President Hakainde Hichilema says he has instructed that all energy projects in Zambia should be given presumptive approval.

The President adds that all energy projects have to be processed quickly without any obstacles.

President Hichilema said this when he graced the Southern Province Investment and Trade Exposition in Livingstone today.

“For all investors looking for investment in energy, in this room or outside, submit your checklist standing in your way.

“No ZEMA or WARMA to say wait, so that we can end load shedding,” he said.

And President Hichilema says the country is on the right path to achieve one million tonnes of copper production this year.

“We are confident as we increase our exports, as we knock on the doors of one million tonnes of copper this year, never achieved in the history of mining in our country.

“Today we are talking about beef exports, a project we envisioned from opposition and started off by pronouncing beef zones,” the President added.

The Head of State further announced that the first shipment of beef exports would be landing to the customers in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“Before we took public office in 2021, retirement benefits were outstanding for 20 years back. They have all been paid since we came into office. That’s why trade is important. To achieve that, is good leadership, intentional leadership. That’s what this government brings to the table,” he said.

President Hichilema also noted that since the reintroduction of the free education policy, 2.3 million learners have returned to school.

Additionally, the President announced that the cabinet has approved a multi facility economic zone in Monze District of Southern Province that will see the assembling of tractors once operational.

“We will be assembling tractors in Monze very soon. We want to see beef being processed, because of the beef zones we are doing, we want value addition. This means more jobs,” President Hichilema stated.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, described the recently signed Local Content statutory instrument as progressive to both investors and Zambian businesses.

And, Southern Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa, said the province is investing in technology such as irrigation schemes, mechanisation and agro processing industries that will not only boost productivity but also create jobs for the people.

He said the provincial administration is determined to translate policies into tangible outcomes that will build a region which produces and adds value to local products.

And President Hakainde Hichilema has urged traditional leaders across the country to make land available for investment opportunities that will stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of their people.

Speaking in Livingstone today when he officially opened the 2025 Southern Province Investment and Trade Exposition, the Head of State emphasised that investors are eager to establish large-scale projects, particularly in renewable energy such as solar power, within chiefdoms.

He noted that such developments would create jobs, enhance energy access, and accelerate rural transformation.

President Hichilema commended progressive traditional leaders who have already embraced investment partnerships by providing titled land for development.

He cited Chief Mukuni among those who have allocated significant portions of land to investors, enabling the establishment of various infrastructure and energy-related projects.

The President stressed that unlocking land for sustainable investment remains a key driver of Zambia’s economic agenda, as it fosters inclusive participation and ensures that rural communities benefit directly from national development initiatives.

The Southern Province Expo, being held at the Livingstone Golf Club, has attracted local and international investors, exploring opportunities in energy, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.

First Lady, Mutinta Hichilema, has commended the Indian government for its unwavering support to different sectors of the economy in Zambia.

Mrs Hichilema says Zambia and India have not only shared the same political, culture and social aspirations but also committed themselves to upholding democracy and good governance.

Mrs Hichilema was speaking today when she received sewing machines from the Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, Alok Ranjan Jha, in Lusaka.

The First Lady, who thanked the Indian government for the gesture, said the donation reflects the excellent friendship that exists between the two countries.

She noted that the donation also demonstrates the shared vision of empowerment and sustainable development.

“I assure you that this donation will have a positive impact on the lives of many Zambians,” she said.

Mrs Hichilema explained that the gesture will add to the already existing initiatives of empowering and supporting women and youths with skills to sustain their lives.

“We will ensure that these machines will be distributed to beneficiaries who will maximise their utility,” she said.

Mrs Hichilema further assured the Indian government of continued partnerships in the quest to improve the welfare of vulnerable people in the country.

“When countries unite to uplift the vulnerable people, the result is hope in action and dignity for our people will be renewed,” she said.

Mrs Hichilema noted that the donation is more than charity but a way of strengthening the two countries’ relations and collaboration.

And speaking earlier, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Etambuyu Gundersen, said the donation will greatly help in complementing the government’s efforts to economically empower women through skills development and innovation.

Ms Gundersen noted that Zambia and India enjoy warm bilateral relations premised on shared values such as respect for human rights and commitment to principles of democracy and good governance.

She added that the government’s desire is to continue to work towards strengthening these relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

“The government is grateful to the Indian government for its continued support which has contributed greatly to the social economic development of the country,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Zambia Alok Ranjan Jha said his government will continue to support Zambia in different areas, among them offering training and empowering the vulnerable people.

Mr Ranjan Jha noted that this is because of the good partnership the two countries have continued to enjoy.

He explained that the donation aims at supporting Zambia in order for it to also have a rich human resource.

Mr Ranjan Jha added that human resource builds a strong foundation for any country to develop and alleviate poverty.

“This donation, Madam First Lady, has nothing to do with how rich my country is. It is about empowering Zambians to also have a good foundation through skills and that is why we have brought this donation,” he stated.

The Indian government has donated 500 sewing machines and 100 embroidery machines.

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, says the government is committed to strengthening collaboration with China to enhance water and sanitation development in Zambia.

Speaking when a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources paid a courtesy call on him in Lusaka today, Mr Nzovu said the partnership between the two countries continues to yield tangible results in the water sector.

“The government is ready to work with the Chinese people to improve water sanitation in the country,” he said.

He added that ongoing efforts between the two sides are a testament to the strength of their cooperation.

Mr Nzovu cited the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Power China in August 2024, which launched critical planning and research studies for two major projects namely Luapula-Kafue Water Transfer Project and the Comprehensive Water Development Plan for the Kafue catchment.

“These are transformative projects that will redefine water security in Zambia,” he said.

He has meanwhile revealed that another MoU, which will aim at undertaking feasibility studies for the Lunga and Kifubwa dams, will be signed before this year ends.

The MoU will boost irrigation and water supply for the Zambian communities living around the two dams.

Mr Nzovu said the mutual friendship between Zambia and China has enabled both countries to jointly explore opportunities for investment and innovation in water management and hydropower development.

He has since reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to cooperate with the Chinese government on hydropower and renewable energy initiatives to support the development of solar power plants and strengthen the country’s energy mix.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister of Water Resources of China, Wang Baoen, said China and Zambia have enjoyed a long and friendly cooperation in the water sector, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Mr Baoen also said the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources and its affiliated institutions have signed an MoU on small hydropower cooperation with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Patriotic Front member Emmanuel Mwamba has challenged President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent statements regarding the case involving former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji.

Mwamba referenced a 2019 government announcement of a $20 million mortgage financing program to purchase, rehabilitate, and construct properties for diplomatic missions abroad, including new missions in Canberra, Australia and Ankara, Turkey, and rehabilitation of buildings in South Africa, Germany, and Washington.

Detailing the Ankara project, Mwamba stated that the government bought a chancery building for the Zambian Mission in Ankara. In December 2020, $6.8 million was sent as part-payment to the vendor’s lawyers, Burhan Asaf Safak. He stated that in July 2021, after Parliament was dissolved and Joseph Malanji was no longer Minister, a further $2 million was sent. In October 2021, the new government cancelled the purchase of houses but finalized the sale of the Chancery Building at a cost of $8 million, making the total payments $8 million.

Mwamba asserted that Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Director General Nason Banda therefore lied and committed perjury by claiming $11 million was sent to Ankara and that this amount was collected by Malanji and repatriated to Zambia via a presidential plane.

He clarified that during this period, the Gulfstream G650 (AF 001) was the designated Presidential plane, while the Bombardier Challenger 9J-One was no longer a presidential plane. Mwamba stated that ministers used the Challenger for presidential duties, citing Davies Chama and Stephen Kampyongo’s travel to Malawi in June 2020, and Joseph Malanji’s use of it to attend the inauguration of Namibian President Hage Geingob in March 2020. He added that former President Rupiah Banda used the plane for medical trips to Dubai during COVID-19 airspace shutdowns, and that it was also used for duties to Tanzania, Israel, and Turkey.

Mwamba described as “sad reading” President Hichilema’s announcement that he worked to send Malanji to jail by contacting the presidents of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Turkey to secure witnesses and repossess his helicopters. Mwamba accused the President of repeating the “$11 million lie” and of abusing his power by acting as “prosecutor, jury, and judge” against a political adversary.

This rebuttal follows President Hichilema’s recent engagement with UPND Lusaka Province party structures, where he reaffirmed his administration’s stance against corruption. The President announced that property linked to Malanji, including helicopters, would be forfeited to the Zambia Air Force for humanitarian and emergency operations.

“This is the job Zambians gave me, to fight corruption. Anyone stealing from hospitals or government projects is on their own,” President Hichilema said, emphasizing that all recovered assets would be repurposed for public benefit. He stated his administration remains focused on restoring integrity in public service and ensuring no individual is above the law.