A TEAM from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected in the country at the end of October to discuss the planned rescue package for Zambia, Minister of Finance Felix Mutati has disclosed.

The IMF plans to provide a monetary aid package of between US$1.2 billion and US$1.5 billion to help re-energise the economy.

Mr Mutati said the revival of Zambia’s economy will require prudent fiscal management with Government placing emphasis on the removal of unnecessary subsidies.

He said Government has since started working on modalities for engagement with the institution.

Mr Mutati told journalists on the sidelines of the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services second international conference yesterday that Government is also working on an economic plan that will help to rescue the economy that has been grappling with fiscal deficits on the back of fluctuating commodity prices on the global market.

“Our strategy is clear. First of all, we need to construct a home-grown recovery programme with the key elements that are troubling the economy as a platform for engaging with IMF. The strategy is that we need to secure a stable recovery platform to grow the economy,” he said.

He said as Government plans to take the economy to sustainable levels, reducing the fiscal deficit remains crucial as it will help reduce government borrowing and further bring down interest rates prevailing in the financial market.

Mr Mutati admitted that the infrastructure development programme has contributed to government borrowing, thus the need to re-sequence the programme to ensure that infrastructure needs do not out-weigh other economic needs.

Government plans to reduce subsidies, which are largely benefitting the rich at the expense of the poor.

“Subsidies are benefitting the well-to-do at the expense of the marginalised citizens, whose socio-economic programmes such as health and education have had to be stopped to facilitate subsidies.

“The other subsidies that enhance our economic activities, particularly those in agriculture, will be reformed to ensure effectiveness and efficiency,” he said.

Mr. Mutati says the key objective of reducing fiscal deficit is to put in place measures to reduce subsidies and enhance economic activity.

He also says Government intends to work closely with the Central Bank to normalise fiscal conditions and develop a roadmap to gradually dismantle arrears owed to suppliers of goods and services.

Mr. Mutati said this when he officiated at the 2nd Annual Conference on Banking and Finance which is underway at Lusaka’s Hotel Intercontinental.

Meanwhile, Zambia Institute of Bankers and Financial Services President Cephas Chabu says Zambia’s aspiration to transform into a middle-income can be achieved if the country becomes more financially inclusive.

Mr. Chabu further said the Country needs to adopt best practices of financial inclusion implemented by other countries in order to foster economic development.

And Leonard Mwanza, who spoke on behalf of the Chairperson for Bankers Association of Zambia, appealed to Government to put in place policies that favour the expansion of banking services to the financially excluded.

Mr. Mwanza further urged Government to consider giving a waiver on taxes on Point of Sales machines, ATMs as well as other equipment which can be set up in far flung areas of the Country, in order to capture the large population of the unbanked.

The 2 days Annual Banking and Finance Conference is being held under the theme “Financial Inclusion – Exploring Regional Best Practices” and has been organised by the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services.

The Cypher Clash is a freestyle Hip Hop competition brought to you by The Effycom Group , that is designed to unearth the hidden talent of Zambia in the Hip Hop genre.

The aim is to not only showcase but educate and develop true Hip Hop talent and help maintain the essence of what it means to be a Hip Hop artist. The essence of Hip hop is to understand your struggle, your highs and lows in the journey of your life, your surroundings and the world at large; and vocalise it as a means of encouragement towards others and self expression. Hip hop is the movement that brings to light issues that are not normally addressed in society, the youth are susceptible to public opinion and the media, if there is no guiding voice to help them understand what it means to be in whatever situation they are in be it good or bad, without bias, and without judgment. Hip hop works as a vessel to reach out to vulnerable individuals and give them a true voice, it works as a platform to keep troubled individuals out of the arms of the law, and it provides a safe haven for them to feel free to express their opinions and thoughts and feelings. Hip Hop also serves as an asset to society if embraced well; many youth will be in a position to not only pursue their dreams as Hip hop artists and have thriving careers, but many more will be able to gain employment through the various positions the business has to offer behind the scenes.

The Cypher Clash has an experienced team with a combined over 30 years in the entertainment industry, with qualifications and experience in music, business, multimedia and marketing just to name a few. The team is geared to develop the contenders of the Cypher Clash and further spearhead the winning champion into having a successful career as a Hip Hop artist not only in Zambia but the rest of the world.

The Heats

The heats , which will take place at The Best Western Grand Hotel in Lusaka, are hosted by Sky Entertainment Hip Hop artist Klappa Heiz and Radio Phoenix DJ Roxy .There will be 3 heats in which the judges ; Slam Dunk Records CEO Duncan Sodala , So Good Entertainment CEO Lukundo Siwale and Effycom Productions Hip Hop Artist NANA, will decide the winner. Each judge offers a score out of 10 and the total is placed on the leader board. The leader board is used to determine the top scoring contenders who in turn get back in front of the judges after the first heat is complete, and the cycle continues with the top scorers on the leader board competing until the remaining 16 battle it out for their place in the quarter finals.

Quarter Finals

The 8 contenders who reach the quarter finals go through a couple of mentoring sessions with some special celebrity guests , these sessions are built to improve their self-esteem, improve their freestyle skills, as well as give them a better understanding of Hip Hop, and the music business. This time the leader board process is eliminated, and whoever wins their battle makes it through to the semi-finals

Semi Finals

The remaining 4 contenders, who qualify to the semi-finals, have an opportunity to battle with guest Hip hop artists to test their growth and freestyle ability. They will also have an opportunity to be tested on their understanding of the business side of the music industry and how to present themselves, through intense interviews for each of them conducted by a radio DJ that specializes in the Hip Hop genre on a live radio show. The points they receive from these tests will determine the contender that will have the option to choose who to battle with the two remaining mandatorily battling each other. The successful two move on to the finals with the remaining two battling it out for 3 rd and 4 th positions

Finals

The final two set to battle it out for the championship trophy, will go through a series of tasks. As part of their prize they will be releasing a single that will be marketed and distributed by Effycom Productions, this single will be written and recorded after the finale battle at their prize destination, London. The single is to be released on Monday the 12th Of December with digital pre orders made available at least 2 weeks prior to release, as fans will still be hot on the trail of the winner at that time. The finalists will also have the opportunity to be mentored on a one on one basis by an international Hip hop artist. They will also go on a promotional campaign on radio and TV. As finalists they will also get the opportunity to choose team supporters from the quarter-finalists giving them 3 team supporters who will assist in promoting them ( using the hashtag #ContendersnameTCC2016) as well as give them pointers and moral support all the way to the finale event.

[Heat 1] 3rd September 10am – 6pm 8:30am – 9:30am Registration 9:30am – 10am Entry into auditorium

[Heat 2] 17th September 10am – 3pm 9:30am – 10:30am Registration 10:30am – 11am Entry into auditorium

[Heat 3] 24th September 10am – 3pm 9:30am – 10:30am Registration 10:30am – 11am Entry into auditorium

[Quarter Finals] 8th October Red Carpet 2pm – 3:30pm, 3:30pm entry into auditorium, Show Time 4pm – 6pm

[Semi Finals] 15th October Red Carpet 2pm – 3:30pm, 3:30pm entry into auditorium, Show Time 4pm – 6pm

[Final] 22nd October Red Carpet 3pm – 4:30pm, 4:30pm entry into auditorium, Show Time 5pm – 7pm

The prizes

1st place – K10,000, feature interview and spread for the cover of The Global Zambian Magazine, travel to the UK with a recording and release of a single, shooting of video for the single all in the UK, 12 month management deal with Effycom Productions, 2 night stay at a Zambian holiday destination, merchandise, certificate and trophy.

2nd place – K5,000, interview in The Global Zambian Magazine, merchandise, certificate and trophy

3rd place – K2,000, merchandise, certificate and trophy

4th place – K 500, merchandise, certificate

For more information visit the official website : thecypherclash.com

Lusaka’s hippest partygoers will be heading to Portico in the Showgrounds on Saturday (September 24) for the next installment of the Flying Fish beach party.

The capital is expected to attract thousands following a similar event earlier this month in Kitwe when music-loving sun-worshipping revellers showed up at what some are calling one of the area’s biggest ever social events.
Following the success of last year’s beach festival, organisers of the event are planning to transport the city’s coolest socialites to a tropical seashore, complete with sand, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, towels, music, prizes and related activities such as beach volleyball, Zorbo and light football to cool ‘add some flavour’ hair cuts and Flying Fish temporary tattoos.

The beach festival will be the premier destination for party-lovers seeking the quality festive atmosphere usually found in European hotspots. Upon entering, guests will be treated to a lush Caribbean oasis complete with beach sand and palm trees.
Entertainment is from top acts including DJ Sebastien Dutch, and international maestro DJ Cleo, DJ Kuks, Psycho Tash, DJ Cheyo, DJ Blocks, DJ Sichation and Nexus Reggae Band.
Zambian Breweries, which distributes Flying Fish beer, hosts the occasion, with company bosses urging party-goers to conducted themselves responsibly both during the event and afterwards.

Flying Fish is all about trying something new and about finding inspiration in the ordinary. It’s a twist on the familiar, spontaneously adding just that little something extra to the everyday,” said Zambian Breweries managing director Annabelle Degroot. “That’s why we’re having another beach party in landlocked Zambia. Following the success we had at last year’s event in Lusaka”
Meanwhile, corporate affairs director Ezekiel Sekele said: “Zambian Breweries seeks to bring refreshment and sociability within the context of responsibility. We would like to urge all our guests for enjoying their drinks responsibly and for co-operating with officials from the Road Transport and Safety Authority,” he added.

Flying Fish itself is all about trying something new – about finding inspiration in the ordinary. It is a twist on the familiar, while spontaneously adding just that little extra something to the everyday.
Flying Fish premium flavoured beer comes in Pressed Lemon and Chilled Green Apple, and is the alternative choice for everyday inspiration, because Flying Fish combines the pure refreshment of beer with interesting flavours and fresh aromas for a new, delicious and easy drinking experience.
Under 18s will not be admitted to the beach fest, which starts at 14hrs. Tickets are K50 at the gate. More details are available on Facebook at @flyingfishzambia

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has said that the new constitution allows President Lungu to appoint up 30 cabinet Ministers.

In a statement released to the media and signed by LAZ President Linda Kasonde, LAZ said that the Provincial Ministers are not members of the cabinet.

LAZ also said that the appointment of Felix Mutati and others who had stood in the 2011 elections was legal.

Below is the full statement

President Edgar Lungu has paid tribute to Zambians and the international community for promoting a free and fair election.

The President says the just ended general election was a test for Zambia’s long standing democratic process.

President Lungu said this in his addressed to the 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Ans President Lungu has addressed the 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York with a commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law.

And President Lungu has paid tribute to Zambians and the international community for promoting a free and fair election.

The President says the just ended general election was a test for Zambia’s long standing democratic process.

ZNBC’s Bangwe Naviley reports from New York that President Lungu said he is working hard to fulfill the aspirations of Zambians through the diversification of the economy.

He says Government is looking forward to investors in the energy sector who will help in the diversification drive from hydro to other power options such as solar.

The President however bemoaned the absence of Africa on the UN Security Council.