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Easing Restrictions on export of agro commodities has positively impacted The Agro Sector – ZNFU

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Easing Restrictions on export of agro commodities has positively impacted The Agro Sector – ZNFU

The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) says government’s policy to ease export restrictions of agricultural commodities has positively impacted the agricultural sector.

Speaking in a Telephone interview with ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, ZNFU Public Relations Officer Kelvin Kaleyi has said that the government has made the environment friendly and predictable for the Agricultural sector.

Mr Kaleyi added that the policy has built confidence for other countries to do business with Zambian farmers, unlike previously when borders were often closed and opened, which disrupted the flow of business.

“That’s how it should be, be predictable, be open. Let other people who want to do trade with you, know that when we engage Zambia we know that this is going to happen,” he said.

Meanwhile Small Scale Farmers Development Agency Chief Executive Officer, Boyd Moobwe said the agency is impressed with the policy.

Mr Moobwe said with the introduction of the policy, the government should put in place regulations and modalities that enhance smooth operational export procedures.

He also noted that such policies are put in place to adrenal critical challenges affecting production, marketing and investment in the country.

Democracy Summit is testimony that Zambia has now become a beacon of Democracy on the world stage-UPND

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Democracy Summit is testimony that Zambia has now become a beacon of Democracy on the world stage-UPND

The Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has said that the hosting of the Democracy Summit is testimony that Zambia has now become a beacon of Democracy on the world stage.

Zambia will co-host the second Summit of Democracy on the 29th and 30th days of March, 2023. The first Summit for Democracy was hosted by the United States of America in December 2021. The objective of the Second Summit for Democracy is to underscore the Global desire for transparent, accountable and rights respecting governance.

Commenting on the hosting of the Summit, UPND Deputy National Youth Chairman Mr. Trevor Mwiinde said that the hosting of the summit is testimony of President Hakainde good governance record within a short period.

“The landmark hosting of the Second Summit for Democracy by Zambia is testimony of Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND led Government good governance record within a short period. There are so many countries in the world but We were chosen to host it against the background of the UPND led Government strong commitment to the principles of democratic governance, the respect for the rule of law and human rights just to mention a few”, Mr. Mwiinde said.

Mr. Mwiinde then said that the pioneers of Democracy in Zambia like Second Republican President FTJ Chiluba must be proud of President Hichilema over the hosting of the summit.

“We strongly believe that the Pioneers of Democracy in Zambia like Second Republican President Dr. Frederick Chiluba may his soul rest in peace must be celebrating in heaven over Zambia’s hosting of this landmark Summit of Democracy. He must be very proud of President Hakainde Hichilema and we bet his telling President Nelson Mandela that look at my President HH and how good he is governing the country to the extent of being recognized by the World by hosting the Democratic Summit”, Mr. Mwiinde said.

Mr. Mwiinde then encouraged Zambians to celebrate the hosting of the event and encouraged them to ignore all those who are against hosting it.

“Lastly but not the least, We would like to call upon all peaceful loving Zambians to celebrate and be proud over the hosting of this landmark Summit. This summit is not only a win for President Hichilema and the UPND but a win for all Zambians because We are now in the Champions league of Democracy and the whole world wants to learn from Us. We would further like to encourage them to ignore empty tins who have shamefully been calling for Us to cancel the rare opportunity of hosting this event. President Hichilema has excellently governed this nation and these enemies of progress are shocked and blank”, Mr
Mwiinde said.

Arrested police officer identified

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Arrested police officer identified

Police in Lusaka have identified a police officer arrested along side three other alleged criminals in connection with the robbery that occurred in Lusaka recently.

Zambia Police Service Deputy Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale has confirmed the development to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka today.

Mr. Mwale named the suspects as Kennedy Mwanje aged 39, a Police officer from Kabwe, Jereman Makambo 35 of Mandevu compound in Lusaka, David Banda of Kabanana Site and Service in Lusaka and John Myonga aged 50 of Zangazanga compound in Lusaka.

Mr. Mwale said that the suspects are in custody waiting to be formally charged.

On Wednesday this week police in Lusaka arrested four suspected criminals including one believed to be a police officer in connection with the robbery that occurred in Lusaka recently.

Confirming the arrest, Zambia Police Service Deputy Public Relations Officer Mwale said Police were investigating a robbery that occurred on March 14, 2023 around 12:00 hours were a man identified Zewelanji Phiri was robbed of money amounting to K3,400 in Kamwala trading Area.

He said that the incident occurred when the victim was stopped by the suspects who were driving a white Toyota Allion bearing registration number BCF 622 and was ordered to enter their car.

Mr. Mwale said the suspects allegedly introduced themselves as Police officers as one of them had a Police radio.

The suspects later ordered the victim to surrender money he had on him.

Mr. Mwale added that the victim gave them K3,400 and was later dropped within Kamwala area.

He said that following the description of the motor vehicle and the suspects by the victim, Police intercepted the motor vehicle in Kamwala Trading area and managed to apprehend the suspects who were driving the Toyota Allion bearing the same details as earlier reported by the victim.

” Four suspects were apprehended including one who is believed to be a Police officer,” said Mr Mwale.

Mr Mwale said the suspect in police uniform who has been identified was in full Zambia Police Service uniform.

He said that the suspects were apprehended on March 22, 2023 around 13:00 hours after Police officers spotted the vehicle in Kamwala Trading area.

Mr. Mwale warned that the Zambia Police Command will never shield any Police officer found abusing Police uniform or equipment.

” Those found in contravention with the law will be firmly dealt with and made to answer for their actions,” said Mr Mwale.

President Hichilema urges Zambians not to demonise electricity exports

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President Hichilema urges Zambians not to demonise electricity exports

Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, has urged his fellow citizens not to demonise the export of electricity. Speaking at the commissioning of the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station, President Hichilema expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Government, Sino Hydro, ZESCO workers, and other construction staff for their phenomenal engineering achievement that will help end load-shedding in the country.

“We expressed our profound gratitude to the Chinese Government, Sino Hydro, ZESCO workers, and other construction staff for this phenomenal engineering achievement that will go a long way to ending load-shedding, which had become an annual feature in our country,” he said.

He implored ZESCO to prioritize local people as the principal beneficiaries of the KGL station through the provision of power and jobs. President Hichilema also called on Zambians not to be misled about the export of surplus power to neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe and Malawi.

“We can also benefit from foreign exchange earnings through the export of power in the coming years, as we generate revenue to create jobs and enhance the economy,” he said. “Electricity has been a shared resource for a long time, due to our historic ties with partners such as Zimbabwe and Malawi. We must not be misled over the export of surplus power to our neighbors.”

President Hichilema further stated that energy exportation is crucial for generating foreign exchange, which is necessary for sustainable development. He said the government is determined to make energy exportation second to mining in terms of generating foreign exchange for the country.

“Let us generate more and export. Zambians have demonized exports. Let us not listen to the propaganda. We want energy to be second from mining in generating Foreign exchange in the country,” he said.

President Hichilema also assured neighboring countries that as Zambia grows its energy generation, it will support their energy needs to skyrocket trade. He added that the commissioning of power generation at Kafue Gorge would put an end to load shedding which had been a tradition in the past.

“I assure Zambians that we are working day and night to take back Zambia into a decent economy to help generate investment, thereby creating more job opportunities,” he said.

In addition, President Hichilema highlighted the revival of Zambia’s relationship with China, stating that the restored partnership had helped kickstart many projects, including the commissioning of the Kafue Gorge. He added that the partnership would be further reset, including a financial partnership.

“Opposition are saying that Zambia and China have no close ties, but we have restored the China Zambia relationship. We have reset our relationship, and this engagement marks the beginning of projects that we will work on together to benefit Zambia. We will further reset the relationship and partnership, including a financial partnership,” he said.

President Hichilema’s call to embrace energy exportation has been met with praise from various quarters. Local businessman, Peter Chanda, said the President’s stance on the exportation of electricity would attract more investors to the country.

“The President’s message on energy exportation is very clear, and it will attract more investors to our country. We need to think beyond our borders if we want to develop our country,” he said.

Environmentalists have also lauded President Hichilema’s call to protect the Kafue River Basin, which is the source of the country’s hydroelectric power.

“President Hichilema’s call to guard the facility jealously is a welcome move. We need to protect our natural resources if we want to have sustainable development,” said environmentalist, Mercy Muyunda.

In conclusion, President Hichilema’s call to embrace energy exportation and his commitment to making it a priority in generating

Cote d’Ivoire Beat Comoros to Reclaim Group H Lead

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Cote d’Ivoire reclaimed top spot of Group H after beating Comoros 3-1 at home in Bouake on Friday in their 2023 AFCON qualifying game.

The result relegates Zambia to second place who took the overnight lead following a 3-1 home win over Lesotho in Ndola.

Chipolopolo are a point behind The Elephants ahead of Sunday’s final leg doubleheader date against Lesotho at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.

Christian Kouame Sebastien Haller and Jean-Philippe Krasso scored in the 29th, 61st and 89th minutes respectively.

Ibroihim Youssouf scored Comoros consolation goal three minute deep into the stoppage time of the 90 minutes played.

Cote d’Ivoire have 7 points, Zambia have 6 Comoros stay put on 3 points while Lesotho are bottom with three rounds of matches left to play.

While 2023 AFCON hosts Cote d’Ivoire are playing the matches as friendlies, their results count to the final classification for the other three Group H teams.

One of the three must either win the group or if Cote d’Ivoire finish top of Group H then the second place finish will qualify.

Civil Society Organization CSO-SUN Raises Concerns Over Mealie-Meal Shortage Due to Market Manipulation by Millers

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Civil Society Organization CSO-SUN Raises Concerns Over Mealie-Meal Shortage Due to Market Manipulation by Millers

Mealie-meal shortage has been reported in some parts of Zambia, and the Civil Society Organization Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance-CSO-SUN suspects that millers are holding onto the commodity to manipulate the market for price hikes. CSO-SUN Programs Manager, Daniel Kalala, has called for a more equitable system of mealie meal distribution to prevent food insecurity being left in the hands of a few millers. Kalala believes that there is a need for Zambia to elect a proper and equitable system of mealie meal distribution, saying, “currently, the country’s food security has been left in the hands of a few millers who could withhold the commodity to temper with the price.”

Kalala also expressed skepticism that the national food security is determined by the amount of maize in reserves. He said, “we challenge government to ensure that Zambia is food and nutrition secure as opposed to only maize secure as has always been the case.” However, he also believed that regulated exports must continue, taking into account national food security. He said, “for the grain to contribute to the country’s gross domestic product while also supporting farmers who can benefit from selling their produce at higher prices across borders.”

Efforts to get comments from the Millers Association of Zambia President, Andrew Chintala, proved futile as his mobile phone went unanswered.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has also issued a warning that Zambia’s food security may be under threat if the next two months are not handled well. Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo cited illegal exports of maize and unexplainable shortages of mealie meal arising from the huge demand for the country’s non-GMO maize by her neighbors.

Meanwhile, Ndola’s Chimanga Changa Milling Company has suspended operations due to an erratic supply of maize. The company spokesperson, Auswell Nyoni, says the firm needs 4,000 metric tons of maize to recommence operations and has not sourced maize from external traders to prevent raising the selling price of the commodity. Nyoni said, “the company has not been operating the last five days and is in need of 4,000 metric tons of maize to commence operations.”

Nyoni also disclosed that the milling company last received maize consignment from the Food Reserve Agency-FRA- in February this year. Efforts to get a comment from FRA Public Relations Officer John Chipandwe proved futile as his mobile phone went unanswered.

The situation has left some Zambians worried about the state of food security in the country. One resident, Chanda Mwale, expressed his concern, “we need to know what the government is doing to address this mealie-meal shortage. We cannot continue living like this, where our basic staple food is not available. It’s worrisome.”

Another resident, Mulenga Kasongo, called on the government to intervene and ensure that mealie meal is available and affordable for all Zambians. Kasongo said, “the government needs to put measures in place to ensure that the mealie-meal shortage is addressed. We need to have access to affordable and quality mealie meal, especially during these difficult times.”

With the mealie-meal shortage affecting Zambians, there is a need for the government to act urgently to address the situation to prevent further suffering among the people.

Impart entrepreneurship skills through production units – Siakalima

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Impart entrepreneurship skills through production units – Siakalima

Minister of Education, Douglas Siakalima, says there is need to reawaken learners in educational institutions to the reality of entrepreneurship through production units.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Katete District Commissioner, Malan Zimba, Mr Siakalima said this can be done through realigning subjects such as agriculture science, financial literacy and through the establishment of production units from as early as primary school.

Mr Siakalima said this would broaden the learners’ minds to think beyond white-collar jobs to being employment creators and people who did not wait for a salary at the end of the month.

“It is just a reawakening that our children must grow as entrepreneurs. We want to reawaken our kids that entrepreneurship is the inborn thing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Zimba said there was a need to engage the traditional leadership on school boundaries so as to curb encroachment.

He said encroachment of school land by communities had reduced the size of school land and limited the capacity for learning institutions to establish production units.

“Our challenge is that production units are usually done in the rainy season when they are supposed to be done throughout the year, so, there is a need to equip schools. Another challenge is that of encroachment of school land by communities and this requires the engagement of the traditional leadership so that boundaries can be known,” he said.

Mr Zimba also highlighted the need for value addition of the school production units as a means of income generation and competitiveness on the market.

The minister is in the province to relaunch and reawaken production units in schools.

And Minister of Education, Douglas Siakalima, has appreciated the role that the traditional leadership plays in fostering education in the country.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Chieftainess Kawaza of the Chewa people of Sinda and Katete Districts, Mr Siakalima said the encouragement, sensitization, and awareness on the value of education that the traditional leadership gives to their subjects has helped see many in school.

“We are really grateful because there are a few people who contribute towards encouraging people to take their children to school,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chieftainess Kawaza appealed for boarding facilities in day secondary schools to curb teenage pregnancies among the learners.

Chieftainess Kawaza said most of the teen pregnancy cases that the district was recording were not from boarding schools but from day secondary schools.

The traditional leader said even just boarding houses that were within the school premises, would tremendously contribute towards the fight against teen pregnancies as the girls would be protected and would not be vulnerable.

“These early pregnancies which we are recording, are not coming from boarding schools, they are being recorded in these day secondary schools which are open.

So, our appeal is to your effort through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which we have, if we can build boarding houses where female pupils can be cooking from long as they are within the school premises,” she said.

The Minister who is in the province to reawaken production units within schools also paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi and Katete District Commissioner Malan Zimba.

Summit for Democracy: A reintroduction of “Freedom” through the eyes of a Power House

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Summit for Democracy: A reintroduction of “Freedom” through the eyes of a Power House

By Samuel Banda

A virtual meeting birthed by the United States of America dubbed “Summit for Democracy” is set to be held in Zambia on 29-30 March, 2023, coincidentally that country’s Vice President, Kamala Harris visits just about the same time and we are forced to speculate the importance of this gathering.

The main focus is listed as strengthening democracy and countering authoritarianism, fighting corruption and promoting respect for human rights.

Going by the focus points and beliefs of the brains behind the summit, America is being portrayed as a firm supporter of basic civil liberties and other human rights.

Under human rights, American policy for Africa and all who depend upon it for support is for Africa to have acceptance of the existence and practice of homosexuality, an unnatural act that has received approval by US President Joe Biden has since signed into law, same sex marriage as of December, 2022.

Under human rights as a topic of discussion is a bracket of the minority groups, and going by the agenda of gay rights by America, it will be no surprise when such a matter is raised in a land that professes Christianity as a core value and just how the majority Zambians have expressly forbidden this culture.

What is more worrying, is that recent happenings have been met with relaxed responses from those in authority, hence the need for a quick reminder that getting complacent will allow western civilization to colonize our minds.

In fact, it is safe to say that we are slowly accepting changes and normalizing cross dressing in public, be it for stunts, fashion promos or just homosexuals hiding in plain sight.

Zambia’s past regimes, starting from Dr Kaunda, have preached morality as a bedrock of who we are as Africans to the International media putting Zambia as one of the countries with the toughest anti-homosexual laws in Africa, further saying it is one of the most unsafe places for gay people to live.

Former U.S Ambassador to Zambia, Daniel Foote who was expelled from the country had even threatened that America was going to cut aid to Zambia because of our unwavering stance against homosexuality.

However, our country today is witnessing advocates for gay rights seemingly getting comfortable and gaining ground with open campaigns.

The Swedish and Finnish Embassies in Lusaka showed their LGBTQ support by flying rainbow flags. We also saw the first ever gay protest in Lusaka.

Are waters being tested or is the Summit for Democracy here to put a stamp of approval on queer life. Kamala must avoid preaching alien values when she comes on our soil.

People of Zambia won’t allow the Patriotic Front to return to power

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People of Zambia won’t allow the Patriotic Front to return to power

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Chishala Nkandu has charged that the people of Zambia won’t allow the Patriotic Front (PF) to return to power because of the rampant illegalities and corruption the previous regime committed.

Mr. Nkandu said during the PF reign many illegalities such as informal and illicit allocation of land were committed by cadres and people in authority.

The Kaputa Member of Parliament said PF left the country in a mess which the New Dawn government is correcting methodically.

Mr. Nkandu was speaking after touring Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola where some people and companies were allocated land in the area belonging to the stadium between 2012 and 2021.

He called for the proper utilization of land belonging to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium which is under his ministry.

“If we were like our colleagues (PF) even this land would have been occupied (sold) because it was just free for all. Someone can just give himself or herself land. Us we have cadres that consult when they want to do things. But I think the previous regime did not do justice to this country in terms of land allocation. So if some people are saying no ukubwelelapo pa mupando (retaining the seat) with this confusion they left sure who can let them come back with that confusion we had seen? So I think the Zambian people should be aware that this is a government (UPND administration) that has come to make sure that things are done properly. This is where we are saying we cannot allow anyone to encroach on this land,” Mr. Nkandu said.

He added that people that committed illegalities in the previous regime or the current administration must face the law.

“I think it is high time that as Zambians we refrain from corruption and also give land on a silver platter because at the end of the day the land belongs to the Zambian people. I am so disappointed with what I have found here, especially land encroachment. In fact, let me not use the word encroachment because encroachment is like someone has not been given authority but here people were just given land by people in authority or cadres. I don’t even know how to put it. My understanding is that any illegality, whether someone is involved in corrupt practices or in illegal allocation of land, is criminality and I know that whatever criminality is done it should be taken to court.”

“If there is that notion of illegal land allocation cases not being taken to court then I don’t know some people who say that think or reason. For me, those that had participated in illegal land allocation should also be probed so that each one can account for their deeds. Maybe it is the way we are trying to treaty these other people, others may think the illegalities they committed were ok. They are now able to go on an anthill and say we are challenging you to do this and that,” Mr. Nkandu said.

He asked Zambians to be patient as the prosecution of people involved in illegal activities in the past continues.

“There were a lot of illegal things that were done but you know as the President (Hakainde Hichilema) says we are doing things methodically and I think some other people are mistaking us to be very weak. We are not weak and we will make sure that those that participated in illegal activities are brought to book. It could be now or it may take some time but also people need to understand that the wheels of justice are very slow so let them be patient. So those who did something wrong should be prosecuted. Equally, if I also involve myself in illegal activities I will be prosecuted. The President has been very categorical on these issues saying corrupt practices of the previous regime, current or future regime will be prosecuted. We will not look at someone’s face as long as one is involved in illegal practices will be prosecuted. So think let us have some patience, by the end of the day we will be able to know who did what and who did not do anything wrong,’ he concluded.

Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities

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Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities

By ALBERT M. MUCHANGA

The ‘Fostering Recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities,’ theme is a clear demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union Agenda 2063 and the High 5s of the African Development Bank, which all include focus on improving the quality of life of the African people.
The poverty and inequality profiles of Africa are insightful. Although we are the richest region in the world in terms of endowment of natural resources, we are the poorest when it comes to measures of income and wealth.

Coming out of these low levels of income and wealth is now being made more challenging by climate change as seen in the recent flooding in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique. We must add to this the looming debt crisis which could undermine all the growth achievements of the past 23 years. Africa’s economic growth has not been sufficiently inclusive to engineer decent jobs and reduce widespread poverty, inequalities, exclusion and resilience. To surmount poverty, inequality and exclusion, Africa must embark on people-centred recovery and transformation. For this transformation to be attained and sustained, there is need to secure abundant financial resources. In this respect, mobilisation of domestic resources should be prioritised with a particular emphasis on fighting against illicit financial flows, which deprive the continent of approximately, US$90 billion annually. My starting pitch is hence the need to create fiscal space for high and sustained levels of economic growth. The fiscal space generates four capacities to invest in programmes and projects that reduce poverty and inequality. The lesson of experience in this area is from China’s efforts, which by 2019 enabled the Chinese Government to overcome absolute poverty, well ahead of the 2030 target of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive economic growth. With this in mind, we have partnered with the African Development and AUDA-NEPAD to commission a study on achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.

The study, which operationalises the first aspiration of Agenda 2063: ‘A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development’ will be completed by December this year. It is anchored on attaining and sustaining seven to 10 per cent growth rates between 2023 and 2063. The seven to 10 percent growth target, in addition to being supported by economic theory, is part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, African Union Agenda 2063 as well as the Instanbul Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries and its successor, the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries. Key to this high growth is taking advantage of the fact that Africa is a low-income region as well as coming up with serious efforts in raising investment levels across Africa through, as earlier mentioned, domestic resource mobilisation. In addition, there should be mobilisation of the private sector, both domestic and foreign as well as undertaking sustainable borrowing. The study gives prominence to investment in human capital development and utilisation. The major elements of this are: investments in education and science, with a focus on employability; investments in technology and innovation; investment in health; harnessing the demographic dividend by, among others, investing in the growth of decent employment opportunities; leveraging the African diaspora; mainstreaming the informal sectors into the formal sectors; investing in gender equality and youth empowerment; and, investing in the development of morality, integrity, discipline, self-esteem and self-confidence. Of course, we do not overlook other drivers of inclusive growth and sustainable development such as macroeconomic management and stability; physical infrastructure; environmental sustainability; industrialization; transport, communication, financial and tourism services; agriculture; digital transformation; intra-African Trade and diversifying and growing trade between Africa and the rest of the world. I will say more on digital transformation, intra-African trade and export growth and diversification.

Digital technologies offer us a chance to unlock new pathways for rapid and inclusive economic growth, innovation, job creation and access to services. Africa has several headline successful and dynamic ecosystems. The mobile money revolution is a well-known example: with 300 million accounts, one of the highest in the world. In this connection, mobile money has begun transforming Africa’s job markets, expanding financial services to the underserved and unlocking innovative business models for local small and medium sized enterprises. To date, more than 500 African companies provide technology enabled innovation in financial services (fintech). Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Nairobi in Kenya and Lagos in Nigeria rank among the top 100 cities for fintech ecosystems worldwide. In addition, over 640 tech hubs and incubators are active across the continent, up from 314 in 2016. However, in order to achieve the objectives of Agenda 2063 and create a massive number of jobs for the youth, tackle poverty and inequalities, digital transformations will need to expand beyond these islands of success and this is what we want to achieve during implementation of the study referred to earlier. It is a common refrain that power abroad flows from power at home.

In this connection, the entire African Union system will fully collaborate with the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area in implementing the programme of action emanating from the theme of the ear which is focused on implementation of the Agreement and Protocols establishing this continental market. One of the key programmes is the development of agro-parks aimed at initially making Africa food secure and later, a net food exporter. The agro-parks will, through specialization, also promote the development of regional and continental value chains in agriculture, and consequently, increase intra-African trade in food products and intermediate goods. Inclusive and sustainable industrialisation is another key focus area. Some of the key programmes that we plan to collaborate with our partners in this area involve: building capacities for rural cooperative agro-processing; building capacities for production of intermediate goods from Africa’s vast array of natural resources; building capacities to mainstream research and development to boost innovation; and, development of regional and continental value chains such as the DRC-Zambia batteries for electric motor vehicles project. The strategic importance of this project lies in the fact that the global drive to sustainability offers an opportunity to create decent jobs through transformative investments in industrial processing of strategic minerals that the continent is endowed with.

Some of the soft elements of the industrialisation drive are intellectual property rights protection, investment promotion and development of quality infrastructure. With respect to the first element, we are collaborating with the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area in coming up a common and aligned institutional arrangement for intellectual property rights protection. We will do the same with respect to investment promotion. As far as quality infrastructure is concerned, we are in the process of coming up with the Made in Africa standard, which when operational, will promote competitiveness among qualifying companies as well as contribute to removal of technical barriers to trade. The African Continental Free Trade Area market has a bright future. We have a young population with a growing middle class whose demand for industrial goods in 1.5 times higher than the global average. In this respect, I look forward to finalisation of our collaborative project with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa on the mainstreaming of cross-border trade. Once we have reliable statistics on intra-African trade through this project, we shall be better placed to capture demand and, consequently, attract increased investments into the market.

Although the process of de-globalisation is underway, and that we have since the 1970s, experienced progressive decline of our share of global trade from six percent to 2.7 percent currently, Africa is still committed to international trade. International trade is, among others, a source of foreign exchange and transfer of technology just as much as it is a key measure of competitiveness. In this connection, we have started work on coming up with a programme on export diversification and growth. Through the programme, we plan to move Africa away from a producer and exporter of commodities to an exporter of manufactured and agro-processed goods as well as services such tourism and labour. As I come to the end, let me make five points. The first point is on climate financing. As we go towards the green transition, there is a real danger that Africa’s climate financing gap will grow. New estimates by the African Development Bank show that Africa will need between US$1.3 and US$1.6 trillion between 2020-2030, or US$118 billion to US$145 billion annually, to implement its commitments to the Paris Agreement and its nationally determined contributions. If these targets are not attained, there is a possibility of increased climate induced poverty and destitution across Africa.

The second point is on collaboration. In this respect, we look forward to collaborating with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of this Conference on this theme. We are also collaborating with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa on a readiness assessment towards an African Customs Union/Common which is key to deepening the African Continental Free Trade Area market. This deepening will bring us closer to macroeconomic convergence which is critical to facilitating Africa-wide poverty reduction and inclusivity. My third point is that inclusivity is an absolute necessity. Our progress will be determined not by those at the top ladder of our income profiles but by those at the bottom. The faster we improve the social and economic status of those Africans at the bottom, the faster will be our progress.

My fourth point is that one of the key resources required to reduce poverty, inequality and exclusion in Africa is continuous effort. Once momentum is established, it must be sustained. Any slippage can lead to major set-backs and these must be avoided at all costs. In this respect, Africa must have strategic focus on, in the words of the theme; Fostering Recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities.’ We must hence avoid distractions but persevere with unshakable resolve. My fifth and last point is that development is a Do It Yourself (DIY) process. Do It Yourself. Let us always remember this. Nobody but ourselves will end our poverty, inequalities, destitution, vulnerabilities and underdevelopment. Let us do it, with resolve, integrity, discipline, self-esteem and self-confidence.

The author is African Union Commission Commissioner Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM)

Zambia warned of becoming a danger to the region as it integrates with American system, says Dr Cosmas Musumali

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Zambia warned of becoming a danger to the region as it integrates with American system, says Dr Cosmas Musumali

Dr Cosmas Musumali, the General Secretary of the Socialist Party (SP), has warned that Zambia is becoming a danger to the region due to its integration into the American system. He added his voice to those calling for the “government of angels” to review its relationship with the United States.

For some time, sections of society have insinuated that the United Party for National Development (UPND) is a “puppet government” being controlled by the West. There have also been complaints that the UPND is listening more to foreign powers and neglecting the plight of suffering Zambians who ushered them into power in 2021.

Appearing on KBN TV’s State of the Nation last night, Dr Musumali said it was important to review Zambia’s relationship with the US, adding that there are more pressing issues for Zambia and the African continent to consider.

“Let us go back a little bit into history. At one time, Africa wanted to liberate itself. We had formidable leaders, our own heroes. Patrice Lumumba was one of them. What did he say? He said the wealth of the Congo is for the Congolese and the Africans. And that was not good enough for the imperialist world and the US, France, Belgium were against that,” Dr Musumali said.

“Their mandate is to exploit this continent. They are after their own interests on this continent. So let us not be naïve, let us not be lied to. Lumumba was killed because of that. Kwame Nkrumah made the same phrase, any African leader who stands up today and says the wealth which is on this continent is ours is regarded as an enemy to the imperialist world, led by the US.”

Dr Musumali cautioned that Zambia was getting even closer to being integrated into the American system.

“You have seen the MoU that was signed more recently in terms of the issue of electric batteries. We are becoming a new colonial state of the West order and that is what we should be reviewing. We should be looking at the issues that we should not allow foreign forces, foreign armies to use Zambia as a staging ground for protection for American interest. We are talking about AFRICOM and the office that they are setting up here. That office is unwelcome,” he said.

“Those are critical issues on our security, they are critical issues on the security of this region, and in the entire region, most governments are worried about the developments that are taking place in Zambia. Those are the issues when it comes to the US that we should be looking at.”

Dr Musumali also accused the UPND government of being oblivious to the region and not listening to what is happening outside of Zambia.

“If you get into Zimbabwe today and talk to Zimbabwean officials, if they are honest enough they will tell you they are worried about the development in Zambia. If you talk to South Africans, they will tell you we are worried about the developments that are taking place in Zambia. So Zambia is not creating friends in the region. Zambia is creating friends in the US and maybe within South Africa, a small portion of South African white capital,” he said.

He warned that Zambia might be diplomatically isolated if it continues down this path.

“The implications are that we are going to be isolated diplomatically. And the implications are that we are a danger to the entire region. The implications are that even at the African Union level, at SADC Region, we are losing out on that harmony on that cooperation that we used to enjoy all these years,” he said.

Dr. Musumali’s warning comes after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zambia and the United States on the issue of electric batteries. He argued that Zambia was becoming a new colonial state of the West order, and the government needed to review its relationship with the US. He warned that foreign forces and armies should not be allowed to use Zambia as a staging ground for protection for American interests, referring to the establishment of an AFRICOM office in Zambia.

“Those are critical issues on our security, they are critical issues on the security of this region, and in the entire region, most governments are worried about the developments that are taking place in Zambia. Those are the issues when it comes to the US that we should be looking at,” he said.

Dr. Musumali called on the UPND government to prioritize the interests of the Zambian people and Africa as a whole, rather than being influenced by foreign powers. He warned that any African leader who stands up today and says the wealth which is on this continent is ours is regarded as an enemy to the imperialist world, led by the US.

Zambian Opposition Leader Warns Against Violation of Constitution in ZNBC Director General Removal

Chief Editor
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Zambian Opposition Leader Warns Against Violation of Constitution in ZNBC Director General Removal

Opposition leader in Zambia’s Parliament, Brian Mundubile, has warned that removing Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Director General Berry Lwando on regional basis would violate Article 259 of the Constitution of Zambia. Mr. Mundubile, who is also a Presidential Candidate for the Patriotic Front (PF), stated that the UPND party, which is currently in power, should address the economic challenges facing the country, such as the high cost of living and insufficient medical supplies in hospitals, instead of focusing on regional politics.

Article 259 of the Constitution of Zambia requires those with power to appoint to take into account regional diversity. Mr. Mundubile believes that the ZNBC Board took this into consideration when appointing Mr. Lwando and his management. Recently, UPND-aligned media platforms, including Koswe, Zambian Watchdog, and Zambian Bulletin, have been campaigning to remove ZNBC employees based on their regional affiliation. UPND cadres have also given an ultimatum to the ZNBC Board to remove Mr. Lwando and his management, leading to concerns that regional politics is influencing the decision-making process.

Mr. Mundubile also warned of the dangers of caderism, which is the practice of using political power to gain access to government positions. He claimed that caderism was present in the UPND government and was causing conflict between cadres and government officials. Mr. Mundubile called on President Hakainde Hichilema to take swift action to prevent the removal of government employees based on their names or allegations of party loyalty.

Mr. Mundubile cited several instances of violence caused by UPND cadres, including beating up PF members and MPs in Kitwe, assaulting police officers in Chisamba and Kasama, and attacking government officials, including a District Administrative Officer (DAO) in Kasama and a District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) in Kafue District. He called on President Hichilema to ensure that cadres stay away from government operations to allow government officials and parastatals to work freely.

Finally, Mr. Mundubile expressed concern over a video that went viral, showing UPND cadres threatening to beat up anyone wearing PF regalia. He called on the Police Inspector General to arrest the culprits, saying that President Hichilema’s promise of a violence-free Zambia must be upheld

El Mukuka presents his second single taken off his forthcoming album ZEBRA entitled “Simple Things”

Entertainment Editor
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El Mukuka presents his second single taken off his forthcoming album ZEBRA entitled “Simple Things”

EL mukuka

El Mukuka presents his next single taken off his forthcoming album ZEBRA entitled “Simple Things“. The song is a collaboration with South African star Argento Dust (who recently had the smash hit Asanda with Zakes Bantwini) and Zambian singer/songwriter Marocco.

 

Bloated Civil Service: President Hichilema is incompetent and lacks even the most basic of management skills

Chief Editor
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Bloated Civil Service: President Hichilema is incompetent and lacks even the most basic of management skills

By Sean Tembo – PeP President

1. Some things we can argue about while other things are inarguable. It is inarguable that President Hakainde Hichilema has the most bloated civil service in the history of Zambia since independence. Despite creating several meaningless Permanent Secretary (PS) positions at Cabinet Office and appointing PSs in addition to Directors to head Departments at Ministries such as Home Affairs, Sports, Youth & Culture, having two economic advisors at State House etcetera, he has now proceeded to create an additional layer of bureaucracy at State House, called the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU).

2. Evidently, the President is trying to compensate for his lack of management skills by having a bloated civil service. He believes, wrongly so of course, that the larger the civil service, the greater the chance that he will deliver on his basic mandate of uplifting the living standards of the Zambian people. But he is very wrong. The only way to compensate for the lack of management skills in a leader is for that leader to, first of all, appoint competent subordinates, and secondly allow those subordinates to operate autonomously, without interference from the incompetent leader.

3. But the case of President Hakainde Hichilema is one of double tragedy. In fact, it is one of the triple tragedies. I say so because firstly it is inarguable that the President himself is incompetent and lacks even the most basic of management skills. Secondly, the President has failed to appoint competent subordinates, but has instead appointed senior civil servants on the basis of patronage to his political party; the UPND, as well as on the basis of kinsmanship. Thirdly, President Hakainde Hichilema does not believe in the delegation. He believes in having his hands in every little activity that his Government is engaged in at any given time, despite his inherent incompetence.

4. This is the reason why the quality of decisions coming from Hakainde Hichilema’s Government are below par. You find a state institution such as NAPSA lending money to foreigners so that they can construct the Lusaka – Ndola road and collect toll fees for 25 years and calls it a PPP project!!! Instead of increasing the number of oil refineries so that eventually there can be one in every provincial center, he kills the only one that we have and converts it into a storage facility, thereby killing all industries that depended on heavy fuels and bitumen, such as Ndola Energy Company which was an independent power producer. Instead of reducing the price of key production inputs such as fuel and electricity, he increases them substantially and then wonders why the cost of living is ever going up!!!

5. Indeed, President Hakainde Hichilema has not made a single sensible, publicly known decision, ever since he ascended to the presidency. If l believed in witchcraft, l would have thought that he has been bewitched. That someone has cast a spell on him so that he should always make bad decisions for our country. But the problem is not about witchcraft, it is about his management style or lack thereof. The key issue is that despite being inherently incompetent, he holds a false belief that he is super competent. And since he believes that he is super-competent, he brushes off anyone around him who seeks to offer him advice. And when it becomes apparent that his decisions are not yielding fruits, he simply goes and employs more people and creates more departments such as this so-called Presidential Delivery Unit. May God have mercy on our nation.

Respond to Petition Against Judges, Attorney General told

Chief Editor
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Respond to Petition Against Judges, Attorney General told

Constitutional Court Judge Justice Margaret Munalula has directed the Attorney General to respond to the Petition in which two citizens are challenging the process of appointing 20 Judges of the superior courts by 6th April, 2023.

Meanwhile, the petitioners have this afternoon successfully filed an application for an interim conservatory order to preserve the status quo on number of Judges of the superior courts pending determination of the matter.

In an interview this morning, Mr Maurice Makalu said his lawyers appeared before the Court this morning and the Judge indicated that the case is peculiar as it challenges the appointment of the judges of the court and that the court has to determine how such a case would be heard since it has interest in it.

What is surprising is that the Judge has told our lawyers that they cannot make interim applications before the matter is allocated, a direction which is alien because she was sitting herself and giving directions. However, we have still instructed our lawyers to go ahead and file an application so that justice can be served.

This is a case in which, Governance Activist, Isaac Mwanza, and Culture Change Consultant, Maurice Makalu, have petitioned the Constitutional Court on the appointment of judges. They are alleging that the process to recommend 20 judges for appointment was flawed as it did not follow the principles and values stipulated in the Constitution, and is illegal.

Meanwhile lawyers petitioners asked the Court to issue a temporally order to preserve the status quo of the Judges until the final determination of the matter.

They also want the appointments quashed and a direction for the Judicial Service Commission to restart the process so that Judges can be appointed on merit, and in compliance with the constitution.

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