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Director of British American Tobacco,Godfrey Machanzi(r) addressing the media during the tour of cigarette manufacturing factory company which has invested over $ 25 million in construction at the Multi Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka.Looking on is Head of operations,Jerry Chivambo
The British America Tobacco (BAT) Zambia Plc has constructed a cigarette manufacturing plant at a cost of US$ 25 million aimed at localizing its brand portfolio in Zambia.
The plant which is situated at the Lusaka South Multi Facilitate Economic Zone has so far created 72 direct jobs for the local people and a further 2,500 jobs in formal and informal sectors hence contributing to the country’s economy.
Speaking during the media tour of the factory in Lusaka today, BAT Zambia Managing Director Godfrey Machanzi said his company is committed towards contributing to the country’s economic development agenda.
Mr. Machanzi noted that the construction of the factory is also evidence enough of government’s continued resolution of creating an enabling environment for investors to invest in the country.
He explained that BAT Zambia once had a factory in the country but was closed adding that the company is back as an expression of its confidence in the Zambian economy.
He said like the experience in other markets in which the company operate from, tobacco production supports many jobs up and down stream therefore making a positive impact in the country’s economy.
The BAT Zambia MD stated that illicit tobacco trade has continued to be the biggest challenge making Zambia the highest incidence of illicit imported tobacco products in Southern Africa.
Mr. Machanzi said cigarettes smuggled from neighbouring countries has significantly contributed to the illicit tobacco market.
He further thanked government for the support before and during the construction of the plant and the fair and balanced business regulations.
Director of British American Tobacco,Godfrey Machanzi(r) addressing the media during the tour of cigarette manufacturing factory company which has invested over $ 25 million in construction at the Multi Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka.Looking on is Head of operations,Jerry Chivambo(m) and Head of legal,Mdu Lokotfwako(left).
Director of British American Tobacco,Godfrey Machanzi(r) addressing the media during the tour of cigarette manufacturing factory company which has invested over $ 25 million in construction at the Multi Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka.Looking on is Head of operations,Jerry Chivambo
Head of legal,Mdu Lokotfwako(left) stressing a point during the media briefing on manufacturing factory company which has invested over $ 25 million in construction at the Multi Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka.Looking on is Head of operations,Jerry Chivambo(m). Director British American Tobacco,Godfrey Machanzi(r)
Director of British American Tobacco,Godfrey Machanzi(r) addressing the media during the tour of cigarette manufacturing factory company which has invested over $ 25 million in construction at the Multi Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka.Looking on is Head of operations,Jerry Chivambo.
Head of legal,Mdu Lokotfwako(left) at the media briefing on manufacturing factory company which has invested over $ 25 million in construction at the Multi Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka.Looking on is Head of operations,Jerry Chivambo(m). Director British American Tobacco,Godfrey Machanzi(r)
Cigarette manufacturing factory company which globbed over $ 25 million in construction at the Multi Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka.
Minister of Defence Davies Chama says Zambia is poised for economic development owing to the ambitious development programme that the government has embarked on.
He said President Edgar Lungu has put in place a massive development programme that will see Zambia become a viable economic hub in Africa.
The Minister said this in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday when he addressed diplomatic staff and Zambians living in Ethiopia at a dinner organized at the Residence for Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Her Excellency, Ms.Susan Sikaneta.
He said government was putting in mechanisms to ensure that Agriculture becomes the backbone of the country’s economy.
The Minister said the government was working at improving mechanization in Agriculture sector and completely confine the HOE to the museum. He said it was through mechanization that the country could record the need yields.
The Minister further disclosed that defence forces were also beginning to contribute to the National Development through Agriculture. He said Zambia Army in Particular was purchasing land for Agricultural purposes while ZAF was already involved in cultivating cash crops such as soya beans and sunflower.
And Mr. Chama said there was need for mind change in the country stating that there was a lot of negativity amongst Zambians towards issues of development.
He said it was unfortunate that there was a lot of negativity from Zambians towards Chinese investment. He said instead of learning from the Chinese, Zambians were condemning the investment that was being brought in the country.
The Minister urged Zambians living in the diaspora to seize the opportunity to market Zambia for increased investment.
And Zambia Army Commander General Paul Mihova who also attended the dinner assured Zambians that the country was peaceful .He said it was the core duty of the army to maintain peace in the country.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Her Excellency, Ms.Susan Sikaneta expressed happiness at the work that government was doing to uplift the lives of Zambians.
She said the Embassy would also continue to work at promoting the country’s good image and bring investment to the country.
And Association of Zambians in Ethiopia Dr. Jack Jones Zulu said the association was ready to offer technical support to the government as it has qualified Zambians in many fields working for international organizations.
He said the development of Zambia lies in the hands of all Zambians including those that where in the diaspora.
It is all-square in Group K of the 2019 AFCON qualifiers with all four teams heading into match-day-four this week tied on points following Namibia’s dramatic away win over Mozambique on Saturday.
Namibia came from behind to stun Mozambique 2-1 away in Maputo.
Edson Mexer gave Mozambique a 1-0 halftime lead with a header that took deflection off Namibian player before going in.
But Petrus Shitembi equalized in the 69th minute before the industrious Deon Hotto scored a stoppage time to hand Namibia their first Group K win.
Namibia, Guinea Bissau, Zambia and Mozambique are now all tied on 4 points after three rounds.
Zambia must now beat Guinea Bissau on Sunday away in Bissau heading into their penultimate Group K game in November away to Mozambique who suffered their first loss in the qualifiers today.
However, victory for Zambia tomorrow will only see them take command of Group K until Tuesday when Mozambique visit Namibia in Windhoek when the status in the pool will be confirmed at the end of match-day-four.
Nkana have grabbed the last CAF Champions League spot after securing second place finish in the 2018 FAZ Super Division campaign.
Kalampa thumped Lusaka Dynamos 4-0 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday to end the league season with 76 points.
Nkana have finished four points behind champions Zesco United, who lost 1-0 at Green Eagles on Saturday.
Striker Ronald Kampamba scored a first half double before Idriss Mbombo and Walter Bwalya contributed a goal each in this round 38 match.
Sate Sate handed Nkana a 2-0 lead before the break with goals in the 2nd and 23rd minutes.
Mbombo netted his goal after 61 minutes before Bwalya, who replaced Kelvin Mubanga, pushed in the fourth goal on 84 minutes.
This win is expected to come as a relief to Nkana who were fighting for the Champions League spot against Green Buffaloes.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 38
13/10/2018
Green Eagles 1-Zesco United 0
Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy 0-Green Buffaloes 3
Nkwazi 1-Zanaco 0
Lusaka Dynamos 0-Nkana 4
Chipolopolo are hoping to use their early bird advantage to the fullest on Sunday against Guinea Bissau after arriving in the West African nation before their hosts for the 2019 AFCON Group K qualifier.
Zambia landed in Bissau on Thursday evening on charter flight from Lusaka.
But Guinea Bissau landed back on later on Friday after a grueling scheduled flight home via Dubai from Lusaka where they left on Thursday morning.
“I think we will have an advantage due to the travelling and arriving earlier than the home team because the travelling time was shorter than what they will endure,” Chipolopolo coach Sven Vandenbroeck said.
“But one advantage they have against us is the climate here, it is humid, so that will give us equal chances in the game.”
Zambia beat Guinea Bissau 2-1 on Wednesday night at national Heroes Stadium to rise from bottom to second in Group K on 4 points.
They are tied on points with third placed Guinea Bissau and leaders Mozambique who only play their third Group K match late Saturday afternoon in Maputo against Namibia who head into the match on 1 point from two games played.
HH accompanied by his lawyer Jackie Mwiimbu making a formal complaint at Woodlands Police Station against Chilufya Tayali.Economic and Equity Party Leader Chilufya Tayali has been summoned by the Lusaka magistrates court to answer to a complaint of publishing defamatory against UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr Hichilema on October 9 reported Mr Tayali to Woodlands Police Station for criminal libel, an offence he said he considerd serious.
Mr. Hichilema said that this was in view of Mr. Tayali’s continued libelous statements in total defamation of his standing reputation both as an individual and President of the biggest political opposition party in Zambia, the UPND.
The UPND Leader charged that Mr. Tayali made unwarranted and unsubstantiated claims against him for a long time now.
“Citizens will agree with me that I have been very tolerant of him despite the many defamatory statements he had made against me for simply taking a stand on things and my political beliefs. In the latest libel, Mr. Tayali has been publishing and uttering public statements to the effect that I am responsible for the death of our beloved daughter, Vespers Shimuzhila who died in a police operation at University of Zambia, ” he UPND leader said.
But Economic and Equity Party Leader Chilufya Tayali has urged the Police not to waste time but arrest Mr. Hichilema because he is guilty of inciting people to rise against government.
“Mr. Hichilema is guilty of the crime including the recent one where a Student even died at the University of Zambia. That’s why he has even gone to the police to report me, ” he said.
Mr. Tayali added that Mr. Hichilema wanted to take over Government through dubious means.
According to the summons filed before the Lusaka magistrates court the EEP Leader is alleged to have unlawfully published defamatory statements concerning Mr Hichilema with intent to injure his reputation by exposing him to hatred, contempt and ridicule and to damage him in his profession, trade and standing in society.
Mr Tayali is expected to appear before the the court on October 17 at 11:30 hours.
The Northern Region Media Club has condemned the conduct of Kitwe Businessman Daniel Makina’s supporters who attacked journalists on Friday.
Makina who is also Director at Nkana College of Education is facing an aggravated robbery case and theft of copper cathodes.
Makina has been remanded at Kamfinsa Correctional Facility in Kitwe for over one month after he was arrested for stealing copper cathodes.
When he appeared before the Kitwe Magistrates Court for a mention, Makina applied for a preliminary inquiry in a matter where he has been jointly charged with a Chililabombwe based taxi driver for stealing copper cathodes worth K1.8 million.
Makina 35 is jointly charged with Chipili Chilufya 32 for stealing copper belonging to Polytra Zambia Limited.
Details are that Makina and Chilufya Jointly and whilst acting together on 28 August in Kitwe attacked RAJAB BASHID MAGWILA with Pistols and used threats and violence to steal the copper cathodes.
When the matter came up before Magistrate Kampinda Chipamu, Makina, through his lawyers, applied that a preliminary inquiry be set up before the matter can be tried in the High Court.
His lawyers have argued that their client had overstayed in custody without trial.
“My understanding is that the law says a preliminary inquiry is mandatory. We pray that the court exercises this in order for our client to be heard,” said Govu Nyirongo one of his lawyers.
Magistrate Chipamu has reserved ruling for Monday next week.
Later, outside while the case was on, Makina’s supporters started attacking photojournalists who were positioned outside with ZNBC cameraman Kashete Sinyangwe as the target.
As the commotion grew, two prosecutors stepped in and restrained the fight.
But Makina’s supporters continued insulting the cameraman until a ZNBC vehicle picked him up. Other Journalists watched from distance as his supporters become unruly.
Commenting on the attacks, NORMEC Secretary Clinton Masumba says it is unacceptable that journalists can be attacked in their line of duty.
“We have received with regret, disappointment, the verbal and physical attacks on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Television Camera-person Kashete Sinyangwe by unruly sympathisers of local Businessman Daniel Makina at the Kitwe Magistrates Court.
As Makina was appearing before the Honourable court, his sympathisers decided to verbally and physically attack Sinyangwe denying him an opportunity to perform his duty as they attempted to grab the camera with intentions only known to them.
We find this behaviour uncalled for; primitive and inhuman especially that it happened within the Court premises.”
“We, however wish to extend our gratitude to two prosecutors that came to Sinyangwe’s rescue.The Northern Region Media Club wishes to remind the public that the role of Media remains to inform, educate and entertain. While, we take cognisant on the fact that sympathisers were emotional, it is only important that the media is given space to do their work.We appeal to the public to always respect Journalists and allow them to work freely without being attacked, intimidated or harassed because ours is a noble profession.
It is also important for people to appreciate the role journalists play in the society on issues of public interest, and we know that the case in question is of such nature,” Masumba said.
He appealed to the Zambia Police to help protect journalists.
Masumba said it was unfortunate that this comes barely two weeks after a Flava FM reported was beaten in Buchi for covering riots.
“As NORMEC, we further appeal to the Zambia Police Service to help in protecting journalists while they carry out their duties from such attacks whenever available because journalists play a vital role in ensuring news and events are reported for public consumption.It is sad that this incident is happening just a few weeks after another Journalist, Raphael Mulenga of Flava Fm Radio was also attacked and badly beaten by unruly people that rioted in Buchi Township after a Police Officer allegedly shot a car washer. We also wish to call for a free and independent media operation zone, because such attacks are a serious threat to Zambia’s democracy and an affront to the freedom of the press.Journalism is not a crime in a democratic dispensation like Zambia and any form of attack or aggression against a Journalist is an insult to the country’s democracy. An attack on one is an attack on all of us,” said Masumba.
The Bank of Zambia has warned that Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Zambia and that all activities related to their buying, trading or usage are performed at owner’s risk.
The Central Bank says it has observed an increasing public interest in cryptocurrencies as evidenced by the growing number of enquiries that BoZ has been receiving on the subject.
In a statement, the Bank of Zambia said while cryptocurrencies have some monetary characteristics, such as, being used as a means of payment on a person to person basis, cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Zambia.
“In order to safeguard the interests of members of the public and to maintain the integrity of the financial system in Zambia, the BoZ states as follows: 1. Section 30 of the Bank of Zambia Act vests the right to issue notes and coins exclusively in the BoZ. To date, BoZ has not issued any form of cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in the Republic of Zambia; 2. BoZ does not oversee, supervise nor regulate the cryptocurrency landscape. Consequently, any and all activities related to the buying, trading or usage of cryptocurrencies are performed at owner’s risk.”
It adds, “3. The general public should therefore fully understand and be aware of the risks associated with the use of cryptocurrencies. 4. Some of these risks include money laundering, financing activities of terrorism and general consumer protection risks such as fraud and hacking, to which in most cases, no legal recourse would be available to customers due to the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency-related transactions.”
“5. In line with BoZ’s position that regulation should not constrain but enable innovation, BoZ will continue to actively monitor all developments.”
MOSKVA(Aftenposten):Zambia is one of the largest recipients of Norwegian aid. Now, the country’s president is buying a luxury aircraft that surpasses most.
The Russian company Sukhoi, Jevgenij Andratzhnikov , could start the celebration when the contract for the sale of new luxury aircraft was in the box.
The buyer is President Edgar Lungu of Zambia,the fifth largest recipient of Norwegian aid in the last 50 years. It’s a fairly high price,admitted to the Russians and was jubilantly happy according to Russian media.
The price is around 400 million kroner.
The price is far higher than regular Sukhoi flights because the Zambian president wants specially designed interior.
Lungu leads a country where 15 percent of children are underweight because they do not get enough food according to the UN.
FILE: President Lungu addressing Copperbelt PF OfficialsConfusion has characterized the Patriotic Front intraparty elections on the Copperbelt.
And there was a near punch up among PF officials after true “originnal” PF officials where blocked from filling in nomination for the Butungwa ward inter-party elections on Friday.
The PF officials accused ward Councillor William Nyirenda of causing confusion because he does not believe in the PF policies.
Nyirenda is former MMD Kitwe district chairman and only joon the ned the PF in 2016 and adopted as PF candidate for which he is an elected civic leader.
Former Butungwa ward chairperson Nelson Mwenda says the PF in Chimwemwe constituency has been hijacked by a small group of people who do not want the founder members to continue leading the party.
Mwenda who is vying for the position of secretary at ward level said the group that has hijacked the party is doing it for its own selfish needs as they do not belong to the PF.
In an interview, Mwenda accused the district executives and Butungwa ward Councillor William Nyirenda of blocking his nomination.
“These are enemies of the party. They are hijackers and should not be allowed. This councillor, Nyirenda is MMD and we are the PF. Why should he block us,” asked a furious Mwenda.
He said constituency officials and the ward Councilor connived to block him from filing in his nomination yesterday.
Mwenda revealed that he submitted nominations papers yesterday and later in his absence the papers were torn by some ward official.
And some visibly angry supporters for Mwenda, Carol Phiri accused the ward Councilor of been a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party.
Phiri confirmed that there is confusion in Butungwa ward accusing the Councilor of not embracing old members of the PF.
Meanwhile, former Butungwa ward youth Treasurer Blessed Kabungo said he was also blocked from filling in papers as vice chairperson by the officials from the party structures.
Kabungo said when they went back yesterday to file in the papers they found the constituency and district offices locked.
Kabungo accused the ward councillor for working with the NDC and the UPND.
He said people in Chimwemwe do not want the current Councilor, saying if their nomination is not sorted out, the people will be forced to vote for an independent person.
Communication and Transport Minister Brian Mushimba announcing the cabinet approval of a new national airline during a “Team building” cocktail at Lusaka Intercontinental Hotel on Monday, 18 December 2017. Picture By Jean Mandela
The relaunch of Zambia Airways has been deferred from January to April next year.
Minister of Transport and Communications Brian Mushimba announced in Parliament that the latest decision has been made to give the IDC enough time to appoint the board of directors for the airline.
He also explained that that the certification and registration process of the national airline was ongoing.
The relaunch of Zambia Airways was initially planned for October 24 this year, but the launch was deferred to January.
The decision was made during the signing of a shareholder agreement between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Ethiopian Airlines in August this year.
The agreement prescribes conditions of partnerships between the two entities. IDC will have 55 majority percent shares while Ethiopian Airlines will hold 45 percent.
“We have projected to spend 20 million as initial investment to revamp the airline,” he said.
Mr Mushimba said the people to be appointed to sit on the Board of the new airline are being examined by government wings to ascertain their suitability to manage the new airline.
Mr Mushimba said the setting up of the new airline will also lead to the maximum utilisation of the aviation infrastructure that is being constructed at the cost of over US$1 billion.
“Mr Speaker, as you may be aware, government is establishing the national airline with the Ethiopian Airways as a strategic partner. When established, the national airline will operate purely on commercial principles without government or political interference in its operations. Mr Speaker, government through IDC, is in the process of appointing a board of directors for the national airline, which is currently being vetted by various government wings to determine their suitability to serve on the board. Soon after the board is formally appointed, it will immediately appoint the chief executive officer and other top management staff,” Mr. Mushimba said.
“Mr Speaker, the airline top management shall recruit support staff and commence to build systems for operationalization the airline, including certification and registration of the national airline equipment. The certification and registration process will take a minimum of 116 days from the day the CEO for the national airline lodges the application papers for the air operator certificate to the Civil Aviation Authority.”
“Mr Speaker, concurrently, certification is ongoing and the national airline management team will recruit and train the air crew, ground handling staff, marketing and aircraft maintenance staff. Given the time it will take to complete the national airline certification and registration process, we can safely say that the launch of our national airline will take place in the first quarter of 2019. We will inform this House and the nation at large on the exact date once the board is constituted and management put in place.”
He also disclosed that the national airline will create 500 direct jobs once launched.
I have heard and read statements attributed to some of my learned seniors in the economics profession calling for the regulation of the economics profession in Zambia. They are sickened at the plethora of voices on economic matters in the country by “non-economists”, and they feel that such voices should be the reserve of privileged few academically trained economists. They are advocating for the regulation of the economics profession, through some form of an ‘Economist Act’, like the Accountant Act or the Act the governs Lawyers so that only those who fit the profile of ‘economists’ as defined in such an Act can speak on economic matters. This, apparently, will bring sanity to the economics profession, they argue.
I find these arguments not only illogical, but they mirror a shallow understanding of the evolution of the history of economic thought, and importantly, reflect a narrow appreciation of what economics is and the role of economists in society. I mean no disrespect to the advocates of such regulation, but I think it is important that the wider public appreciates the alternative view to the regulation of the economics profession being advocated for.
So the question is:
Would the economy of Zambia be better off if only economists spoke about the economy, yet, the economy affects all?
Would there be high regard for the rule of law if only lawyers talk about the law which all alike, irrespective of legal training?
Would Zambia have better rains if only the meteologists like Jacob Nkomoki talked about the weather or climate change?
Would our politics be advanced if only those who trained in political science spoke about or participated in politics?
I think the answer to all the above questions is an emphatic no!
But let’s assume that the economists’ voices would have the determining force on the direction and level of economic prosperity, what type of economists should we be listening to? Economists are not uniformly trained, there are different schools of thought which are guided by empirics and history.
So who is an economist? What makes one a great economist?
This question is perhaps aptly answered in John Maynard Keynes’ obituary essay for a prominent economist Alfred Marshall in 1924. For the benefit of my readers who may not have read history of economic thought, Alfred Marshal (26 July 1842 – 13 July 1924) is one of the most celebrated economist who rose to prominence in 1890 when he published his treatise entitled: Principles of Economics. This book became the most dominant text book in economics in England and the world over. Marshal was a professor at Cambridge University, and among his students was celebrated economist John Maynard Keynes, the proponent of the Keynesian Theory which advocates for government intervention in the economy through Fiscal and Monetary Policies. He published his masterpiece, “The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money” in 1936, challenging the traditional economic view of ‘free market economy’ without government intervention.
In his obituary essay to Alfred Marshall, Keynes highlights his qualities of a professional economist as follows:
“The study of economics does not seem to require any specialized gifts of an unusually high order. Is it not, intellectually regarded, a very easy subject compared with the higher branches of philosophy or pure science? An easy subject at which few excel! The paradox finds its explanation, perhaps, in that the master-economist must possess a rare combination of gifts. He must be mathematician, historian, statesman, philosopher—in some degree. He must understand symbols and speak in words. He must contemplate the particular in terms of the general and touch abstract and concrete in the same flight of thought. He must study the present in the light of the past for the purposes of the future. No part of man’s nature or his institutions must lie entirely outside his regard. He must be purposeful and disinterested in a simultaneous mood; as aloof and incorruptible as an artist, yet sometimes as near to earth as a politician.” (Keynes 1924).
If we thus use Keynes’ description as a benchmark for what makes not just an economist, but a Master Economist, then it follows that we CANNOT regulate the economics profession!
How can you regulate an artist? That would kill the imagination and brilliance that comes with thought.
How can you regulate a historian? That would be equivalent to trying to control the past, an absurd and impotent undertaking.
How can you regulate a statesman? A philosopher? How can you regulate a mathematician who tries to understand the world in the eyes of indices and symbols? It is an exercise in futility!
The discipline of economics has shown us that it is not only those who read economics or can understand econometrics that can contribute to the growth of the discipline or the growth of economies:
1. John Forbes Nash, the pioneer of the Theory of Non-Cooperative Games under Game Theory never read economics, he studied mathematics, yet, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994.
2. Elinor Claire “Lin” Ostrom, a political scientist who studied Political Science and never even entered an econometrics class was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2009 for her work on the “analysis of economic governance, especially the commons.” She remains the only woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economics – and never studied economics!
If these people had studied under the tutorship of the Zambian advocates of the regulation of the economics profession, they would not have thrived in their careers to reach world acclaim and recognition in economics. They would have been told to “shut up” and leave the analysis of economics to those who sat in a classroom being taught basic demand and supply.
Their artistic, philosophical and mathematical minds would have been subdued, and none would have won the Nobel.
If economics is a way of thought, a discipline focused with choices, then surely everyone is an economist and practices economics every day! You don’t need to have studied economics to know that you ought to realign your household expenditures if inflation is high, or that you ought to reduce you travel distances if the price of fuel is increased. You don’t need to be an economist to understand that bus fares will rise if the fuel price is increased – it is simple common sense which all know, understand and fully appreciate! It is therefore absurd to think that the people affected by the economy should not have a say in the economy.
For those who pride themselves in econometrics, I am laughing at what an “Economists Act” would say with regards the appropriate analysis for decision making. At higher levels of econometrics, it usually breaks down to either a Frequentist Approach/Time Series Analysis or a Bayesian Approach to analysis. These approaches do not always converge in their conclusions, and as such, policy advice based on any will depend on the arguments the analysts put forward. What would the Zambian Economists Act pick? Both? A combination of the two?
I think our relevance as economists is not in how loud we speak, but the value of what we speak to advancing economic progress in the country. We should not be intimidated by the voices of non-economists to the point of shutting their voices. Rather, with the understanding of what makes a Master Economist, we should appreciate that we are but a part of a national team aimed at enhancing the economic outcomes of the country we all love, Zambia. If progress is to be made, we must recognize, appreciate and embrace the voice of many experts in different fields aimed at advancing Zambia economically.
In doing all we do as economists, let us recognize that we do not have special competence in determining which policy should be the top priority of all objectives of the government, however, we have a special role and ought to be in charge of helping in translating the proposals into operative ways to facilitate their implementation. On 15th August 2016 in an article entitled: “Lungunomics: Zambia’s Post-Election Economy”, I shared my thoughts on how economists can play a role to helping the newly re-elected president. I argued that there are two approaches to economic governance that are at President Lungu’s disposal. The first is that he can come up with a set economic targets and tell his economic team to come up with a policy package to achieve those targets. Here, the quality of his economic team – those charged with Fiscal and Monetary Policy – will determine how successful the targets will be.
Alternatively, President Lungu can tell his team what type of economic policies he can politically adopt and then direct his economic team to come up with a package of fiscal, monetary and other policies that reinforce each other to achieve those targets and objectives. His economic team should be able to advise him of the costs and outcome of such policies. With this, the PF government can then use its political strength- having amassed the bulk of Parliamentary seats – to get such a package through the National Assembly and ensure its effective implementation. Once that rational approach is adopted, the president can then hold the economic team accountable for the results. In both cases, the President benefits from economists and non- economists alike, and this ought to be appreciated.
As I conclude, let me remind my fellow economists that the practice of economics cannot thrive in a vacuum. Without politics to govern, engineering to produce goods for consumption and export, entrepreneurs to innovate and create business, farmers to produce and competent government administrators to facilitate for the smooth mix of all factors of production, whatever economists say will be mere rhetoric without value. We as economists must realise what is most important: It is not recognition through rhetoric, but the advancement of knowledge for economic prosperity. As a group of economists, therefore, we must be organised for success. Having had the invaluable opportunity of serving in the governance board of the Economics Association of Zambia, I believe that our association ought to be a learned society that promotes the study and practice of economics in academia, government and the private sector as well as the encouragement of unregulated freedom of economic discussion by all Zambians irrespective of their profession and or level of training.
With the above submission, I hope my learned seniors will re-think their discourse and perhaps revisit their History of Economic Thought.
FILE: Lewanika General Hospital Eye DepartmentOpthalmic Nurse NamushiWamulume (c) explains to Lions Club of Mongu 3rd President Lion KapaluMuswala (r)during the donation of food stuffs to eye patients to observe the World sight Week ahead of the World Sight Day
The Mongu Lions Club has procured eye treatment equipment worthy K 480, 000.
The purchase of the equipment aimed at preventing reversible blindness through early detection of the disease which is on the increase among diverse social groups in the province.
Mongu Lions Club President Charles Mumba says Lions Club world over as been making strides in taking preventive measures against blindness since 1990.
Mr. Mumba disclosed that the Lions Club has opened eye treatment facility at Lewanika General Hospital and Senanga district for providing quality health care in the region.
He said he was disturbed with the augmented number of people with blindness in Western Province due to pro traditional healer preferences when experienced signs of blindness.
Mr. Mumba observed that such practice has resulted into many people in the province losing sights that would have been prevented if were early diagnosed.
The president said to dispel such assertion the lion club has embarked on massive sensitization campaign through radio shows and free eye screening program in the province.
Mr. Mumba was speaking today during the world sight day celebration held at Mongu sport stadium under the theme’ ’Eye care everywhere’’.
Meanwhile Acting Lewanika General Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr.Victor Dare said people should not tire out in checking for early symptoms of blindness to avoid loss of sight.
Dr. Dare disclosed that loss of sight cause untold sufferings to both victims and families and has since implored the people in Western Province to take precaution measures in the fight against the scourge.
He reiterated that 50% of people world over suffer from cataract blindness which is the leading cause of blindness among various people.
Mongu District Administrative Officer Earnest Mwanang’ombe who spoke on behalf of Mongu District Commissioner thanked the Lions Club for its continued effort in the fight against reversible blindness in the area.
Scores of Mongu residents queued up for eye screening at Mongu Sports Stadium today taking advantage of the day and those that were detected with visual impairments were served with spectacles
Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe
Government says it is gratified with Mopani Copper Mines management’s assurance that no miner will lose employment during its implementation of cost saving measures the company is undertaking.
Mufulira District Commissioner, Hildah Kawesha says Mopani Copper Mines management has informed her that no one of its employee will lose their job at the Mufulira mine site it is implementing cost saving measures meant to keep the operations of the company viable.
Ms Kawesha who revealed this Bright Nundwe paid a courtesy call on her yesterday in Mufulira District, that Mopani has informed her that since it has been operating at a loss due to operational challenges it has undergone, it has decided to implement cost saving measures.
According to a memo issued to its employees, the mining giant cites low copper output, increased power tariffs, and unpaid VAT refunds as among the major reasons that risk making the operations of the mine unsustainable.
And Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe has instructed security wings in the area to be on high alert for any smuggling of mealie meal as this could jeopardize the country’s food security.
Mr. Nundwe said there is need to ensure full enforcement of the existing ban on mealie meal exportation ,in order to avoid hikes in mealie meal prices.
President Edgar Lungu talks to Sunagri Techno-Farming Director Mr Fraser during the tour of stands before the official opening of the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo in Kapiri District
President Edgar Lungu has said that he is delighted that the campaign for value addition in the country is bearing fruits.
President Lungu said his tour of Stands at the first ever investment forum and exposition in Central Province revealed that value addition is becoming a reality.
President Lungu was speaking yesterday when he officially opened the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo.
“My tour of stands at this expo has revealed that value addition is coming to fruition. I’ am really happy and hail all the companies involved as value addition is key to economic development,” he said.
The head of state explained that government has seen the strides made by Central Provinve to promote agriculture.
President Lungu disclosed that his government is developing farm blocks,constructing irrigation dams in Chisamba District as well as construction of breeding centres in the region.
He further hailed Central Province administration and all stakeholders for organizing a successful investment expo.
The expo was held under the the theme”Accelerating Investment for Inclusive and Sustainable Development”.
And more than 54 foreign exhibitors out of the estimated 200 firms have exhibited at this year’s Central Province Investment Forum and expo.
Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga has revealed that over 1,585 delegates have so far been accredited at the expo, adding that the number has gone far beyond that projected by the provincial administration.
The Provincial Minister observed that the expo is a stepping stone towards attracting more investors to the province.
He said there was still room for investors who still wished to be a part of the occasion by exhibiting at the on-going provincial expo.
The minister said this in an interview shortly after touring stands at the first ever investment expo in the province, being held under the theme “accelerating investment for inclusive and sustainable development.”
And Mr Mushanga has also disclosed that all the 39 traditional leaders in the province are ready to provide land to would be investors.
Central Province Minister Sidney Mushanga welcomes President Edgar Lungu before he officially opened the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo in KapiriPresident Edgar Lungu samples Seed Co products during the tour of stands before the official opening of the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo in Kapiri DistrictPresident Edgar Lungu tours Coperbelt Enegy stand during the tour of stands before the official opening of the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo in Kapiri DistrictPresident Edgar Lungu tours the Exhibition stands before the official opening of the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo in Kapiri DistrictPresident Edgar Lungu samples mount meru millers products during the tour of stands before the official opening of the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo in KapiriPresident Edgar Lungu talks to Chiefs from Central Province before he officially opened the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo in KapiriPresident Edgar Lungu greets Chiefs from Central Province before he officially opened the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo in Kapiri
