensure they conserve food for their families so that the program can achieve its intended target.

Former Socialist Party Spokesperson Frank Bwalya Defects to UPND, Joined by Other Political Figures

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Former Socialist Party Spokesperson Frank Bwalya Defects to UPND, Joined by Other Political Figures

In a notable shift within the political landscape, former Socialist Party Spokesperson Frank Bwalya announced his defection to the United Party for National Development (UPND), citing President Hakainde Hichilema’s visionary leadership as his primary motivation.

Mr. Bwalya, who previously served as Ambassador to Australia under the Patriotic Front (PF) administration, expressed his commitment to advancing President Hichilema’s developmental agenda and working diligently to spread awareness of the party’s vision.

Joining Mr. Bwalya at the same event was Patriotic Front member Patrick Samwimbila, who also defected to the UPND, emphasizing his readiness to serve both the party and the people of Zambia to foster development.

Additionally, Democratic Christian Party Deputy Secretary General Cosmas Chileshe made the decision to join the UPND, affirming his support for President Hichilema’s leadership and his vision to elevate Zambia to a middle-income nation through focused governance.

Jairos Zulu of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) also aligned himself with the UPND, pledging to collaborate closely with party structures to advance its goals.

Welcoming the defectors in the presence of President Hakainde Hichilema, UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta urged the new members to contribute to maintaining peace and unity within both the party and the country as a whole.

President Hakainde Hichilema commissions Anderson Mazoka Party Secretariat

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President Hakainde Hichilema commissions Anderson Mazoka Party Secretariat

In a significant milestone for the United Party for National Development (UPND), the party officially opened its new secretariat accompanied by a fervent call for unity among its members.

The newly unveiled secretariat, named in honor of the party’s founding President, Anderson Mazoka, stands as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of UPND members over the past 25 years. Party leaders expressed gratitude to members nationwide for their contributions towards the construction of this remarkable edifice, urging them to utilize it as a cornerstone in the realization of the party’s vision for the future.

Addressing attendees at the inauguration ceremony, UPND President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the arduous journey the party has traversed to attain governance, a path marked by sacrifices, including the loss of lives. President Hichilema emphasized that this is not a time for complacency but a call to redouble efforts towards enhancing the well-being of Zambian citizens.

Dispelling calls for an early election, President Hichilema asserted that his administration has delivered on its campaign promises, citing the establishment of a peaceful environment throughout the country. He warned against reverting to previous administrations, cautioning that it would risk the resurgence of violence, particularly in public spaces such as markets and bus stations.

President Hichilema urged UPND members to remain peaceful and united, highlighting the party’s role in fostering a harmonious co-existence among citizens. He encouraged members to familiarize themselves with the party’s history, documented through images displayed within the new secretariat, and to actively promote the party’s agenda, including initiatives for free education, civil service recruitment, and timely pension payments.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango echoed President Hichilema’s sentiments, calling on UPND members to continue supporting his visionary leadership. She lauded the President’s efforts in creating job opportunities and championing initiatives such as free education and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for his vision in urging the party to acquire property and become self-reliant. He credited the President for facilitating the realization of the new secretariat.

The event also witnessed the defection of several notable figures, including former Socialist Party Spokesperson Frank Bwalya, Patriotic Front member Patrick Samwimbila, and Democratic Christian Party Deputy Secretary General Cosmas Chileshe, who joined the ranks of the UPND.

UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta welcomed the new members, urging them to collaborate in upholding peace and unity within the party and the nation at large.

The inauguration of the new UPND Secretariat signifies not only a physical infrastructure development but also a symbol of the party’s unwavering commitment to progress, unity, and service to the Zambian people.

Tanzania, Zambia sign MOU To Address Illegal Migration Drug Trafficking

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Tanzania, Zambia sign MOU To Address Illegal Migration Drug Trafficking

Zambia and the United Republic of Tanzania have signed two Memorandums of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in Immigration matters and combating drug abuse and trafficking.

The MOU was signed at the just ended Second Session of the Tanzania-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in Unguja, Zanzibar.

Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma was accompanied by the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Affairs Jack Mwiimbu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence Norman Chipakupaku, Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Joseph Akafumba, High Commissioner of Zambia in Tanzania Matthews Jere and other government officials at the JPC.
Mr Lufuma said that the two countries had convened to discuss pertinent issues that border on peace and security in both nations.

The Minister of Defence highlighted that both countries have been experiencing issues of drug and human trafficking as well as illegal immigration hence the agreements.

“As it is right now, we are faced with illegal migration, human trafficking, drug trafficking, trafficking of firearms and all those issues that tend to destabilise countries,” said Mr Lufuma.

The Minister of Defence urged both countries to ensure that the resolutions passed at the JPC are implemented within the agreed time frames.

And United Republic of Tanzania Minister of Defence and National Security Stergomena Tax said that the resolutions made at the second session are a continuation of the efforts of both Heads of State, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Hakainde Hichilema.

” As you may be aware both Presidents visited the two countries and a lot of issues were agreed upon, some of the agreements were in the Defence and Security sector, and instructions were given to us to ensure that the Agreements are implemented,” said Dr Tax .

She stated that because of Security concerns that exist in the region and in both countries, the JPC has put up strategies and signed agreements to help both countries address the insecurity.
Dr Tax observed that illegal immigration is another problem facing both Zambia and Tanzania who share a substantial long border.

“People come in through Tanzania without going through legal channels of Immigrants and enter into the country, this has to be curbed hence the agreements,” She said.

Dr Tax was accompanied at the JPC by Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence and National Security Dr Faraji Mnyepe, Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Kasper Kaspar Mmuya and other senior Government officials.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian Government for gifting Zambia with Twenty (20) Hector’s of Land at Kwala Dry Port in Tanzania.

Mr Mwiimbu said that the land will help enhance trade and commerce in Zambia.
He added that the land at Kwala Dry Port will enhance Zambia’s economy through trade and ensure smooth flow of imports and exports to Zambia.

“The 20 Hector’s of land given to Zambia by the President of Tanzania will help enhance trade and commerce,” said Mr Mwiimbu.

Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Illegal Miners in Chingola

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Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Illegal Miners in Chingola

Two illegal miners lost their lives after being struck by falling rocks while excavating for copper ore at the Luano Open pit mine in Chingola.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner Peacewell Mweemba disclosed that the fatal incident occurred between midnight and 01:00 hours on Wednesday. The victims were identified as Lucky Mutale, aged 20, and Joseph Musonda, aged 30.

According to Mr. Mweemba, the two miners were accompanied by other illegal miners at the time of the accident.

Despite the efforts of their fellow miners to rescue them, Lucky Mutale and Joseph Musonda succumbed to their injuries. They were swiftly transported to Nchanga North General Hospital, where they were officially pronounced dead.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining activities, which continue to claim lives and pose significant risks to individuals involved in such operations.

Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa

Chief Editor
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Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa

By Albert M. Muchanga 

The 21st century is characterized by digitalization and artificial intelligence among other elements of technological development. In this era, Africa must not be left behind.

In many countries of the Global South, debt servicing obligations are higher than expenditures on education, health and sanitation, a factor that contributes to undermining the resilience of education systems in those countries. This challenge must be met to have resilient education systems in our countries.

Inclusivity in education is not assured for many people across Africa. Again, this is a challenge we must meet.

In the world of today, where change is the only constant, learning from the cradle to the grave is key to having a high quality of life. This means that lifelong learning is not a luxury. It is indispensable.

For our children of today and tomorrow, education that equips employability, including self-employment is of great relevance.

And in addition, the quality of education in Africa must meet the minimum global standards if its relevance is to go beyond our borders in this world of interdependency. Countries will continue to depend on each other through migration even as we undergo the disruption of global supply chains and the consequent fragmentation of international trade.

Having unpackaged the theme, the task now is to brief you on how the Department of Economic Development Trade Tourism Industry and Minerals is contributing to this theme.

Let me begin by saying that the Department has two Directorates and one Specialized Agency.

The Directorates are: Economic Development, Integration and Trade on one hand and Industry Minerals Entrepreneurship and Tourism on the other hand.

The Specialized Agency is the African Minerals Development Centre.

Selected important factors in socio-economic development in Africa

The selected examples are the following:

About 15.6 percent of employers in Africa identify inadequate education of the workforce as a major constraint for their businesses. The issue of relevance comes into play here.

In 2016, 45 percent of youth across 10 African countries felt that their skills were inappropriate for their current work (17 percent felt over-skilled and 28 percent under-skilled), while 38 percent indicated that their education was not useful in finding jobs. Again, the issue of relevance comes into play.

Due to population growth and increasing life expectancy, Africa’s working-age population is growing faster than formal employment opportunities. Africa has the world’s youngest population, with a median age of 19 years, compared to 30 for Latin America and the Caribbean, 31 for developing Asia and 42 for Europe. Longer life expectancies and higher overall levels of educational attainment further increase the share of the population participating in the workforce. Yet, the demand for labour does not match the growing supply. In 2020, over one in five African youth were not in employment, education, or training.

Workers in informal employment are often under-educated, while social skill gaps are prevalent in formal labour markets. The share of informal employment is likely to remain larger than that of formal employment. The African continent has a higher share of informal employment than any other world region: in 2021, the share of own-account workers and contributing family members of the total working population was 63.9 percent, compared to 33.9 percent for Latin America and the Caribbean and 44.9 percent for developing Asia.

Africa’s productive transformation is increasing the demand for foundational, soft, and technical skills

However, Africa’s productive transformation differs from the conventional growth patterns of developed countries or developing Asia. For example, the transition from low productivity to higher productivity in economic activities has not happened with the growth of manufacturing activities. By 2022, manufacturing accounted for only 11.8 percent of Africa’s GDP compared to 20.5 percent in developing Asia.

Manufacturing also employed about eight percent of the continent’s workforce, compared to 12 percent in developing Asia and 19 percent in China. In contrast, most of Africa’s labour force shifted from low-productivity agriculture to services activities such as retail trade, often in the informal sector. Nevertheless, growth in sectors such as agro-industries and horticulture, ICT-based services or tourism provides significant opportunities for job creation and productive transformation.

From these selected examples, African countries need to devise skills development policies that include their entire populations and identify specific opportunities for productivity-oriented skill development. To this end, the rest of the briefing shows what we are doing as a department to contribute to the 2024 theme.

The broad themes are:

• Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment

• Inclusive growth and sustainable development

• Entrepreneurship, innovation and digital transformation

• Development of regional and continental value chains

Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment

Although prime advocacy for the signature and ratification of the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment lies with are sister departments of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development on one hand and Political Affairs Peace and Security on the other hand, we have also joined in the advocacy because it is a key platform to creating an African Customs Union/Common.

We see stronger harmonization of qualification frameworks and skill accreditation programmes as being foundational for labour market integration across Africa as we move towards creasing a single African market, starting with the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Comparable qualifications frameworks are key building blocks of labour market integration. Their absence usher in non-tariff barriers in the labour sector.

In advocating for signature and ratification of the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment, we are also advocating for implementation of the African Union Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016–2025 which stresses the need for continental qualifications frameworks linked to regional and national qualifications frameworks to facilitate regional integration and mobility of graduates.

We are fully aware that efforts towards harmonized qualification frameworks to facilitate quality assurance, skills accreditation, and credit transfer mechanisms require sustained country engagement, capacity, and resources.

We are however encouraged by the fact that existing regional qualifications frameworks spearheaded by economic communities such as ECOWAS, SADC, EAC, IGAD and non-governmental organizations such as the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education and the Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education have laid the groundwork by removing restrictions on intra Africa mobility of skilled labour and creating comparable qualification frameworks that are moving us in the required direction.

Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development

The first aspiration of the African Union Agenda 2063 is: ‘A prosperous Africa, based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’. One of the goals being followed under this aspiration is to have: ‘well educated citizens and skills revolution underpinned by Science, Technology and Innovation’.

In this respect, we are working in partnership with the African Development Bank and AUDA NEPAD on a study on key actions to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa. The study is planned to be rolled out in July this year.

Some of the key actions envisaged are human capital development to promote, among others, employability, and productivity.

Furthermore, we realize that inclusive growth and sustainable development are driven by, among others, savings and investments. In this connection, the study will also identify measures to raise rates of economic growth across Africa to promote inclusiveness, savings, and investments.

A related activity is formulation of a strategy on export development and diversification. We plan to roll it out by the end of this year. The strategy is geared towards strengthening Africa’s exports to the rest of the world.

Currently, Africa’s share in global trade is less than 2.8%, an indicator of the low levels of productivity across Africa. Increasing Africa’s share of global trade anchored on value added exports will generate savings in the form of foreign exchange earnings. Consequently export development and diversification would greatly contribute to savings and investments growth in Africa.

We also have a programme on enhancing capacities for domestic resource mobilization. Again, this can be a source of savings, critical to investments in both human capital development and productive transformation.

Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Digital Transformation

The Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government adopted the Africa Commodity Strategy in 2022. The Strategy aims to promote value addition in the primary sectors of agriculture, mining, oil and gas and energy. Fundamentally, the value addition should be at source.

Skills development is key to promoting value addition. Let me briefly mention some of the activities that we are pursuing in this respect.

We have partnered with The African Capacity Building Foundation to commission a study on the establishment of an African Manufacturing Institute. This will be key to rapid development of industrial skills across Africa at all levels of the industrial value chain.

In addition, we have partnered with the African Business Council to promote skills development in the manufacture of jewelry.

Again, in partnership with Africa e Trade Group, African Export Import Bank and Google, we are implementing the African Union Youth Start-Up Programme to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and employment.

As part of the process of implementation of the theme for this year, we are also advocating that African countries increase investments in research and development to boost innovation as well as provide affordable financing to African Youth Start Up operators.

Our department is also contributing to the implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa which runs from 2020 to 2030. The Strategy aims at creating an integrated and inclusive African digital society and economy that improves the quality of life for its citizens. In 2022, Member States validated the AU E-Commerce Strategy, which sets the tone for digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. In addition, the department is currently doing a mapping exercise of e-commerce programmes at regional levels in anticipation of the development of the roadmaps and guidelines.

In line with our dedication to education, the department, through the African Minerals Development Centre will be initiating sensitization programs for the African Green Minerals Strategy when it is adopted by the African Union policy organs this year. This strategy aims to leverage Africa’s comparative advantages in strategic green minerals and renewable energy potential. Through these programs, our aim is to raise awareness and cultivate consensus among stakeholders regarding the importance of sustainable mineral resource management and value addition.

In addition, the African Minerals Development Centre will be conducting online courses on tenets of the African Mining Vision, specifically focusing on the African Minerals and Energy Resources Classification and Management System (AMREC) and the Pan African Resource Reporting Code (PARC).

These courses aim to educate the youth and industry players on the correlation between value addition, wealth creation, and mineral resources, as well as their classification.

PARC sets the benchmark for transparent and responsible reporting of mineral resources and reserves, while AMREC, a comprehensive system for managing Africa’s mineral and energy resources, aims for holistic value chain and project lifecycle management. Training on AMREC-PARC will empower AU Member States to adopt internationally recognized reporting standards, thereby enhancing investor confidence and promoting responsible mining practices.

Furthermore, work is underway to support and expand initiatives for electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of retaining value within the continent. In this regard, the African Minerals Development Centre, in partnership with other African institutions, is supporting initiatives such as the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Advanced Battery Research in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The African Minerals Development Centre is also partnering with the Pan-African Decarbonization Institute (P-ADI) to provide leadership in the decarbonization value chain. It will contribute through research in the development of the whole value chain and transformation of energy systems in line with the green transition.

Development of Regional and Continental Value Chains

The department, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) launched a Value Chain Diagnostic study to identify sectors with high potential for sustainable value chain development in Africa and the bottlenecks preventing businesses from fully realizing this potential. The study mapped 5 300 products as inputs or outputs and identified 415 continental value chains. In the context of the diagnostic study, instead of importing rubber from Thailand for the automotive industry, the business community will source from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire.

Clearly, skills development is crucial in the development of regional and continental value chains.

We will join our sister Department of Education Science Technology and Innovation in advocating for increased investments in such as education and training programmes related to our portfolio in order to increase investments in research and development, skills development, global market access as well positioning Africa to succeed in both the green transition and the fourth industrial revolution.

The author is African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals

KCM Addresses Speculations on Forced Leave and Job Losses

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KCM Addresses Speculations on Forced Leave and Job Losses

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has addressed circulating rumors regarding the company’s purported transition into a care and maintenance phase, which allegedly led to forced leave for certain employees and hinted at potential job losses within the mining operation.

In response to these speculations, KCM issued a statement aimed at providing factual clarity on the situation.

The company found itself in a transitional phase subsequent to the government’s announcement last year regarding the return of Vedanta Resources Limited to oversee operations at KCM. Following this announcement, several agreements were duly signed by all parties involved. During this transitional period, the primary focus of KCM’s management was to preserve the integrity of the mining asset while concurrently formulating and strategizing operational plans in collaboration with Vedanta Resources. These plans were slated for execution upon Vedanta’s assumption of full control.

These operational plans encompassed both KCM’s employees and contracted workers, with anticipation of an upsurge in production and operational activities. Employees were encouraged to utilize their accrued annual leave entitlements in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Employment Code Act and the standard conditions of service.

KCM management urged the public to disregard the circulating rumors and instead rely on updates provided through officially established channels and platforms used by the company for disseminating information.This is according to a statement issued by Shapi Shachinda General Manager, Corporate Affairs

Miles Sampa Requests Dismissal of Defamation Suit by Former BOZ Governor

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Miles Sampa Requests Dismissal of Defamation Suit by Former BOZ Governor

Matero Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa, has sought the dismissal of the defamation lawsuit brought against him by former Bank of Zambia Governor, Christopher Mvunga, in the Lusaka High Court.

In his defense filed with the Lusaka High Court, Mr. Sampa refutes the allegations leveled against him, denying any defamation of Mr. Mvunga through a Facebook post. Mr. Sampa disclosed the submission of his defense in the defamation case related to the Faith Musonda cash-gate saga. Additionally, he stated that a list of key witnesses has been provided, intending to call them during the trial to substantiate his innocence in the matter.

Witnesses include

  1. Former President Edgar Lungu
  2. Faith Musonda
  3. Dr.Danny Kalyalya-Bank of Zambia Governor
  4. HonorableBrian Mundubile MP Mporokoso
  5. Director General ,Anti Corruption Commission
  6. Director General ,Drug Enforcement Commission
  7. Inspector General of Police

Mile Sampa argues that the statement in question does not constitute defamation, emphasizing that Mr. Mvunga, as the former BOZ Governor, is a public figure accountable to the public.

The defamation lawsuit was initiated by Mr. Mvunga, who is demanding 100 million Kwacha in damages from Mr. Sampa, as per the Statement of Claim filed with the Lusaka High Court on February 5, 2024.

Amid political despondency, can Zambia rise out of economic malaise?

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Amid political despondency, can Zambia rise out of economic malaise?

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

Try as we might to spin the metrics, the reality tells a different story. The economic hardships facing the general populace are palpable. Liquidity is in short supply and small businesses are choking to inflation. The local bond market – which is a key determinant to measuring a country’s investment credibility has lost its lustre. Simply put, the depreciating currency and rising costs of living is now conspiring against hopes of a weary electorate that bet their fortunes of a better life on a change of government.

Then boom, amidst this gloom, a pandemic which has come to define our rain season suddenly emerges from its slumber – thanks in part to dry weather experienced in recent weeks, the El Nino phenomenon has helped to avert a full-blown cholera crisis.
Yet the Barotse – people of the plains want none of this respite. Like a shark circling wounded prey, they can sense that now is their perfect time to settle a long-standing grievance. This Government is battling to quench fires, left right and center. You see, gloom festers despondency and dejection – the twin canon folders often abused by political opportunists. But political gimmicks aside, is it even possible for the western province to start agitating for a secession – 60 years after independence? At face value, these noises smack of political poppycock propagated by a dark force.

Makes you wonder, where are our opposition politician’s consciences in fomenting this crisis? Other than sitting on the edge and waiting for an implosion of sorts, is there anything coherent that’s come from the opposition bench thus far? I mean, what joy is there to derive from dancing on the graves of Cholera victims? It’s important to ask such legit questions granted these are the people who will be lining up for your vote come 2026. Patriots don’t root for an economic free-fall just to engineer an easy passage to State House otherwise you will have no country to govern when you take over reigns.
Insignificant as this might seem, it’s important to re-trace the root cause of the country’s economic challenges. The former governing party borrowed billions for consumption and sprinkled some change on some infrastructure projects. The logic underpinning the so-called infrastructure spend was to disguise a wanton looting spree. And now, the chickens are coming home to roost. The inflation choking this economy is the previous dispensation’s making hence their talk about having a plan to fix the country’s debt burden makes mockery of common sence. You don’t break to fix later.

Economic lay of the land

While the African Development Bank (ADB) anticipates local GDP growth to tick marginally by a percentage point in 2024, largely the result of government’s implementation of policy reforms, this forecast is off little consolation to the 54% of Zambians wallowing in abject poverty. But didn’t Bally after all promise to fix the country’s economic woes once elected to office? Painful as this sounds, the sad reality is that it will take a long while for this economy to begin to show green shoots.

And to his credit and very seldom do we give such, President Hakainde Hichilema has resisted the temptation for an easy fix to this malaise. His best and simple option would have been to print more and flood the economy with hot money – the PF way. However, the reality is that flooding the economy with hot money would be akin to pouring kerosene on an inferno. As it is, this economy is already overheating with hyperinflation. In fact, there are some parallels to draw from President Frederick Chiluba’s era to the challenges facing the incumbent government – the only difference being Chiluba was more forthright to the electorate regarding the economic pain he would inflict on Zambians once he assumed the reigns.
He bore the brunt of citizens when he adopted the IMF’s Structural Adjustment (SAP) Policies. And while history has been so kind to President Levy Mwanawasa’s Presidency, the boon years enjoyed during the Mwanawasa era were largely the result of the foundation laid by Chiluba. His reforms enabled the country to reach the Highly Indebted Poverty Country (HIPC) completion point and the massive debt cancellations arising from the HIPC initiative is largely what helped to ignite growth.

Given our deeply polarised society, it’s possible that we are probably too consumed in the politics of the day to see the bigger picture. And just so we are clear, this summation is hardly an exoneration of the incumbent government’s complicit in the hardships facing Zambians. On evidence, the country’s current monetary policy which is premised on fiscal consolidation has been ineffective in curbing inflation and this trajectory has thus far failed to arrest the local currency’s depreciation against major convertibles. Isn’t it time to perhaps change tact? Over to you Dr Kalyalya.

Zambia needs a bottom-up structural rebuild which is anchored on large scale re-industrialisation. Its industrial base is non-existent. Put differently, besides Trade Kings and Zambeef, is there any other industrial conglomerate that can ably display the country’s manufacturing prowess. Where is Kawamba Tea or Mansa Batteries. What happened to the Mununshi banana scheme – those from Luapula should be forgiven for raising nostalgic questions.

Southern province had the Livingstone Motor Assembly plant and a radio manufacturing company called ITT supersonic. At its peak, the Inter-Continental Hotel and Rainbow Lodge – had the largest combined employee workforce in the province bar Nakambala Sugar. Mulungushi Textiles, Zambia Railways, and the Zinc Mine in Kabwe made Central province one of the most attractive investment destinations in the country. Today, a distinct record as the most polluted mining town in the world is the only accolade Kabwe has to its name.

Copperbelt had Kafironda Explosives, Mpelembe Drilling, Ndola oil refinery, Zamox and CPC among the entities created to benefit from that region’s mining value chain. All inputs which are critical in manufacturing are imported – or otherwise brought into the country as finished products. This economy is indirectly exporting massive jobs. Begs another question. Is there any hope of an economic rebound on the horizon or at the very least is there a possibility of reincarnating these companies albeit with different names?

Mining has potential to catalyse growth

The fact that Zambia stole the limelight at the recent Africa Mining Indaba held in Capetown is indicative of the country’s economic potential. President Hichilema’s virtual address to delegates was captivating. He listed a catalogue of investment pledges to the sector – which if they come to fruition would change the face of the economy. His Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe, the Presidential investment advisor Jito Kayumba including First Quantum Minerals Country Manager Dr Godfrey Beene, PPDF Director General Andrew Chipwende, among others, presented a solid investment case for Zambia.

So, how best can the country use mining to re-industrialise its economy. This country has abundant mineral resources. It is home to 6% of the world’s Copper ore reserves with Copper accounting for 80% of the country’s export earnings. Other than Copper, it has substantial Cobalt, and gold reserves including Lithium, Nickel, and Manganese – the minerals often referred to as ‘Critical Minerals’ or minerals of the future.

The ambitious plans by developed countries to deploy clean energy sources alongside clean technologies including electric vehicles (EVs) bodes well for the future of local mining. This optimism is premised on the fact that Electric Vehicles (EV) sales could account for more than two-thirds of market share in developed markets by 2030. This will in turn push battery demand for mobility and stationary applications and by implication increase demand for Critical Minerals. This scenario is good enough a case to justifying government’s ambitions to increasing Copper output from the current 850,000 metric tons/annum to 3 million by 2031.

What role then can mining companies play in helping industrialise this economy – after all government has dolled out billions in tax incentives to help boost their production output. This is a discussion for another day.
Mwanza is a keen reader of history and philosophy. For feedback, contact him on [email protected]

President Hichilema Affirms Commitment to Enhance Power Generation

Chief Editor
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President Hichilema Affirms Commitment to Enhance Power Generation

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to boosting the nation’s power generation capacity to meet the burgeoning demand from vital sectors such as mining and agriculture.

Addressing the pressing issue of Zambia’s power deficit, President Hichilema hailed the strides made by investors in the country’s solar energy sector as a significant step forward in addressing the energy shortfall.

These remarks came during a courtesy visit by 7YRDS Energy, a prominent German company, at State House. The company is poised to invest in solar energy projects in Kafue and Sesheke, located in the Western Province of Zambia.

President Hichilema commended 7YRDS Energy for choosing to invest in Zambia, particularly in the solar energy sector, noting that such investments would spur economic growth across various sectors, including mining and agriculture. He emphasized Zambia’s trajectory of economic development across multiple sectors and highlighted the pivotal role that investments in solar energy could play in realizing ambitious targets, such as the projected three million tonnes of copper production per year.

Furthermore, President Hichilema disclosed the government’s commitment to streamlining business operations to create a conducive environment for investors. He reiterated the government’s readiness to collaborate with international partners to bolster investments in the energy sector, recognizing the indispensable role of sufficient energy in driving development, particularly in mining and other key sectors.

President Hichilema urged 7YRDS Energy to expedite negotiations with ZESCO, Zambia’s electricity supply company, for a power purchase agreement, stressing the urgency of increasing power generation capacity to meet growing demand.

Meanwhile, German Ambassador to Zambia, Anne-Wagner Mitchell, expressed Germany’s keen interest in investing in Zambia’s solar energy sector to support the country’s power needs in mining and agriculture. She revealed that 7YRDS Energy has already secured land for feasibility studies in Kafue and Sesheke districts, with a commitment of one million United States Dollars for the initial studies.

Founder and Managing Director of 7YRDS Energy, Philip Jansen, praised President Hichilema for his efforts in promoting Zambia as an attractive investment destination. He cited the recent visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as a catalyst for heightened interest in investing in Zambia. Mr. Jansen commended Zambia’s peaceful environment and commitment to the rule of law, which have bolstered its appeal to investors.

He affirmed his company’s dedication to expediting the project’s implementation, with plans for operations to commence as early as the first quarter of the following year.

Government Concerned Over Rise in Diabetes Cases In Zambia

Chief Editor
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Government Concerned Over Rise in Diabetes Cases In Zambia

In a recent statement, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo voiced the government’s apprehension regarding the escalating number of diabetes cases across the country.

Citing data from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2021 survey on diabetes prevalence in Zambia, Ms. Masebo revealed that an alarming 11.9 percent of individuals aged between 20 to 79 years old were afflicted with the disease. She further disclosed that a staggering 50 percent of diabetic individuals remain unaware of their condition. Of particular concern is Africa’s elevated risk profile, with Zambia exhibiting a concerning 36 percent prevalence rate.

Ms. Masebo addressed these issues while responding to queries raised by Kanchibiya Member of Parliament, Sunday Chanda, who sought to ascertain the prevalence rate of diabetes nationwide as of August 2023.

The Health Minister attributed the surge in diabetes cases to the widespread consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods, emphasizing the urgent need for dietary reforms and increased awareness campaigns.

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