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Central PS directs law agencies to tighten smuggling leaks

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Central PS directs law agencies to tighten smuggling leaks

Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has directed law enforcement officers in Mkushi to ensure that all trucks purported to be carrying farm produce to be thoroughly searched to curb smuggling of maize.

Mr Mwanakampwe observed that smuggling of maize has continued stating that there is need to enhance policing to ensure food security in the province.

He said that the people behind illegal export of maize are hiding the grain in bags where they load other farm produce.

And Mkushi District Commissioner Jonathan Kapungwe complained that the price of mealie meal in the district has continued to be high, at K230.

Mr Kapungwe said this is despite farmers harvesting this maize marketing season.

The District Commissioner noted that some maize smugglers have been loading maize in bags carrying soya beans.

He explained that most farmers have found an attractive market for soya beans across borders.

Mr Kapungwe stated that the smugglers have taken advantage of the situation and are hiding maize in the soya bean bags.

The District Commissioner also bemoaned a critical water shortage which has affected the district for more than five years.

He observed that most residential areas and the district administration do not have running water.

Mr Kapungwe however noted that with help from an investor, the district administration has managed to drill a borehole, procure a water tank and a tank stand.

In response, the Provincial Permanent Secretary said the USD 72,000 that the government has secured to enhance the operations of Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company will improve water reticulation in Central Province.

Mr Mwanakampwe said the water supply is a result of old pipes some of which have clogged due to cracks.

He assured that the water situation will improve as Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company will replace the old pipes with new plastic pipes.

Chasefu Child Protection Committee members urged to be proactive

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Chasefu Child Protection Committee members urged to be proactive

The Chasefu District Child Protection Committee members have been urged to be proactive and apply referral mechanisms when handling cases of abuse affecting the children’s welfare.

Eastern Provincial Child’s Officer Gerald Tembo says referral mechanisms will help committee members to identify responsible institutions suitable to handle the reported cases and avoid being liable for committing crimes.

Mr Tembo was speaking during the training of Child Protection committee members on the Children’s Code Act number 12 of the 2022, held in Chasefu yesterday.

He said the government has created a one stop center to avoid the cumbersome movement of persons handling cases and ensure quick justice.

Mr Tembo has however called for a multi-sectoral approach in the implementation of the 2023 work plan in order to make the committee proactive.

And Eastern Province Senior Social Welfare Officer, Yela Lombe has advised committee members to work as a team in addressing challenges affecting the progress of work.

Meanwhile, Chasefu District Child Protection Committee Chairperson, Diana Lupiya, disclosed that limited resources had this year made the committee become less active.

Ms Lupiya, who is also Chasefu District Administrative Officer, has assured the provincial team that the committee would step up efforts, urging committee members not to relax.

Former Kabwe Mayor calls for sensitisation on CDF

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Former Kabwe Mayor calls for sensitisation on CDF

A former civic leader has appealed to Kabwe Municipal Council to heed President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive for local authorities to adequately sensitize communities on the importance of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

Billy Sichamba, said there is urgent need for the local authority to sensitize the general public so that they know the usage, allocation, and disbursement of CDF.

 Mr Sichamba observed that most of the communities in Kabwe lack basic knowledge on CDF and that this can be seen from the many comments and concerns they raise on various issues.

And the former Mayor cited his observation when he featured on a programme dubbed “Power to the People” on power FM that the calls, comments, and concerns people raised, it was apparent that they do not fully understand the differences between CDF and central government funds.

He said some callers called to complain about poor roads and how the CDF is not being used to construct the roads to bituminous standard despite government increasing the CDF allocation per Constituency from the previous K1.6million to K28.3 million.

He said these concerns are a clear indication that there are some lapses when it comes to understanding the projects that are supposed to be undertaken using CDF as well as those that require the funding from the central government.

Mr Sichamba, therefore, said the local authority, the Members of Parliament, the Civic Leaders, and other politicians have a huge role to play in ensuring that they disseminate adequate information on CDF to the general public in order to bridge the existing gaps.

He added that the Civil Servants, the Ward Development Committees, as well as other line ministries, should equally take keen interest in creating the much-needed awareness in the communities.

He observed that the people are in dire need of information and that it is only when they understand something that they would buy into it and effectively monitor the on-going projects and developments in their localities.

Mr Sichamba said there is also need for consistency in informing the general public on what is obtaining in their constituencies with regards to how the funds are being spent as this will help to provide proper checks and balances to the government.

He said President Hichilema is always on record advising MPs and the local authorities to ensure that there is adequate awareness around the CDF but that people still lack basic information which is a serious concern.

“I believe that there are various channels of communication that can be employed in ensuring that the general public are made aware of CDF, because effective communication is part of development,” he advised.

Zambia hosts religious, political indaba

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Zambia hosts religious, political indaba

Zambia is hosting the first ever 2023 conference on Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race which has attracted delegates from across the globe to explore ways of addressing challenges faced in the political and religious landscape.

Speaking during the official opening of the conference, University of Zambia Acting Vice Chancellor Annie Sikwibele said the conference which is cohosted together with the Copperbelt University, will not only help address the challenges in the African continent but also the worldwide.

Ms Sikwibele stated that people worldwide have been faced with different challenges surrounding politics and religion adding that the roundtable will help resolve these challenges.

She noted that this year’s theme of “New generation building: religious and political perspective from Africa and the diaspora” has come at a right time when Zambia, the continent and the globe are promoting the new generation that will empower them to become economically stable.

“I have seen a number of important topics lined up for discussion which also boarders on the youths like the first plenary on youth resistance and leadership formation, second plenary which is youth social empowerment and trajectory of engagements among other triticale will help the continents be on the right truck after this conference,” noted Ms Sikwibele.

And speaking at the same event Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race Chairperson William Ackah said the organization was formed in 2010 to help deal with the challenges that people are faced with in political and religious affairs.

Mr Ackah said a number of conferences have been held in different countries adding that this year, the team decided to hold it in Zambia with the two universities being the cohost.

“These people you are seeing here are coming from different institutions such as universities, church representatives and political representatives and see how these stakeholders can leverage on matters affecting people in our continent especially on issues to do religion and political affairs” said Mr Ackah.

The conference which is being held at the University of Zambia started on July 10, 2023 and will end on July 14, 2023.

President Hichilema calls for Africa to unite on matters of climate change

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President Hichilema calls for Africa to unite on matters of climate change

President Hakainde Hichilema says there is a need for the African continent to speak with one voice when it comes to matters pertaining to climate change.

President Hichilema said African countries must come together and orchestrate a single message to be addressed ahead of the Conference Of Parties (COP) 28.

Mr Hichilema indicated that meaningful impact will only be achieved if the continent speaks with one voice on issues concerning climate change.

He explained that Africa has a good case but the polarization of climate change messages has resulted in the voice of the continent not being felt.

President Hichilema said lack of coherence on the part of Africa has resulted in the world not knowing what exactly Africa wants to be addressed with regards to climate change.

“We must be consistent, sometimes we have a good message but because polarization messages are not heard, you know the rest of the world cannot figure out what exactly Africa wants.”

President Hichilema insisted that African Presidents, Ministers and other leaders should all sing from the same hymn sheet and amplify voices in the area of climate change.

He expressed optimism that with clarity, coordination and consistency Africa will be heard on the global stage.

The Head of State said this during a virtual briefing Meeting for the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) hosted by Kenya.

“For us as Africans and other leaders, all of us as a continent we must start speaking with one voice not only at a summit like this one but all the time around the issue of climate change.

“We should sing from the same hymn sheet, COP 28, which is on the way we must orchestrate a seemingly same message towards COP 28,” he said.

“And when we speak as Heads of State or when Ministers represent us, we must sing from the hymn sheet, so that we can make a meaningful impact. So that issues concerning us are addressed by consistently singing from the same hymn sheet,” President Hichilema stated.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has bemoaned that the effects of climate change are worsening.

He said Africa has been hit hard despite the continent’s low contribution to the global greenhouse emissions which stands at four percent.

“Despite Africa’s low contribution to global greenhouse emissions which is about just four percent, climate change is worsening and making our situation worse,” President Hichilema said.

He said the effects of climate change are visible for all to see as evidenced from increased frequency of flash floods and flooding across the globe.

The Head of State said Zambia has not been spared from the effects of climate change and disclosed that a number of small-scale farmers in the last two days have lost their crops due to frostbite.

The President said this is the first time that the country is experiencing frostbite at a larger scale.

President Hichilema complained that households have been deprived of income as a result of the frostbite.

“In the last two days a lot of our small scale farmers have had their crops affected which include tomatoes and cabbages, and were destroyed by frostbite for the first time. The effects are visible of climate change, we have never experienced a broader frostbite.

President Hichilema said it is very important that measures are put in place aimed at curbing the impact of climate change on communities.

And President Hichilema says developed countries should honour the commitments they made at the Paris summit.

He explained that the commitments were made willingly hence their obligation to honour their commitments.

“The commitments that our colleagues made willingly at the Paris summit must simply meet those obligations, please let’s get our colleagues to meet their obligations,” he said.

He said Africa is already showing strong momentum towards green investment and should continue.

“Africa is clearly already showing strong momentum towards investing in green areas, investments are very important to spur industrialization despite the effects of climate change, indeed we must advance investments that are green in nature,” he said.

And speaking earlier, President William Ruto of Kenya who is the current Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) said Africa should be part of the solution to the fight against climate change.

Mr Ruto said Africa must effectively participate in soliciting for climate solutions as the continent has not been spared.

The Kenyan leader said there is need to accelerate investment as this is key to addressing the impact of climate change.

President Hichilema mourns peacekeeping officer

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President Hichilema mourns peacekeeping officer

President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed sadness at the death of chief inspector, Evans Same, a Zambia police officer deployed to the SADC mission in Mozambique.

The head of state has described the death of chief inspector Siame as a tragic loss to the nation.

The President has since conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of government and the people of Zambia to the family of the deceased.

Chief Inspector Siame died in a road traffic accident on July 8, 2023 in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.

He was among four other police officers deployed to SAMIM to support the transition from the Rapid Deployment Force to the Multidimensional Force.

This is according to a statement released to ZANIS by State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka.

Hazel Nali ruled out of World Cup

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Hazel Nali ruled out of World Cup

Copper Queens first choice goalkeeper Hazel Nali has been ruled out of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup slated for Australia and New Zealand due to injury.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says Nali sustained a left knee injury in the period preceding the July 7 international friendly match with Germany in Fürth and underwent a check-up in that country and New Zealand which has ruled her out of the tournament.

“A preliminary examination was done in Germany which led to the player missing the friendly match with an MRI done in New Zealand ruling out the player for the rest of the tournament. Our medics in liaison with the FIFA Medical Committee have informed us that Nali suffered laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL),” says Kamanga.

“The ACL is pivotal in the support system of the knee and the medics have recommended that it will take a minimum of six months to repair it so that she slowly returns to training depending on how she heals” explained Kamanga.

In a press statement availed to ZANIS by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala, Kamanga said the player will head back home where she is expected to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.

“In the meantime, the player will be leaving camp for treatment and rehabilitation back home. The technical bench has since advised on the replacement in the goalkeeping department,” he says.

Zambia plays Japan on July 22 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton with the second match coming up four days later in Auckland against Spain at Eden Park Stadium.

The final group match is against Costa Rica on July 31 at Waikato Stadium.

The 2022 WAFCON bronze medalists have since settled in Hamilton which is their tournament base.

 

ZAMMSA intensifies distribution of Health Centre kits

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ZAMMSA intensifies distribution of Health Centre kits

The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has intensified efforts to ensure equitable distribution of Medical Health Centre kits country wide.

Nearly all 43 health facilities in Chongwe district of Lusaka Province have received their supplies.

At Chifwema Mini-Hospital, the number of community members going to receive professional medical healthcare has increased, adding that the situation is the same at Lwimba health center and other health facilities.

At Mulalika health post, facility in charge, Calvin Malasa confirmed that the facility has enough medicine to cover the next three months.

“We received Centre kits from ZAMMSA and we are no longer issuing prescriptions to patients”.

A check at Lwimba health post, Officer in charge Ngangula Given lauded ZAMMSA for the supplies, saying that the arrival of medicine at the facility is long overdue.

“As you know it hurts a lot as a health worker, issuing a prescription to a patient to go buy medicine when you know that this patient has no capacity whatsoever to buy drugs, this is really a good development,” he said.

At Ndapula Mini-Hospial Nurse –Incharge Lisomona Elizabeth said the facility has enough essential drugs it received from ZAMMSA.

And Chongwe District Health Director, Mweene Nseluke, stressed that the district will ensure no single pill is stolen from health facilities.

On 16th May 2023, a team comprising officers from Ministry of Health (MoH) and Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) conducted a pre-shipment inspection of the Missionpharma Logistics India Pvt Ltd kit assembly facility in Kandla, Gujarat, India to fulfil the contractual requirement before shipment of the 42,000 Health Centre kits procured by ZAMMSA on behalf of the Government.

The pre shipment exercise was witnessed by two Members of Parliament who are also members of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, whose presence added impetus to delivery of the much-needed supplies to the nation.

The delivery of the initial 7,000 Health Centre Kits has since been met by Missionpharma who delivered within the last week of June 2023.

ZAMMSA, the government agency, mandated with procurement, storage and distribution of medicines and medical supplies, has immediately kick-started the nationwide distribution of the health center kits to the service delivery point (SDP).

The ZAMMSA team has heightened efforts to ensure equitable distribution of the key supplies which cover over 96% of the national supply chain, making the health center kits the backbone of the supply chain within the shortest possible time.

 So far almost all provinces have since received their supplies.

ZAMMSA working with other government agencies, such as the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) is conducting a media follow up through the distribution of the centre kits to ensure the right people receive the lifesaving medicines.

To this effect a team of pharmaceutical media experts have been engaged to conduct a media destination check within the supply chain.

Kansanshi mine committed to supporting the education sector

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Kansanshi mine committed to supporting the education sector

Kansanshi Mining PLC has reaffirmed its support towards the education sector where over 35 primary and secondary schools in Solwezi district are benefiting from the company’s Education Quality Improvement Programme (KanEquip).

Kansanshi Mine Head of Education Sylvia Mwanza says the mining giant wants to ensure education standards are improved in the community it is operating from.

Dr. Mwanza said the KanEquip programme is aimed at improving the quality of education as it is one of the most beneficial and sustainable investments to foster economic development in the local communities.

“Education is the backbone of socio-economic development and as Kansanshi, our goal is to contribute to the improvement of quality education through resource support and capacity development of key stakeholders”, she said

Dr. Mwanza disclosed  an interview at the just ended North Western Province Agriculture and Commercial Show.

She said education is the greatest equaliser between people within society and the country at large hence the continued support to the sector by the mining company.

Dr. Mwanza said KMP has recorded positive strides in strengthening literacy education such as distribution of 177,000 books to pupils in schools, over 100, 000 text books handed over to 33 schools and 83, 000 reading books distributed to schools and colleges in Solwezi.

Other notable achievements include construction of 10 classrooms with staff houses, two science laboratories, water reticulation and ablution block at Kyafukuma as well as five classroom blocks at mushitala and mbonge.

“We have also conducted teacher and administration personnel competency development training, adult literacy and library services, and sports programs including desk rehabilitation”, Dr Mwanza said.

She added that as part of KanEquip, a programme called “Jimuka! stay in school” was introduced with the aim of ensuring girl children are kept in school during their menstruation days.

“This programme gives girls access to feminine hygiene products to improve their hygiene in order to avoid missing classes. The girls are educated on women’s health, sexual health and risks of early marriage and teenage pregnancy”, she said.

Dr. Mwanza said through this programme, girls are provided with menstrual hygiene packs to ensure every girl attains quality education leaving no one behind.

Technology minister Mutati says debt restructuring dividends on the horizon

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Technology minister Mutati says debt restructuring dividends on the horizon

Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati says Zambia has started reaping dividends from the debt restructure deal clinched by the UPND administration from the country’s official creditors.

 Mr Mutati said multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and the IMF have come on board to provide the much needed resources to drive the country’s economy.

He indicated that prior to Zambia clinching the debt restructuring deal multilateral institutions withheld the much needed financing to steer the national economy.

Mr Mutati disclosed that following the successful debt restructuring deal the IMF will this year provide US$188 million to Zambia.

Speaking at an event last evening during a public forum organised by the Blind Tiger Strategies, The minister further revealed that the World Bank will also give Zambia US$75 million .

Mr Mutati said the funds being availed by multilateral agencies are as a result of the debt restructuring deal clinched by government.

He said Zambia stands to immensely benefit from the debt relief as evidenced from the colossal amounts of money that is trickling into the country.

Mr Mutati pointed out that the money which was being kept away by international lending institutions is now being availed.

“Those that were on the fence such as the multilateral, IMF and the World Bank are now saying this year, the IMF will be able to land into Zambia one hundred and eighty-eight point eight million dollars. The World bank will give us seventy-five million dollars, money that they had kept away from us for many years,” He said.

Meanwhile Mr Mutati also revealed at the same public forum that the Ministry of Agriculture has already received US$14 million meant for supporting over 30,000 small scale farmers.

The Minister said the funds received by the government are meant to assist small scale farmers graduate into medium scale farmers.

“My colleague from the Minister of Agriculture was telling me this morning that he has already gotten 14 million dollars to support over 30 thousand small scale farmers who are going to be given five thousand kwacha each,  to elevate them from small to big farmers. So this tells you what debt restructuring can do,” He said.

And Mr Mutati says Zambia has graduated from the exclusive circle of nations that were termed as defaulters.

He said prior to securing the debt restructuring deal Zambia was among nations that were excluded from accessing international capital from the international community.

The Minister said the debt restructuring deal entered by the new dawn government is a landmark achievement that will transform the economic landscape of the country.

Mr Mutati disclosed that the debt restructuring deal is the biggest deal under the G20 common framework of debt adding that this has never happened before.

He recalled that Zambia was among the first countries to default, adding that the country has managed to liberate itself from debt through the strong leadership provided by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Mutati said Zambia’s experience is being shared across the African continent, particular for those countries in debt distress.

He said countries in debt want to learn and adopt the methodology used by Zambia in clinching a debt restructuring deal.

Mr Mutati insisted that Zambia has become a tutor in Africa on what requires to be done for a country to secure a debt restructuring deal from creditors.

He cited strong leadership exhibited by President Hichilema and his team as a key ingredient required for any country desiring to clinch a debt relief deal from creditors.

“Zambia is going to share her experience with other countries in Africa, “said Mr Mutati.

The Minister pointed out that hope has risen once again for a better Zambia with full opportunities for young people and improved service delivery to the communities.

And speaking at the same public forum Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) Researcher – Public Finance Management Martina Mumba, said the body is complimenting government efforts in sensitizing members of the public on the benefits the country will drive from the debt restructuring deal.

Ms Mumba said there is need for the community to be informed on the benefits that the country is expected to derive from the debt relief programme.

Meanwhile University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) President Chandra Choongo hoped that the debt restructuring deal will translate into increased allocation of funds to the education sector.

Mr Choongo said students in higher learning institutions are anxious to see benefits such as job opportunities and recruitment of teachers.

He further said government should consider expanding infrastructure in public learning institutions so as to accommodate the country’s increasing population.

The organisers of the public forum, Blind Tiger Strategies Executive Director Sikazwa Luyando said the forum was organised with a view to give a better understanding of the benefits that the country will derive from the debt restructuring deal.

Mr Luyando expressed happiness with the information shared during the forum adding that it will help members of the public appreciate the importance of Zambia acquiring debt relief.

Govt. launches fish harvesting on Lake Tanganyika

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Govt. launches fish harvesting on Lake Tanganyika

Government has launched the inaugural harvesting of fish by small scale fish farmers on Lake Tanganyika in Mpulungu District.

The fish cage farming for smallholder farmers on the lake was piloted by the Lake Tanganyika Development Project.

Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu who flagged off the harvesting of fish from the cages has commended the Lake Tanganyika Development Project for supporting the project.

Mr Mpundu said the successful implementation of the project has killed the notion that fish farming on the lake can only be done with huge capital injection.

Mr Mpundu said this at the inaugural harvesting of fish from the small scale fish farming cages in Chipwa Village in Mpulungu District.
He said local communities and the villages spearheaded and managed the project on the lake successfully.

“You, the local communities in this village and other villages conducting fish farming on Lake Tanganyika were in the forefront in managing the demonstration fish cages and therefore demystified the belief that fish farming can only be conducted by wealthy business people. I would like to congratulate you for the success,” he said

Mr Mpundu indicated that government has also put in place measures to improve access to investment funds through the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission.

He encouraged cooperatives, business entities and individuals to exploit the avenues and access funding to invest in fish farming.

He said the fish harvesting has also come at the right time when government is implementing the first ever fish ban on the lake.

He said the ban was not targeted at punishing the community but will in the long run help to increase fish stocks on the lake.

And Lake Tanganyika Development Project Coordinator Dora Kamweneshe explained that her institution supported the pilot fish farming on the lake to promote the venture.

Ms Kamweneshe said the pilot project has provided lessons for people to take up fish cage farming on the lake.

She said the community has learnt how to fabricate fish cages and install the cages on the lake.

Ms Kamweneshe explained that the successful implementation of the project will also help to improve income and nutrition for members.

She also commended the ministry of fisheries and livestock for capacity building and helping to implement the project on the lake.

Meanwhile, Chipwa Village Headman Isaac Sichilima has thanked government and the Lake Tanganyika Development Project for supporting people in the area.

He said the project has supported people to implement alternative livelihood projects.

Mr Sichilima said the project has not only supported the community with the fish cages but also given them goats.

Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga attends African Business Summit

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Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga attends African Business Summit

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga is in Gaborone, Botswana to participate at the United States Africa Business Summit being held from July 11th to 14, 2023.

In a press statement  by First Secretary Press at the Zambian High Commission in Gaborone Botswana, Julia Malunga , the Africa Business Summit is being held under the theme “Enhancing Africa’s Value in Global Value Chains.”

Ms Malunga stated that on the margins of the summit Mr Mulenga will hold meetings with various investors and other stakeholders and also attend the plenary sessions and sector focused panel discussions on agri-business, finance, energy, health, infrastructure, and ICT, among other sessions.

She said the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) will also exhibit at the Summit to promote Zambia as an ideal destination for investment and tourism in Africa.

Ms Malunga further added that the Zambian private sector is encouraged to take advantage of this Summit to network with various stakeholders and consolidate business partnerships with their African and American business counterparts.

“The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in partnership with the government of Botswana are hosting the Summit which will bring together African Heads of State, more than 1,000 U.S and African private sector executives, international investors, senior government and multilateral stakeholders,’’ said Ms Malunga.

FIFA Approves Copper Queens

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FIFA Approves Copper Queens

Zambia Womens National Soccer Team Skipper and Shanghai Sheng lei striker Barbra Banda will lead the Copper Queen’s 23-member squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after world football governing body FIFA confirmed the squad lists for the tournament.

World Football governing body, FIFA has confirmed Banda and 22 other Copper Queens players as part of 736 players to represent their nations in Australia and New Zealand.

Zambia will begin her World Cup campaign on the 22nd July against Japan before facing Spain on 26th July and battle it out with Costa Rica on 1st August to conclude their group stage.

FIFA has also announced that 736 players from 32 countries will converge in the southern hemisphere for the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, each with the dream of lifting the iconic trophy at Stadium Australia.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off on Thursday, 20 July with New Zealand taking on Norway at Eden Park in Auckland.

The action will continue in Australia on the same day, with Australia facing Women’s World Cup debutantes Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia.

In goal, the Copper Queens have Catherine Musonda (Tomiris-Turan-Kazakhstan), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens), and Hazel Nali (Fatih Vatan Sport-Turkey).

The Copper Queens defense has Margaret Belemu (Shanghai Shengli-China), Martha Tembo (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, (both Green Buffaloes), Esther Banda (BUSA), Judith Soko (YASA), Mary Mulenga (Red Arrows), Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

Zambia’s midfield will be marshalled by Ireen Lungu, Hellen Chanda (both BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Evarine Susan Katongo (ZISD Women), Mary Wilombe, Susan Banda (both Red Arrows), Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

Talismanic striker Barbara Banda will be joined by Xiomara Mapepa (Elite Ladies), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows), Hellen Mubanga (Zaragoza CFF-Spain), Grace Chanda, and Rachael Kundananji (both Madrid CFF-Spain).

ZANIS/ENDS/AK/CB…………………………………………DRY

Bloggers Zambia praises Zambia Army for going digital

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Bloggers Zambia praises Zambia Army for going digital

Bloggers of Zambia has commended the Zambia Army for embracing digital tools on social media aimed at enhancing access to information and engagement with the general public.

In a press statement made available to ZANIS today, Bloggers of Zambia Chief Executive Officer Richard Mulonga said as an organization that promotes the use of technology for access to information, public participation and building the broader democracy, it is happy to see the effective use of social media by the Zambia Army.

Mr Mulonga stated that this is commendable owing to the fact that in the past it was difficult for citizens to have access to permissible activities of the Zambia Army adding that citizens were not adequately informed and educated about the role of the army in democracy.

He said the adaptation to technology by the Zambia Army will enable citizens to stay informed and educated about the defense wing’s activities such as their missions locally and abroad in addition to challenges and opportunities they face in these activities.

“The Zambia Army has exhibited a sense of transparency and accountability within their operations by actively engaging on their website and Facebook platforms, where they have been providing updates on their operations, recruitment processes, recent Maina Soko Medical Center achievements, partnerships, and their commitment to protecting the nation from external forces,” said Mr Mulonga.

Mr Mulonga further said that this open and transparent approach builds trust between the army and the public, dispelling misconceptions and fostering a better understanding of their vital role in ensuring national security and contribution to economic development.

He said in this digital age where technology has revolutionized societies, the Zambia Army must be encouraged to strengthen their digital platforms and enhance their visibility in a bid to bridge the gap on public knowledge about the military without compromising security standards in the country.

Mr Mulonga noted that the presence of the Zambia Army on social media also serves as a motivator and career guidance to citizens who are able to be inspired by modern military capabilities, training programs, and other career opportunities.

He further encouraged the Zambia Army to continue investing in digital tools, safety and literacy to ensure effective use of technology as a platform for citizen engagement.

Mining a major contributor to job creation – Kabuswe

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Mining a major contributor to job creation – Kabuswe

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe says mining in Zambia spans over 100 years and contributes to job creation and over 80 percent of export earnings for the country.

In a speech read on his behalf by Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Augustine Kasongo at the Africa Gemstone and Jewelry Exhibition Conference held in Ndola, Mr Kabuswe noted that the country boasts of an abundance of base metals which include copper, cobalt and manganese, precious and semi-precious minerals among them gold, gemstone and emerald.

He added that government is encouraging the production and processing of the minerals.

He further said government is facilitating local ownership of mines to increase participation of Zambians in the sector.

The Minister stated that mining has been identified as a key sector to drive the agenda of economic transformation and job creation.

“For this reason the government is focused on diversifying the mining sector through the promotion and exploitation of other minerals such as gemstone, gold, nickel, manganese and iron mainly characterized by small-scale miners,” he said.

African Minerals Development Center Interim Director Marit Kitaw said Africa’s vast mineral wealth remains an important driver of structural transformation enshrined in the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063, as it represents about 30 percent of the mineral deposits of the world.

Dr. Kitaw added that Africa’s exports of oil, gas, and minerals account for 70 percent of exports and 50 percent revenue.

She noted that despite the enormous potential of the mineral industry, most African countries have historically been unable to benefit from their natural wealth, because of disproportionate dependence on minerals exports which is a major vulnerability as it exposes the region to the fluctuations of commodity prices.

“The Africa Mining Vision (AMV) was adopted by African Union Heads of State and Government in 2009 and aims to ensure minerals play a greater transformative role in the development of the continent.

The African Union Heads of State and Governments adopted the AMV to serve as Africa’s road map for strategically harnessing its mineral resources for broad-based sustainable development,” she said.

Dr Kitaw said Africa is home to different and unquantifiable deposits of gemstones, and is a key producer of a variety of colored gemstones including Ethiopia’s Opal, Kenya’s Tsavorite, Madagascar’s Sapphires, Mozambique’s Rubies, Tanzania’s Tanzanite, and Zambia’s Emeralds.

She added that African gemstones and metals contribute to a growing multi billion jewelry industry with global sales estimated at US$279 billion in 2018 and expected to rise over 70 percent to US$480.5 billion by 2025.

“The jewelry retail industry ranges from high-end luxury products, such as earrings, watches, and necklaces made of precious stones like diamond, ruby, and gold to fashion jewelry made of non-precious metals, stones, and other materials.” She noted.

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