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Zambia assures China on the effect of Plans to Implement Debt Restructuring Programme

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Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu has assured the Chinese Ambassador that Zambia will proactively engage China at every stage of the implementation of the Debt Restructuring Programme to avoid disruption in the financing for project implementation and overall contractual obligations.

Speaking today met with Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Mr Li Jie, the President appealed to the Chinese Ambassador to inform all relevant Chinese authorities, financiers and companies that there will be no disruption in the ongoing projects because there was a care approach to guide the implementation of the measures announced by the Minister of Finance.

President Edgar Lungu with Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Mr Li Jie shortly after presentation of credentials house

To this effect, according to a statement released to the media by State House, the President informed the Ambassador that he has assigned five (5) Ministers to travel to China in the coming days to hold strategic consultations with Chinese authorities, financing institutions and Chinese companies doing business in Zambia to discuss the Debt Restructuring Programme. The Ministers who have been assigned to travel to China are: the Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Housing and Infrastructure, and National Development Planning.

The President thanked the Chinese Ambassador for the strong support China has provided to Zambia and encouraged him to work towards even greater bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest between the two countries

Ambassador Li assured the President of China’s continued cooperation and support in various areas of national development. The Chinese envoy also sought clarification on Zambia’s debt restructuring programme so that Chinese authorities and financing institutions could plan accordingly. The Ambassador assured the President of China’s support for Zambia in its debt restructuring measures announced by the Minister of Finance, Margaret Mwanakatwe last month.

 

Government launches SI on hospitality industry

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The Ministry of Tourism and Arts has today launched Statutory Instrument SI no. 14 of 20018 on accommodation and standards.

The main objective of the SI is to establish and improve standards in the accommodation subsector by ensuring that all accommodation facilities are registered and meet the minimum requirements and are subsequently graded.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka today, Minister of Tourism and Arts Charles Banda said this will promote efficient service delivery and enhance the quality of tourism products and services.

Mr. Banda stated that the SI being launched is a culmination of extensive consultations and preparations that have gone on for the past few years in the quest to put in place a system that will stand the test of time.

He said the SI will serve as an effective marketing tool for promoting Zambia as a tourism destination of choice.

Mr. Banda said although they are launching the SI today, it is gratifying to know that the Zambia Tourism Agency hit the ground running since the grading system was transferred to them in late 2016.

He said the Tourism and Hospitality regulations 2018, is repealing and replacing the classification and grading system that was developed between 2008/2009 as well as the hotels Regulations Statutory Instrument no.21 of 1983.

Mr. Banda explained that the SI should have been effected in 2012 but was not implemented to due to some challenges that the ministry faced.

He pointed out that this is the more reason why the function of grading accommodation establishments has now been transferred to the Zambia Tourism Agency.

Speaking earlier Zambia Tourism Agency Chief Executive Officer, Felix Chaila said the initial focus of the ZTA will be to grade accommodation establishments.

Mr. Chaila said the SI has accommodated a broader scope in terms of the type of accommodation establishments which will be graded to include not only hotels, but also all other categories of accommodation establishments.

Farmers urged not to depend solely on rain

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File:A farmer in Jiwundu Settlement Scheme in Solwezi district

The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflections (JCTR) in Northern Province has called on farmers in the region to embrace irrigation farming in the wake of climate change.

Provincial Outreach Officer Felix Chiwela said this during a stakeholder’s engagement held at Dawson lodge in Kasama, yesterday.He told the meeting which involved farmers, village headmen and various entrepreneurs that the global climatic status is worrying.

Mr. Chiwela called on farmers not to solely rely on rain – fed agriculture but to also take up irrigation in order to sustain their lives.He said the changing weather patterns has seen some areas record dry spell and consequently a significant drop in food production.

And one of the participants Sydney Mulenga commended the JCTR for highlighting climate change issues which are affecting people’s livelihoods.Sydney Mulenga said agriculture plays an important role in the survival of many families as it is a source of income and employment.He called on farmer to also practice sustainable agriculture methods if they are to survive the current weather patterns.

The country has in recent times experienced sporadic rains with the northern half of the country enjoying more rains while the southern half has not.This has resulted in low crop yield in the affected areas.

Zambia to benefit from 13.1million Euros mineral program

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Zambia is among the countries that will benefit from the 13. 1 million Euros African, Caribbean and Pacific European Union (ACP-EU) capacity building mineral development programme.

Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary (PS) Paul Chanda said government will prioritize the promotion and production of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) in order to spur national development.

Mr. Chanda was speaking when he officiated at the 5-day training workshop dubbed, “inclusive finance for mineral development” in Lusaka today.

Mr. Chanda said the promotion of ASM that includes mining of gravel, clay, stones, limestone, granite and phosphates has potential of diversifying the economy when quarried, processed, manufactured domestically in industries such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.

Mr. Chanda said with government’s economic diversification agenda, ASM is key to job creation as enshrined in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP).

The PS noted that Zambia is highly dependent on copper production which is exploited and has not supported growth of a diversified and resilient economy.

He observed that most ASM and small medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the sub-sector lack awareness of the available financing business services.

He however assured that government is focusing on generating geological information which can easily be accessed by ASM and SMEs in the country.

He commended United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in conjunction with African Guarantee Fund (AGF) for identifying 45 participants who are under-going training.

“I’m optimistic that this training will go a long way in enhancing ASM and SMEs access to finance and business services and l urge the participants to use the gained knowledge prudently,” the PS said.

And speaking earlier, UNDP Country Director, Mandisa Mashologu disclosed that developing the mineral sector can reduce poverty and vulnerability as well as inequalities among the Zambian people.

Ms. Mashologu pledged her organization’s commitment towards supporting Zambia to achieve her sustainable development goals and Vision 2030 agendas.

She further disclosed that over 40 percent of adult population in Zambia are directly employed by ASM and SMEs activities.

And African Guarantee Fund Representative Patrick Mumba unveiled a U$D1.6 billion for financing through financial institutions for mineral development initiatives in the country.

Felix Mutati led MMD faction suffers Major set back in Court

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Felix Mutati
Felix Mutati

The Supreme Court has slapped the Felix Mutati led MMD faction with costs amounting to K2.5 million following the dismissal of their appeal against the lower court’s decision to declare Dr Nevers Mumba as the legitimate leader of the former ruling party.

This is contained in the long awaited written judgment following the verbal one delivered on 10th April,2018 by the Supreme Court sitting in Kabwe.

In their written judgment obtained by Q-News, Supreme Court Justices Evans Hamaundu,Mumba Malila and Jane Kabuku dismissed the appeal by the Mutati group as an abuse of the court process.

The court has since ordered that the matter pending in the High Court on the holding of the convention without authority by the Mutati group must proceed forthwith.

Meanwhile the High Court has set Monday, 16th July as the date for setting trial dates in the matter.

And MMD acting Spokesperson Cephas Mukuka says it’s now a moment of truth for Mr Mutati and his claims about the MMD.

ECZ should not wait until Zambia is on fire, says UPND

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Secretary General Stephen Katuka
Secretary General Stephen Katuka

The United Party for National Development (UPND) says the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should not wait until Zambia is on fire for it to take the issue of the escalating political violence seriously.

UPND Secretary General, Stephen Katuka says his party is very concerned that the ECZ is taking the issue of political violence lightly.

Mr. Katuka says the UPND is of the view that the Commission deals with issues of political violence during elections as they arise.

In an interview with QTV News, Mr. Katuka says the truth of the matter is that political violence has been commonplace whenever elections have been held in the country.

Mr. Katuka says the ECZ being the custodian of elections, is not helping the situation by allowing the perpetration of political violence to be business as usual in the Country.

He states that the UPND insists that all the July by-elections be put on hold until such a time that political stakeholders meet and agree on how to sort out the issue of political violence.

PhD students urged to generate innovative ideas

Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska
Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska

Secretary to the Cabinet, Roland Msiska has challenged University of Lusaka PHD students to generate ideas that will help in addressing some of the challenges facing the country.

Dr. Msiska said the country will only appreciate the relevance of their education when they help to respond to the needs of the people.

He noted that new ideas are critical in enhancing the performance of the public sector.

The Secretary to the Cabinet was speaking when he made a presentation to 12 PHD students at the University of Lusaka(UNILUS).

He implored the students to broaden their scope of research so that they capture issues that will help the country to develop.

Dr. Msiska urged the students to take advantage of the existing challenges facing the country by generating solutions to the problems.

He cited the frequent outbreaks of cholera, disease burden and poverty as some of the problems that require new ideas in resolving them.

Dr. Msiska wondered why cholera cases should be recorded every year when solutions can be found to the cause of the outbreak.

Commerce Minister Christopher Yaluma Leads Zambian Trade Delegation To 2018 AGOA U.S. Forum

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Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma with Zambia Ambassodor to the US

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma, is leading a Zambian delegation in Washington DC in the United States for the 17th Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum. The AGOA forum takes place annually on an alternating basis between sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S.

According to the statement released to the media by First Secretary-Press and Public Relations at the Zambia Embassy in Washington, Cosmas Chileshe. the United States is hosting the seventeenth annual U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, commonly known as the AGOA Forum, on July 11-12, 2018, at the U.S. Department of State.

The annual AGOA Forum is the premier platform that brings together African Trade Ministers with U.S. counterparts to discuss mutual co-operation aimed at enhancing trade and investment relationship through AGOA Implementation.

This year’s forum is “Forging new strategies for US-Africa trade and investment”. The forum will focus on the implementation of AGOA, as well as strategies for deepening US-sub-Saharan Africa trade and investment relationships.

The AGOA Forum Ministerial Consultative Group meetings will foster discussion of best practices for increasing AGOA utilization, addressing supply-side constraints on trade and investment, and preparing for a more reciprocal trade and investment relationship.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan and U.S. Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer are expected to deliver opening remarks at the 2018 AGOA Forum on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

As in previous years, the AGOA Forum will include a number of events on the margins of the ministerial. This year’s side events will also incorporate private sector, civil society, and African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the African Union has held a ministerial consultative meeting to make recommendation to the African Ministers of Trade regarding recent developments on US Trade Policy agenda and Implications for Sub-Saharan Africa. The ministers have also among other things recommended that emphasis should be placed on current developments on global trade and the importance of diversification of African exports and markets in order to address the supply side constraints.

They have further emphasized the importance of prioritizing the African integration agenda such as the recently launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) as a strategic response to the global developments on trade. In addition the ministers have also called on the US to consider establishing a Trade Hub for Central Africa to assist with sub-regional development.

 Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma

Zambia’s measures to improve Revenue tax collection efficiency on course-PS

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President Lungu swears in Dr Emmanuel Mulenga Pamu as Permanent Secretary - Budget and Economic affairs at Ministry of Finance
President Lungu swears in Dr Emmanuel Mulenga Pamu as Permanent Secretary – Budget and Economic affairs at Ministry of Finance

Government says it has undertaken several tax related reforms over the past few years aimed at increasing and ensuring that revenue collection is efficient.

Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary (PS) Emmanuel Pamu said some of the tax reforms that government has undertaken are still on-going.

The PS was speaking during the International Growth Centre conference on international experience in tax policy design and enforcement in Lusaka today.

Dr. Pamu stated that tax policy, its instruments, design and enforcement are very central issues in the macroeconomic environment of any country.

He added that the effects of a well-designed tax system have far reaching implications for both the public and private sectors.

The PS observed that despite several measures implemented by government, there is still room for improvement especially with opportunities to strengthen the use of internal and external data for robust analysis and use of data from the outcome of tax audits, to improve tax compliance.

Dr. Pamu said the International Growth Centre through the Tax Conference will contribute towards the standards of informed policy formulation.

He cited the taxation of high net worth individuals, enhancing VAT compliance, taxation of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector, in which the majority of the labour force works as some of the key focus areas of the Tax Conference that are particularly relevant for Zambia as it seeks to broaden its tax base.

And Zambia Program of the International Growth Centre Country Director, Anand Rajaram said the conference is meant to bring officials together who are tasked with revenue enhancement from many regional governments with researchers who have undertaken country specific research that offer evidence and ideas on the design and enforcement of tax policy.

Mr. Rajaram said his organisation believes that evidence-based research can be a valuable and critical input to addressing the fiscal challenge that confronts many governments.

He explained that improved revenue effort as part of fiscal consolidation is a high priority for many governments in the region.

Mr. Rajaram said many countries across the globe are finding themselves overextended fiscally, with expenditure commitments that are much greater than their capacity to pay for with domestic revenues.

The conference was attended by international researchers from the IGC research network as well as officials from Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda and Sierra Leone

Rebranding of Barclays to provide better services

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arclays Bank Zambia Managing Director, Mizinga Melu
arclays Bank Zambia Managing Director, Mizinga Melu

Barclays Africa Group limited has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring that the rebranding of the Bank to ABSA Group will be a continuation of providing better products and services.

Barclays Bank Zambia Managing Director, Mizinga Melu said the change of the brand name signals the start to a new era for the group as a standalone African banking group with deep roots on the continent.

Mrs. Melu said this during a press briefing dubbed Barclays Africa group changes name to ABSA Group Limited.

She noted that Barclays Bank subsidiaries in Zambia, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius and the rest of Africa will be renamed to ABSA by 2020, subject to approvals.

“While our parent name has changed today, our clients and customers can continue to bank with us as confidently as they have, we remain committed to delivering mutual benefits to our shareholders, customers, communities and our nation,” she said.

Mrs Melu explained that a single name and brand will enable the bank to unite behind a single identity, purpose and strategy.

She stated that the group name and brand change sets in motion one of Africa’s largest rebranding programs as eventually all ABSA and Barclays ATMs, forms, branches, and other assets across twelve countries will be updated with the new ABSA brand design.

Mrs. Melu said the bank is delighted about the opportunity that the change brings as part of the banks journey towards becoming a truly transformative bank that is modern, fast-thinking and relevant.

She pointed out that ABSA group will start trading under its new name and share code (ABG) on the Johannesburg Stock exchange as it continues the process of separating from Barclays Plc.

Mrs. Melu disclosed that ABSA was chosen as the future brand after wide consultation with employees and stakeholders across the group’s operations over a period of one year.

ABSA, a name of the group’s South African subsidiary, has a pedigree as a strong and stable bank with a balance sheet of over one trillion rands.

Dora Siliya hands over five five Outside Broadcasting Vansvans to ZNBC

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ZNBC Technical Director with ZANIS Director Patrick Lungu showing Information Minister Dora Siliya the inside of the newly acquired ZNBC Outside- Broadcasting Trucks during the handover tour.
ZNBC Technical Director with ZANIS Director Patrick Lungu
showing Information Minister Dora Siliya the inside of the newly
acquired ZNBC Outside- Broadcasting Trucks during the handover tour.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Dora Siliya says she is pleased that the Digital Migration project has yielded positive results.

Speaking in Lusaka today during the handover of five Outside Broadcasting (OB)Vans to ZNBC Ms. Siliya said this will help improve picture and signal quality.

She said the move will allow all players to participate in the global transition of the digital World.

She stated that government has also shown commitment towards the advancement of digital migration through the improvement of infrastructure.

Ms. Siliya said the infrastructure development will give the people of Zambia an opportunity to know that Television is not just a privilege but a right.

She disclosed that the refurbishment of ZNBC and ZANIS studios have been completed with state of the art equipment installed.

Ms. Siliya has since challenged the two institutions to work on the business side of the project and its subsequent sustainability.

She hoped that with the new OB vans there will be improved execution of duty and signal so that viewers can also appreciate the shift in technology.

Ms. Siliya pointed out that the onus is on ZANIS and ZNBC to ensure that the industry grows so that there may be a win-win situation for all the players.

She said government has however continued to show its commitment towards the advancement of digital migration.

Speaking earlier, ZNBC Board Chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe said she is confident that the OB Vans will be put to good use.

Ms. Kapwepwe said the Vans will open up a new dawn for the improvement of the digital migration programme.

She the two institutions should keep in mind that the media industry is currently quite competitive and requires a lot of efforts for good performance.

INFORMATION Minister Dora Siliya hands over a dummy key for the Outside- Broadcasting Trucks to ZNBC board chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe during handover
INFORMATION Minister Dora Siliya hands over a dummy key for
the Outside- Broadcasting Trucks to ZNBC board chairperson Mulenga
Kapwepwe during handover
INFORMATION Minister Dora Siliya hands over a dummy key for the Outside- Broadcasting Trucks to ZNBC board chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe during handover
INFORMATION Minister Dora Siliya hands over a dummy key for
the Outside- Broadcasting Trucks to ZNBC board chairperson Mulenga
Kapwepwe during handover
 INFORMATION Minister Dora Siliya hands over a dummy key for the Outside- Broadcasting Trucks to ZNBC board chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe during handover
INFORMATION Minister Dora Siliya hands over a dummy key for
the Outside- Broadcasting Trucks to ZNBC board chairperson Mulenga
Kapwepwe during handover
 INFORMATION Minister Dora Siliya and ZNBC board chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe with ZANIS Director Patrick Lungu having feel the newly constructed ZANIS studios. This was during the tour of the premises by the Minister
INFORMATION Minister Dora Siliya and ZNBC board chairperson
Mulenga Kapwepwe with ZANIS Director Patrick Lungu having feel the
newly constructed ZANIS studios. This was during the tour of the
premises by the Minister

Passenger falls from moving vehicle

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Overloaded van stopped by a RATSA Officer
Overloaded van stopped by a RATSA Officer

One person has died after falling off from a moving motor vehicle in Chama District of Muchinga Province.

The accident occurred on Saturday 7th July, 2018 at around 1900hrs at Tembwe village about 47 kilometers South of Chama Boma.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Chola Katanga confirmed the accident to the Zambia News and Information Services today.

Mr Katanga said the accident involved a volvo truck registration number ARB 2289 which was driven by Chavula Fumu aged 41 years of Chimuchulu Compound in Lundazi district who was driving in the direction of South to North with 4 passengers on board.

The Police Commissioner said the accident happened when the deceased passenger identified as Andrew Botha, 31, of Chiluluba village in Chama District fell off the said moving motor vehicle and its rear left tyres ran over him.

He said Botha sustained fatal head injuries and was later rushed to Chama District hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mr Katanga said the body of the deceased has since been deposited in Chama district hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

He said the driver has been detained in police custody while the motor vehicle has been impounded and is currently parked at Chama police station.

Glamourous Polo at the Lusaka July under the fashion theme “Colony of Wealth”

Event Hosts – Natasha & Brian

Lusaka residents to experience the glamour of polo at Lusaka July 2018; an annual event that combines fashion with the sport of polo.

On Saturday, 14th July 2018, the annual Lusaka July will be hosted by PR Girl Media at the Lusaka Polo Club under the fashion theme “Colony of Wealth”. The theme has been designed to encourage attendants to express the richness and diversity of African fashion and imagine themselves as royalty through their outfits. The polo-fashion event has incorporated celebrity guests such as Nollywood actress Nadia Buari, Maps Maponyane from South Africa, Namibian Dillish Mathews as well as Zambia’s Macky 2, Cleo Ice Queen, Chef 187, Mampi, Bombshell and many more.

Introduced in 2016, Lusaka July has become one of the most popular fashion events on the Zambian social calendar. A mix of glamour, galloping horses and great entertainment including displays of high fashion, the event is a “must attend” for A-Listers, socialites and corporates. Sports fans can look forward to a competitive polo match between Zambian and Australian polo teams who will battle it out in the International Men’s Polo Tournament happening alongside the event. A live orchestra will play on arrival and musicians James Sakala, Kuni, Afro Red, DJ Sebestien Dutch, El Mukuka and DJ V Jeezy are scheduled to perform at the event bringing an urban rhythm to the event.

PR Girl Media Managing Partners, Chishimba and Monde Nyambe have confirmed that Stella Artois, Stanbic Bank Zambia, Air Namibia, South African Airways and The Terrace Apartments are this year’s biggest sponsors. “Lusaka July has the potential to become a tourist attraction for Zambia, enhance the local entertainment industry and provide opportunities for upcoming fashion designers and models. We would like to thank our sponsors for believing in this vision and supporting the industry”. The sister duo continues to expand their reach of lifestyle events through out Zambia in aims to showcase Zambian lifestyle and luxury products and services.

This year Lusaka July is more inclusive providing an option for general attendance with the standard ticket priced at K250. VIP access at K700 per person will include a complimentary 3-course lunch. Tickets are available from The Wine Shop and details of the event may be found on PR Girl Media social media pages.

ACC arrests Zambia Law Development Commission Director for corruption

Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) director Hope Ndhlovu Chanda
Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) director Hope Ndhlovu Chanda
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) director Hope Ndhlovu Chanda for corrupt practices involving over K120,000.

In a statement, ACC Public Relations Manager Timothy Moono disclosed that Chanda had been charged with two counts of corrupt acquisition of public property, which is contrary to the Anti-Corruption Act Number 3 of 2012 of the Laws of Zambia.

Moono stated that Chanda, who had since been released from police custody on bond, would appear in the Lusaka Magistrates Court on July 30, 2018.

“Ms Chanda, aged 42, of plot number 7144/m, Lusaka West in Lusaka has been charged with two counts of Corrupt Acquisition of Public Property contrary to Section 34 sub section (2) paragraph (b) as read with Section 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act Number 3 of 2012 of the Laws of Zambia. In count one, details are that on unknown dates but between 1st June, 2016, and 30 June 2017, Ms Chanda, as director of Zambia Law Development Commission, jointly and whilst acting together with other unknown persons, wilfully failed to comply with the laid down procedures by awarding a contract in the sum of K60,000 to Chipo Nkhata for consultancy work in the Law Reform Audit,” stated Moono.

“In count two, details are that Ms Chanda, jointly and whilst acting together with other unknown persons, failed to comply with the laid down procedures in awarding a contract in the sum of K61,306 to Vinnid Innovations Limited to provide catering services for the launch of the Gender-Based Violence Fast Track Court, a matter concerning the Zambia Law Development Commission, a public body. Ms Chanda has since been released on bond and will appear in the Lusaka Magistrate Court on 30 July, 2018.”

UK Government keen to encourage trade links with Zambia.

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British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Zambia, charged with the reasonability of increasing trade and economic cooperation between Zambia and the United Kingdom, Baroness Lindsay Northover has said the UK Government recognises the great trade and investment opportunities available in Zambia and across Africa.

And Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Minerals Development honorable Richard Musukwa has said Zambia endeavors to ensure that all mining operations both small and large scale operations are anchored on the world best practices exploited in a sustainable manners with a significant contribution to host communities and beyond.

Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer, ZCCM Investments Holdings Dr. Pius Kasolo has said ZCCM-IH has new strategic plans in place which provides the thrust for ZCCM-IH to achieve its full potential in returning value to its shareholders both from existing portfolio and new investments.

During her opening remarks at the Zambia Mining Investment Conference 2018 held in London on Tuesday, Baroness Northover said the British Government is aware how important it is for Zambia and other African countries to maximise their true potential.

“We want British businesses to make the most of the trade and investment opportunities on offer. It is in all our interests to turn these opportunities into sustained growth. Mining is crucial to the Zambian economy and it can and should make a key contribution to a nation’s economic and social development. Mining-product revenue contributes an estimated 11.5 percent to global GDP. We all recognise its significance,” she said.

She said the UK and Zambia have strong historical ties and the UK Government is keen to encourage trade links with Zambia.

The Trade Envoy also said she will be visiting Zambia in September and she will visit the mining area.

“In my role as Trade Envoy I meet companies in the UK who are trading in Zambia or looking to do so. The UK’s engagement can already be seen through regular mining missions organised by the Department for International Trade such as that in June 2017 and also the Zambian Copperbelt Conference. This will be further reinforced through the forthcoming Impact Capital Conference taking place in Lusaka on 2nd and 3rd October 2018,” she said.

Baroness Northover said the conference will bring together impact investors and Zambian businesses that are seeking investment in order to scale up. She added that the Department for International Trade will be organising a mission to the event.

And Mine’s Minister Honorable Richard Musukwa said in a speech read on his behalf by Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde that Zambia remains to continue as a beacon for favorable investment climate in the mining sector.

He said the Zambian government is addressing challenges that the mining industry is facing and is focusing on reducing the cost of production in the mines and the cost of doing business in general for investors.

The Minister also said in order to enhance accountability and transparency in the management of mineral resources, Zambia is extending the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) beyond mere reporting of payments by mining companies and receipts by government.

“Zambia is an EITI country since 2008. Accountability and transparency is not only for payments and receipts, it is also important for maintaining a conducive investment environment. Therefore, EITI in Zambia will be expanded to cover aspects such as ownership, local content, and corporate social responsibility,” he said.

Meanwhile Dr. Kasolo said the mining sector will still remain critical to ZCCM-IH strategy, as the mining company is looking to diversify into other minerals and work at extracting value from existing assets in the sector.

“Our long term vision as a company is to be Zambia’s premier diversified investment company with the most attractive returns. We will continue to actively seek and invest in sustainable value adding projects, both short and long term, to create new revenue income streams, and reduce reliance on dividend pay-outs from our assets in the mining sector,” he said.

The statement was issued to the media by Abigail Chaponda , the First Secretary (Press) at the Zambian Zambia High Commission in the United Kigdom

Dr. Kasolo said given the current enabling investment climate in the country and the commitment of the company to good corporate governance, values of integrity, professionalism, accountability and innovation, ZCCM-IH strongly believes that any investor can only stand to leverage and benefit from partnering with ZCCM-IH.

British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Zambia, Baroness Lindsay Northover giving her opening remarks at the Zambia Mining Investment conference 2018.
British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Zambia, Baroness Lindsay Northover giving her opening remarks at the Zambia Mining Investment conference 2018.
Zambia's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde officiating at the Zambia Mining and Investment conference 2018.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde officiating at the Zambia Mining and Investment conference 2018.
Zambia's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde officiating at the Zambia Mining and Investment conference 2018.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde officiating at the Zambia Mining and Investment conference 2018.
 Chief Executive Officer, ZCCM Investments Holdings Dr. Pius Kasolo addressing the Zambia Mining Investment conference 2018
Chief Executive Officer, ZCCM Investments Holdings Dr. Pius Kasolo addressing the Zambia Mining Investment conference 2018