Midfielder Augustine Mulenga says Chipolopolo are wary of wounded Morocco but are ready for Sunday’s friendly in Marrakech.
Chipolopolo face hosts The Atlas Lions on Sunday night in their penultimate friendly game of their eleven-day camp in Morocco since arriving in Casablanca on June 7.
Zambia kicked off their three-match itinerary with a 2-1 friendly loss to defending AFCON champions Cameroon in Madrid during their day trip to Spain on June 9.
Morocco too head into Sunday’s game with a defeat after a shock 1-0 home loss to Gambia in a friendly played in Marrakech on June 12.
“Sunday’s game is a friendly but also counts on the FIFA Rankings, so we just have to pull up our socks because it is not going to be easy although it is a friendly,” Mulenga said.
“Morocco lost their friendly against Gambia last week so I am sure against us, they will give their all so that they can win the game.
“So we have to be ready to fight because it won’t be easy.
“We had time to watch them against Gambia and we know what they are capable of doing and we have to capitalize on the weakness that we saw.
“But they will come with different tactics after knowing that we watched them but we just have to be ready.
“We have prepared well and we will give our best.”
Mulenga added that Chipolopolo had picked up some lessons from the first game against Cameroon.
“The game against Cameroon was a good warm-up but most of us just came back to action straight from our holidays and had lost our fitness after two weeks of not being active. But we learnt one of two things from that game,” Mulenga said.
This will be Chipolopolo and Morocco’s first meeting since January 2013 when they drew 0-0 in a pre-2013 AFCON friendly in Johannesburg.
But Zambia are seeking their first win over Morocco since 1993 and has since them drawn two and lost five encounters.
Meanwhile, Zambia will after the friendly head to The UAE to play Cote d’Ivoire on June 19 in Abu Dhabi in their final game en-route back to Lusaka.
Former Republican President Mr. Rupiah Banda will tomorrow the 16th of June, 2019 grace the first FTJ Chiluba Memorial Lecture at Mulungushi conference center.
In a Presser, the FTJ Chiluba Memorial Committee Chairperson Mr. Chapa Chikamba said that this year will mark the 8th memorial anniversary of Dr Chiluba.
“Dr. Frederick T.J Chiluba, who is our Second Republican President went to be with the Lord on the 18 th day of June, 2011. Hence this year will mark 8 years memorial anniversary”, Mr. Chikamba said.
Mr. Chikamba further said that the Memorial Committee had been formed to protect President Chiluba legacy.
“As the Family and friends of the late Dr. Frederick Chiluba, We have decided to come up with a Memorial Committee that will not only protect President Chiluba legacy but will further sensitize the general public about the landmark policies of Dr. Chiluba like Democracy, Free market economy and Christianity just to mention a few”, Mr. Chikamba said.
Mr. Chikamba then said that former Republican President Mr. Rupiah Banda will Grace the first FTJ Chiluba Memorial Lecture.
“As the Memorial Committee, one of the ways in which we will sensitize the public about President Chiluba landmark policies is through having Memorial Lectures. And We would like to inform the Nation that we will tomorrow the 19 of June,2019 host our first FTJ Chiluba Memorial Lecture which will be graced by His Excellence Mr. Rupiah Banda under the theme “Zambia: Land of Unsung Heroes, FTJ The Father of Democracy. The event which will start at 14 hours is open to the general public”, Mr. Chikamba said.
Snubbed by Kenya for the 2019 AFCON, it was business as usual at his club for striker Jesse Were who scored a brace for Zesco United on Saturday to send them through to the 2019 ABSA Cup final.
Were’s brace handed Zesco a 2-0 semifinal victory over their ambitious Ndola neighbors Buildcon in the semifinals played at Nkoloma Stadium in Ndola.
His brace took his competitive tally this season to 17 goals for Zesco after scoring nine league goals and six goals in their 2018/2019 continental campaign.
Were put Zesco ahead with a close-range shot in the 38th minute when he turned in a Lazarus Kambole’s assist to see them take a deserved 1-0 halftime lead over Buildcon who offered very little threat in the first half.
The striker completed his brace from the penalty spot in 50th minute after Kambole was maliciously tripped in the box by Buildcon goalkeeper Ngeleka Katembwa who was very fortunate to escape with just a yellow card.
Record winners Zesco will face Zanaco in the final on June 22 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola as home-in on an unprecedented sixth ABSA Cup title , formerly the Barclays Cup.
Meanwhile, Zanaco progressed to the final following a 3-2 post match penalty win over Green Eagles in the lunchtime semifinal kickoff at Nkoloma following a 1-1 fulltime draw.
But it was Eagles who took the lead in regulation time through Edward Mwamba in the 13th minute but their lead lasted until the 36th when Zanaco winger Ernest Mbewe equalized to see the two sides go into the break level.
It remained that way until the final whistle, and in the shootouts, Zanaco goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata saved George Chaloba’s spot kick while Tapson Kaseba and Amity Shamenda converted for Eagles before Warren Kunda missed his penalty to break the Choma sides hearts.
Tafadzwa Rusike, Christon Jere and Peter Kalota all converted for Zanaco but Kelvin Kapumbu and Bwembya failed to convert for the 2017 champions.
Minister of Higher Education Nkandu Luo has revealed that a Youth Skills Training Centre will soon be constructed in Shiwang’andu district in Muchinga Province.
Professor Luo disclosed in Shiwang’andu today that two sites have since been identified for the construction of the training institution, adding that one site is at Kabangama area while the other site is near the district centre.
Professor Luo said the essence of the Youth Skills Training Centre is to impart young people with various skills from cross cutting training programmes that will be of economic benefit to the district.
The Minister said this when she conducted an inspection of the identified sites in the company of Shiwang’andu District Council Chairperson Epilius Chisulo and the District Administrative Officer Noah Simulunga.
She added that funds permitting, an additional training institute will be set up in the area, after concluding the one that has been budgeted for, due to the high demand of skills training from the youths.
Professor Luo also revealed that the Zambia National Service will be engaged to spearhead the construction of the training centres.
And Shiwang’andu District Council Chairperson Epilius Chisulo said once the Youth skills training centre is operational, it will attract a lot of trainees bearing in mind that it will be the first of its kind in the district.
Mr Chisulo added that with the number of school leavers, the idea of a skills centre is a welcome move.
AB Bank Chief Credit Officer Nurullo Mashrabov signs the MoU with Medeem Business Development Manager Musenge Nsakilwa.
Medeem and AB Bank have signed a deal to enable use of Medeem’s traditional land certificate known as ParcelCert as a required by Small and Medium Enterprises to access financing to develop their agriculture business.
Medeem Zambia, is a land rights documentation company whose mission is to provide affordable, accessible, sustainable solutions for land tenure documentation and promote security of land tenure, serving those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, AB Bank Chief Credit Officer Nurullo Mashrabov said the Bank targets the unbanked people in the country who may not have easy access to financial services from traditional financial service providers.
Musenge Nsakilwa, the Business Development Manager at Medeem said “Medeem is delighted to sign the MoU with AB Bank as it will enable our clients to not only have formal documentation to the land they occupy but also have access to financing that will help boost their agriculture businesses.”
Medeem and AB Bank are trying to support farmers and SMEs who have traditional land and are registered with Medeem to have access to financial services which will enable them to improve their businesses and agricultural activities.
Ecobank Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh (2nd from left) opens the London Stock Exchange with Group CEO Ade Ayeyemi (3rd from left
The Ecobank Group has announced that it successfully issued a $500 Million Eurobond on the London Stock Exchange.
Speaking at a briefing in Lusaka today,Ecobank Zambia Managing Director Kola Adeleke said the Bond was oversubscribed with strong demand from International investors in the UK, United States, Europe, Middle East,Asia and Africa.
Mr. Adeleke said the successful issuance of the inaugural Eurobond on 7th June 2019 on the main London market demonstrates international investors approval and confidence in Ecobank’s long term strategy and prospects.
He said the issuance follows on from Ecobank’s 2017 convertible bond issuance on the International Securities Market.
The five-year senior unsecured notes, which matures in April 2024, were launched with a coupon interest rate of 9.50 percent per annum payable semi-annually in arrears.
“The successful issuance of our inaugural Eurobond on the main London market demonstrates international investors’ approval and confidence in Ecobank’s long-term strategy and prospects as a strong and sustainable pan-African financial services institution. It also demonstrates the ability of African corporates to access international capital markets,” he said.
“Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’), the Lomé-based parent company of the Ecobank Group, was hosted by the London Stock Exchange to a market opening ceremony to celebrate the successful listing of the Eurobond on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) main market last week on Friday.”
He added, “Our Group CEO Mr. Ade Ayeyemi said that thesuccessful issuance of our inaugural Eurobond on the main London market demonstrates international investors’ approval and confidence in Ecobank’s long-term strategy and prospects as a strong and sustainable pan-African financial services institution. It also demonstrates the ability of African corporates to access international capital markets.”
“Our Acting Group Chief Financial Officer stated that Ecobank places great emphasis on constantly reviewing our capital allocation strategies to ensure that we have the right strategic positioning, competitive advantages, products and resources to increase efficiency and profitability,” he said.
“Our access to international capital markets are part of the mix and enable us to boost our liquidity profile, refinance maturing facilities and strengthen our foundations to ensure long-term sustainable growth and profitability for all our stakeholders.”
He said Ecobank will use the net proceeds of the placement for general corporate purposes including the refinancing of maturing debt facilities.
Mr. Adeleke also revealed that Ecobank emerged as Best Retail Bank of the Year, by the prestigious African Banker Awards 2019.
He said the African Banker Awards are the most prestigious event in Africa’s banking and finance sector and are held under the high patronage of the African Development Bank.
“It’s my pleasure to further announce that Ecobank emerged as Africa’s most admired financial services brand 2019 by African Brands, the best-selling Pan African Business Magazine.”
“Ecobank stands for a purpose – our mission is to be a modern bank and to drive financial integration and inclusion across Africa. As a pan-African bank, many stakeholders resonate with our vision to make a critical contribution to Africa’s growth and development. At the same time, the digitalisation strategy has resulted in consumers of all demographic orientations being able to feel the impact of the bank in a much more immediate way.”
Mr. Adeleke said Ecobank Zambia will in August soon celebrate 10 years in Zambia.
“We have come to learn that profit must not always be measured in monetary terms but in actual contribution to human growth and mutually beneficial economic partnership. Our vision is to build a world-class Pan African Bank and contribute to the economic development and financial integration of Africa. This is in line with the Founders’ vision of building a strong bank owned by Africans to serve Africa.”
He said, “Using our over 30 years of banking experience and network advantage in 33 countries where Ecobank is present, we remain relevant in Zambia by translating our local knowledge into business opportunities for the growth of the Zambian economy.”
Ecobank Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh (2nd from left) opens the London
FILE: First Quantum Minerals Ltd Zambia government Affairs John Gladston (l) talks as then First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba (r) and Maysen and Borowski Group Manager Charles Kamwi listen during the Dinner Reception for UTH in partnership with Health Hope for Zambia at Intercontinental in Lusaka
For Zambia to attract new foreign investors and promote existing investments in the mining sector, the country must have a competitive and stable tax regime, the nation’s largest taxpayer, First Quantum Minerals, has said.
Speaking at the 9th Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference and Exhibition in Lusaka, FQM Head of Government Affairs John Gladston said government and the private sector should seek to create a framework in which a modern, progressive, developing commodity-based economy can be built, a scenario where investors vie to invest in Zambia.
Mr. Gladston noted that Zambia is hugely rich in natural resources and deserve to benefit from those resources which can be done by attracting foreign direct investment.
He noted that with the right tax regime, FDI will come, but Zambia must compete against other jurisdictions.
Mr. Gladston was speaking during a panel discussion on “establishing mutually beneficial fiscal regimes” at the industry conference, which was held under the theme “Creating an attractive investment framework to catalyse Zambia’s mining and energy sectors”.
He said that Zambia’s current mining tax regime poses a range of difficulties to the sector making it unattractive to potential investors when put alongside other copper mining countries.
Mr. Gladston said Zambian miners this year face the highest copper mining tax regime globally which may well challenge economic viability of some of Zambia’s existing mining operations.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Richard Musukwa said mining is key to achieving economic diversification through enhanced local content.
Taxes paid by First Quantum Minerals in Zambia now amount to more than US$3.85 billion, plus investment in community development projects of US$100 million, delivering tangible social improvement to thousands of Zambians.
The ministry of local government has awarded local authorities employees salary increments of 4% percent.
Ministry of local government permanent secretary Amos Malupenga said that the increment is graduated in the range of 2% to 8.5% with the highest paid getting 2% and the lowest getting 8.5%.
Mr. Malupenga said that the local authorities have also improved other conditions of services such as meal and all salary related allowances.
He was speaking after the conclusion of the negotiations on the increment of salary and wages for local authority workers with the Unions.
The permanent secretary said the salaries will be paid through the local government equalization fund and other revenue ventures from the local authority.
Meanwhile Zambia United Local Authorities Workers Union -ZULAWU president Kingsley Zulu called for maximization of revenue collection avenues so as to pay employees on time.
Mr. Zulu said there is need to expedite the automation of the revenue collection systems in order to reduce cash human contact.
Mr. Zulu also proposed that government should enforce a law that prohibits cadres to collect money in markets and bus stations so that the local authorities can benefit from the resources and maintain market places.
The Electoral Follow-up Mission of the European Union has concluded its visit to Zambia.
The EFM was led by Cecile Kyenge, Member of the European Parliament, supported by two electoral experts and two EU officials.
Mrs. Kyenge served as the Chief Observer of the EU Electoral Observation Mission to Zambia in 2016, which was established following an invitation from the Government of Zambia.
The mandate of the mission was to observe independently all aspects of the electoral process and to offer an impartial, balanced and informed recommendations based on the Zambian law, as well as regional and international standards for elections.
The principal objective of the 2019 EFM to Zambia was to assess the continuous relevance and status of implementation of EU EOM recommendations.
During her stay in Zambia, from 9th to 14th June 2019, Mrs. Kyenge, met and exchanged with a wide range of national stakeholders.
Mrs. Kyenge set out her preliminary findings in Lusaka this morning, following a technical round table discussion where she expressed her appreciation for the availability and openness of all the people she met, which testifies to the timeliness of the mission.
She welcomed the continued commitment of Zambian stakeholders to implementation of the recommendations of the EU EOM report on the 2016 elections.
Mrs. Kyenge noted that 2021 is not so far away, and it is important to provide legal certainty to those managing, participating and voting in the elections at the same time, this implies broad ownership of the electoral framework across society, to guarantee its successful implementation.
She reiterated the Mission’s readiness to accompany Zambia to ensure the achievement of inclusive, credible and transparent elections and a further deepening of democracy.
A comprehensive EFM Final Report will be published in the next months. The EU Election Observation and its Follow-up Mission operate in accordance with the
“Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation” adopted in 2005 at the United Nations.
President Lungu With President Paul Kagame during a panel discussion
President Edgar Lungu has been applauded at the ongoing conference on Sustainable Development Goals after he said that investors that are in Africa to reap without paying dues are not right for Zambia and should not be allowed.
Speaking during a Panel discussion, President Lungu cited Vedanta as a case in point where he has had to tell the investor to leave Konkola Copper Mines.
The President also asked moderator Dr. Donald Kaberuka whether there was a country in the World that did not borrow but emphasised that what matters is how the borrowed money is used.
He wondered what was wrong if the borrowed money was invested in infrastructure development, in agriculture and energy.
President Lungu Investors using Corporate Social Responsibility to hoodwink the country cannot be tolerated adding that working with the private sector, civil service and all citizens, a country cannot fail.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has assured that other investors have expressed interest to invest in Konkola Copper Mines.
Other Panellists were during the discussion included President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who concurred with President Lungu and Liberia’s Vice President Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor who agreed that Corporate Social Responsibility is being used by investors as a form of paying back instead of paying tax.
President Lungu said creating SDG Centres in Kigali, Lusaka and Monrovia will help enhance regional integration. The Center in Zambia is scheduled to be opened this year in August.
The President also discussed early child marriage saying in Zambia, traditional leaders are playing a critical role in addressing the matter.
He said role models like the Vice President of Rwanda should be used to show that women can succeed.
Responding to another question from the audience, President Lungu said Zambians should not take for granted the peace the country is enjoying and cited Rwanda as an example of a country that understands what it means to live without peace.
This is according to a statement issued by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe.
Green Eagles goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange admits he will be the center of attraction in Saturday’s 2019 ABSA Cup semifinal doubleheader at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka following last week’s exploits at the 2019 COSAFA Cup in South Africa.
Eagles face 2017 winners Zanaco seeking their first ABSA Cup final qualification in the competition formerly known as the Barclays Cup.
Mwange returns to club action on June 15 a week after making a memorable international debut when he helped Chipolopolo win the COSAFA Cup on June 8 with a 1-0 win over Botswana in Durban.
His first three games in a Zambia jersey at the COSAFA propelled him from a relative unknown and into the spotlight after conceding just two goals in open play at the tournament where he also won the Golden Glove Award.
“I know the expectations from the fans will be very high and now it is up to be to prove to the fans that I am one of the top goalkeepers in Zambia,” Mwange told ZNBC Sports
“No, I don’t have any pressure because I know how football is. I know what I am capable of doing.
“It was not a fluke that I was at COSAFA, so I just need to stay calm and to work extra hard.
“It is just that expectations are high now from me from the fans.”
Winner of the Eagles-Zanaco match will face Buildcon or record five-time champions Zesco United in the final on June 22 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela
Ministry of Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Reverend Howard Sikwela has called on the National Arts Council to harmonise the NAC Act Chapter 31 of 1994 with the Cultural Policy and enact it into law in order to protect the sector.
Speaking when he officially closed the Arts business forum at Government Complex this afternoon, Reverend Sikwela said the Cultural Policy is a matter of urgency and should be aligned with other laws.
Reverend Sikwel called on artists to perfect the production of art works to compete favourably on the local and global markets.
He said this is very cardinal in any business so that consumers are provided with quality product as way of self-regulation.
And Art Historian and Geo Politics Scholar Andrew Mulenga said the policy is key and need to be fed back to the relevant authority.
He said the conference like the Arts Business Forum is the first step in the right direction towards addressing issues affecting artists.
Mr. Mulenga said there is need for follow up programs to developed the sector and grow it.
And Artist Danny Kapambwe who is a qualified Electrical Engineer said the artists should not be looked down upon as they have the potential to employ many and growth the economy.
Ex-Chipolopolo star Collins Mbesuma has cautioned his former club Kaizer Chiefs not to put pressure on new signing striker Lazarus Kambole under pressure.
Kambole follows Mbesuma’s legendary footsteps at Chiefs after signing a three-year deal with the South African club from Zesco United.
Mbesuma said Chiefs must add more quality to complement the arrival of Kambole if they have any serious ambitions of ending their four-year drought for league honors.
“I am worried that they will expect him to go there and do miracles. These days when a club signs a high-profile player, there are huge expectations on that player,” Mbesuma told The Sowetan.
“I hope they don’t put him under too much pressure because it will be his first season outside of Zambia. I hope they give him time to adapt.”
President Lungu and his counterpart President Paul Kagame
President Edgar Lungu has held closed door talks with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame.
President Lungu is in Rwanda for two days and is expected to attend a board meeting of the sustainable Development goals for Africa at Kigali Convention Centre today.
The Head of State will also be part of the Presidential panel alongside Mr Kagame and the Liberian Vice President Dr. Jewel Taylor and African Union Comission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The Sustainable Development Goals in Africa is an international organisation that supports governments, civil society, businesses and academic institutions to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.
The Ministry of National Development Planning is the Focal point Ministry to coordinate the establishment of the SDGC Sub-regional office in Lusaka that will cater for the SADC region.
President Lungu is expected to return home today after the meeting.
A legal practitioner has said government may not benefit anything from the Financial Intelligence if the Financial Intelligence Center (FIC) and Law Enforcement Agencies ” live in a community that is divided”
PF Chairman of the Legal Subcommittee of the Central Committee Brian Mundubile says unless the FIC and agencies of law enforcement harmonise their operations and stop jeopardising each other’s work otherwise their intended “congruent goals” may not be achieved.
Speaking in Kasama today, Mr. Mundubile said, if the FIC and Law Enforcement Agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) the Police and others are divided, their operations are likely to leave room for corruption, loss of credible evidence and that some people being investigated may even flee the country.
According to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2016, in 2(a) a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) is an individual who holds ,or has held public office and includes a Head of State, Minister or Deputy, a Politician or a political Party official including a Judicial Official, a senior official of Quasi – Judicial body, a Military official, a member of an administrative, management or supervisory body of a state owned enterprise.
This also includes an individual who is or has been entrusted with a public function by the State, public body or local or international organisation, an immediate family member of a PEP or their close associates and this should not be misconstrued in a narrow sense even to the extent of believing that a PEP is a politician.
Clarifying on the functions of the FIC, the Legal Chairman of the ruling PF said, as per 5 (2)e of the FIC, its mandate is to educate the public and reporting entities of their obligations and inform them of measures to detect , prevent and deter money laundering and financing of terrorism *but this does not mean jeopardising the work of Law Enforcement Agencies to the extent of alerting culprits in the investigations Hon. Mundubile emphasised, adding, “because even if they are not named , they know themselves and their activities and could easily destroy evidence or flee the country”.
According to the annual report of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) , its mandate is to ensure it receives the information it needs to generate financial intelligence for Canada’s Police, Law enforcement and National Security Agencies.
Nada Semaan, Director and Chief Executive Officer reported that over the past year, 2017 – 2028, FINTRAC provided 2,466 disclosures of questionable financial intelligence support of money laundering and terrorist financing investigations across the country
Its mandate as a financial Intelligence unit of Canada, FINTRAC ensures that it safeguards the information that it receives and discloses to Canada’s Police, Law Enforcement and National Security Agencies while the Centre understands that the protection of privacy is critical to maintaining the confidence of Canadians.
It is very particular in reporting on the trends of crime and ensures that the public is not alerted or fore warned
On the other hand, Zambia’s FIC , in its 2028 report disseminated 80 reports of suspected Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.
The Drug Enforcement Commission now argues that its concerned with the manner the FIC publishes raw intelligence data to the public which could jeopardise investigations.
DEC says the FIC report should not have been published in the manner it has been in the past few years and feel the information should have been disseminated to the rightful audience in line with a well throughout communication strategy to avoid speculation and undue pressure on the investigative wings.
It says the publication of raw intelligence data actually compromises investigations by law enforcement agencies.
Hon. Mundubile said the FIC and law enforcement agencies need to harmonise their operations in order that investigations are not jeopardised which would result into the country not benefiting anything from the financial intelligence reports. The parties need to coexist so that their overall “congruent goals” are achieved because consequently, that is the desire of the people of Zambia”
