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Minister of Finance’s full report on the Status of Zambia’s Economy in the First Quarter

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Minister of Finance’s full report on the Status of Zambia’s Economy in the First Quarter
Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe
Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe

1. Highlights of Macroeconomic Performance 2018

i) The economic environment is largely stable and GDP growth projections for 2018 remain on target, building on the 4.1% growth rate registered in 2017. The exchange rate of the Kwacha against major trading currencies remained stable while inflation is within the targeted 6 to 8% band margin.

ii) Fiscal discipline is at the core of fiscal management. As a result of measures taken, the 2017 budget deficit recorded at 6.1% a rate that was below the 7% projection.

iii) Management of the country’s debt has been prioritized. Regulatory and administrative measures to slow down the growth of the debt stock have been put in place in accordance with the medium-term debt strategy.

iv) Let me now highlight a few specific performance updates.

1.1 Fiscal Management

i) Attaining fiscal prudence through lowering of the fiscal deficit, better cash management and timely provision of funds to the sectors is the key to fiscal management.

ii) Tax compliance at below 60% of the eligible tax payers remains a challenge. Corporates and Citizens should note that the more tax evasion we have the more a few people face the tax burden. Therefore, strengthening tax administration as opposed to introducing new taxes will be the strategy.

iii) For the quarter ended, total revenues and grants amounted to K12 billion against a projection of K12.04 billion. Higher collections were achieved for VAT, which compensated for lower performance in other revenue categories such as customs and excise, and non-tax revenues.

1.2 Exchange rate of the Kwacha

The Kwacha made gains against the US$ dollar in March 2018 on the back of net supply of foreign exchange. During the month of March, the Kwacha appreciated by 2.1 percent against the dollar to an average of K9.5859/US$ relative to the February average of K9.7926/US$.

1.3 Lending Rates

Marginal decreases have been recorded in interest rates that fell to 24.1 percent in March 2018 from 24.6 percent in December 2017. This notwithstanding, Government through the Central Bank is working on measures to make the cost of credit affordable as these levels are still very high. On its part, Government has put in place a programme to pay local contractors what is owed to them to reduce stress on the financial sector and allow for normalization of lending conditions on market. The second quarter will therefore see substantial movements on payments to contractors.

1.4 Inflation

At 7.1 percent, inflation remains within the medium-term target range of 6-8 percent. The rise in inflation was mainly attributed to the increased price of petroleum products and the subsequent rise in transport costs, as well as reduced supply of selected vegetables.

1.5 Debt Management

Zambia’s reconciled debt stock is currently at US$8.7 billion. The larger part of the increase due to the reclassification of the US$500 million fuel debt that was reconsolidated in the external debt.

 

ii) Domestic debt stood at K50.9 billion at the end of the first quarter while arrears were K12.7 billion as at end 2017.

2. 2018 OUTLOOK

i) We expect continued positive growth and macroeconomic stability in 2018 with GDP growth projected above 4 percent. This is premised on positive performance in the agriculture, mining, construction and manufacturing sectors. Inflation is expected to remain within the projected single digit target range of 6-8 percent.

ii) Consistent with the fiscal consolidation stance, the Government is working towards the end-year fiscal deficit target of not more than 6.1 percent of GDP on a cash basis.

iii) In addition, to support macroeconomic stability, government will continue to undertake measures aimed at maintaining debt sustainability.

3. Government’s Taxation Regime

i) In recognition of Government’s need to finance the various development programmes, Government is implementing several policy and structural reforms under the Economic Stabilization and Growth Programme (ESGP). The ESGP emphasizes the need for the country to finance its development agenda from domestic resources, while reducing external dependence.

ii) This Government recognizes that financing its development programmes from debt and hand-outs from cooperating partners is not sustainable. The country has immense domestic revenue opportunities yet to be fully tapped.

iii) Zambia has for years relied, for its domestic revenue, on a few sectors and tax types, a situation which is one of the constraining factors to higher growth and shared prosperity. This must not continue if poverty has to be effectively tackled. Government has to respond to such low levels through strengthening compliance and broadening the tax base. While doing so, Government will continuously and as appropriate, review its tax regime so that it does not disrupt economic activities.

iv) Government endeavors to ensure fair taxation while at the same time raising sufficient resources to deliver public services including up-scaling social protection programmes. For instance, on Social Cash Transfer, beneficiaries have increased to 700,000 in this year’s budget from 590,000 in 2017. The trend is similar to other social protection programmes. This is in addition to scaled up public investments in education, health and physical infrastructure.

v) For sustainability, these programmes must rely on domestically generated resources. Relying on domestic resources will also avoid increasing the debt overhang on our future generation. We have to be responsible for our own development and everyone has the obligation and ability to contribute by meeting their tax obligations to support Government’s initiatives. Meanwhile, Government will ensure that the ordinary and poor Zambians are insulated from any reforms that may erode their livelihood.

vi) It is important to state that the higher the compliance levels, coupled with a broadened tax base, the higher the chance that Government will over time, reduce the tax burden on a few tax payer and make taxation equitable.

4. Policy and Structural Reforms

i) Since 2017, Government has been implementing several policy and structural reforms under the Economic Stabilization and Growth Programme (ESGP). The ESGP is a three year programme up to 2019. To-date notable progress has been made in the areas of agriculture, energy and legislation.

4.1 Agriculture

• Reviewed the farmer database and reverted to 1 million beneficiaries from 1.6 million beneficiaries

• Totally migrated to E-Voucher for delivering FISP

• Implemented the 500,000 MT limit of food purchases by FRA

4.2 Energy

• Undertaken interim electricity tariff adjustment of 75 percent

• Undertaking the Cost of Service Study

• Review of the financial and operational sustainability of Zesco commenced and ongoing

• Development of the framework for full engagement of the private sector in importation of petroleum products advanced

4.3 Legal

• Public Financial Management bill in parliament

• Amendments to ZPPA Act advanced.

• Planning and Budgeting bill also advanced.

 

ii) Government will continue to undertake reforms as outlined in the ESGP.

5. IMF PROGRAMME

i) The point of discussion with regards to the IMF programme is the issue of debt management. We are currently carrying out a detailed debt sustainability exercise that will give us the current debt parameters and the path we may have to take going forward.

ii) This will be completed in the next two weeks on which basis we can take the discussion with the IMF forward and find a settlement.

Prosecute e-voucher fraudsters-ZNFU

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Prosecute e-voucher fraudsters-ZNFU
Jervis Zimba
Jervis Zimba

The Zambia National Farmers Union( ZNFU) has pledged to work with government to ensure that all those involved in sabotaging the e-Voucher system face the wrath of law.

ZNFU president Jervis Zimba observes that government had good intentions to introduce the e-Voucher system to farmers but some civil servants were frustrating government efforts in improving the well-being of farmers by sabotaging the system hence frustrating farmers.

Mr Zimba disclosed that they had information on some civil servants and Agro dealers that were benefitting from the system

He was speaking yesterday in Kaoma when he paid a courtesy call on the District Commissioner Kennedy Mubanga.

Mr Zimba further disclosed that his union had put an intelligent system to ensure all those that would be found wanting were arrested.

He noted that farmers had for a long time been abused by unscrupulous people adding that ZNFU would not sit idle but try by all means to defend the farmers.

Meanwhile Mr. Zimba appealed to government to pay farmers on time so that they could have their inputs early if food security was to be guaranteed.

Speaking earlier Kaoma District Commissioner Kennedy Mubanga said ZNFU should help farmers in the District to find market for their crops.

Mr Mubanga mentioned groundnuts as one of the crops that was grown on a large scale in the district but did not have readily available market.

FAZ cancels K 6 million debt owed to the association by various local clubs

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FAZ cancels K 6 million debt owed to the association by various local clubs

Football Association of Zambia president Andrew Kamanga
Football Association of Zambia president Andrew Kamanga

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has written off Six million kwacha owed to the association by various local clubs.

The resolution to write off the monies owed to the association was reached at during the FAZ Council held on 31st March 2018.

FAZ Communication Manager Desmond Katongo said in a press statement issued to ZANIS that the move taken by the association was aimed at helping clubs cut down on their debt burden.

Mr Katongo hoped that clubs will use funds tied in repaying the debt owed to the governing soccer body in improving the administration of football at various respective institutions.

He further noted that the amnesty which has been extend across the board is also aimed at helping local clubs meet there 2018 financial obligations.

Mr Katongo encouraged clubs to promptly settle payments that may arise from offences committed during league matches.

He counseled clubs to channel funds written off by FAZ to need areas so as to develop soccer in the country.

FAZ president Andrew kamanga saluted members for supporting his proposal of granting clubs relief by cancelling the 6 million kwacha owed to the association by various local clubs.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has expressed concern with the continued deliberate attempts and campaign aimed at propagating a negative state of the game and its administration.

FAZ Deputy General Secretary Adrian Kashala said FAZ has commenced taking action against persons responsible for unethical conduct over internal management of affairs entrusted to the officers.

In a statement to to the media , Mr.Kashala stated that FAZ is deeply concerned at the damage to the game by some social and mainstream media.

“Attacks on FAZ, the Presidency and Executive Committees as well as the Secretariat have the potential of scaring away partners, sponsors and other prospective stakeholders,” he stated.

He stated that Known elements, some of who have had their time at running the game for many years, have been identified as setting themselves to intensify their attacks against FAZ with a view to destabilizing the smooth running of the Association.

“We would like to strongly caution all those who have set themselves on a mission to damage football by spreading falsehoods. What they call damaging leakages and sustained attacks on FAZ are matters that have dire consequences because all they do it to leave us exposed to the rest of the world thereby, weakening our brand and commercial value. Such acts are wrong, unethical, unprofessional and unwarranted because all they do is erode the institutions standing in public,” cautioned Kashala.

The FAZ Deputy General Secretary pointed out that FAZ will in line with its constitutional provisions and that of FIFA, take strong action against any officials deliberately bringing the name of the game into ridicule and disrepute.

He further said FAZ Executive has called for an Emergency Executive Committee meeting and the resolutions will therefore, be communicated to the public.

Zambia’s economic performance hailed

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Zambia’s economic performance hailed

The Zambia Micro and Small Traders Foundation Cooperative Society Limited in Muchinga Province has hailed Zambia’s economic performance under the Patriotic Front (PF) leadership.

Provincial Programmes Coordinator Josephat Chitimbwa says the Zambia Micro and Small Traders Foundation Cooperative Society Limited is happy that International Financial Organisations who have been following Zambia’s economic performance, have continued to give Zambia a fair rate.

Quantum Global Group, a Zurich-Switzerland based Investment Fund and asset organisation with a large African focus has ranked Zambia as the 8th best performing economy.

According to their 2018 Africa investment index report, Zambia is also the third best performing economy in the SADC region, behind Botswana and South Africa.

Quantum Global’s 2018 Africa investment index [aii] ranks Zambia as Africa’s overall eighth best on growth, liquidity, risk, business environment, demographic, and social capital factors.

Mr. Chitimbwa says Government has managed to stabilise the economy because of the good policies that it has put in place adding that the Zambian economy has in the recent past seen a steady growth.

He has since appealed to the Government to continue pressuring the lending institutions for them to reduce lending rates in order for the ordinary Zambians to benefit from the good performance of the economy through various economic activities.

Mr. Chitimbwa says Zambia can only sustain its economic growth by adding value to various products for export in order to boost its Growth Domestic Product (GDP).

Zambia has targeted an average annual real Growth Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate at least 5 percent by the year 2020.

In a green paper released to the media recently by Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, Government said its specific broad social-economic objective during the 2018-2020 will include, maintaining single digit inflation in the range of 6-8 percent; accelerating the diversification of the economy, particularly towards agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and energy, through among others.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chitimbwa has appealed to its members who got small loans under the Presidential initiative to quickly pay back in order to benefit more.

Mr. Chitimbwa says those who have paid in full have since qualified for a second funding of K3,000 and their names have since been forwarded to the national headquarters office in Kabwe.

The formerly United Street Vendors Foundation Cooperative Society empowerment and now Zambia Micro and Small Traders Foundation Cooperative Society Limited fund is a replica of a successful revolving fund being implemented in China and Malaysia in Asia that has seen a number of youths getting out of poverty and be able to start their own businesses.

Mr. Chitimbwa said about 400 youths in the entire province have benefited from the revolving fund.

Mr. Chitimbwa named the beneficiary districts in the pilot programme of the youth empowerment fund in Muchinga as Nakonde which has the highest number of beneficiaries at 80, Isoka 53, Chinsali 31, Shiwang’andu 38 and Mpika 40.

Mr. Chitimbwa has also retaliated that the funds are meant for all youths in the country regardless of their political affiliations.

He charged that poverty has no face and it is for this reason that the funds are targeted at the youth regardless of sex, belief and political affiliations.

He added that the Government has been calling for economic diversification and empowering the youths involved in various business ventures is another way of promoting economic diversification and help in growing the nations’ economy.

Inyambo Yeta appeals for rehabilitation of Kazungula- Sesheke road

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Inyambo Yeta appeals for rehabilitation of Kazungula- Sesheke road
Western Province Minister Richard Kapita (r) confers with Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Ngambela (Prime Minister) Mwenda Nyambe (l) when being ushered to meet Litunga Imwiko Lubosi II in Limulunga District during his tour of duty of paying courtesy on Chiefs in Western Province

Government says it will ensure that it works with all stakeholders to ensure Mwandi District in Western Province developes.

Western Province Minister Richard Kapita affirmed this, when he paid a courtesy call on Mwandi Kuta of Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta of Mwandi, Sesheke and Mulobezi Districts.

Mr. Kapita said government is committed to ensuring that it brings everyone on board including traditional leaders in uplifting the living standard of the people in Mwandi District and Western Province as a whole.

He also mentioned that Western Province is blessed with abundant resources such as water bodies of which when put to good use can change the narrative that the province carries of being one of the poor provinces in the country.

Mr. Kapita urged the Mwandi Kuta to encourage people in the chiefdom to venture into fish farming, agriculture and other irrigation activities so that natural resources like water and land is utilized.

The Provincial Minister further disclosed that Government has plans to increase the Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries from 1, 741 to above 2, 000 so as to benefit many vulnerable people in Mwandi District.

And speaking earlier, Mwandi Kuta Spokesperson Induna Amulimukwa appealed to Government to renovate the Sesheke-Kazungula Road as it was in a deplorable state hence motorists find it difficult to travel to nearby districts.

Induna Amulimukwa also expressed concern on the construction of Mwandi’s Administration Site that has stalled, adding that Civil Servants were still squatting in temporal offices which are making it hard for services to reach the intended people.

ZAMCOM advised to reclaim initial purpose

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ZAMCOM advised to reclaim initial purpose

Government has urged the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) to reclaim its initial purpose of providing in service training to media practitioners.

Information and Broadcasting Services acting Permanent Secretary (PS) Isaac Chipampe observed that ZAMCOM over the years has shifted from its key focus of offering in service training to journalists.

Mr. Chipampe noted that the institute is now offering training to school leavers in journalism when it is intended to offer refresher courses to practicing Journalists.

The Acting Permanent Secretary said this when he officiated at the validation of the Zambia Foundation Journalism and Ethics course held at ZAMCOM lodge.

Mr. Chipampe said there is need for ZACOM to offer in training services to media practitioners so as to set a difference between trained and untrained Journalists.

He indicated that many people are fond of writing even when they lack media basics or training.

Mr. Chipampe pointed out that the media space has been infiltrated by bloggers who publish untruthful articles aimed at maligning other persons.

And speaking earlier, ZAMCOM Executive Director Oliver Nanene expressed concern with people masquerading as Journalists.

Mr. Nanene said there is need for practicing Journalists to self- guide the media professional by upholding media ethics.

He explained that the short intensive foundation journalism and ethics course is aimed at offering training to persons with interest in media studies.

ZAMCOM Executive Direct observed that some people working in community radio and television stations lack basics in media training.

Key Stakeholders say ZCID is incapable of handling the dialogue process impartially

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Key Stakeholders say ZCID is incapable of handling the dialogue process impartially
Chishimba Kambwili flashes the NDC symbo
Chishimba Kambwili flashes the NDC symbol

The Key stakeholders in the dialogue process have said that Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) is incapable of handling the dialogue process impartially.

Leading the charge at a media briefing held yesterday was Roan PF member of parliament Chishimba Kambwili who said that ZCID was incapable of handling the dialogue process impartially because it was an extension of the Patriotic Front.

“That ZCID is an extension of the PF, all of the people who are at ZCID are compromised and they are pro Edgar because Edgar has stolen too much and he’s able to buy people. So when he’s able to buy people, you cannot trust the dialogue that can be initiated by people that are in his pockets. So it is very unfortunate and some of us can only apologise to the Commonwealth on behalf of the Zambian people that we have a President who is very unreasonable. A President who can pretend to be a Christian and yet he’s not, a President who can pretend to be a democrat and yet he’s not, a President who can pretend to be humble and yet he’s a thief. But there is no humbleness in theft! So is this a man you expect to respect the Commonwealth?” Kambwili asked.

Mr Kambwili described President Lungu’s actions as a mockery to the Commonwealth and the entire international community.

“That was mockery, Lungu was mocking the Commonwealth. He was mocking the whole world that he can accept dialogue when in actual fact he’s not prepared to dialogue. Look at how they are treating the opposition, we can’t even be given police permits to hold meetings. I have been trying to hold meetings in my constituency and they refuse me but they go and give a permit to Steven Chungu who is Luanshya MP to hold a meeting in my constituency this Saturday. What nonsense! How can they allow Steve to hold a meeting in my constituency and deny me the owner? So tell them that as Steve holds his meeting, I will also be there at that meeting because I am the owner of the constituency,” said Kambwili.

And Charles Milupi asked President Lungu to stop playing games with the dialogue process. Mr Milupi observed that even President Lungu was aware that ZCID was incapable of handling the dialogue process.

“What we are looking for really is for the rule of law to return, freedom to attend and conduct meetings and we want a professional police state. Now, inspite of all these things that are going wrong, against all odds, On the 3rd of April last year, Mr Lungu arrested Hakainde Hichilema in the most brutal manner and charged him with treason. Some of us who sat in the court to witness what he was arrested for, realised how desperate our country had became. So when all these things were happening and we came in as opposition leaders to demand what was right and the Church came in, NGOs came in but can someone tell me where ZCID was? What did they say about Hichilema’s arrest? Did they come in and said that UPND is also a member of the ZCID? Did they ask Mr Lungu for dialogue? No! It had to take the Church and outsiders like General Obasanjo, it had to take the Commonwealth and Patricia Scotland to come in and demand Hakainde’s release,” said Milupi.

“We want to unite this country and Mr Lungu must stop playing games, so they must decide if they want to take part or not. But the advantage with the Commonwealth is that it’s an outside body, which is widely respected and it chose to handle the talks when ZCID was nowhere to be seen. So we want to come up with a solution that will give a new direction to this country. What Mr Lungu has done shows a lack of integrity and sincerity, because before Commonwealth got involved, Patricia Scotland had a meeting with Mr Lungu even before Hakainde released and he agreed that Commonwealth should table this dialogue and that’s why Professor Gambari got involved and created the timetable because he believed that both parties had agreed. Bu then when they are about to start now then Mr Lungu who is President says ‘no we don’t want you, we can do this by ourselves’. This shows lack of sicerity and lack of sincerity in a President is very worrying for a President and it shows that he has no direction.”

And UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema said that he was not surprised that President Lungu does not want the Commonwealth to facilitate the dialogue process because the PF has always been inconsistent.

Yesterday, the ruling Patriotic Front(PF) Women’s Chairperson reaffirmed the party’s position that any dialogue that would take place should be headed by the ZCID.

“We shall not allow dialogue to be super headed by someone from outside Zambia. Zambia is a sovereign country, Zambia is not at war, Zambia is a haven of peace. We have ZCID who are supposed to organize all political parties,” Hon Kapata said.

HH’s accusation of UN’s Janet Rogan of helping PF to steal his votes shocks PF

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HH’s accusation of UN’s Janet Rogan of helping PF to steal his votes shocks PF
President Edgar Lungu with United Nations Coordinator in Zambia who is also United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Ms Janet Rogan when she paid a courtesy call on the Head of State at State House

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has expressed shock at United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema’s accusation that United Nations Resident Representative in Zambia Ms. Janet Rogan helped the Patriotic Front win in 2016.

Yesterday, the UPND leader accused United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Zambia Janet Rogan of helping the Patriotic Front (PF) steal its 2016 election. Mr. Hichilema alleged that Ms. Rogan assisted the ruling party manipulate elections and now wants to meet Ms. Rogan to ascertain her interest in Zambia’s electoral processes.

Below is PF’s Full Statement

UPND LEADER HAKAINDE HICHILEMA IS NOTHING BUT A DESPERATE BAD LOSER

Lusaka, Zambia, 6th April 2018 – We are shocked that United Party for National Development (UPND) leader can have the audacity to falsely accuse United Nations Resident Representative in Zambia Ms. Janet Rogan of helping the Patriotic Front to win in 2016. We ask Mr. Hichilema to stop dragging innocent institutions and individuals into his failure to accept the people’s verdict. Not only is this an outrageous accusation but confirms that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema is a bad loser.

Mr. Hichilema has lost five times to a democratic process. In 2006 he lost to late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa and still claimed he had been robbed of electoral victory. In 2008 he lost to former President Rupiah Banda and still claimed he had been robbed of electoral victory. In 2011 he lost to late President Michael Sata and still insisted he had been robbed of his victory. In 2015 he lost to President Edgar Lungu and still claimed he had been robbed of his victory. He lost again in 2016 to President Edgar Lungu and has continued to mourn to this day. Mr. Hichilema is nothing but a bad loser who is under intense pressure from his funders to prove why they should continue supporting his cause. He has dangerously reached a point where he does not care whether or not this country is set ablaze for as long as he gets into power by all means.

Considering Mr. Hichilema’s desperation, we are asking Government institutions to probe Cambridge Analytica to ascertain possible improper involvement in the 2015 and 2016 elections. It is without doubt that UPND engaged in serious electoral malpractices in the 2016 elections and that is the only ground they would claim to have won a national election with three (3) Provinces out of ten (10).

UPND is ready to action Zambia to the highest bidder. UPND has from inception been bankrolled by some mining conglomerate which once controlled our mineral wealth. This mining conglomerate set up UPND as their project for regaining possession of the mines, including all mineral rights in Zambia. Since UPND’s formation, this mining conglomerate has sponsored UPND and some civil society organisations to smear successive governments among other gimmicks, to grab these natural resources from the rightful owners – the Zambians!

Clearly, UPND’s financiers lost patience a long time ago, which explains the party’s insatiable desire to take over power at every chance they can get. Today, the UPND leader has no shame when he links the United Nations System to his perpetual electoral defeats. UPND’s agenda is ill-conceived and aimed at enriching a few people that have direct contacts to the world’s rich who have interest in our natural resources especially mineral wealth.
We appeal to Zambians to continue rejecting UPND’s ill-intentions and its agenda to mortgage our country to a monopoly capital.

Issued by:

Sunday Chanda
PF Media Director
Party Headquarters

ZRA commended for exposing the tax evasion scam

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ZRA commended for exposing the tax evasion scam
ZRA Headquarters
ZRA Headquarters

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has commended the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for exposing the tax evasion scam worth K76.5 billion in the extractive sector.

The center has also welcomed intentions by the authority to undertake an extensive audit of mining companies.

CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo says Zambia is a country rich in mineral wealth, but notes that this wealth has not translated into meaningful social and economic development for the people.

Mr. Mwaipopo says poverty, inequality and debt still remain very high and therefore expectations around Domestic Revenue Mobilization remain unquestionably top priority for a struggling country like Zambia.

He notes that while there may be challenges in the collection of taxes and tax compliance especially in the informal sector, it is important that every person and sector pays a fair share of tax, and the mining sector is not an exception.

Mr. Mwaipopo further notes that despite government putting in place measures such as setting up the Transfer Pricing Unit, Mineral Value Chain Project and Mineral Production Support Project and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), it is becoming more evident that revenues collected by government are not a true reflection of the country’s full potential to mobilize resources locally.

Cuba appoints Angel Villa as new Envoy to Zambia

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Cuba appoints Angel Villa as new Envoy to Zambia
Cuban Ambassador to Zambia, Nelson Pages Vilas, at the launch of Fred M'membe party
Cuban Ambassador to Zambia, Nelson Pages Vilas, at the launch of Fred M’membe party

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disclosed that the Cuban government has appointed Angel Villa, as to come and act as Charge’ d’ Affaires of the Cuban Embassy in Lusaka pending the appointment of the new Ambassador designate.

This follows the expulsion of Nelson Vilas as Ambassador of Cuba on 31st March 2018 and this step has been taken in order not to interrupt the relations between the two countries.

The Cuban government has assured government that the long standing relations that have existed between the two countries since independence remain consolidated.

The Zambian Government has therefore affirmed its commitment to the close bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba and to engaging in further cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Mr. Villa is currently Ambassador and Permanent Observer to the African Union in Addis Ababa.

This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Government in a hurry to open Soweto market-Mwale

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Government in a hurry to open Soweto market-Mwale
-Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale is taken on a conducted tour of the Simon Mwansa market under construction by site engineer Captain Mabvuto Lungu to check on the progress in Lusaka
-Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale is taken on a conducted tour of the Simon Mwansa market under construction by site engineer Captain Mabvuto Lungu to check on the progress in Lusaka

Minister of Local Government Vincent Mwale says his ministry is in a hurry to open the Soweto BH fruit and vegetable market to the public.

Mr. Mwale said the market needs to be opened once the construction is done because the fruits and vegetables are being sold in a bad area where there is no sanitary facilities.

ZANIS reports that Mwale said this when he received 750 tonnes of stones and sand donated by AVIC International at Soweto BH market in Lusaka today.

He said the market can be hopefully opened in two to three months’ time to the public so that farmers and traders can improve the whole chain of supplying the products.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwale also took time to tour the Simon Mwewa market which is under construction.

Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale listens to site engineer of the Simon Mwansa market Captain Mabvuto Lungu during his conducted tour of the market under construction near city market in Lusaka
Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale listens to site engineer of the Simon Mwansa market Captain Mabvuto Lungu during his conducted tour of the market under construction near city market in Lusaka
-Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale is taken on a conducted tour of the Simon Mwansa market under construction by site engineer Captain Mabvuto Lungu to check on the progress in Lusaka
-Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale is taken on a conducted tour of the Simon Mwansa market under construction by site engineer Captain Mabvuto Lungu to check on the progress in Lusaka
Part of the Simon Mwansa market under construction near city market in Lusaka
Part of the Simon Mwansa market under construction near city market in Lusaka
Part of the Simon Mwansa market under construction near city market in Lusaka
Part of the Simon Mwansa market under construction near city market in Lusaka

Discrimination against women an offence-Longwe

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Discrimination against women an offence-Longwe

SARA Longwe delivering her speech.
SARA Longwe

Gender Expert Sara Longwe says time has come for political parties, private and public organisations to be taken to court if they sideline women.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, MS. Longwe said the Zambian constitution in article 259 (b) clearly that’s that 50 percent of each gender is nominated or appointed from the total available positions.

Ms. Longwe, who is the Non-Governmental Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Board Chairperson, said erring organizations as well as political parties included will now face the wrath of the law for discriminating women.

“We will soon start taking political parties, private, public parastatal organisations to court for marginalizing women,” she said.

She added that, women are systematically blocked from rights, opportunities and resources resulting in vulnerability which must be recognized as a structural tool of discrimination and exploitation in the country.

Ms. Longwe notes that the Zambian society is still bias towards the male which continues to disproportionately access various services and benefits.

She said efforts to change the status of the Zambian women have continued to be frustrated by a number of legal impediments, inadequate political will, insufficient resources, poverty, HIV and AIDS and maternal mortality.

The Gender activist however, commended political parties, public and private institutions in the country that have recognized and appointed women to be at the helm of decision making positions.

Get ballots printed here in Zambia, don’t listen to people who keep on changing goal posts

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Get ballots printed here in Zambia, don’t listen to people who keep on changing goal posts
President Edgar Lungu with Vice President Inonge Wina during the swearing in ceremony of Mr Ali Derrick Njavwa Simwinga as Commissioner and Mrs Annette Chirumba Nhekairo vice Chairperson Electoral Commissioner of Zambia at State house Today A08I6739

President Edgar Lungu has directed the Electoral Commission of Zambia to be at the centre of the upgrade of the Government Printers so that ballot papers for the 2021 elections can be printed in Zambia.

President Lungu said there is enough time between now and 2021, in which the Government Printers can be upgraded to acceptable international standards so that ballot papers are printed locally.

The Head of State noted that printing ballot papers locally will create jobs for local people as opposed to creating jobs for others by printing ballot papers abroad.

He added that besides creating jobs for Zambians, printing ballots papers locally is a huge saving for the country as too much resources are spent on the exercise abroad.

ZANIS reports that the President was speaking at State House today during the swearing in ceremony of Annette Nhekairo as Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Vice Chairperson and Ali Simwinga as ECZ Commissioner.

The President advised the electoral body to ignore criticisms from some stakeholders who are opposed to printing ballot papers either abroad or locally because of their alleged insecurities.

“Let’s get the ballots be printed in Zambia, don’t listen to those people who keep on changing goal posts. When you print ballot papers in South Africa, the say there is a scope for rigging, you go to Dubai they say there is a scope for rigging. You come to Zambia they also say there a scope for rigging, so where do they want us to print the ballot papers? Let’s print the papers here, and our printers will endeavor to improve their skills so that they are equal to the task,” stated the President.

The President said his government will make available resources required for the upgrade of the Government Printers to ensure that the facility is ready to print ballots for the forthcoming elections.

The President encouraged the newly sworn in ECZ Vice Chairperson and the Commissioner to work diligently for Zambians and use Zambian resources for Zambians.

President Edgar Lungu with Vice President Inonge Wina during the swearing in ceremony of Mr Ali Derrick Njavwa Simwinga as Commissioner and Mrs Annette Chirumba Nhekairo vice Chairperson Electoral Commissioner of Zambia at State house Today A08I6739
President Edgar Lungu during the swearing in ceremony of Mr Ali Derrick Njavwa Simwinga as Commissioner Electoral Commissioner of Zambia at State house Today Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza
President Edgar Lungu Greets Mrs Annie Chirumba Nhekairo Vice Chairperson Electoral Commission of Zambia during the Swearing in Ceremony at State house Today

Copperbelt University is still dirty-Luo

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Copperbelt University is still dirty-Luo
Minister of Higher Education Nkandu Luo
Minister of Higher Education Nkandu Luo

Minister of Higher Education Nkandu Luo is not happy with the state of sanitation at the Copperbelt University in Kitwe.

Speaking after she visited the campus unannounced Professor Luo said she is disappointed to find the university in a deplorable state.

She said the Copperbelt University was closed because of poor sanitation and there is need for stakeholders to work hard and create a clean environment.

And Copperbelt University Registrar Hellen Mukumba promised to supervise the cleaning company.

Ms Mukumba said recently the university contracted a new company to clean the institution and she hopes they will do a good job.

Meanwhile, at the Zambia Institute of Business Studies and Industrial Practice -ZIBSIP, Professor Luo was disappointed to find water running in ablution blocks and dirty cooking elements in the students’ hostels.

She also toured classrooms where she found students had been in a lecture room from 07:00 to 10:30 without the lecturer.

Professor Luo later went to the lecturer’s office which she found locked.

The Minister later ordered ZIBSIP management to ensure the lecturer travels to Lusaka to her office to explain why he abandoned the students.

Health Minister calls for reintroduction of basket fund

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16
Health Minister calls for reintroduction of basket fund
Minister of Health, Hon Dr Chitalu Chilufya
Minister of Health, Hon Dr Chitalu Chilufya

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya has appealed to cooperating partners to reintroduce the basket fund for financial services in the health sector.

The Minister noted that the reintroduction of the basket fund will help in financing other aspects of health programmes.

He assured the cooperating partners that the resources placed in the health sector will be prudently utilised adding that, his Ministry is targeting zero queries at both international and national level.

Dr. Chilufya said this in Lusaka today at the Annual Consultative Meeting (ACM) held at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka.

And the Minister of Health has called on cooperating partners to work with government by providing expertise in the implementation of the National Health Insurance Bill.

The Minister said among other areas of focus in health service delivery, government is prioritising health care financing to ensure that no one is left behind in the universal health coverage.

Additionally, the Minister of Health has indicated that Zambia is on the right track in achieving the set goals for health in the 2017- 2021 National Strategic Plan with consistence support from cooperating partners.

He said the year 2017 has clearly shown evidence in the country’s meeting the legacy goals looking at the successes that have been recorded in health service delivery.

Meanwhile, Cooperating partners have pledged their continued support in working with government to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving universal health care.

Representing the cooperating partners, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative Nathan Bakyaita, has however, urged government to also ensure that there is an improvement in drug debt in the supply chain.

The Annual Consultative Meeting was held to provide a platform for the Minister of Health to meet Heads of Missions and Ambassadors of countries accredited to Zambia which support health including other country representatives of international and local NGOS in the health sector.

The meeting focused on reviewing the health sector performance during the year 2017 and the required support towards the Medium- Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

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