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Former Cameroon national team striker Samuel Eto’o is heading to Lusaka ahead of the continental final of the Castle 2018 Africa 5s five-a-side football tournament this weekend.
The four-time winner of the African Footballer of the Year award arrives in the country for the six-nation five-a-side contest to be hosted in Zambia for the first time.
Eto’o’s appearance at the tournament is set to further boost the confidence of the competing teams, and excite fans, with the emerging victors scheduled for a trip to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia which starts next month.
The 36-year-old former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea star, who has also played in three World Cup tournaments, is an inspirational figure for up-and-coming African players.
As one of the world’s leading footballers, Eto’o won 14 major trophies, including the prestigious UEFA Champions League on three occasions, twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan.
Zambian football legend Chris Katongo, who is an African Cup of Nations winner as well as a recipient of the 2012 BBC’s African Footballer of the Year award, and now a Castle five-a-side ambassador, will also be present at the tournament.
Representing Zambia in the continental finals, to be played at the Futsal Sports Complex in Longacres, Lusaka, between May 25-28, are the Stout One, who after beating the Young Madalas 5-2 over the weekend in the regionals, will meet their southern central African counterparts from South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
Castle Lager has sponsored football on the African continent for more than 60 years and continues to provide fans with the opportunity to live out their passion for the beautiful game through this unique and exciting five-a-side tournament.
The Castle Africa 5s competition is aimed at giving more amateur players a chance at making it in football and is open to both male and female players.
The popularity of five-a-side football, a variation of association football in which each team fields five players, has grown considerably in recent years and is now played by millions across the globe. The tournament is the first of its kind and is set to become a hub of where friendships will be created, nurtured and cemented on the football field.
Zambian Breweries country director Jose Moran said: “We are really looking forward to the finals and getting everybody who loves the game of football together. This is what Castle Lager is about: celebrating the coming together of friends, only now, these friends are coming from different parts of the continent to meet on the Castle 5s field.
“We expect a lot of competition, given the winning prize, but we hope this also means that we get to experience some of the most exciting and memorable moments in the tournament to date even as we continue to make a mark on the continent through the beautiful game.”
Zambian Breweries continues its goal of bringing people together for a better world by supporting a series of music, cultural and sporting events.
File:Individual brilliance… A keep Zambia crafted by a resident of Garden township in Lusaka encouraging good and clean surroundings in Lusaka
Manyinga Town Council has spiced the launched Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy Campaign with awards for the cleanest premises in order to encourage community members to participate in the exercise.
Town Council Secretary, Charles Chawa told ZANIS in an interview that the local authority plans to come up with a competition where the cleanest residential premises will be awarded according to the level of cleanness.
Mr. Chama said the cleanest house is expected to walk away with a cash prize of K5, 000 while, the second prize will attract a K3, 000 and K1,000 for the third cleanest house.
Meanwhile, Mr.Chawa said the local authority has planned a number of projects in the district towards the implementation of keep Zambia clean and healthy campaign.
He said the council has started the procuring process of a light truck at a cost of K249, 000, a number of cleaning materials and tools meant for the programme.
Mr. Chawa said once all logistics are in place, the local authority is expected to take a leading role in ensuring that the programme is successfully implemented.
He said some the activities to be under taken include refuse collection, grass cutting, pothole patching of township roads as well as public, workplace and residential cleanup activities.
And Manyinga Stakeholders Association Chairman Patrick Kamboyi implored Manyinga residents to support and participate in the programme as it will also help in preventing the spread of diseases such as Cholera and Malaria.
Mr. Kamboyi said a clean and healthy environment attracts development and prolongs human life.
Mr. Kennedy Mambwe stresses a point during a media briefing at Zamtel House on Wednesday, May 23rd 2018
State owned Telecommunications Company, Zamtel has moved swiftly to reassure its customers after reports resurfaced regarding the presence of some scratch cards suspected to have landed on the market through unofficial channels.
The company has announced that it has started a process of replacing or swapping the affected scratch cards which have since been blocked.
Zamtel Corporate Communications Manager Kennedy Mambwe explained that customers who may have purchased blocked scratch cards will be given a replacement of the same value in a like-for-like swap.
Mr Mambwe has since encouraged affected Zamtel customers to visit any Zamtel outlet or report the issue to the Zamtel Contact Centre where a swap will be done upon verification.
He was speaking in Lusaka on Wednesday during a media conference at Zamtel Headquarters after reports emerged of the presence of illegal Zamtel scratch cards on the market.
“We have blocked a range of scratch cards in the range of denominations of K2, K5 and K10 which we suspect may have hit the market through unofficial channels which came to our attention and is a matter of concern to us. We needed to isolate the serial numbers of the affected scratch cards in question and ensure that we block them to drill down to the source of the cards,” Mr Mambwe stated.
He added, “If we allow cards that are deemed to be illegal on the market, it dilutes the value chain and we needed to act and act quickly via SMS, radio and newspaper notices.”
“Some customers have bought and it’s a huge inconvenience for them. We have put in measures that the scratch cards can be swapped so that we don’t inconvenience them further. The investigations have continued and the isolation of the cards is part of evidence gathering.”
Mr Mambwe has also confirmed that Zamtel is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter.
He said, “We are working with law enforcement agencies and as soon as we conclude the investigations, we will notify the public through the press.”
He added, “There are some figures going round that the talk time is worth a certain amount. We are yet to quantify the volumes because this is a subject of investigations and we would not want to preempt the investigations.”
Mr. Mambwe further refuted some online media reports that the scratch cards suspected to have gotten onto the market illegally were manufactured at a backyard facility.
He stressed that the said scratch cards are authentic Zamtel produced cards that landed on the market through unofficial channels.
“This is authentic talk time from Zamtel and it is produced at a huge cost. We have taken these stringent measures to get to the bottom of the matter. Anyone found to have been involved, be it internal or external, they will have to deal with the law and not with Zamtel because it borders on criminality. This is a matter of public interest because Zamtel is a public institution,” Mr. Mambwe said.
Chamazu Investment, a company that specializes in health services, has urged government to explore the medicinal benefits of marijuana.
Company Managing Director Charles Zulu, who is also Luangeni Member of Parliament said marijuana has for a long time been demonized despite having healing powers to treat ailments ranging from cancer, arthritis and epilepsy among others.
Mr. Zulu whose company has applied for a license to grow and export marijuana to Canada, said the company has put in enough security measures to ensure that the plant does not get into wrong hands.
“We are appealing to the Ministry of Health to look into our matter. Once operational, this project is expected to benefit more than 3,000 ordinary Zambians in terms of job creation”, he said.
Mr. Zulu added that, the world is changing and countries need to be innovative and try out new things.
Chamazu is partnering with African Medical Services Limited, a South African company in executing the project which is currently pending government authorization.
construction works on the laboratory at Simulumbe Research Centre
National Association for Small and Medium Scale Contractors General Secretary Danny Simumba says accidents in the construction sector have now become second from mine accidents.
Simumba said this when his association signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Workers Compensation Fund Control Board in Ndola.
“The construction sector has seen a lot of accidents. The accidents in the construction sector are now second from mine accidents. Many of the small and medium enterprises in the sector are victims to these accidents. We need to come up with serious measures that will reduce these accidents,” Simumba said.
“Workers in this sector need to operate in a safe environment. We have seen construction projects everywhere so the workers in this sector need to be protected. Accidents should be avoided. Yes the constructions in the country are welcome and we are happy, but we need to protect the workers.”
Simumba said his association was looking forward to work with workers Compensation for the interest of the workers.
He said the safety of workers should come first before anything.
And the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board Commissioner Elizabeth Nkumbula says there is need to mitigate occupational accidents and diseases.
And Dr Nkumbula said the board was confident that the association will appreciate the gratis safety and health education.
“We are optimistic that through this MoU, the board will be able to offer an opportunity to members of the association to access the various benefits under the scheme. We are confident that the association will appreacite the gratis safety and health education provided to employers by the board which are meant to mitigate occupational accidents and diseases,” Dr Nkumbula said.
“So the board will also provide guidance to the association on all the matters relating to interpretation of workers Compensation Act number 10 of 1999 and provision of occupational health and safety inspections.”
Zambian High comissioner to the UK during the Westminster Africa Business Group meeting at the Inner Temple.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde has said, the Zambian Government desires to attract International Businesses of all sizes and the country has a lot of trade and investment opportunities for those looking to do business.
Addressing the Westminster Africa Business Group during a lunch meeting, High Commissioner Chikonde called on UK officials, Companies, MPs and academicians who were in attendance to take advantage of the trade opportunities and conducive business environment to maximise business between Zambia and the UK.
The High Commissioner who was accompanied to the lunch meeting by Counselor Economic Mr. Mukela Mutukwa at the Inner Temple said, even though trade has increased in the last five years between Zambia and the UK averaging about £200 million per annum, this increase is minimal given the historical strong warm and cordial relations between the two countries.
Guests at the Westminster Africa Business Group during a lunch meeting at the Inner Temple.
“There is need to address the issues of standards, quality control, production capacity, transportation, product variety, innovation, food safety and traceability systems, all of which are important for our products to be able to gain access to the global market chain.” he said.
Furthermore, the High Commissioner said in order to achieve the desired levels of economic growth, President Edgar Lungu has called for the total diversification of the economy from Copper dependence and has identified key priority sectors of the economy namely: Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Energy, Manufacturing and Value addition, Tourism and infrastructure.
“I would like to enlist the support and collaboration of the Westminster Africa Business Group to encourage UK investment into Zambia, and importation of Zambian products into the UK. We need to leverage the Commonwealth advantage of common language, common law, common business practices, and close historical and cultural ties to strengthen trade, investment and people to people ties between our two countries,” he said.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for members of the Group to ask questions about doing business in Zambia. Possibilities of the business community to travel to Zambia to explore trade and investment opportunities were also discussed.
The Westminster Africa Business Group was formed in 1947 and its membership includes both companies and individuals with interests in Africa, commercial, political or otherwise. It aims to bring together business and political activities in Africa and develop relations between the UK and the African continent.
Issued by: Abigail Chaponda (Mrs.)
First Secretary | Press and Public Relations
Zambia High Commission in the United Kingdom.
Born Free pleads with Zambian President to spare the lives of 2,000 wild hippos
Hippo massacre could be bloody reality if government-approved cull goes ahead
In a shocking and secretive move, Zambian authorities have overturned their 2016 decision to suspend the brutal culling of up to 2,000 hippos in the world-famous Luangwa Valley over the next five years. The cull is once again being promoted to trophy hunters as a hunt, this time by the South African hunting outfitter Umlilo Safaris. Wildlife charity, Born Free, who led efforts to stop the slaughter in 2016, is calling for the authorities to urgently re-consider and abort this barbaric agreement that only benefits private safari hunting companies and trophy hunters.
Born Free President, Will Travers OBE, stated: “Our sources reveal that the government has moved swiftly to reinstate the cull, perhaps hoping this would go unnoticed. Far from it! They are, apparently, using the same flawed rational for the slaughter as last time – a preventative measure to avoid a future outbreak of anthrax, combined with an assertion that low rainfall will exacerbate the situation. They also appear not to have informed key stakeholders in the Luangwa Valley, including the Luangwa Safari Association and the District Commissioner. The negative consequences for thousands of hippo and Zambia’s reputation as a wildlife tourism destination – the proposed cull site can be seen from the internationally-renowned Chichele Lodge – cannot be under-estimated.”
The Zambian Ministry of Justice has apparently decided that the original and discredited contract between The Department of National Parks & Wildlife (DNPW) and Mabwe Safaris – the Zambian company who were awarded the culling contract last time – should be honoured and that the cull is to start imminently. Hunting camps are already being set up. However, the original contract was, in Born Free’s view, based on false information and should be rescinded.
The DNPW is seeking to justify the cull by claiming it is a ‘wildlife management tool’ to prevent anthrax outbreaks among wildlife due to high populations of hippo, compounded by unusually low rainfall in Luangwa. However, Born Free asserts that this isn’t the case.
Will Travers confirmed: “Leaving to one side the vitally important moral and ethical arguments, these same justifications attempted last time should be rejected, again, for the following reasons:
DNPW has, to date, failed to provide robust, scientific evidence demonstrating that there is an overpopulation of hippos in the Luangwa River or make public the Government of Zambia report that has previously been cited in their justification
DNPW have failed to provide robust, scientific evidence that clearly demonstrates that previous hippo culls in the Luangwa Valley have been successful in reducing the hippo population over the long-term.
DNPW has failed to provide rainfall and river level data showing that river levels and water flow in the Luangwa River are abnormally low and cannot sustain the current hippo population
DNPW has failed to provide credible, scientific evidence to show that such an indiscriminate hippo cull of healthy animals would prevent a future outbreak of anthrax – nor prevent the spread of an existing one.
Scientific evidence suggests that culling hippos stimulates breeding and ends up increasing the population, potentially establishing a vicious cycle of death and destruction.
Wild hippo numbers across Africa are under increasingly pressure with a maximum estimate of just 130,000 animals – about one third of the number of the high-profile African elephant. Furthermore, as efforts increase to end the trade in elephant ivory, hippos are being increasingly targeted for their ivory as a replacement. Latest data confirms that in the decade to 2016, more than 6,000 hippo teeth, 2,048 hippo tusks and a further 1,183 hippo ‘trophies’ were exported to EU Member States alongside thousands of other ‘parts and products’. International trade records show that from 2004-2014 around 60,000 kg of hippo ivory were imported into Hong Kong.”
Travers concluded: “Born Free is asking national and international wildlife conservation organisations, concerned individuals and those who have a strong affinity with hippos, to join us in calling on the President of Zambia, His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu, to personally intervene and call a permanent halt to this damaging and distressing plan, with immediate effect.”
The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated population of just 115-130,000 animals. The Red List assessment notes that hippo population declines continue to be reported in many countries, and that “The conservation status of Hippos remains precarious and the need for direct conservation action to protect Hippos and Hippo habitat across their range is a priority”.
B-Flow behind an Official theme song for the 5th SOTAMBE Film Festival
SOTAMBE Documentary Film and Arts Festival (SOTAMBE DFAF) is in full swing with the preparations for the 5th SOTAMBE Film Festival happening in period 18 – 22 September 2018 in Kitwe under the theme “These Are the Days”. The theme highlights the development in the Film Industry and celebrates a Zambian filmmaker.
The FILM FESTIVAL runs for five days in September. The annual event consists of documentary movie screenings followed by panel discussions targeting students from colleges and universities, as well as screenings of locally produced movies followed by discussions with the producers and directors on challenges they faced during the production process. In addition, the Festival is accompanied by the rich additional programmes such as art workshops and art exhibitions, drama plays, panel discussions, film conferences, filmmaking hubs and many more. The SOTAMBE DFAF is currently opened to submissions of features, documentaries, short films, animations and series via https://sotambe.org/call-for-submission. The deadline for submissions is 1st July 2017.
Traditionally, the festival will be in rhythm of its official song. The official songs are important to each year’s festival because they carry the message of the theme for the particular year. The 2018 edition is composed by Brian Bwembya known as B-Flow, a musician recognised by the former USA president Barack Obama. B-Flow uses the music to advocate for human rights and disseminate important information.
“We are extremely happy to collaborate with Brian. We feel that we share the same passion for positive social change and community development. In case of the Film Festival, we believe that documentary movies just as much as music can accelerate a social change in the society,” said Martina Mwanza, SOTAMBE DFAF Director.
Brian explains his involvement as follows: “I want to work with SOTAMBE because I have come to appreciate that it is a great initiative and unique platform to showcase Zambian talent and creativity. I’m also excited about the growth of the film industry in Zambia, hence I wish to contribute to making it grow even more because I’m supporting SOTAMBE’s vision. I love SOTAMBE’s quest to promote inclusiveness. As a voice for the voiceless myself, SOTAMBE makes a great partner because they also believe in working with less privileged.”
The official song for SOTAMBE DFAF 2018 entitled ‘SOTAMBE’ will be released on Friday 8th of June 2018 and will be performed live during the Film Festival. Fans will be able to download it on the SOTAMBE DFAF website www.sotambe.org and Zambian music blogs. Watch the space, these are the days
Dr Kenneth Kaunda meets youth from the Zambian Breweries-sponsored SOTRANE group who serenaded him with the national anthem sung in seven local languages.
Zambian Breweries commemorated the 94th birthday of the First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda recently by presenting two groups of youths whom the company have sponsored in promoting awareness on the dangers of alcohol abuse.
The moment of delight came when the former President was serenaded with a multilingual national anthem prepared by one of the youthful groups, SOTRANE (Network for Society Transformation).
Dr Kenneth Kaunda was elated by the fact that rather than sing the national anthem in the English language alone Sotrane incorporated several local languages thereby upholding the ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ spirit.
Dr Kaunda further appreciated Zambia Breweries’ drive in working with youths to advocate the curbing of alcohol abuse and underage drinking.
“It is amazing; truly One Zambia, One Nation. You are doing something special, something real and something great for Zambia,” he encouraged the youths.
Dr Kaunda further commended the group for striving to be a part of the solution of making a better Zambia saying: “You make my 94th year a very proud year. No group has ever given me such strong hope about the future of Zambia as you have done. Continue with these programmes…you have begun very well.”
Zambian Breweries corporate affairs director Ezekiel Sekele thanked the founding father for continuing to be an inspiration to the nation and not letting the years wane his desire to see Zambia become great.
“We wanted to commemorate Dr Kaunda’s 94th Birthday in a special way and this is how we chose to do it, by bringing together two generations that can speak to the continuity of the vision that was began by our fathers,” said Mr Sekele.
Mr Sekele also noted that SOTRANE’s objective of instilling positive social values in the youth spoke to Zambian Breweries own vision for a better and healthier world where the youth are empowered and are aware of the dangers of alcohol abuse.
SOTRANE was joined by another group called ‘’THE CHIBOLYA MEDIA FARM’’, which takes its motivation from the famous ‘’MUFAYA’’ award winning movie. Zambian Breweries is supporting the youths of Kanyama / Chibolya township to be trained in film making. The focus of the project being on social vices which include alcohol and drug abuse.
Dr Kaunda later showered the group with his own impromptu serenade to the delight of those present.
The UK government has warned that the revival of Zambia Airways risks draining the treasury.
In an opinion article, Head of Economic Growth at DFID Zambia Steve Beel stated that that the risk of a national airline becoming a drain on scarce financial resources must be uppermost in the Government’s mind as it seeks to revive Zambia Airways.
Mr. Beel noted that the revival of a national airline needs to be handled carefully to introduce greater competition to expand access and reduce costs, but avoid crowding out existing private sector players.
He said it will be counter-productive if existing private sector players, both domestic and international, reduce their offer as a result adding that this is in no-one’s interest.
Mr. Beel further observed that whilst new airport capacity is welcome, ensuring this is managed efficiently, possibly through greater involvement of the private sector and international specialists in service delivery will provide a better experience for passengers and improve the bottom line for airlines.
He also appealed to the Zambian government to ensure that the overall economic benefits in reviving Zambia Airways are clearly understood and that there is a clear exit strategy in case things do not go the way envisaged.
Below is the full article by Mr. Beel
Expanding air services in Zambia to drive economic growth- By Steve Beel – Head of Economic Growth, DFID Zambia
Zambia’s aviation sector is at a crossroads-Government plans to revive the national airline through a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines are poised to shake up the sector in a way not seen for years. If implemented well, this could deliver greater connectivity and competition to drive lower prices. But lessons from other countries, as several other local commentators have pointed out, suggest that the risk of a national airline becoming a drain on scarce financial resources must be uppermost in the Government’s mind.
The UK in Zambia recognise that if the aviation market is failing to provide the capacity that the country needs then direct Government intervention is one option. And it is certainly true that for a country that is land-locked and has high ambitions for increasing tourism and foreign investment, high quality air connectivity is an important enabler. For many UK and Zambian citizens, the ending of the direct British Airways link to London a few years ago has provided a clear indication of the costs and inconvenience resulting from lesser connectivity – one which many of us would gladly reverse if we could!
But the aviation sector is highly competitive and cost sensitive and so to make it truly customer-centric and successful it’s important that Government focus on a number of wider aspects to ensure that investment in air capacity is aligned to increasing economic growth – in parallel this will help manage the risks that airline investment will not produce the economic returns hoped for.
Firstly, a key barrier to airline services remains the slow progress across Africa to liberalise the air sector. Liberalisation reduces the costs and complexity that airlines face in developing their businesses and networks – it has been the means of rapidly expanding air travel in all other parts of the world. Zambia can therefore go further in joining with other nations to reduce unnecessary barriers and give wings to airline expansion – this might include reviewing tax policies and the charges different actors face to ensure they are equitable and create the right investment incentives – but might also include freeing up restrictions on certain routes to allow airlines to expand.
Government giving further consideration to joining the 23 other African states already signed up to creating a single aviation market would be a key step.
Secondly, while air capacity is one factor holding back tourism growth in Zambia, our analysis suggests it is the overall tourism offer, and some of the regulation and costs involved in that sector, that is the most important single factor.
A priority for Government and industry should be to develop a strategy that links aviation and tourism – and which also focuses on reducing regulation so the tourism industry can better respond to the wide variety of demand it faces – this would help open up Zambia as a tourist destination to a far wider range of potential customers, maximising income and jobs for the country as a result. With Zambia recognised as a safe and stable holiday destination it would be a real missed opportunity not to make this happen.
Thirdly, the revival of a national airline needs to be handled carefully to introduce greater competition to expand access and reduce costs, but avoid crowding out existing private sector players – it will be counter-productive if existing private sector players, both domestic and international, reduce their offer as a result. This is in no-one’s interest.
Fourthly, some basic aviation costs remain too high in Zambia. This was one of the reasons cited by European airlines previously stopping services to Zambia, as pressure to serve other routes grew. For example, whilst new airport capacity is welcome, ensuring this is managed efficiently, possibly through greater involvement of the private sector and international specialists in service delivery, will provide a better experience for passengers and improve the bottom line for airlines – both of which will increase viability of the sector.
Finally, both to take advantage of and enable aviation growth, Government and industry need to focus on training and skills. This extends into the associated service sectors too. Certainly, a positive side-effect of a tie-up with Ethiopian Airlines would be a focus on developing skills of the workforce in Zambia and enabling Zambia to become a regional hub for the aviation sector.
As strong supporters of Zambia, the UK wants to see a vibrant aviation sector that can be an enabler of economic development and poverty reduction. Investing in new airline capacity is one step the Government have already prioritised. Ensuring the overall economic benefits are clearly understood and that there is a clear exit strategy in case things do not go the way envisaged are both vital to mitigate the very real risks involved. However, focusing equally on the broader business operating environment will help ensure the entire aviation sector is better able to deliver the services that Zambia needs, whilst also helping to mitigate the downside risks that other national airline projects have been exposed to.
Steve Beel has 20 years of experience in infrastructure, economic development and economic regulation in UK, Asia, Middle East and Africa, particularly in the transportation and energy sectors. DFID is the UK’s development arm. Within DFID Zambia Steve oversees their economic growth team, with a particular focus on infrastructure, energy and the business environment.
Designs for the Lusaka Park Inn Hotel
Radisson Hospitality AB is adding a new territory to its expanding portfolio with the signing of Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka Longacres in Zambia.
Located in the Longacres suburb of Lusaka, the hotel will be situated in a prime location within the city’s concentration of embassies, diplomatic missions and United Nations (UN) offices.
It will form part of a mixed-use development, including a 9 000 meter square shopping mall, which – along with an increasing number of businesses will support the hotel in establishing itself as a destination in Lusaka.
Andrew McLachlan, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said they were delighted to bring Park Inn by Radisson to Zambia, where tourism is growing.
“Having successfully operated in Zambia since 2012 with Radisson Blu, we now look forward to introducing Park Inn by Radisson, our upper midscale brand in this emerging market.
The 136-room Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka Longacres will open in 2020 and will offer a mixture of standard rooms and suites, along with an all-day dining restaurant and bar. The Meetings & Events area will include one ballroom, three meeting rooms and a boardroom. The hotel will also house a well-equipped gym,” he said.
Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF), owners of Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka Longacres said they were excited to partner with the Radisson Hotel Group in introducing the Park Inn by Radisson brand to Lusaka.
They said they hoped to provide individuals and families with a simple yet memorable value option for their travels to Zambia.
President Edgar Lungu when the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Dr. Yukiya Amano paid a courtesy call on him at State House on Wednesday, 24th January, 2018. Pictures by Thomas Nsama/State House
A university of Johannesburg Professor of Chemist has revealed that the construction of a nuclear power plant is expected to cost US$ 30 billion.
Zambia is among a dozen African countries that have signed agreements with Russia to develop nuclear power plants as a way of addressing acute power shortages.
But Hartmut Winkler has warned that Zambia and the rest of Africa should explore other cheaper energy alternatives than experimenting with nuclear energy which he said is far more expensive.
Writing in the Conversation, Professor Winkler stated that Zambia is planning to construct a 2.4 GW nuclear plant at a cost of US$ 30 billion.
“Zambia is eyeing a nuclear plant on the scale of Bangladesh’s Rooppur 2.4 GW. The plant is expected to cost US$ 30 billion. Given Zambia’s total annual budget is US$ 7.2 billion this is clearly unaffordable,” Professor Winkler said.
He warned, “The country receiving the nuclear plant initially pays very little, but when the repayments kick in, the country’s fiscus and electricity consumers are suddenly faced with a massive burden that most African economies will never be able to meet. By then the 3% annual interest could have increased the amount owed by as much as 40%.”
Professor Winkler further warned that the nuclear industry also has a history of cost overruns and construction delays.
“A country may therefore face a situation where it needs to service a higher-than-expected debt while being unable to recoup funds from electricity sales. What is equally concerning is that the debt then places Russia in a position where it is able to exert disproportionate influence over a country’s affairs.”
Below is the full article by Professor Winkler published in the Conversation
Why nuclear power for African countries doesn’t make sense-By Hartmut Winkler, University of Johannesburg
Over the last few years reports have surfaced of a range of African countries planning nuclear power plants.
Over the last few years reports have surfaced of a range of African countries planning nuclear power plants.
At the moment, the only nuclear plant in operation in Africa is South Africa’s Koeberg, producing 1.86GW of power. This, according to some African leaders, is about to change.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently made the astonishing statement that his country is planning 30GW of nuclear power by 2026. That equates to 16 times the current total of nuclear energy on the entire African continent.
Uganda’s is only one of a number of countries interested in nuclear power. Russia’s nuclear agency Rosatom has boasted that it’s concluded nuclear power memoranda of understanding with Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan and Zambia. Uganda is also on the list.
Most African countries suffer from severe electricity shortages. The majority need to double their generating capacity to meet current needs.
According to International Energy Agency figures, Kenya, Sudan and Zambia are primarily dependent on hydroelectric power.
A 2.4GW nuclear plant would double their electricity production. Nigeria’s dominant energy source is gas, and here it would take a 4.8GW nuclear plant to double its capacity.
Of the countries with Rosatom agreements, only Egypt has any concrete plans in place.
A site for a 4.8GW nuclear plant has been identified at El Dabaa, on the Mediterranean Sea, and building is understood to be imminent. In the other countries, the location and scale of the projects have yet to be determined.
Elsewhere in the world countries like Germany, Belgium and the US are downscaling their nuclear plans or exiting it altogether. The reasons include perceptions of increased risk following the Fukushima disaster in Japan as well as economic factors.
The cost of electricity generation from solar photovoltaic and wind technologies has come down dramatically. It already costs less than power produced by nuclear plants and renewable energy is set to become even cheaper.
Given that South Africa has shelved its nuclear plans on affordability grounds, surely less resourced African countries would find investments like this even more difficult?
The loan agreements
Nuclear power agreements are notoriously shrouded in secrecy. But it’s possible to get a sense of Rosatom’s plans for African nuclear contracts by examining recent examples where details of mutual commitments have become public.
A deal struck with Bangladesh provides a useful benchmark against which to understand other deals that have been done with Russia.
In the case of the 2.4GW Rooppur nuclear plant, Rosatom is providing most of a US$ 12.65 billion loan. This only covers the estimated construction costs. Interest accrual, possible cost overruns, operations and decommissioning are likely to amount to more than double of this initial outlay. That makes a total cost of roughly US$ 30 billion likely.
Egypt’s earlier mentioned El Dabaa project has a similar funding arrangement. Here Rosatom has given a loan of US$ 25 billion, which again is projected to only cover construction.
For both Rooppur and El Dabaa, the annual interest for their loan is around 3%. In addition, the loan is structured in a way that ensures repayments only start 10-13 years after the loan is made, to continue in annual instalments for 22-28 years thereafter.
The country receiving the nuclear plant initially pays very little, but when the repayments kick in, the country’s fiscus and electricity consumers are suddenly faced with a massive burden that most African economies will never be able to meet. By then the 3% annual interest could have increased the amount owed by as much as 40%.
The nuclear industry also has a history of cost overruns and construction delays. A country may therefore face a situation where it needs to service a higher-than-expected debt while being unable to recoup funds from electricity sales.
What is equally concerning is that the debt then places Russia in a position where it is able to exert disproportionate influence over a country’s affairs.
Zambia is eyeing a nuclear plant on the scale of Bangladesh’s Rooppur. The plant is expected to cost US$ 30 billion. Given Zambia’s total annual budget is US$ 7.2 billion this is clearly unaffordable. If one were to scale the Rooppur cost from 2.4GW to the 30GW nuclear power plants proposed by Museveni, the figure would be 15 times Uganda’s annual GDP of US$ 24 billion.
Cheaper options
Are there cheaper alternatives to nuclear power to alleviate energy shortages in Africa?
A great deal of hope was placed on the 40GW Grand Inga hydroelectric scheme on the Congo River. But the project isn’t going to come to fruition soon due to funding challenges.
The most promising solution seems to be through multiple small-scale power production initiatives, typically in bio-energy, solar heaters and photovoltaic modules. These provide cheaper electricity than nuclear and are in addition good job creators. With its extensive agricultural sector, all of Africa has great bio-waste energy potential.
Kenya has shown that there are excellent geothermal energy extraction possibilities along the Rift Valley.
Many countries, including Egypt and Kenya, enjoy ample sunshine, making them ideal for solar power generation. With the right incentives, these could drive an African energy generation boom.
Hartmut Winkler is a Professor of Physics, University of Johannesburg
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Ecobank Mobile
Ecobank won the Best Digital Strategy Award at the Retail Banker International’s prestigious awards ceremony held at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London last week.
The Ecobank Mobile App, which has already been downloaded by over 5 million customers, is a unified banking app serving 33 African countries, enabling 24/7 banking services and transactions in 18 different currencies and in four major languages: English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
In Zambia, over 50,000 customers have opened an Xpress Account with Ecobank which can be opened instantly on the mobile phone.
Ecobank says its digital strategy leverages digitalisation for scale and ubiquity and is the key plank in its ambition to be the top consumer financial services franchise in Africa and to achieve its target of serving 100 million customers.
Ecobank Group CEO Ade Ayeyemi said: “This award is a real vote of confidence for the hard work of everyone at Ecobank and the massive strides that we have made in meeting the changing ways that consumers are demanding to engage with their bank. I’m delighted that Ecobank has achieved this recognition and rest assured that it will strengthen our determination to be the bank of choice for Africa by further developing our products and services to meet our customers’ needs.”
“Ecobank’s digital strategy leverages innovative technology to give Africans the convenience of 24/7 banking wherever and whenever they want. As a pan-African bank we’re absolutely committed to meeting the rapidly changing demands for convenience and functionality that Africans need and demand. It’s part of our ethos and it is also a major step towards eradicating financial exclusion from the continent” said Ade Ayeyemi.
And Ecobank Zambia Managing Director Mr. Kola Adeleke says the Bank will continue to leverage on the power of digital to grow its business.
“Ecobank takes pride in bringing innovative products for the Zambian customers in line with our strategy for financial inclusion. We have developed this fast, convenient and innovative mobile banking solution within the lifestyle of our customers and improve the uptake of digital financial solutions by both banked and unbanked in Africa”, said Mr. Adeleke.
Ecobank was also shortlisted at the Retail Banker International awards for Best Payment Innovation for its Ecobank Xpress Cash which is a card-less withdrawal solution which is integrated in the Ecobank Mobile App and available in all 33 African countries where Ecobank operates.
The bank was also shortlisted for Product Innovation of the Year for its groundbreaking Ecobank Mobile App.
Lafarge Zambia has launched a young Graduate Trainees Programme called STEP UP designed to give a ‘Strong Start’ to LafargeHolcim careers.
The Graduate Development Program gives an opportunity for graduates to gain practical work experience and develop critical skills in the areas of their career interests in a world-class environment with world-class practices.
The Programme also allows the development of Regional talent from the initial stage of one’s career.
Speaking during a recent ceremony organised by Lafarge’s Human Resource Unit to welcome the young graduates, Lafarge Zambia Managing Director and Chief Executive Vincent Bouckaert called upon the graduates to take the opportunity Lafarge has accorded them as learning curve to acquire skills that will set them apart not only in Zambia but the World at large.
Mr. Bouckaert further added that skills that will be learnt in Lafarge shall position them to realise their hidden potential.
He added that the reason Lafarge has not adopted so many Key Performance indicators (KPIs) is because the work demands application of one self ,commitment and hence impact is what will be measured.
Mr. Bouckaert also stated that the Cement industry presents a number of dimensions that require specialised man power and skill, therefore an opportunity such as this should not be taken lightly but with a positive mind-set.
Lafarge Zambia called for applications for Graduates who had a desire to join LafargeHolcim and be a part of a successful International Group that builds its business strategy around innovation.
The Company received over 600 applications from graduates that studied at various reputable universities, both within Zambia and abroad.
The top 100 applicants were shortlisted and after a series of rigorous aptitude tests and assessments, Ten Graduate Trainees were selected for the first intake of Step Up.
In addition to Step Up, Fifteen 15 graduates have been offered a 12 month internship program to be based in Chilanga and Ndola plants.
This is according to a statement issued by Lafarge Zambia Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs Glenda Masebe-Kamalata.
Lafarge Zambia CEO Vincent Bouckaert welcoming the graduate trainees.
