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10 human rights lawyers back Chief Justice over gay rights in Zambia

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10 human rights lawyers back Chief Justice over gay rights in Zambia

About 10 human rights lawyers have backed Chief Justice Mumba Malila’s call to respect the right of Homosexuals in Zambia.

The lawyers say homosexuals are entitled to all rights provided in the Constitution which include freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, privacy, equality and dignity.

The lawyers are of the view that fundamental freedoms should be enjoyed by all people, grounded on the principle of equality and non-discrimination, and elevated above the capricious whims of the majority.

They said gay people do not enjoy the rights as a gift from the majority but rather by virtue of being human.

“We, the undersigned human rights lawyers, write to express our solidarity with Chief Justice Mumba Malila who has come under extensive attack following his remarks about the need to respect the human rights of gay people in Zambia. On 22nd September 2023, Justice Malila delivered a public lecture at the University of Zambia as part of the events to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Supreme Court. During the lecture, he was asked a specific question about his view on the rights of gay people considering the national debate on the same. It was in this context that he shared his view that it is absolutely wrong to discriminate against gay persons and that they should not be afforded less rights as they do not lose their humanity by virtue of their sexuality.

Following this statement, News Diggers published a front-page story “Respect Gay Rights-Chief Justice” and an editorial “Chief Justice Malila’s defence of gay rights is confusing”, in which they criticize the Chief Justice. This has been followed by several statements on social media calling for the Chief Justice to vacate his office for expressing such a view,” they stated.

The lawyers further said the Chief Justice simply stated the current position of constitutional rights in Zambia, echoing the basis on which rights are celebrated and enjoyed everywhere in the world.

Among the lawyers who have backed the Chief Justice include Dr O’Brien Kaaba, Linda Kasonde,Professor Muna Ndulo, Josiah Kalala, Professor Evance Kalula, Dr Chanda Chungu and Gracious Miti.

Others are James Kayula, Chipo Mushota Nkhata, Dr Misozi Lwatula, Bright Kaluba, Daniel Libati, Susan Clayton, Landilani Banda, Alfred Mumba, Kangwa Chishimba, Kafula Kasonde and Chilambe Mpanga.

ZAMSTATS Poverty Assessment Report Misconstrued -Kasanda

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ZAMSTATS Poverty Assessment Report Misconstrued -Kasanda

Government has responded to recent interpretations of the latest Poverty Assessment in Zambia report by the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS), emphasizing the importance of understanding the report within its proper context. Chief Government Spokesperson Chushi Kasanda addressed the issue, seeking to provide clarity on the matter.

Ms. Kasanda highlighted that the report, which is the eighth Living Conditions and Monitoring Survey conducted in June and July 2022, captures trends in living conditions based on developments in the economy and their impact on living conditions between 2015 and August 2021. She stressed that these statistics reflect a period prior to the implementation of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s first budget.

Kasanda pointed out that during the survey’s data collection, the UPND administration had only been in office for six months. She explained that the initial period after the UPND assumed office, from August to December 2021, was dedicated to organizing the new government’s priorities.

The Chief Government Spokesperson assured Zambians that the report confirms the government’s understanding that living conditions before the UPND’s implementation of reforms were challenging. She attributed this to the policies pursued during that period, which had limited positive impact on the well-being of the country’s citizens.

Kasanda reiterated the UPND administration’s commitment to resetting the economy through new public policies that prioritize the well-being of Zambian citizens. She stressed that if public policies do not address the well-being of their primary beneficiaries—the people—they should be replaced with more effective alternatives.

The fight against poverty remains a central focus for the new government, according to Ms. Kasanda. She explained that efforts to reset the economy are designed to ensure prudent management of public resources and job creation, aligning with international goals, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to which Zambia is committed.

Ms. Kasanda encouraged Zambian citizens to study government public pronouncements as they contain the policies intended to address their concerns. She urged everyone to avoid dwelling on issues of little value and instead engage with government initiatives that can bring meaningful change to the lives of the people.

ECL challenged to return to active politics instead of hiding under guise of attending church

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ECL challenged to return to active politics instead of hiding under guise of attending church

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has issued a challenge to former President Edgar Lungu, urging him to reenter the realm of active politics instead of seeking refuge under the guise of attending church services. This call was made by Cornelius Mweetwa, the UPND National Spokesperson and Southern Province Minister, during his address in Nyawa, Kazungula district.

Mr. Mweetwa emphasized that Edgar Lungu retains the democratic right to reengage with the political landscape of Zambia. This assertion highlights the principle of inclusivity and democratic participation that forms the cornerstone of Zambia’s political system. He said in a vibrant democracy like Zambia’s, political leaders, including former presidents, have the liberty to contribute to the political discourse, share their insights, and partake in electoral processes if they so choose.

The occasion for this call was the 2023 Guta Mwenze Bbwe traditional ceremony of Chief Nyawa, which Mr. Mweetwa graced with his presence. During his address to the gathered audience, Mr. Mweetwa also took the opportunity to shed light on the government’s commitment to supporting traditional leaders throughout the nation. This support encompasses various aspects of their requirements, including the construction of palaces, provision of transportation facilities, and establishing vital linkages with agricultural support organizations.

Mr.Mweetwa said this commitment to the welfare of traditional leaders underscores the government’s acknowledgment of their vital role in maintaining social cohesion and fostering development at the grassroots level. Traditional leaders are often the custodians of cultural heritage and serve as intermediaries between their communities and government institutions, making their support and empowerment crucial for the nation’s progress.

Additionally, Chief Nyawa, in response to the government’s actions, expressed gratitude for the realization of campaign promises. These promises encompassed a range of essential services, including the provision of maternity annexes, the construction of classroom blocks, and the distribution of desks to schools. Such actions demonstrate the government’s dedication to improving the quality of education and healthcare, particularly in rural areas, which is paramount for national development.

Power Dynamos Miss Opportunity To Go Top of The Log

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Champions Power Dynamos missed a chance to open a two point lead at the top of the Super Division table after a 2-2 draw against Zesco United at home in Kitwe.

Power on Sundays gave up a 2-0 lead to draw against former league champions Zesco at Arthur Davies Stadium.

Forward Austin Muwowo and Andy Boyeli scored for Power and Zesco’s netted through Kelvin Mubanga and Abraham Siankombo.

Power are second on the table with nine points while Zesco are number three on eight points.

Muza top the table with a superior goal difference over Power.

Muza on Sunday thumped Green Eagles 4-0 in the Southern Province derby.

FIFA Officially Hands Over Renovated David Kaunda Stadium to Government

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FIFA Officially Hands Over Renovated David Kaunda Stadium to Government

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has formally handed over the fully refurbished David Kaunda Stadium to the Zambian government in Chipata, Eastern Province. The extensive renovation project, which commenced last year, absorbed approximately $300,000 in funding.

During the handover ceremony in Chipata, the Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, expressed gratitude to FIFA for their support and pledged the government’s commitment to further upgrading the stadium to cater to international matches. Minister Nkandu also revealed the government’s vision to transform the stadium into a multipurpose facility.

Rehabilitated David Kaunda stadium in Chipata,Photo credit: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)

“We are thankful to FIFA for the support, but as a government, we pledge to continue from where FIFA ended. We pledge to dedicate resources to the continued upgrading of the stadium,” he affirmed, calling on other cooperating partners to join in advancing the cause of sports infrastructure development.

Minister Nkandu stressed the importance of quality infrastructure in promoting sports, noting that it not only encourages mass participation but also enhances sporting activities.

Furthermore, he challenged authorities responsible for Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to consider allocating resources for the development of sporting infrastructure within their constituencies.

David Fani, the FIFA Southern Africa Regional Office Lead, commended the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for their prudent investment of FIFA-provided funds in infrastructure development across the nation. He emphasized FIFA’s commitment to assisting member associations with financial resources to advance the sport.

Fani expressed FIFA’s expectations that the upgraded stadium would significantly benefit the football community, not only in the Eastern Province but also throughout the entire country.

Rehabilitated David Kaunda stadium in Chipata,Photo credit: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)

FAZ President Andrew Kamanga echoed the sentiment that football infrastructure development was crucial for the sport’s growth. He highlighted the completion of the David Kaunda Stadium project as a monumental step in the evolution of football in Zambia.

Kamanga further elaborated on the extensive renovations, which included work on the pitch, dressing rooms, stands, and other critical areas. He proudly stated that the stadium’s current state allows it to host international matches, opening new horizons for football enthusiasts.

The handover ceremony was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Eastern Province Minister Peter, Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri, who is also the Chipata Central Member of Parliament, Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts Permanent Secretary Chama Fumba, and Chipata City Mayor George Mwanza, among others.

Rehabilitated David Kaunda stadium in Chipata,Photo credit: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)

Government Prioritizes Road Construction to Boost Development,

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Government Prioritizes Road Construction to Boost Development,

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritize road construction and rehabilitation as a means to accelerate national development and foster connectivity among districts through an extensive road network.

During an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works on the Manyinga-Mwinilunga road, Vice President Nalumango emphasized that road infrastructure development not only improves transportation but also generates employment opportunities for local communities and enhances trade activities.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango in Manyinga District,North Western Province inspecting the roads among other government projects

“As the new Dawn government, we have chosen to invest our resources in economically viable projects such as road construction and rehabilitation, rather than funneling funds into the hands of a select few,” stated Vice President Nalumango.

She went on to highlight the economic significance of the Manyinga-Mwinilunga road, describing it as a crucial corridor for trade and commerce. Once completed, this road is expected to stimulate business activities, thereby promoting the overall development of Manyinga District and the surrounding communities.

Furthermore, Senior Chief Sikufele, the traditional leader of the Mbunda-speaking People of Manyinga and Kabompo districts, expressed his gratitude to the government for including Manyinga in its developmental programs. He praised the government’s efforts in providing opportunities for local youth through nationwide recruitments in sectors such as health, education, and the military.

Senior Chief Sikufele also noted the positive impact of government empowerment initiatives, including the Social Cash Transfer Empowerment Programme and Cooperative Grants accessed through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). These programs have been instrumental in supporting elderly and vulnerable community members.

Additionally, he commended the government for its role in restoring peace and unity across the nation, emphasizing the contrast with the previous regime’s divisive politics.

“With the UPND government, we are witnessing significant progress in terms of unity and peace, unlike the previous government, which perpetuated tribal politics, division, and hatred,” Senior Chief Sikufele stated.

Line-Of-Rail Tourism: A threat to Zambia’s Community Development

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Line-Of-Rail Tourism: A threat to Zambia’s Community Development

By Arnold Chasaya

While all national parks along Zambia’s line-of-rail have continued to receive first-born’s investment attention, countless more national parks that are miles away from the so-called line-of-rail have received only political sympathy–not even empathy.

This is at the expense of the undoubted economic potential the marginalised national parks present before our own eyes.

PARTICULARS

Nsumbu National Park is one of the many economically viable national parks that have been sacrificed for the expansion of only a few national parks located in the reach of “city bakeries”.

The national park lies on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika, Northern Zambia. It covers about 2000 km² and has 80 km of lake shore.

Besides its rich biodiversity, Nsumbu National Park is special because of one particular asset: the Kasaba Bay!

Kasaba Bay was one of Dr. David Kaunda’s favourite working holiday and private retreat destinations.

“Dr. Kaunda often travelled to Kasaba Bay, which was a Presidential Lodge, for retreat, where some historical decisions and policy directives where announced” (Lusaka Times, 2022).

DEPTH OF THINGS

While the national parks along the so-called line-of-rail have been glorified so much for so long, many of them hardly showcase rare animal species whose sighting every tourist would want to keep spending dollars on, such as the Blue Duiker, a forest dwelling species unique to a countable number of national parks in Zambia, such as the Nsumbu National Park.

Other rare species you can only find in these marginalised national parks are small predators such as serval and side-striped jackal, notes Philip Briggs on Safari Bookings.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

For Zambia’s tourism sector to expand and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development, we need an immediate change of mindset at central government level.

What do I mean? Government needs to invest in integrating these marginalised national parks in its planning. But before that integration is done, government needs to appreciate that these national parks have selling points unique to their locations; therefore, the integration should not use the same measuring scale across. What may work for the Lower Zambezi National Park may, terribly, fail to work for the Nsumbu National Park.

BIASED REPORTING

It’s so disappointing to note that in its Tourism Statistical Digest, which is a critical document…, the Ministry of Tourism takes a somewhat biased approach in reporting numbers–a practice that favours only the so-called “top 5 national parks”, which are Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lusaka national parks.

For example, in the 2021 edition of the Tourism Digest, only the five national parks received the usual first-born treatment, at the expense of the many potent national parks located in marginalised rural communities of the country.

This biased approach threatens the growth or Zambia’s tourism sector because it presents an inconclusive picture about tourism numbers–a picture that results in selective planning.

Vubwi woman stabs husband’s “chick”

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Vubwi woman stabs husband’s “chick”

A 28-year-old woman of Vubwi district in Eastern province, is battling for her life in Chipata Central Hospital after being stabbed in the stomach by another woman following accusations of infidelity.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Limpo Liwyalii, has confirmed the incident in Vubwi in a statement identifying the victim as 28-year-old Judith Phiri of Chigwaya village in Chief Pembamoyo’s area.

Mr Liwyalii said the incident happened on Saturday September 23, 2023.

He revealed that the victim sustained a deep cut on the right side of her torso after being stabbed with a knife by her 29-year-old counterpart Margret Nyambi of Kalikongwe village.

And the husband to the accused, Isaac Mwale, said the incident happened after his wife went looking for him at the house of the victim, who is his girlfriend.

Mr Mwale, who is also a Councilor for Vubwi central narrated his side of story stating that on Friday he had gone to visit a friend in Mzebe area where he spent a night and returned to Kalikongwe village the next day but did not go straight home.

He added that he only learnt of the incident from the sister to the victim whom he spent a night with in Kalikongwe village.

“I accept that this girl and I have something, so it looks like it was a preconceived idea from my wife to hurt her,” he lamented.

And an eye witness, Bertha Mwale, said after stabbing the victim, Ms Nyambi ran and hid in the nearby bushes but only returned with an intention of hiding in a group of people that had gathered to see the woman who had been stabbed and was calling for help.

Ms Mwale said Ms Nyambi was later identified and arrested because a knife which was stained with blood dropped out of her chitenge.

“After she came out of the bushes, a blood stained knife fell from her Chitenje and people singled her out,” she said.

The victim was later rushed to Chipata Central Hospital where she is receiving medical attention while her attacker is in police custody.

Police Warn Against Political Activism During Former President Lungu’s Jogging

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Police Warn Against Political Activism During Former President Lungu’s Jogging

The Zambia Police Service has issued a stern warning, stating that it will not permit former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to continue his routine jogging with scores of Patriotic Front (PF) members. In a statement released by Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, it was made clear that PF members intending to join Mr. Lungu on his jogging program should notify the police in advance.

The Police expressed strong disapproval of the way last Saturday’s jogging event was conducted, describing it as an “unlawful assembly” and “political activism.” Mr. Hamoonga emphasized that Mr. Lungu’s jogging program should be carried out with his security detail and without any political activism.

“The Zambia Police Service has noted with concern the unlawful assembly and political activism that was conducted by Patriotic Front cadres on Saturday, September 23, 2023, when the Former President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu was conducting his morning jogging routine,” stated Mr. Hamoonga.

“We would like to warn the Patriotic Front cadres that public gatherings or demonstrations, including political events, should be notified to the police as by law established. Failure to do so amounts to a breach of the law. This is to ensure public safety, traffic management, and to prevent disruptions to the daily lives of citizens,” he added.

Mr. Hamoonga concluded by stressing that any future processions involving a former Head of State, such as Mr. Lungu, should strictly adhere to security protocols and should refrain from any form of political activism. The police are determined to maintain law and order and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

Message For Today: Stay on the High Road

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Message For Today: Stay on the High Road

Today’s Scripture

When Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the LORD blessed him.
Genesis 26:12, NLT

Stay on the High Road

Friend, in Genesis 26, Isaac was living among the Philistines in a time of great famine. He stepped out in faith and sowed seeds despite the drought, and God blessed him with a hundredfold harvest. He became a wealthy man, with large flocks of sheep and great herds of cattle. He was blessed so abundantly that the Philistines became jealous. All was well with the Philistines until Isaac’s business took off. They first clogged up Isaac’s wells, then the king told Isaac he had to move because he was too powerful. Isaac could have argued, could have started a fight, but he understood that with the blessing comes persecution. He kept his peace, moved on, and God brought him into a better place.

When God brings blessings on your life, someone will be jealous and try to stir up trouble. Stay on the high road. Don’t pay attention to the criticism of small-minded people. When you refuse to get bent out of shape, nothing can keep you from the abundance that belongs to you.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for the promise to bless me right where I am, even when I face opposition and ridicule. I believe that You will multiply me even in the midst of famine. I receive Your peace and declare that I will stay on the high road and avoid conflict. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

[Joel Osteen Ministries]

Over 17,000 Girls in Mkushi to be vaccinated against HPV

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Over 17,000 Girls in Mkushi to be vaccinated against HPV

17,480 girls have been targeted to be vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in a vaccination exercise which starts on September 25 in Mkushi district.

District Administrative Officer, Lucy Chilanga, emphasized the need to create awareness on the exercise in order to increase vaccine uptake.This came to light during the HPV campaign advocacy meeting held at Mkushi District Health Office.She called upon stakeholders to encourage eligible girls to get vaccinated against HPV by addressing misconceptions about the vaccines.

Ms. Chilanga noted that vaccination is important as it helps prevent HPV infection and subsequent diseases like cervical cancer.

“Let’s ensure correct information is given as we create awareness on the program for the good of our girl child,” she said.

Mkushi District Maternal Neonatal and Child Health Coordinator, Cleopatra Kangwa added that the vaccine has been proved to be safe and effective in preventing HPV infections, and hence reduces the incidence of cervical cancer and other anogenital cancers.

She, however, noted that the HPV vaccine does not prevent pregnancies or protect against HIV.
She explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the use of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls since it is more efficacious if administered before sexual debut, and prior exposure to the virus.

“The key is to vaccinate girls before they are sexually active, because HPV is sexually transmitted,” she said.

The HPV vaccination campaign will prioritize coverage in the primary target population of girls within the age range of 9 to 14 years.The campaign is expected to be conducted from 25th September to 30th September, 2023.

Arresting Former First Lady was wrong-PAC President, Andyford Mayele Banda

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Arresting Former First Lady was wrong-PAC President, Andyford Mayele Banda

By Andyford Mayele Banda
PAC President
Disclaimer: I have never ever met H.E. ECL on one on one basis for personal discussion. I have never ever met former first lady Esther Lungu in my life. I don’t have any personal relationship with any member of the family. I have never been a member of PF and never worked with them. I have a little note though and these are my earnest feelings.

Former first lady Madam Esther Lungu has been formally charged and arrested on among others counts the notorious theft of Motor Vehicle. I can’t imagine what’s going on in the Lungu family. A wife, a woman is the pillar of the house. The question is did she really steal the vehicle or the flawed laws are being used for imingalato?

our laws are flawed in most cases and in politics these laws are being used to punish people. Why would Madam Esther Lungu stage a robbery to steal a car when her husband a former President is entitled to vehicles for the rest of his life?

Look people empathy is important. No one should be exempted from the law. But our laws are flawed in most cases and in politics these laws are being used to punish people. Why would Madam Esther Lungu stage a robbery to steal a car when her husband a former President is entitled to vehicles for the rest of his life?

This is the same things I have said before, we are not different from the colonialists or apartheid regime leaders who created laws to punish people. Now I am not saying these laws have been created now. But why behave like everyone using flawed laws to punish people? No, this is not right. Charge her with other things not theft of motor vehicle. No people. No this is not right.

Esther Lungu despite whatever the Lungu family has done right or wrong has been our mother. The only close association she has to politics is supporting her husband. No people. I am so touched that a former first lady like a reserved mother like Esther Lungu can be subjected to sleeping in cells on things that could have been discussed and resolved.

Look why can’t we learn from the past that power is not permanent. Why is it that almost everyone who comes to power thinks that they can do as they wish because they feel they will be in power forever through them or their surrogates ? Like I said before if any leader does not focus on alleviating problems or poverty in the country, Zambia will vote them out no matter how many people they arrest. We have seen this before. Learn from it. At the moment Zambians are more focused on dealing with economic issues. They also want corruption to be dealt with not just in the past but even in the current.

I am so sorry mum Esther Lungu that you are being subjected to this. Its not difficult for anyone to tell that the only crime you have committed in Zambia is being married to former President H.E. Edgar Lungu. I am so sorry that our country is still being led like we are in colonialism. May God grant you the strength and fortitude you need in this trying time.
Sorry

Former Vice President Enoch Kavindele to head SADC Electoral Observer Mission to Eswatini

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Former Vice President Enoch Kavindele to head SADC Electoral Observer Mission to Eswatini

The Southern African Development Community Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has initiated the deployment of observers to four regions within the Kingdom of Eswatini. This move comes in anticipation of the General Elections scheduled for September 29, 2023, in Eswatini.

Heading the SEOM delegation, Enock Kavindele, affirmed that the forthcoming elections in Eswatini are in accordance with the nation’s legal framework as dictated by the Kingdom’s constitution. The election process is governed by a comprehensive set of relevant laws, including the Elections and Boundaries Commission Act, the Voter Registration Act, and the Elections Act.

In an official statement released by SADC, Mr. Kavindele urged all stakeholders involved in the electoral process to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, freely, fairly, transparently, and credibly. He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear or bias, encouraging active participation in the political process.

Furthermore, Mr. Kavindele provided guidance to the deployed observers, stressing the need for them to maintain an objective approach and exhibit maturity, diplomatic tact, discretion, and a deep understanding of the constitutional and cultural dynamics within the Eswatini community.

He underlined the significant role that observers play in the electoral process, emphasizing their responsibility in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the elections. Their presence and impartiality serve as a vital component in upholding democratic values and principles during the electoral proceedings.

MPs Urged to Familiarize Themselves with Reformed National Budgeting System

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MPs Urged to Familiarize Themselves with Reformed National Budgeting System

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, has called upon Members of Parliament (MPs) to acquaint themselves with the reformed national budgeting system, emphasizing the transition from activity-based to output-based budgeting in recent years. Ms. Mutti highlighted this significant shift, which has been facilitated through the enactment of the National Planning and Budgeting Act of 2020.

Addressing MPs during a social sector analysis training workshop, Speaker Mutti stressed the importance of sector-specific budget analysis as a means to strengthen Parliament’s role in the budget approval process. She emphasized that this approach would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of budget allocations across various sectors.

Furthermore, Speaker Mutti noted that the transition process included a pilot exercise in 2022 involving two parliamentary committees: the Committee on Agriculture, Lands, and Natural Resources and the Committee on Energy, Water, Development, and Tourism. This pilot phase, she explained, is set to continue as part of the scrutiny process for the 2024 budget estimates, with an additional five committees to be included.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali, expressed her satisfaction with the Zambian government’s commitment to expanding the social sector budget, particularly in areas such as health, education, and social protection. This reflects a positive development toward addressing critical social issues in the country.

Meanwhile, Herrick Mpuku, Executive Director of the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), highlighted the pivotal role of Parliament in economic management. He stressed that MPs play a crucial part in the development and approval of the national budget, as well as in closely monitoring and controlling government expenditure. Dr. Mpuku emphasized the necessity of equipping MPs with the tools and knowledge required to scrutinize the national budget effectively, ensuring a balanced approach between expenditure and revenue.

As Zambia continues to refine its budgeting system and enhance parliamentary oversight, these developments are expected to contribute to more effective governance and resource allocation, ultimately benefitting the nation’s citizens.

Blueberry Exports to China Opens Lucrative Market for Farmers

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Blueberry Exports to China Opens Lucrative Market for Farmers

President Hakainde Hichilema showcased what the results of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China would look like, granting Zambian farmers access to the world’s largest market for fresh blueberries. This significant achievement is poised to provide a substantial boost to the nation’s horticulture industry, marking a new era of agricultural opportunities for Zambia.

The MOU, signed during President Hichilema’s visit to China, cements a vital partnership that promises to stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of Zambian farmers. Under this agreement, Zambia will be able to export its locally grown blueberries to China, tapping into a market that imported a staggering 43,000 Metric Tonnes of blueberries in 2022 alone.

President Hichilema, who has been a vocal advocate for the development of Zambia’s agricultural sector, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking achievement. He said, “Farming is not just a way of life; it is a business that can drive our economy forward. This MOU with China opens up a world of opportunities for our farmers. We are ready to take our agricultural products to global markets and showcase the high quality and exceptional taste of Zambian blueberries.”

This significant market linkage is poised to have several positive impacts on Zambia’s agricultural landscape:

1. Economic Growth: The export of blueberries to China is expected to boost Zambia’s GDP, create employment opportunities, and generate foreign exchange earnings. Increased economic activity in the horticulture sector can contribute significantly to the nation’s overall economic development.

2. Income Generation: Zambian farmers, especially those involved in blueberry cultivation, stand to benefit immensely from this market access. The demand for fresh blueberries in China presents an opportunity for farmers to increase their income and improve their living standards.

3. Technological Advancements: As the demand for blueberries grows, farmers are likely to adopt modern farming techniques and technologies to meet international quality standards. This could lead to improvements in agricultural practices across the country.

4. Diversification: This partnership marks a significant step in diversifying Zambia’s export portfolio. Reducing reliance on traditional commodities and exploring new markets for non-traditional products is a strategy that can bolster the nation’s resilience in international trade.

5. Strengthening International Relations: Beyond economic benefits, the MOU strengthens diplomatic ties between Zambia and China. It underscores the value of collaboration and cooperation in addressing mutual interests and challenges.

With Zambia’s agricultural sector poised to become a cornerstone of the country’s economy, this MOU aligns perfectly with President Hichilema’s vision of transforming farming into a thriving business venture. It not only opens doors for Zambian blueberry farmers but also sets a precedent for other agricultural products to enter the global market.

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