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Zambia to waive visa requirement for Israel to boost trade-President Hichilema

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Zambia to waive visa requirement for Israel to boost trade-President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a visa waiver for Israeli nationals entering Zambia.

President Hichilema says the long process of acquiring a visa in itself is an impediment to development between the nations.

The Head of State explained that the removal of visa requirements for Israeli nationals is aimed at facilitating easier business interactions which promote trade and investment.

“Let me take this opportunity to announce something I should have announced when I held talks with President Isaac Herzog, that as Zambia, we are removing the visa requirement for Israeli nationals intending to visit Zambia”. President Hichilema said.

President Hichilema explained that the removal of visa requirements for Israeli nationals is enveloped in the strong diplomatic relationship that continues to exist between Zambia and Israel.

“In view of this announcement, I am now directing for an immediate action plan especially from the Zambian side on how this should be actualised in the soonest “said President Hichilema.

President Hichilema made this announcement during the Israel/Zambia Business Forum in Israel which was being held under the theme “Agro-Business Opportunities, to Guarantee Food Security.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has reiterated his call for more Israeli investment in Zambia especially in the area of agro processing.

Mr Hichilema said the Agro processing sub-sector is key for job creation and value addition.

He said his administration is keen on finding solutions to the high youth unemployment and the general wellbeing of the Zambian citizens hence calling for opportunities that help to enhance the country’s economic performance.

Meanwhile, Israeli Deputy Director General for Economic Affairs Division Yael Ravia Zadok said Israel is inspired by the visionary leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema in fostering economic development.

Ms. Zadok said Israel is keen to partner with Zambia in addressing issues of food security and climate change.

Ms. Zadok has since pledged her country’s support to Zambia in creating economic prosperity.

“Mr. President, your economic cooperation inspires us all and I want to state here that Israel will continue to partner with Zambia in many spheres especially in issues of Agriculture, Technology and Climate Change.

Both Israel-Africa Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ayala Vitner and Zambia Development Agency ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa gave presentations of their respective countries’ investment opportunities.

10 companies mainly from Israel attended the forum

President Hakainde Hichilema was in Israel for a three day state visit at the invitation of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Drop in temperature to last up to August 6- Metrological

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Drop in temperature to last up to August 6- Metrological

The Zambia Meteorological Department says the drop-in temperature and increase in wind speeds is being influenced by a strong high-pressure system over South Africa.

According to the weather forecast issued by the Department, the high-pressure system over South Africa is controlling the airflow from the south east hence the reduction in temperature.

The Department indicated that the drop-in temperature is projected to continue from 2nd to 6th August, 2023.

The changes in weather patterns is expected to induce moist and cool airflow that will lead to an increase in wind speeds with a reduction in temperature.

“The observed increase in winds in most parts of Zambia is as a result of a strong high-pressure system over South Africa that is controlling a strong airflow from the south east and is projected to continue during the forecast period 2nd to 6th August, 2023.”

Meanwhile the weather department has predicted a likelihood of light drizzles in some parts of Muchinga and Eastern provinces.

“Partly cloudy weather conditions are anticipated over Southern, Lusaka, Central, Eastern, Muchinga and Northern Provinces with a likelihood of light drizzle in some parts of Muchinga and Eastern Provinces,” read the weather advisory.

Israeli firm plans to invest $ 100 million in Zambia’s solar and wind energy

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Israeli firm plans to invest $ 100 million in Zambia’s solar and wind energy

An Israeli  based investor, Gigawatt Global, is set to pump in 100 million United State dollars in a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind  power project in Zambia.

Gigawatt Global President and Chief Executive Officer, Josef Abramowitz, disclosed in an interview on the sidelines of the Israeli/Zambia Business Forum 2023 held in Jerusalem yesterday under the theme “Agro-business Opportunities to Guarantee Food Security “.

Mr. Abramowitz said his company is set to inject 100 million United States dollars in developing a 71 Megawatts hybrid solar PV and wind power project Chibombo district in Central Province of Zambia.

Mr. Abramowitz said his company is a multinational renewable energy platform that develops, finances, builds and operates utility-scale PV solar projects in emerging markets.

He said based on their experience as pioneers of the solar industry in Israel, the company’s founders built the first grid-connected solar project in East Africa, an 8.5 MW solar PV plant in Rwanda.

Mr Abramowitz said Gigawatt Global reached financial close on their 8.67MW solar PV project in Burundi in January 2020, with construction now under way.

Mr. Abramowitz said the Chibombo Gigawatt hybrid solar PV and wind project was started in 2018 but the project could not take off due to challenges the energy industry has faced through years.

“Plans to start this project in Chibombo started in 2018 but we could not proceed much with project implementation due to a number of road blocks and other challenges faced and now all is well as things are moving smoothly and ready to roll out our project,” said Mr. Abramowitz.

He said he is happy that the business environment in Zambia has tremendously changed following the change of Government.

Mr. Abramowitz said his company has since obtained the Investment License with Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), the project has already signed an Implementation Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and a number of Grid Impact studies in Topographical have already started.

He added that the company will be moving on site to start full project implementation.

He has since thanked the Government for making it easy for foreign investors to invest in Zambia.

Mr. Abramowitz said his company is ready to work with the Zambian people in the economic development of the country.

“Our company is ready to move in and commence the implementation of the project. We have the money and all we are waiting for is to complete all the formalities,” he said.

On Monday this week, President Hakainde Hichilema called on Israeli investors to consider investing in Zambia.

Mr. Hichilema said Zambia has a conducive business environment to support and promote foreign investment.

President Hichilema said this during a State banquet hosted in his honour by the Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, at the presidential residence in Jerusalem.

President Hichilema, who has since returned home, was in Israel at the invitation of Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel.

While in Israel, President Hichilema attended a meeting on creating an ecosystem for innovation – the Israeli Model at the King David Hotel, Ambassadors Garden Hall.

The President engaged in crucial talks with President Herzog and Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, as well as other high-ranking officials.

The discussions delved into critical bilateral and regional issues, prioritising peace, security, and peace-building initiatives.

Before his departure yesterday, President Hichilema officially opened the Zambia–Israel Business Forum under the theme “Agro-Business Opportunities to Guarantee Food Security.

Govt. assures Chisokone victims of inferno of aid

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Govt. assures Chisokone victims of inferno of aid

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo and Kitwe District Commissioner Lawrence Mwanza have assured the people that have lost property in the Chisone market inferno of government aid.

Mr Matambo said this when he visited the market this morning

Goods worth millions of Kwacha have been gutted as fire swept through the curio section of Chisokone market in Kitwe last night.

The fire, which is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault started from a phone accessories shop, spread to the curio sector affecting a few more shops from the curio section.

Kitwe City Council Fire Brigade reached the scene late as they were attending to another fire accident in Chimwemwe Township involving a house.

And Kitwe District Chairperson for the Association of Vendors and Marketeers (AVEMA) Astone Sakala has since appealed to government and the corporate world to help the traders who have lost property.

Mr. Sakala said over 200 traders have been affected and have nowhere to start from.

And Kitwe Town Clerk Patrick Kambita said the gutted number of shops is only about 5 percent of the total of shops operating in Chisokone contrary to the large numbers circulating on social media.

Mr. Kambita also condemned the people that stoned the council fire brigade vehicle saying the fire fighters could have put off before more shops were burnt.

meanwhile,  immediate former chairperson for the Chisokone Curio section Maurice Chibesa said he has lost everything in the inferno.

Mr. Chibesa appealed to government for support in the form of capital so that the affected traders can restart their business.

Other affected traders who sell second hand clothes Miyanda Banda and Mary Sakala have their stock worth over K9, 000 and K 10,000 respectively.

“We have been left with nothing and we do not have anywhere to start from, we have children to look after and it is through this same business that we are able to take care of our families, we appeal to government to help us,” Ms. Sakala said.

Likili Bus ban to hurt Ikelengi travelers

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Likili Bus ban to hurt Ikelengi travelers

North-Western Province Bus and Taxi owners’ Association Chairperson Leonard Kalume has said the suspension of the road service license for Likili bus will have an adverse effect on the Mwinilunga-Ikelengi route.

 Mr Kalume said Ikelengi district is currently serviced by only one bus therefore a ban will mean people who depend on public transport will stop moving which will affect business.

“Putting a ban on Likili is not a solution, it doesn’t mean that when you put a ban then all the accidents will stop, it’s just a matter of correcting what caused the same accidents” said Mr Kalume.

He said most of the big buses are avoiding the Ikelengi route because of the poor state of the road, therefore, it will be to the disadvantage of the people if the bus was to stop servicing the route.

And Mwinilunga District Commissioner Harrison Kamuna said business people are currently depending on the bus to facilitate their movements to and from Mwinilunga.

Mr Kamuna said government means well for the people of Zambia by suspending the license, however, it is challenging for them as a district to completely stop the bus from going to Mwinilunga because people still need to move.

“All we can say is that Mwinilunga wants even more than five big buses, the buses we have are not enough, we need more buses to service the people of Mwinilunga district” said Mr Kamuna.

The District Commissioner called the Management for Likili motorways to put up measures to ensure no life is lost on the road in avoidable circumstances.

A quick check by the ZANIS crew found the Likili bus still carrying passengers from Solwezi to Mwinilunga-Ikelengi.

Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali on Tuesday stated that government has suspended the road service license for Likili Bus service following the increased records of accidents due to careless driving.

Minister describes Ndola City Council US$200 million land scandal disastrous

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Minister describes Ndola City Council US$200 million land scandal disastrous

Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has described Ndola City Council’s (NCC) loss of 200 million dollars in a land scandal as a disaster.

 Mr. Matambo told journalists at a press briefing in Ndola that the NCC report of land wrangles in Dola hill area is a big scandal as there was no transparency in the joint venture between the council and Henan Guoji Limited Chinese Company.

He said according to the report the Chinese company approached NCC and agreed on a joint venture, where Ndola city council was supposed to provide land and Henan Guoji was to provide capital of 200 million dollars.

He added that as per agreement that was signed on 31 May, 2013 the joint venture resulted in a group of companies where Ndola City Council was supposed to have shares, and Henan Guoji Limited company was supposed to have 73 percent.

“Henan Guoji Company was also supposed to build houses, a shopping mall, a school, and a hospital ,” said Mr Matambo.

He said Ndola city council provided 160 hectares of land to Henan Guoji Limited Company, a few weeks later the land was reduced to 137 hectares because the minister of land wanted to sort the issue with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).

He said the Henan Guoji Limited company was supposed to be transparent by depositing the 200 million United States dollars, but the company did not do so.

Matambo further said Henan Guoji Company limited was given a period of 30 days to start construction, but the period expired without resuming the works.

“Later after Henan Guoji failed to develop the area another agreement was signed to give back 77 hectors of land to Ndola city council and remained with 60 hectares without any payment.

 Henan Guoji Company later gave back 20 hectares to Ndola city council but no amount was paid to the council.

“Part of the land was paid to a law firm as a part of payment for the service it rendered. And that form of agreement is not in the report”, said Mr. Matambo .

He also disclosed that 2.5 hectares was given to one of the senior employees,” he said.

Mr Matambo added that his office will follow the matter until it ends adding that there must be transparency in the way land is allocated.

He appealed to Ndola residents who bought land from the company to come forward to the Copper belt Permanent Secretary to give information about what transpired, because no amount was paid to the council.

David Mwanza from Ndola resident Association Chairperson also appealed to the Copperbelt Minister to allow them to write a report about the information in their report.

“We feel the Council has left out some information in their report” said Mr. Mwanza.

Another Ndola Resident Association Secretary William Sitali called on Mr Matambo to stop the constructions that are underway until the issue is resolved.

He said if the Government does not do so they will take the law in their hands.

A week ago Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo gave a directive to the Ndola City Council to come up with a report on what had transpired concerning the said land in Dola hill.

The Minister, Ndola City Council and provincial land officer had last week visited the said land to assess what was happening on the ground.

Lamentations of a Praise Singer!

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Lamentations of a Praise Singer!

In a video that has since gone viral on several platforms on social media, Lusaka District UPND Information and Publicity Secretary, Matomola Likwanya, lashes out and vents frustrations at the UPND government for what he calls failure on the part of leadership to take care of the welfare of party cadres. This was of course after the Lusaka City Council swung into action and attempted to demolish the Carwash he was trying to mount up along the Tokyo Ring Road in one of the capital’s suburbs. You could see the young man was in great pain. There’s little doubt he had a lot on his mind.

Although we may not agree with the manner Matomola tends to come out on certain issues at times; those in leadership ought to pay attention to the litany of his complaints. Something is definitely amiss somewhere, somehow!

“We would camp at your houses during our days in opposition to provide security to you when PF thugs threatened to attack you or whenever the police attempted to arrest you. We would tirelessly move visit TV and radio stations to defend and explain party policies. We’ve machete scars on our heads……we were hacked with pangas!” cried the outspoken party official.

He goes on to complain that he had to drop out of the prestgious University of Zambia (UNZA) where he was pursuing further studies under the auspices of the distance learning programme as he was condemned to prison for political reasons. He further reminds those in leadership that he and colleagues invested a great deal of time and resources mobilizing for the party although “they’ve now been neglected.”

“We”re suffering…..we’ve no money to pay rent,” he continues. “On a number of occasions, the president has advised us as young people to form companies or cooperatives as a way of generating income. I had to sale my car to invest in this Carpark business.”

There’s no need to pretend; this is a serious indictment on the ruling party, particularly the office of the Secretary General of the party who is of course the Chief Executive Officer! It’s quite interesting that the party can afford to continue keeping quiet when the likes of Likwanya are raising such contentious issues which may expose the party and its government to absolute contempt and ridicule.

Imagine a situation whereby you used to toil with comrades in the trenches eating ‘tute nembalala’ and suddenly you see them move to plush neighbourhoods and chauffeur driven in sleek SUVs as they boast of fat Bank accounts……The earlier the UPND leadership comes to terms with the reality on the ground and devises ways of taking care of its party members, the better! Of course we are not suggesting that UPND must emulate the brutal regime of PF and start dipping their hands into government coffers. There are always better ways of doing this. For instance, the party can introduce a village banking system (Icilimba) where party members can access interest free loans to set up their businesses. Fred M’membe is step ahead in thus regard as he’s already securing scholarships in Socialist states and disbursing empowerment packages to his rank and file.

Don’t ask about where the capital is going to come from; the same way you are asking ordinary members to sacrifice is the same way Cabinet ministers, senior government officials and diplomats must sacrifice part of their income to help those in need!

Matomola says, “We don’t get paid as party officials…….we are just volunteers!” What does this speak to you? He’s probably not the only one complaining. It’s important to keep your members satisfied to avoid outsiders jumping to wrong conclusions.

Remember, 2026 is fast approaching; you will definitely call upon members in Chibolya, Chipulukusu, St. Anthony, Ipafu and many other places where squalor and poverty is the norm to mobilise support for you, disseminate information on your behalf and definitely vote for you!

Forewarned is forearmed! Mulekutika?

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

ZAMRA recalls Indian firm’s medical supplies from market

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ZAMRA recalls Indian firm’s medical supplies from market

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has taken swift action to protect public health by recalling 87 different types of medicines and substances manufactured by Leben Laboratories Private Limited, based in India. The recalled products include injections, tablets, cough syrups, capsules, and ointments, among others.

The decision to recall these medicines came after ZAMRA raised concerns about the quality, safety, and efficacy of products from Leben Laboratories. As a result, ZAMRA has suspended the marketing authorizations for all medicines manufactured by Leben Laboratories for a period of five years.

Makomani Siyanga, the Director General of ZAMRA, expressed grave concerns about the potential risks posed by the Leben Laboratories products currently on the market. In a statement to ZNBC News, he emphasized that the quality and safety of these medicines cannot be guaranteed, and they may pose a significant health hazard to the public.

As a result of the suspension, ZAMRA has made it clear that no product manufactured by Leben Laboratories Private Limited will be allowed in the country during the five-year period. They have called upon all health facilities, pharmaceutical outlets, and members of the public to immediately cease the distribution, dispensing, or use of any product manufactured by Leben.

Government abolishes K3,000 Retention fees, boosting Tourism Industry growth

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Government abolishes K3,000 Retention fees, boosting Tourism Industry growth

The government has taken a significant step to support the tourism industry by abolishing the K3,000 retention fees for tourism businesses. This means that players in the tourism sector will only need to pay the registration fee without the additional retention fee, resulting in a K6,000 saving over a two-year period.

The decision was implemented through two Statutory Instruments: number 23 of 2023 of the Tourism and Hospitality, Accommodation Establishment Standards, Amendment Regulations of 2023, and Statutory Instrument number 24 of 2023 on the Tourism and Hospitality, Licensing Amendment Regulations of 2023.

Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has explained that this move is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in the tourism sector. By easing financial burdens on tourism businesses, the government aims to promote growth and development within the industry.

It’s worth noting that while this retention fee has been abolished for most players in the tourism industry, casino operators will continue to pay the K3,000 annual retention fee.

The Statutory Instruments came into effect on July 19th, indicating that the changes are already in effect.

The abolishment of the retention fees has been positively received by industry representatives. Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) Board Chairperson Daniel Brink sees it as a step in the right direction, and Livingstone Tourism Association Vice Chairperson Mike McNamara welcomes the development, as it is expected to have a positive impact on tourism businesses in the country.

Government to legalize motorcycles for public transport

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Government to legalize motorcycles for public transport

The decision by the government to legalize the use of motorcycles as a form of public transport is aimed at updating outdated laws and recognizing the evolving transportation needs of society. Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayayli has stated that it is premature to impound motorcycles as many of the existing laws might not be relevant anymore.

The move is seen as a positive step, especially for people in rural areas where motorcycles are a common and practical mode of transportation. By legalizing motorcycles for public transport, the government aims to provide more options for citizens to choose suitable transportation methods that can cater to their needs.

President Hakainde Hichilema meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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President Hakainde Hichilema meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

President Hakainde Hichilema engaged in a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss matters of mutual importance between the two nations.

The closed-door meeting at Misrad Rosh HaMemshala touched upon a wide range of subjects that hold significance for both countries and their respective peoples. During the meeting, President Hichilema conveyed his appreciation for the warm and cordial relations that have existed between Israel and Zambia for many years. He emphasized the importance of nurturing and further strengthening this long-standing relationship.

President Hichilema also extended gratitude to President Isaac Herzog and the people of Israel for extending the invitation for his visit, expressing delight at the opportunity to hold discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

In an interview with Israel 24, a local television channel, President Hichilema commended the G20 group of nations for their assistance in facilitating a debt restructuring deal for Zambia. The agreement involved restructuring the debt owed to foreign governments, including China, in an effort to alleviate the country’s financial burden.

Highlighting the priorities for Zambia’s government going forward, President Hichilema outlined a clear focus on trade and investment as key strategies to foster economic growth. This approach reflects the administration’s commitment to exploring avenues that will positively impact the country’s economy and pave the way for sustainable development.

The meeting between President Hichilema and Prime Minister Netanyahu not only provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral issues but also strengthened the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

NUMAW President calls on miners to be patient

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NUMAW President calls on miners to be patient

National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) President Saul Simujika is calling on miners to remain patient as they await the pending announcement of a new investor to take over Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe on Monday said the announcement of a new investor to take over Mopani and KCM will be done soon after negotiations are concluded.

Some people have complained that the Government has taken too long to announce a new investor to take over Mopani and KCM.

Mr Simujika noted that he was hopeful the matter would be concluded soon despite the perceived delays.

He added that NUMAW is expecting the decision of KCM and Mopani to be of great benefit to the mining sector.

“We listened to the Minister, of course everyone was expectant but all we want to say as NUMAW is to tell our members to remain calm, to remain focused. Let our members at Mopani and KCM continue working hard at their respective mines. We know that this announcement might be delayed but definitely a solution would be found. It may not be today or tomorrow but it will be found,” Mr. Simujika said.

“We believe that the Head of State (Hakainde Hichilema) understands the impact or the consequences of KCM and Mopani not running to the expected levels and the impact on the national economy. So I am sure the decision not to make an announcement on Monday was not deliberate, there might be something they are resolving so let us give them a chance to resolve the matter,” he said.

The announcement of a new investor to take over the operations of the two mining giants KCM and Mopani was supposed to be made on Monday July 31, 2023 by Minister Kabuswe.

Middle Management at Mopani Copper Mines Demands Salary Increment as Per Contract

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Middle Management at Mopani Copper Mines Demands Salary Increment as Per Contract

Members of middle management at Mopani Copper Mines in Kitwe and Mufulira are demanding a salary increment which they say was supposed to be effected in January 2023 as stipulated in their contracts.

The workers said they are surprised that they have been omitted from the yearly salary increment as per contract, while those in top management and those working in the lower echelons have had their salaries increased this year.

The aggrieved senior workers have requested adjustment of remuneration while bemoaning the salary margins between middle management and top management saying it is too wide.

In a letter to the General Manager Engineering and General Manager Mining, the workers said they are not being considered for standby allowances and overtime despite their extra working hours.

“Upwards adjustment of senior staff remuneration or conditions of service is required. The salary margins between middle management and top management is too wide, therefore there is urgent need to harmonize salaries in order to at least reduce the existing gap.Senior staff employees are not considered for standby allowances and overtime despite their input in resolving issues on mine equipment, forcing one to do extra work hours,” the workers wrote.

“How soon will Mopani or ZCCM IH consider the welfare of Middle management and if they will, will the arrears be paid since we are now in 8th month without any consideration? There is no formal communication allowed to air remuneration concerns to higher management thereby leaving middle management in suspense on having their issues resolved year in, year out. With the few points raised by middle management we look forward to the issues being resolved amicably without undue conditions.”

Meanwhile, Mopani Head of Public Relations Manager Nebert Mulenga said management was handling the complaints by the senior staff internally.

“The position is that we are actively looking into the matter and we should be able to amicably resolve the situation as soon as we are able to,” Mr. Mulenga told Radio Icengelo News.

And ZCCM IH Public Relations Manager Loisa Kakoma said she was not aware of the complaints by members of middle management at Mopani.

Patients at Zambia Clinic in Solwezi use bush to answer call of nature

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Patients at Zambia Clinic in Solwezi use bush to answer call of nature

Zambia Clinic in Solwezi district is reportedly operating without toilets forcing patients to use nearby houses or bushes.

This is despite the clinic having an ablution block constructed using the 2022 Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The ablution block has not been functional as a result of  lack of a water system at the health facility.

This came to light during the fourth ordinary council meeting held at Solwezi civic center yesterday.

And in responding to concerns raised by Kimasala Ward Councilor Bernard Kakinga, Solwezi Town Clerk Stanley Mbewe said the local authority will install the borehole and a water tank soon.

Mr. Mbewe said the process of procuring the required items is currently underway.

“We are at procurement stage and as soon as we are done, there will be water there, “Mr. Mbewe said.

He said the local authority is also concerned with the health of the patients that seek health services at the facility as well as the staff and the surrounding community.

“I am coming from public health myself and I fully understand what operating without toilets means, we will have those toilets operational before the year ends,” Mr. Mbewe said.

President Hichilema woos Israeli investors

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President Hichilema woos Israeli investors

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Israeli investors to consider investing in Zambia.

Mr. Hichilema says Zambia has a conducive business environment to support and promote foreign investment.

 President Hichilema said this during a State banquet hosted in honour of him and his delegation by the Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, at the presidential residence in Jerusalem last night.

President Hichilema said Zambia is politically stable and safe for foreigners wishing to establish their business in the Central African country.

Mr. Hichilema said Zambia has had peaceful transitions after general elections and he is currently the 7th President.

“May I take this opportunity to invite Israeli investors to consider investing in Zambia because our country is politically stable and safe for foreign investors wishing to invest in Zambia,” said President Hichilema.

The Zambian Head of State said Zambia was more keen on seeing agricultural investment saying this is because Israel is technologically advanced when it comes to agriculture technology.

And Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, says it’s high time that his country increased trade and business with Zambia.

President Herzog said this is because Zambia is slowly becoming a major hub in food security on the African continent.

“Zambia is slowly becoming a major hub for food security on the Continent of Africa” said President Herzog.

President Herzog also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to continue working with Zambia.

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema has paid glowing tributes to the Jewish forefathers for the vision and commitment they had which resulted in the establishment of the State of Israel.

President Hichilema said this when he visited the burial site of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism.

President Hichilema said the Jews fore fathers had a vision despite what happened to them that one day they will reunite and establish the State of Israel.

He said in life it is important to have a dream and a vision adding that this should be supported with action.

“Our Jewish forefathers had a dream and vision that one day they will be reunited and establish the State of Israel and here we are today having this great State of Israel,’ said President Hichilema.

The President also visited Yad Vashem, which commemorates the Holocaust, located on the West of Mount Herzl in West Jerusalem and laid a wreath before proceeding to another museum for 1.5 million children who died during the period of the Holocaust.

President Hichilema is in Israel on a three Day State Visit at the invitation of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Israel is ranked as the 4th most successful economy among developed countries.

The IMF estimated Israel’s GDP at US$564 billion and its GDP per capita at US$58,270 in 2023 (13th highest in the world).

The population of Israel is edging toward 10 million, making it a dozen times larger than it was on the day the Jewish state was established, according to figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) of Israel.

There are 9,727,000 people living in Israel, the CBS said of those, 7,145,000 are Jewish, or 73.5 percent, along with 2,048,000 Arabs (21%) and 534,000 members of other minorities (5.5%).

Israel’s major economic sectors are high-technology and industrial manufacturing.

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