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President Edgar Lungu has arrived in Luapula Province for a spot-check on the refugee crisis at the Kenani Refugee Transit Centre in Nchelenge district.
President Lungu arrived at Mansa Airport in the morning enroute to Nchelenge district where the transit centre for refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been set up.
ZANIS reports that President is accompanied by United Nations Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan and Minister of Defence Davies Chama.
Provincial Minister for Luapula Nixon Chilangwa, provincial Permanent Secretary Buleti Nsemukila and other senior party and government officials were at hand to receive the head of state.
The Zambian Head of State is making his first visit to the camp to assess the conditions asylum seekers are living in with the aim of mobilising international support from humanitarian agencies to address what could degenerate into a crisis if left unchecked.
President Lungu’s Press Aid Amos Chanda told Journalists yesterday that the main focus of the President’s visit is to help scale up interventions to prevent the refugee situation from escalating into a humanitarian crisis.
The President is expected to return back to Lusaka immediately after his scheduled business at the refugee centre.
The number of asylum seekers from Congo has continued to increase with over 5,800 refugees recorded at Kenani camp mostly women and children.
This past weekend Lusaka was a hive of activity, as many entertainment events took place. One of the highlights was Jameson Connects event that was held at Orange Tree public house .
The event had a plethora of talented musicians on hand such as DJ Samba Kun , Becky and the Bank , Kuni and headline acts Wilz and Jay Rox.
Wilz and Jay Rox had electric performances , belting out their hit singles much to the amazement of the audience who sang along to every song. Wilz wowed the crowd with popular song ‘Theresa‘ and ‘Junta‘ among others. Jay Rox was the best performer of the night, his energy and crowd interactions were a huge hit, fully showing that he is a seasoned and well refined performer. He had the spectators in delirium with renditions of his tracks ‘Auto pilot‘ , ‘Joanna‘ and many more.
Jameson connects event was definitely a night to remember.
PICTURES FROM THE EVENT (*All pictures by Dagon media)
Jameson ConnectsZMKuni on stageJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZMWilz performing on stageWilz performingDJ’s playing some tunesJameson ConnectsZMJay Rox (centre) getting ready to performWilz performingExcited crowdWilz performing his hit songsJay Rox performing his hit songsJay Rox on stageAudience enjoying the showJay Rox on stageJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZMJay Rox and a fanJay RoxJay Rox performing on stageJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZMJameson ConnectsZM
For more pictures goto the official Jameson Whiskey Facebook page.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has vowed to continue to telling the international community of alleged atrocities and constitutional breaches taking place in the country.
UPND Spokesperson Charles Kakoma says the ruling party should not cry foul when the UPND tells the international community on matters relating to the breakdown of the rule of law in the country.
Mr Kakoma says this is because Police have continued arresting its members around the country on trumped up charges.
He says the UPND has learned with shock that 16 of their members in Luwingu district in Northern Province have been arrested for unknown reasons.
Mr Kakoma states that the decision by the police to continue arresting UPND members on flimsy grounds is a serious violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.
He has since demanded the unconditional release of UPND members arrested by Police in Luwingu district
Lusaka’s Nkoloma Ward Councillor Tasila Lungu has distributed close to 1,000 pairs of new shoes to vulnerable children in Ndola rural.
The beneficiaries were under privileged children from Nselala Community School and Silangwa Primary School in Chief Nkambo’s chiefdom and Chinondo Primary School and Mutaba School in Senior Chief Mushili’s chiefdom respectively.
The gesture was part of her recently launched ‘Going Miles for Smiles’ shoe distribution programme.
Tasila who is also President Edgar Lungu’s daughter has been running for sometime under the Ubulayo Initiative which also focusing on education.
“I must confess that every time I visit the children at the various schools, hand them new shoes, spend time trying to understand the challenges they face and interacting with their parents, it is a blessing,” Tasila said.
“It gives me great pleasure to address these young people of today because I know they will become the responsible citizens of tomorrow,” she said.
She added, I salute the teams of dedicated teachers in these remote settings and appreciate the efforts they put in to better the lives of our young people.”
Caitlin DeVillereceived a YouTube Silver Play Button . The plaque was presented to her for surpassing 100 000 subscribers on YouTube.
Caitlin’s YouTube page is one of the most subscribed (over 200 00) and viewed channels in Zambia with over 43 million plays on her videos! The most viewed video on her page is the Rockabye (Clean Bandit ft Sean Paul & Anne-Marie) cover with an astounding 9 million views!
Subscribe to her official Facebook page and enjoy her videos.
Vodafone Zambia has lauded the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) for the interim measures the organisation has taken in favour of City of Lusaka F.C. in a landmark decision that allows “City Ya Moto” to host league games at its home ground, the Vodafone Stadium.
Vodafone Zambia CEO, Lars Stork said: “The decision by the CCPC is commendable and should be acknowledged as such by all stakeholders interested in the development of Zambian football. Competition is the critical driver of performance and innovation. It benefits consumers by enabling more choice from an array of quality products and services.”
On October 25th, the CCPC directed Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and MTN Zambia (MTN) to allow City of Lusaka Football Club to use the Vodafone Stadium, their home stadium, until investigations commenced by the Commission have been concluded. Further, the Commission has allowed the Vodafone Stadium to be used for other football fixtures such as cup tournaments with immediate effect.
“Investigations thus far have revealed that City of Lusaka and other sponsors have from the 24th of August 2017 to the 4th of October 2017 incurred an estimated total loss of three million seven hundred and thirteen kwacha (K3,713,000) and are likely to lose sponsorship if the status core continues,” read the CCPC press statement in part.
Mr Stork added that the decision was a motivator to other corporate entities looking to elevate the state of Zambian football through sponsorships and other means.
“Like many other corporates, Vodafone is genuinely committed to the growth of Zambian football. For the sport, we all love to flourish, it needs as many partners with as little inhibitions. This is more than a marketing exercise for us, it goes to the very core of our business – ensuring we make a meaningful impact in the communities in which we operate. Therefore, the decision by the CCPC reinforces our commitment to the City of Lusaka as their official sponsor,” said Mr. Stork.
On Wednesday August 23rd, The City of Lusaka Football Club (F.C) announced Vodafone Zambia as their official sponsor in an agreement that gives the next generation operator the sole naming rights of the team’s home stadium, Woodlands.
On my recent trip to Miami, I had the pleasure of experiencing so many different cultures and enjoying their different foods, which I absolutely fell in love with. The flavours, the colours, the freshness, everything was amazing. Miami was incredible, everyone was vibrant and vivacious, such an exciting place to visit; and the food scored very highly in my book. I particularly enjoyed some of the Cuban food that I got to taste, so much so that I wanted to share this Cuban shredded beef, recipe with you.
Servings: Serves 6-8
Ingredients
170g bacon, roughly chopped
900g steak, cut into strips
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 Cuban pepper or 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
170g tomato paste
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp dried oregano
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
118ml dry white wine (optional)
473ml beef stock
1 tin of tomatoes
64g green olives, pitted and halved
1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
32g roughly chopped coriander
Method
On a medium – high heat cook the bacon (render it) in a large pot; and then transfer it to a plate, leaving the fat in the pot.
Season the steak with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add the steak to the pot and cook it until it is all browned on both sides, about 6 minutes; then transfer it to a plate. Now add the onions and peppers and cook them until soft, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste, cumin, thyme, oregano, garlic, and the bay leaf; and cook until lightly caramelized, about 3 minutes. Add wine to the pot and cook, for 1 minute
Now return the bacon and steak to the pot with the stock and tomatoes and boil, reducing the heat to a medium-low heat; cover the pot and cook until the steak is very tender, 2–3 hours.
Finally remove the steak, and shred it (by using two forks to tear the pieces apart or using your hands); return it and add olives and white wine vinegar. Cook for a further 30 minutes, until sauce is slightly thickened, and stir in coriander before serving.
Serving
Serve hot, wit curry rice or plain rice and beans. Enjoy.
Kanta Temba is a Cake maker and decorator|Lusaka Times Food columnist|TV show host
Congolese refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the Nchelenge district in ZambiaCongolese refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the Nchelenge district in ZambiaCongolese refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the Nchelenge district in ZambiaCongo DRC refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the NchelengeCongolese refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the Nchelenge district in ZambiaUNHCR Country Represrntative Ms Pierrne Ayira at Congo DRC refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the NchelengeCongo DRC refugees waiting for food rations at Kenani camp transit centre in the NcheleCongo DRC refugees family meal time at Kenani camp transit centre in the NchelengeCongo DRC refugees family at Kenani camp transit centre in the NchelengeCongo DRC refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the NchelengeCongolese refugees at Kenani transit centre in the Nchelenge district ZambiaCongolese refugees at Kenani transit centre in the Nchelenge district, 90km from the border, where the Zambian government works with aid agencies to help themCongo DRC refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the NchelengeCongo DRC refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the Nchelenge
Congo DRC refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the Nchelenge
The number of asylum seekers entering Zambia have continued to increasing forcing the country to urgently to start looking for a permanent resettlement camp in Nchelenge District in Luapula province to move refugees from the transit centre.
From August to this month of October, over 100 Congolese people on average have been entering Zambia through Chienji border mainly from the northern part of Katanga area of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ministry of Home Affairs Commissioner for Refugees Abdon Mawere disclosed that about 5, 890 Congolese are being kept at Kenani Transit Camp in Nchelenge.
Mr. Mawere said the Zambian government with the help from its partners and stakeholders are providing refugees with basic needs as they plan to relocate them to a permanent camp.
He disclosed that land has been given by chief Chinyembo which will be assessed before constructing camping facilities there.
He said there is an urgent need to move the refugees to a permanent camp because the number has continued to grow on a daily basis stating that the transit centre may not be able to accommodate the huge number.
He also disclosed that moving refugees to a permanent area will help as they need to start a livelihood.
And Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Buleti Nsemukila said government is doing everything possible to host refugees and settle them in camps.
Dr. Nsemukila said the ministry of health has so far deployed mobile hospitals to the transit centre to provide health care services to the refugee.
He said the refugees are screened at the border in Chienji before being transported to Nchelenge noting that the whole process of hosting and providing for refugees require the help of donor as it is an international crisis the country is dealing with.
The PS however reminded Zambians to learn about the importance of peace from what is happening from other country where their citizens are now refugees.
And UNHCR Country Representative Pierrine Aylara has praised Zambia for hosting refugees running away from the neighboring countries.
Ms. Aylara noted that it was not easy to host a huge number of people considering the logistical challenges.
She said international donors should consider increasing Zambia’s humanitarian aid for the country to host the refugees.
She noted that Zambia has in the past been hosting refugees from various country hence the need to support the country.
President Edgar Lungu is today expected to visit refugees at Kenani transit centre in Nchelenge District in Luapula Province.
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema says he considers it a privilege to be invited to speak at the Royal Institute of International Affairs at the Chatham house.
Mr Hichilema who has come under fire from some PF officials for accepting the invitation said Chatham House is a world Leading Think Tank based in London, United Kingdom.
He said several world leaders and some sitting Presidents have been invited in the recent past to speak at the Chatham House on issues such as International Affairs and policy directions.
“We are honoured to be invited too and give our speech at the same Royal Institute of International Affairs, and really we will endeavor to explain how our country can be a true icon of democracy, freedoms, remain economically strong and independent,” Mr Hichilema said from the U.K.
Mr Hichilema who arrived in London on Monday revealed that Her Majesty, The Queen has been the patron of the Royal Institute of International Affairs since her ascension to the throne in 1952.
He said the institute was granted its Royal Charter in 1926 by her grandfather, George V.
“As you may be aware, following an invitation to give a speech by the Royal Institute of International Affairs at the Chatham house, a world Leading Think Tank based in London, United Kingdom, we will as well tomorrow basically state our party’s priorities, role of the opposition parties in democracy among other issues related to good governance,” he said.
“After our speech at the Chatham House, we will then proceed to having interviews with various media houses that have invited us, we will again explain the vision we have for our country, Zambia, and how together we can move it forward and truly become independent on the lines of economic emancipation.”
Congo DRC refugees at Kenani camp transit centre in the Nchelenge
President Edgar Lungu is expected in Nchelenge District in Luapula Province with humanitarian agencies to have an on the spot check of the asylum seekers at Kenani refugee transit centre.
President Lungu is expected to visit the refugee transit centre along with the humanitarian agencies so that together they can scale up intervention measure to refugees entering Zambia on a daily basis.
The President is concerned that the situation concerning refugees might degenerate into a humanitarian crisis if no intervention measure are taken.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda confirmed the President’s visit to the district to Journalist at Kenani Refugee Transit Camp in Nchelenge District today.
Mr. Chanda said the head of state will arrive in the district for his schedule in the morning and return to Lusaka immediately he concludes his scheduled program.
“The President is arriving in Nchelenge tomorrow. He is travelling with different humanitarian actors, the UN, UNHCR and other agencies to come and have an on the spot check on the conditions pertaining to the situation of the refugee crisis,” explained Mr. Chanda
Mr. Chanda stated that the president wants to urge the international community to do more on their interventions to prevent the refuge situation especially during this rain season.
Mr. Chanda said the President is concerned with the conditions of the refugees especially during rain season stating that he will come with medical supply and other things for asylum seekers who are being kept at Kenani camp to avoid any outbreak of diseases associated with large movement of people.
He said the heads of states of the great lakes region are already seeking solutions to the political problems facing Congo DR and the people who are seeking asylum not only in Zambia but also in other neighboring countries.
He said the president is aware that the refugee situation is getting worse every day because the number of asylum seekers entering Zambia per day has kept increasing which may lead to a humanitarian crisis.
He said the president wants the humanitarian agencies concerned with the welfare of refugees to scale up their efforts to forestall the situation before it degenerate into a crisis.
And Commissioner for Refugees Abdon Mawere said currently government is providing basic needs to asyrum seekers and was happy that the head of state was coming to see the extent of the problem concerning refugees.
Mr. Mawere said food, shelter and water is being given on a daily basis but noted that the numbers of refugees are fast increasing which he said requires a solution urgently.
Over 5,800 asyrum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo have entered Zambia through Chiengi border running away from civil war resulting from the political tension necessitated by the incumbent President who has refused to step down and call for an election after his term of office expired over a year ago.
Leaders of the great lakes region met recently in Congo Brazzaville with view to find solutions but the outcome of the meeting remains to be seen.
The Ministry of General Education has implored its workers to stop leaking vital information to the public.
Director for Human Resource Management and Administration in the ministry, Greatson Chipalo says workers should practice confidentiality on matters concerning their work.
Mr. Chipalo says the human resource team should desist from leaking information regarding matters of the ministry adding that such behaviour was a breach of the code of ethics in the civil service.
He was speaking during the provincial teacher recruitment exercise meeting in Chinsali today.
He said the bad practice of disclosing information puts the ministry in an awkward position.
Mr. Chipalo further warned that culprits will be dealt with through the legal process of the law noting that investigations are ongoing to bring the officers breaching the code of ethics to book.
The warning comes in the wake of information circulating on social media about the staff in the ministry that allegedly have forged education and professional qualifications.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe has advised the recruiting team to be objective when carrying out the exercise.
Officially opening the provincial recruiting meeting today, Mr. Nundwe said there was need to take the exercise seriously.
He said the recruitment team has been entrusted to do a sensitive task of recruiting teachers at provincial level and it should therefore, ensure that it conducts the exercise with integrity, patriotism and impartiality.
Mr. Nundwe said anyone who will be biased and entertain irregularities will be held accountable not just to the administration but to the entire government.
He further challenged the team to prioritise the local applicants in Muchinga province during the exercise to avoid unnecessary teacher transfers.
Mr. Nundwe also appealed to the civil servants in the region to stop leaking vital information to the public.
He said leaking information was a serious offence that officers need to avoid.
The provincial teachers’ recruitment meeting is being attended by District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) and Human Resource Officers from all the nine districts in the province.
Wedson Nyirenda has dropped midfielder Chisamba Lungu after omitting him from Zambia’s November 11 home date against Cameroon in their final 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The midfielder from Turkish club Alanyaspor has struggled in Zambia’s last three Group B engagements against Algeria and Nigeria.
Chisamba is the only major omission from the side that will face Cameroon.
But Nyirenda has also called the injured duo of striker Patson Daka of RB Salzburg in Austria and midfielder Emmanuel Banda from Belgium club KV Oostende.
Daka and Banda have been out with injuries since the end of September that saw them miss Zambia’s 1-0 away Group B loss to Nigeria on October 7.
Meanwhile, striker Lewis Macha has been recalled after scoring two goals for current South African PSL leaders Baroka FC.
Nyirenda has however ignored Nkana’s outstanding John Mwengani and instead called the defenders’ bench-warming club mates Boston Muchindu and Moses Nyondo.
Zambia and Cameroon head into their November date battling to finish an honourable number two after Nigeria won Group B on an unassailable 13 points.
Zambia and Cameroon have 7 and 6 points respectively.
Team:
GOALKEEPERS: Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco), Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos)
DEFENDERS: Donashano Malama, Boston Muchindu, Moses Nyondo (all Nkana), Simon Silwimba , Fackson Kapumbu (both Zesco United), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Power Dynamos), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Stopilla Sunzu (Arsenal Tula, Russia)
MIDFIELDERS:Rodrick Kabwe (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa), Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila, John Chingandu (all Zesco United), Emmanuel Banda (KV Oostende, Belgium), Augustine Mulenga, Earnest Mbewe (both Zanaco), Fashion Sakala (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Edward Chilufya (Djurgadens, Sweden), Enock Mwepu (RB Salzburg, Austria)
STRIKERS: Patson Daka (RB Salzburg, Austria), Brian Mwila (Platinum Stars, South Africa), Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Lameck Banda (Nkwazi), Alex Ng’onga (Power Dynamos), Lewis Macha (Baroka FC, South Africa)
First Lady Esther Lungu admires goats when she visited John Enwright’s Rivendale farm in Fisenga Luanshya on Monday, October 30,2017 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Esther Lungu says she will soon unveil a plan in which women will be rearing capital goats for export to Saudi Arabia.Mrs. Lungu says thousands of Zambian women are earmarked to benefit from the annual supply of one million goats to Saudi Arabia.
And the First Lady says once women to begin to be financially well, the cases of Gender Based Violence will reduce because men will see the benefits of their wives doing business.Speaking when she toured Rivendell farm in Luanshya this morning, Mrs. Lungu said the Saudi Arabian deal will also help women to continue providing for their families.
Last year, Saudi Arabia requested Zambia to start supplying one million goats per year to the Middle East country.
However, according to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Zambia only has three million goats countrywide which can only be exhausted in three years once the Saudi Arabian deal is implemented.
First Lady Esther Lungu admires Cassava when she visited John Enwright’s Rivendale farm in Fisenga Luanshya on Monday, October 30,2017 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Meanwhile, proprietor of Rivendell farm John Enright has disclosed that honey produced at the farm is now selling highly in countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique and the United Kingdom.Dr. Enright said his business which is also utilising out grower schemes for cassava farmers, is aimed at benefiting farmers who earn at least 10 thousand Kwacha per month from their individual sales.Dr. Enright also disclosed that he has invented a new type of bee hive which is receiving orders from across the world.
And Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Michael Katambo said government is interested in learning some of the latest farming methods which Rivendell farm is implementing.Mr. Katambo said local farmers in Luanshya are in great need of the methods the farm is using so that they can increase their productivity and earnings.
Caption: Presidential spokesman Amos Chanda flanked by Zambia’s Charge d’ Affaires in Sweden Anthony Mukwita, Bombardier head of rail Christian Bengtsson and head of bids Johan Oldhoff at State House. Picture by Salim Henry. State House.
By Economic.Governance
Zambians hope you brought hot spring investors from Sweden to Zambia.
I don’t know about foreign direct investment. Perhaps Zambia is attracting more from Sweden through the mission there. Investment? That reminds me of something important. At the front page of the Zambian Embassy in Sweden website, there is a picture of Rev. Edith Mutale, then Ambassador in Sweden, presenting her credentials of accreditation to Iceland President Olufur Grimsson in January 2014 who, “Urged the government to make good use of hot springs found in various parts of Zambia and generate geo-thermal energy which is used in the production of various forms of energy including electricity, as the case is in Iceland.” The actual title of the article is, “Zambia is sitting on a Gold Mine.” I hope this investment opportunity was turned into actual investment or is in the process of being so given the good words coming from the outgoing caretaker Ambassador Mutwita as one of the “looking good” achievements. And maybe there are social and educational benefits coming from Sweden.
In terms of trade with Sweden, Zambia is not looking good
But, in terms of trade with Sweden, Zambia is not looking good at 53, Mr. Anthony Mukwita. Sweden and other developed countries will tell you that trade is one simple way to create wealth; that they are tired of providing handouts to countries like Zambia and would rather African countries like Zambia rely more on trade. Zambia’s foreign policy has also undergone transformation, promising more trade promotion than political activities that often inflate the importance of foreign service. Others with strong words will tell you, “Trade or stay poor.” You yourself may have pledged to promote trade in your embassy life. The problem is, when Zambians are not privileged to figures, but only public statements of “looking good,” it is difficult for them to judge the performance of Embassies.
But when figures are made available to them, they are more likely to make better informed points. Looking at statistics, I find that Zambia’s trade with Sweden, a country where you served as Charge Affairs is a bigger joke than trade with South Africa. I found that Zambia’s exports of goods to that country totaled only $3.5 million, yes only $3.5 million or $4 million as reported by Sweden and imports only $53.8 million leading to a trade deficit of -$50.3 million (Figure 1). This is incredibly too low Sir. Zambia cannot look good at 53 with these joke figures, can it? How does the Embassy in Sweden promote Zambia’s trade? Is there a trade promotion plan providing specific targets?
Is Zambia competitive in Sweden among other African countries?
The answer is no. I am sure the Ambassador would say, “We are simply there without bothering about other countries’ performance. We don’t even know how much we export and import. So, why should we know about other Countries? Or no one teaches us these figures, so why are you talking about figures? Or, in any case, headquarters doesn’t bother us about performance. They only post us here to work and none of them ever bothers to contact us after we have left Zambia.” Well, it would important to track competitive performance of other countries. Table 1 below shows that Zambia’s ranking in the African countries exports of goods to Sweden is number 15. Although the exports in absolute values even for other countries are low, to be number 15 is proof of a culture of non-competitiveness.
Table 1: Zambia’s ranking in African countries’ Exports of goods to Sweden in $ Millions
2016
Africa
953
1
Nigeria
492
2
South Africa
175
3
Morocco
86
4
Madagascar
35
5
Egypt
29
6
Ethiopia
24
7
Kenya
23
8
Tunisia
17
9
Côte d’Ivoire
15
10
Congo
9
11
Mauritius
7
12
Tanzania
6
13
Uganda
6
14
Malawi
4
15
Zambia
4
Source: Unctadstat
Sweden’s Ranking in Zambia’s Export Markets
Among Zambia’s export markets in the world, Sweden ranks number 14(Table 2). Please promote Zambia’s to enable Sweden become one of its biggest export markets. You can do this by focusing on non-traditional products. Talk to the business community there to find out what their prospective imports are from Zambia. Find out from the Zambian business community potential export products. Well, now that you are going to Germany, please do a similar thing and try to improve Zambia’s trade which, now, as we reported in the article a few weeks ago is embarrassingly too low. I think you should do more action than talk.
Table 2:Sweden’s’ Ranking in Zambia’s Export Markets in $ Millions
2016
1
Switzerland
2,291
2
China
1,039
3
Dem. Rep. of the Congo
386
4
South Africa
371
5
United Arab Emirates
351
6
Singapore
326
7
United Kingdom
195
8
China, Hong Kong SAR
92
9
India
56
10
Germany
30
11
Luxembourg
23
12
Netherlands
10
13
Belgium
6
14
Sweden
4
Source: Unctadstat
What products is Zambia importing from Sweden?
This question is important because it is here that we can see whether we are importing relevant machinery from that country to boost our industrial development for trade. From Table 2, we can see that from the low amounts of absolute values of $16 million, $5million, etc, this type of machinery is inferior. How can useful machinery be costing $ 20 million or below? I can understand that even if we are not exporting substantial number of products to that country, trade is too sided, meaning at least if we were importing productive machinery and inputs for production, that would justify the Embassy. But in this case, I wonder what the Embassy does.
Table 2: Zambia’s Main Imports from Sweden in $ Thousands
[743] Pumps (excluding liquid), gas compressors & fans; centr.
2,150
[784] Parts & accessories of vehicles of 722, 781, 782, 783
2,070
[742] Pumps for liquids
1,911
[695] Tools for use in the hand or in machine
1,440
[748] Transmis. shafts
1,368
[718] Other power generating machinery & parts, n.e.s.
1,321
Source: Unctadstat
We can have ten Embassies Covered by one Important Embassy
Dear Anthony, we all wish Zambia well and would certainly want it to develop. Your style is to inflate the importance of the steps that the Government is undertaking to achieve that and then shower plenty of praises. Ours is different. We prefer to come out vigorously truthful and with details. You see, the devil likes hiding in the details. All this information that we produce is meant to help Government although we wonder whether leaders even read it or once they do, whether they take it seriously. But, Anthony, the point is, we ought to be a little more serious in the way we do things. Your Embassies must become more competitive and serious. There is a lot of limited foreign exchange going their leaving many innocent and serious Zambians behind hungry. That is why they must be more accountable and results fashioned. It is even better to start thinking of divesting some which are non-productive. For example, Sweden itself could be covered by the Embassy in Germany. All Embassies in the South could also be covered by the Embassy in South Africa. In the East, by the Embassy in Kenya. In the end, we could have at least ten Embassies being covered by one big one. This would save a lot of money and reduce on borrowing from IMF.
