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The Inspector General of Police has yet to prove he is better than former IG Kakoma Kanganja

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The Inspector General of Police has yet to prove he is better than former IG Kakoma Kanganja

By Venus N Msyani

The Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba has yet to prove he is better than his predecessor Kakoma Kanganja. Like IG Kanganja under the Patriotic Front government, Kajoba seems scared of losing his job.

The fear seems to have left the Inspector General confused; Now attacking even those who are sincerely trying to be on his side!

Commenting on his recent arrest, Dr. Chishimba Kambwili, alleges the current Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba is a figurehead. The PF presidential hopeful claims that a senior police officer at State House is running the Zambia Police Service.

Responding to Kambwili’s statement, IG Kajoba is quoted saying his office does not wish to engage Kambwili in public fora such as social media platforms. The Inspector General says instead, his office is watching Dr. Kambwili closely and analyzing every statement he utters.

The author could be wrong, is Kajoba happy? If he was, he would be telling Dr. Kambwili thank you. People are spending nights in police custody for misdemeanors. Chishimba Kambwili is simply saying Lemmy Kajoba he knows cannot allow that to happen.

How come Kajoba is failing to get it! Of course, he is trying to keep his job. The problem is that he may never prove that he is better than Kakoma Kanganja.

By attacking Dr. Kambwili, the Inspector General is saying he is the one allowing Zambians to spend days in police custody for misdemeanors.

Meanwhile, very sure most people are as disappointed as the author. Victims of the tyrannous behavior of the new dawn administration are not receiving equal support.

To be specific, support from the opposition. It appears the more popular one is the more support he/she gets. No doubt poor youth activist Kelvin Kakula would still be in custody if it weren’t for Dr. Chishimba Kambwili‘s arrest.

Kakula and Kambwili were arrested for unlawful assembly, which is a misdemeanor offense. Kakula spent days in custody no one seemed to be bothered. Kambwili spent about a day in custody the whole opposition swarmed the police station to demand his release.

Is that fair? Ordinary Zambians will suffer more if only politicians get enough support when facing authorities. Victims of the tyrannous behavior of the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration deserve equal support.

IG Lemmy Kajoba has yet to prove he is better than Kakoma Kanganja.

Fred M’membe Urges Protection for Investigative Journalists Exposing Sugilite Criminal Syndicate

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Fred M’membe Urges Protection for Investigative Journalists Exposing Sugilite Criminal Syndicate

Investigative journalism plays a vital role in holding those in power accountable for their actions. It is the duty of journalists to uncover the truth and expose wrongdoing, no matter how powerful or influential those responsible may be. Unfortunately, the risks and dangers faced by investigative journalists are often high, and the recent case of Jubilee Malambo is no exception.

Malambo’s investigative reporting on the Sugilite criminal syndicate in Mansa, Luapula Province, has been critical in exposing the corruption and criminal activities of those involved. However, in doing so, he has received death threats, causing him to live in fear for his life. As Dr. Fred M’membe, the President of Zambia’s Socialist Party, has stated, “Investigative journalists often risk their lives to uncover the truth.”

The threats and attacks against journalists like Malambo not only endanger their lives but also threaten the freedom of the press and the ability of society to make informed decisions. The right to information is a fundamental human right, yet access to information in Zambia is not yet recognized by law, observed or provided for.

To support and defend investigative journalists like Malambo, Dr. M’membe has called for the implementation of an Access to Information Act. This legislation would provide the right to information and ensure transparency, accountability, and the ability of citizens to make informed decisions. He believes that the free flow of ideas is a key driver of vibrant societies and human progress, and crimes against journalists have an enormous impact on society as a whole.

Dr. M’membe further stated, “Investigative journalism is of great importance for the functioning of our democracy. Investigative journalism increases transparency and can hold authorities to account. Investigative journalists can stir up a lot in society.” It is vital that investigative journalism is supported and protected, especially in a time when high-quality, independent journalism is more necessary than ever.

Meanwhile, the UPND spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, has welcomed the recent arrest of senior government officials in Luapula and Mongu. He has stated that this is an indication that the UPND does not interfere in the operation of law enforcement agencies and respects the principle of the rule of law.

Mr. Mweetwa clarified that any government official committing an offence against the law of the land would be dealt with in accordance with the law of the land. Additionally, any member of the party who violates the party Constitution will be treated according to the provisions of the party Constitution. The President is committed to respecting the rule of law and fighting all vices that violate the law.

The arrests of the Luapula Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mwansabombwe District Commissioner, and his Nchelenge counterpart for Conveying property reasonably suspected to be stolen and carrying out mining operations without a license are a clear indication that the current administration is committed to upholding the rule of law and fighting corruption.

FIC laments increased financial crimes in Zambia

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FIC laments increased financial crimes in Zambia

Government says it has endeavored to fight financial crimes ranging from corruption, money laundering, terrorism and proliferation financing.

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Henry Mukungule says this has been demonstrated through the various policy reforms, such as the establishment of the financial crimes court among others.

The PS was speaking during a meeting on the National Anti-money laundering, countering terrorism and proliferation financing policy.

Mr Mukungule said in ensuring that the fight is in conformity with the global community, the government has remained committed to ensuring strict compliance to international standards such as combating money laundering and financing of terrorism.

“On 2nd February, 2023, Zambia launched its first ever national anti-money laundering and countering terrorism and proliferation financing policy which is in response to the financial action task force recommendation,” Mr Mukungule stated.

The PS has since called on stakeholders involved in the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and proliferation regime to ensure that all outstanding issues are addressed.

And speaking earlier, Director Inspection at the Financial Intelligence centre , Katuna Sinyangwe lamented that the country has faced a lot of financial crimes.

Mr Sinyangwe said this is the reason the team is in Muchinga Province to sensitise stakeholders on how they can work with the government to fight financial crimes in the country.

“We all have a part to play in fighting money laundering and corruption and other vices that have been taking place for many years now, in the country” He added.

The meeting was attended by various stakeholders within Chinsali District.

JCTR urges the Government to step up bilateral engagement with China over debt

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JCTR urges the Government to step up bilateral engagement with China over debt

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has urged the Government to step up bilateral engagement with China, Zambia’s largest creditor, in order to expedite the prolonged debt restructuring process under the G20 Common Framework.

JCTR Executive Fr. Alex Muyebe, S.J said Zambia urgently needs a debt restructure to unlock investment and improve fiscal space.

Fr. Muyebe said the perceived foreign policy shift by the New Dawn Government must not be allowed to jeopardize the debt restructuring negotiations.

He said the interest of the Zambian people must take precedence over the geo-political and economic dynamics between the West and China.

Fr. Muyebe emphasised that in the end it is the Zambian people who are bearing the brunt of delayed debt restructuring and who will bear consequences in the event that the debt restructuring deal collapses

“Zambia is still battling with a debt distress which has denied the country the opportunity to grow at its full potential. This has worsened the poverty levels as the past few years have seen a rechanneling of resources from key sectors of the economy such as: social security protection; education; health; water and sanitation among others to debt serving. The coming in of Covid-19 further worsened the living conditions in Zambia through disruptions of livelihood as productivity was lost and government’s responsibility to meet health needs of its people increased. Zambia therefore needs to grow to its full potential to improve livelihoods of its people and eradicate poverty. It is for this reason that the country desperately needs a debt restructure to unlock investment and improve fiscal space. Zambia was among the first countries to apply for debt restructure under the G20 Common Framework for debt treatment in early 2021,” Fr. Muyebe stated.

“Progress has been made in this regard as the next step is for the Official Creditor Committee for Zambia to agree with the authorities the specific modalities of how official creditors intend to deliver debt relief consistent with the Fund-program parameters in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The authorities aimed to complete discussions on the MoU by the end of 2022, however, this is yet to be accomplished as the process has lagged. The Zambian government has remained committed to fiscal sustainability. The country has also received support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) through the US$1.3 billion extended credit facility and a total of US$740 million concessional loan from the World Bank (WB).”

“This has helped Zambia return to positive economic growth levels. However, debt restructuring is needed if Zambia is to achieve sustained economic growth. The Zambian government has implemented a medium term strategy to run for the period between 2023 and 2025. This is intended to improve livelihoods of its people through reduced cost of living; improved and sustained economic growth averaging 4.2 percent; increased domestic revenue and improved reserves in the treasury,” Fr. Muyebe said.

He said JCTR has observed that the delayed debt restructuring is also contributing to the instability of the Zambian currency.

“For all these to be actualized, Zambia needs investment inflow. The delayed restructuring in Zambia’s debt is blocking investment inflow into the country as investors may not perceive Zambia to be credible. This is making it difficult for the government to meet the needs of its people to the required extent due to limitations of resources. It is very important to understand that no nation can grow in isolation as global partnership and trade is very important. Foreign direct investment boosts the countries reserves, increases the country’s revenue generation capacity and creates jobs. The delayed debt restructuring is also contributing to the instability of the Zambian currency.”

“As earlier highlighted, Zambia’s huge debt overhang is eroding market and investor confidence. Reduced direct foreign investment reduces the country’s forex earnings. For a country that is a net importer like Zambia, high demand for forex to import commodities adds pressure to the country’s reserves and leads to the devaluation of the local currency. This has been evident as the Zambian kwacha has been depreciating against major currencies. The depreciation of the kwacha means more of the Zambian currency is needed to import commodities for consumption. This is likely to lead to increased inflation rate, which if not accompanied by increased nominal income (salaries) reduces household’s real income implying that household’s income can no longer purchase the same quantity of basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, medicine among others) that it previously could,” Fr. Muyebe said.

He predicted that the delayed debt restructuring is likely to contribute to the rising cost of living for an average Zambian as monitored by the monthly study by JCTR on the basic needs and nutrition basket.

“Therefore, the delayed debt restructuring is likely to contribute to the rising cost of living for an average Zambian as monitored by the monthly study by JCTR on the basic needs and nutrition basket. The rising cost of living is causing households to cut down on the number or quantity of meals per day as well as compromise on nutritional content of these meals. It is also compromising the capacity of households to access decent housing due to reduced real income and therefore worsening the poverty levels in Zambia,” he said.

“With the aim of speeding up the debt restructure process; the Zambian government needs to step up bilateral engagement with China (Zambia’s largest creditor) to help expedite the restructuring process under the G20 Common Framework. The perceived foreign policy shift must not be allowed to jeopardize the debt restructuring negotiations. The interest of the Zambian people must take precedence over the geo-political and economic dynamics between the West and China. Ultimately it is the Zambian people who are bearing the brunt of delayed debt restructuring and who will bear consequences in the event that the debt restructuring deal collapses,” Fr. Muyebe said.

Unsupervised boarding houses are being used for drug abuse and sexual activities-Lusambo

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Unsupervised boarding houses are being used for drug abuse and sexual activities-Lusambo

Former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has said President Hakainde Hichilema should tackle the issues of increasing unsupervised student boarding houses that are being abused as he addresses Parliament on Friday on the Application of National Values, Ethics, and Principles.

Mr. Lusambo said mushrooming unsupervised student boarding houses are being used for drug abuse and sexual activities by students.

The former Kabushi Member of Parliament said some students are engaging in “mini-marriages” with no regard for traditional and cultural values.

Mr. Lusambo observed that the growth in tertiary education over the last few years has evidently brought with it unprecedented demand for student accommodation.

“The tragedy of unsupervised student boarding houses. As President Hichilema addresses Parliament on Friday on the Application of National Values, Ethics and Principles, we wish to draw the nation to a matter of serious concern, one that threatens national values and risks decimating the moral fiber of this great nation. The growth in tertiary education over the last few years has evidently brought with it unprecedented demand for student accommodation. All Universities and Colleges, both private and public have been outstripped with regard to student bed spaces while a number of these Institutions are operating with no provision for student accommodation. In their desire to obtain a qualification, most young people are choosing to live in boarding houses as they pursue their educational goals,” Mr. Lusambo said.

“What we have seen now is the emergence of a social tsunami where students as young as 17 are being forced to look for boarding houses to rent for the entire duration of their study programmes. Their level of vulnerability is so high such that by the time they graduate, these young people would have been exposed to so many social and moral ills that would have a lasting impact on their lives forever. Gathered evidence is showing that most boarding houses are now dens of sin, criminality and outright moral decay. We now have students engaged in “mini-marriages” with no regard to traditional and cultural values. Others have been introduced and have gotten addicted to hard drugs while living in these boarding houses and the lack of adequate sanitation services at these boarding houses poses a serious public health threat. If nothing is done urgently to curb the rise in these boarding houses, Zambia will face a huge public health crisis in the next 10 years. We will have a generation of young adults that won’t be able to function as the moral backbone would have been weakened,” Mr. Lusambo stated.

He proposed measures aimed at helping address the crisis of student accommodation.

“The Higher Education Authority should place a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses for Universities and Colleges that do not have student ready accommodation spaces. An application should only be reviewed after evidence has been provided to show that adequate bed spaces to absorb at least 90% of students is available. Existing higher learning institutions should be given a two year grace period to provide accommodation facilities for at least 90% of the students. After the two year period has elapsed, the Higher Education Authority should review and inspect the bed spaces before renewing the license. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance working with the Bankers Association of Zambia should collaborate to develop a financing framework for higher learning institutions to access cheaper financing for them to construct student hostels closer to campus,” Mr. Lusambo said.

He further urged councils to collaborate with Higher Education Authority to carry out inspections on all boarding houses to check for compliance to public health laws

“Local authorities should work with Higher Education Authority to carry out inspections on all boarding houses to check for compliance to public health laws. Institutions flouting those guidelines should face stiffer penalties. Higher learning institutions should insist on only offering Acceptance Letters to students who will present Lease Agreements signed off by guardians and property owners that will show how and where the student will be accommodated for the duration of their study programme. Higher learning institutions should carry out periodical compliance checks to ensure that students are staying in boarding houses that are traceable. It is our strongly considered view that President Hichilema should take this matter seriously to protect the future of this great nation,” Mr. Lusambo said.

Eight Croatians moved to the High Court in Ndola City

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Eight Croatians moved to the High Court in Ndola City

The case in which eight Croatians are accused of attempting to traffic four children from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the Zambian territory has been moved to the High Court in Ndola City.

And the Croatian suspects have been released from prison on bail pending trial.

This follows a decision made on Wednesday by High Court judge Yvonne Chembe who granted the State the application to have the case heard in the higher court of Zambia.

Last Tuesday, the State filed a notice of motion stating that the matter has garnered widespread attention at local and international level adding that it would be suitable that the matter is heard before the High Court.

In an affidavit in support of originating notice of motion filed in the Ndola High Court, assistant immigration officer Kombe Sakeni said it is inevitable that the laws of Croatia and the DRC will be a point of consideration during the hearing of the trial.

“That part of the evidence touches on communications made by and to a sovereign state, that is, the DRC and could conceivably be on international interest.

“That the case also involves the four children namely Beatrice Magic, Mariella Kalinde Subsic, Jona Asnate Persic and Jean Val Kraljevic whose fate will be affected by the outcome of this matter,” he stated.

Mr Sakeni further contends that if the order is granted, it will be to the general convenience of the parties and will not prejudice the accused persons.

“I am reliably informed by counsel that this court is clothed with the jurisdiction to hear this application and that this is a proper matter in which this honorable court can exercise its jurisdiction to order that the respondents be committed to trial before itself,” he said.

And when the matter came up in chambers, defense lawyers did not contest the application.

Judge Chembe adjourned the case to a later date.

Recently, the eight Croatians and a senior Department of Immigration officer Gloria Sakulenga, 36, who is on police bond were charged with the offence, to which they all pleaded not guilty.

In this case, it is alleged that on December 7, 2022, in Ndola, Sakulenga, a senior Department of Immigration officer attempted to traffic four children within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

The eight Croatians include Zoran Subosic, 52, a guitarist in a well-known band Hladno Pivo or Cold beer, Immovic Subosic, 41, an administrator, Damir Magic, 44, an electrical technician, Nadic Magic, 45, a technician, Ladislav Persic, 42, a medical doctor and Aleksandra Persic, 43, a hair salon attendant.

Others are Noah Kraljevic, 40, a programme director and Uvona Kraljevic 36, a dog handler.

It is alleged that on December 7, last year, the four couples acted together in an attempt to traffic the four children.

President Hakainde Hichilema is a heartless extortionist-Edith Nawakwi

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President Hakainde Hichilema is a heartless extortionist-Edith Nawakwi

Hakainde Hichilema is a heartless extortionist who wants to increase electricity tariffs at a time when Zambians have gone beyond the limits of suffering, FDD leader Edith Nawakwi has charged.

And Economic Front (EF) leader Wynter Kabimba described the President as a stubborn “chintomfwa” who will not listen to the poor people’s cries, but that judgment day is coming for him in 2026.

Speaking through an interview on the proposed hike of 37 percent in electricity tariffs by the state-owned utility company, Zesco, Nawakwi said no Zambian deserves to be burdened further with high electricity costs after the President has already decimated them with high fuel prices, resulting in the skyrocketing cost of living for ordinary Zambians.

She said President Hichilema was a “hard-nosed” capitalist who is pandering to the west as that is what has been included in the $1.3 billion IMF facility.

“That was what was included in the agreement that he will be an agent of death for the Zambian economy and people of Zambia,” Nawakwi said. “You have seen the price of mealie meal skyrocketing yet there isn’t one single construction going on in the country.”

She said Zambia was a country without a shepherd, and therefore everything was at a standstill “because our leader has no eyes, because if he had he would have seen the people’s suffering not to burden them with further electricity tariff hikes.”

“He has no heart. If he has it doesn’t feel the people’s pain. The only heart he has is ‘how much will be in my pocket.’ It’s insensitive for anyone to inflict more pain on the people at this time,” Nawakwi said, and that IMF will be responsible for the President’s eviction in 2026.

Nawakwi said it was ironic that the same government that claimed that tariffs have to be hiked to attract investment, were also saying that they are exporting power and making millions from the same.

“Hakainde doesn’t listen to anyone. He doesn’t listen to God. He has power and he will do what he wants,” she said.

President Hichilema during a recent radio appearance described the skyrocketing prices of mealie meal as extortion and sabotage as the government had offloaded maize through the FRA to the millers to cushion the high prices. But Nawakwi urged the President to consider his own actions before blaming others.

“He is the extortionist. He has been increasing the price of fuel because mealie meal cannot be delivered in isolation of fuel,” Nawakwi said, adding that “the cattle economist” is detached from reality as mealie meal prices cannot be stabilised by just offloading maize as it requires time to do so.

She said she had never seen a situation where the minister of Agriculture was the one presiding over which millers should receive the maize.

“I have said he doesn’t understand economics. He is a cattle economist. He only understands the economics of cattle where they are walking from Kalomo to Kafue and he is creating deforestation and calls himself a cattle rancher,” said Nawakwi.

And Kabimba said the tariff increments must affect the mines who were the heavy consumers as apart from being given tax holidays they also paid little on the energy they consumed despite being the heavy users of the commodity.

He said the rule in terms of tariffs must move alongside the lines of taxation where those who earn more pay more.

Kabimba said he and others were representing the voice of the poor who will be the main judges of President Hichilema’s stay in power “against the mining companies to who can claim that they will rig elections for him and get 10 helicopters to fly him around the country.”

“HH must stop cheating himself that he can treat the poor people in the manner he feels because he has got the support of his fellow capitalists in the mines,” said Kabimba, adding that the trend he was developing of getting the poor to sustain the rich could not build peace. “HH has proven to be a very stubborn man to hold office. And this is confirmed by those working around him. Ni chintomfwa (He’s someone who never listens to anyone)

Mundubile Dispels Falsehoods About Contractors Getting Money But Failed To Deliver

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Mundubile Dispels Falsehoods About Contractors Getting Money But Failed To Deliver

The allegations that some contractors received payment for services not rendered during the PF regime have been dispelled by Mporokoso Member of Parliament, Hon Brian Mundubile. He challenged the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Hon Garry Nkombo, to reveal how much money the government lost through non-delivery of contracts.

Since the New Dawn Administration took over, many local contractors have not been paid because they have been labeled as PF cadres. Despite delivering their services to the government, they have not been paid, which has led to worsened money scarcity and an escalated cost of living.

In their defense, UPND officials have claimed that the contractors did not deliver the services as per the contract. However, Hon Brian Mundubile has schooled the New Dawn in Parliament on how contracts and business with the government are conducted.

Hon Mundubile explained that in the standard contract he has known for the past 20 years, either a contractor is paid an advance payment in exchange for an advance payment bond or an Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) is signed by the consultant. If there is payment that has been signed without work, the government can still execute the performance bond of the consultant. He challenged Hon Nkombo to state how much money the government lost regarding the matter in question.

Hon Nkombo had earlier stated that the government lost a lot of money. He assured the public that only those that did the work will be paid, and there will be reconciliation. He also admitted that there is a lot of work to be done to harmonize the feeder roads and address the issue of debt.

Hon Mundubile lamented that most local contractors have fallen victim to the government machinations, and as a result, contractors are failing to secure facilities with banks and international business. He said that the contracts don’t invite outsiders, not even the government, to resolve the challenges but the parties to the contract. He said that the sector has collapsed because of the mistrust that exists from the government.

The PF presidential hopeful challenged the Minister of Local Government to be clear on what contract was used in the particular transaction and which consultant is before the court today for having signed an IPC where no work was done. He explained that a contract is just a normal business.

Hon Mundubile said it is high time the government started promoting local businesses and ended the mistrust that exists between them and the contractors.

Zambia’s Economy at Risk as Bank of Zambia Fails to Meet Bond Auction Targets, Says Fred M’membe

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Zambia’s Economy at Risk as Bank of Zambia Fails to Meet Bond Auction Targets, Says Fred M’membe

Zambia’s Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe has expressed concern over the failure of the Bank of Zambia to meet the required K2.6 billion per bond auction. The latest auction results published on February 17 this year saw the Bank of Zambia only raise K854 million, a shortfall of over 67%.

Dr M’membe believes that the subscription rates are an economic barometer of the economy. An over-subscription is generally seen as a mark of economic confidence by investors, while an under-subscription is seen as a score for low investor confidence. He said, “The failure of the Bank of Zambia to raise the required amount shows that investors are on the fence due to uncertainty with regards to national debt restructuring.”

Dr M’membe also expressed concern that the under-subscription of government bonds could negatively impact the funding of government operations. He strongly suspects that financial institution participation in government securities has dwindled, resulting in low subscriptions. “The effects of removing liquidity from the markets are now being seen, and we will not be surprised if the bankers of economic evils eventually start printing money,” he said.

The Socialist Party President further stated that the rise in interest rates in the United States and Europe is incentivizing non-resident investors to pull out of emerging markets bond investments and redirecting back to the United States and Europe, which carry less country risk than emerging markets. He believes that this will result in a net payout position for government securities with the following consequences: “Depletion of international reserves as investors externalize their investment, pressure on the Kwacha with a medium-term outlook of continued depreciation, which will result in higher, imported inflation impact.”

Dr M’membe has called for urgent action to address the situation. He believes that reversing the generous tax holidays given to the mining sector, engaging China on a bilateral basis to give Zambia a three-year moratorium on its debt, and introducing austerity measures, including government-wide international travels at all levels, including for the Head of State, are necessary steps to take. He also called for the reversal of wrong monetary policy decisions taken by the Bank of Zambia to increase the statutory reserve ratio.

“The under-subscription in government securities is partially due to reduced participation of the banks in subscribing to government securities,” he said. “It is also clear that this policy direction will not impact the exchange rate depreciation as it is now evident that the forex demand side is significantly driven by non-resident/offshore investors cashing out and not rolling over their government securities. This is a highly misdirected policy decision.”

Dr M’membe believes that the situation is urgent and that the government must act quickly to find alternatives to raise funds for the shortfall. “Given the already underperforming economy, what alternatives does the government have? External loans? But who will be ready to give us loans? The commercial loans window is closed given the debt default and limited bilateral funding.”

U.S Congressional delegation visits Zambia to witness U.S. government support

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U.S Congressional delegation visits Zambia to witness U.S. government support

A U.S. Congressional delegation along with the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies in Rome Cindy McCain this week visited Zambia to witness how the U.S. government, in partnership with the Government of Zambia and UN agencies, is investing in Zambia’s greatest resource – its people.

The delegation of leaders from the U.S. Senate Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Relations included Senators Lindsey Graham, Bob Menendez, Chris Coons, Martin Heinrich, Chris Van Hollen, and Mark Kelly.
The delegation, accompanied by U.S.

Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Stanley Kakubo and Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba to discuss the Zambian Government’s commitment to improve accountable and responsive governance, inclusive economic growth, and the delivery of services.

The delegation also visited Kabuyu Primary School to observe how the Zambian Government, with support from the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Food Programme (WFP), is strengthening the quality of education and improving nutrition for children attending school.

While at the school, the delegation observed a reading lesson supported through the USAID Let’s Read program, which partners with Zambia’s Ministry of Education to improve reading outcomes for approximately 1.4 million children from pre-primary classes through Grade 3 in Zambia’s primary schools.

The Let’s Read program is implemented in over half of all public primary and community schools across Zambia.

The delegation also saw how the Zambian Government, through its Home Grown School Meals Program, is improving school enrolment, attendance, and retention by providing meals to students and enhancing their nutrition intake.

The delegation also visited the Kabuyu Bulking Center to observe how the Zambian Government is working with United Nations agencies to protect smallholder farmers against climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting conservation agriculture practices; diversifying livelihoods; and facilitating access to finance and stable, predictable markets.

Before departing Zambia, the delegation had the opportunity to appreciate the majestic Victoria Falls and explore investment and people-to-people opportunities through Zambia’s tourism industry.

Catholic Bishops condemn inclusion of “families of same-sex marriage” in School Curriculum

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Catholic Bishops condemn inclusion of “families of same-sex marriage” in School Curriculum

The Zambia Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCCB) are pushing the government to revise the school curriculum that seeks to introduce same-sex relationships to school-going children in the Southern African country.

In a recent report, the Catholic Bishops in Zambia say the curriculum, as it is, will not be taught in Catholic schools in the country.

“Recently, pictures emerged on social media allegedly extracted from the yet-to-be-introduced school text books on CSE (Comprehensive Sexuality Education). The pictures showed families of same-sex marriage,” ZCCB members say.

They add, “The Catholic Church teaches that a family naturally springs from the marriage of man and woman. And this marriage is ordered to the procreation and education of children.”

According to ZCCB members, Zambia’s Ministry of Education (MoE), through its Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) with support from UNESCO and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) has produced a curriculum in life skills that focuses on CSE.

The Catholic Bishops say that the curriculum framework was developed to enrich the provision of Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education (RHSE).

In the February 8 report, ZCCB National Education Secretary, Fr. Leonard Namuvumba, notes that the Catholic Church holds on to the biblical understanding of family as designed by God and its definition of a family “as those of the same household”, and as the pairing of a man and a woman, along with their children.

He highlights the types of families as being nuclear, single-parent families, extended families, childless families, stepfamilies, and grandparent families.

Fr. Namuvumba says that the books that have been published do not stress the role and place of cultural and Christian values on family, marriage, sex, and sexuality, adding that the textbooks need to be revised so that there is the right material for the right age.

“Sex and sexuality education needs to be contextualized in such a way that only the right material is given to the appropriate age group unlike a situation where pupils are being exposed to unnecessary information,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister says ready to deepen cooperation with Zambia

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Chinese Foreign Minister says ready to deepen cooperation with Zambia

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang says China is ready to work with Zambia, an all-weather friend, to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Qin said China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Zambia in various fields under the high-quality cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative and within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

He added that China welcomes more high-quality Zambian goods to enter the Chinese market.

Talking via phone with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kasongo Kakubo, Qin recalled the telephone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in May last year, which has charted the course for the development of bilateral relations.

“China is willing to work with Zambia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen mutual support, and promote the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations,” Qin said.

For his part, Mr. Kakubo said Zambia and China enjoy profound traditional friendship.

“We discussed among other things, Zambia-China relations, economic and development cooperation and strengthening already well established bilateral relations. We went further to reassure one another of the commitment of our Heads of State to forge forward in increasing close cooperative ties,” Mr Kakubo wrote on his Facebook page.

Mr Kakubo said the meeting also expansively discussed the Zambia’s debt as he made another call for a conclusion to the negotiations.

He thanked China for its strong support for Zambia’s national construction and development over the years and hopes to continue to deepen bilateral practical cooperation in various fields and further develop the all-weather friendship between the two countries.

Mr. Kakubo added that Zambia firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is ready to strengthen mutual support with China on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns.

Upfront debt cuts could save hardest-hit countries $148 bln, says UNDP

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Upfront debt cuts could save hardest-hit countries $148 bln, says UNDP

A 30% upfront cut of debt-stressed countries’ borrowings could save them $148 billion over eight years, the U.N. Development Programme said on Wednesday, proposing a move to address global debt problems stirring growing international concern.

A ‘haircut’ of 30%, or $191 billion, on the 2021 external debt of the 52 most “debt vulnerable” nations could reduce their combined debt service bill by $66.4 billion to private creditors, $44.2 billion to multilateral lenders and $38.9 billion to bilaterals by 2029, the UNDP said in a report.

Improving the loan restructuring process for countries struggling with their debts is expected to be prominent on the agenda of the G20 finance minister and central bank meetings taking place in India in the coming days.

Sri Lanka, Ghana and Ukraine joined the likes of Lebanon and Zambia in default last year, while Tunisia, Pakistan and Egypt are among countries that have sought help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amid problems of their own.

“The problem, for many (developing economies), is not an absence of growth but the fact that tepid growth and high interest rates in 2023 and 2024 will not provide enough fiscal or monetary space to mitigate crises,” the UNDP report said.

It said that the average country in the 52 it analysed owed 82% of its external public debt to bilateral and multilateral creditors, such as other countries and the IMF or World Bank. Meanwhile, 16 owed more than 30% of their foreign debt to private lenders.

Countries whose international bond interest rates are more than 10% higher than those on U.S.
Treasuries, a premium or ‘spread’ usually deemed as unaffordable by economists, rose from five at the end of 2019 to 14 currently, the report found.

Money borrowed from the ‘private sector’, often in the form of bonds that countries usually pay higher interest rates on, accounted for 65% and 45% of external debt in Ghana and Sri Lanka, respectively.

Zambia secures funds for climate adaptation with Commonwealth support

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Zambia secures funds for climate adaptation with Commonwealth support

Vulnerable communities in Zambia will receive vital support to address water shortages caused by climate change, through a project being implemented by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS), developed with the help of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH).

The project was approved for funding by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in July 2022.

The country has seen a significant drop in average annual rainfall over the past 40 years, especially in the southern part of the country, with repeated droughts, flash floods and extensive degradation of land.

Since 1960, the mean annual temperature has increased by 1.3°C, which is far above the global average, and rainfall in the rainy season has decreased by 7.1mm every decade.

Water is increasingly scarce, directly impacting people’s lives as well as the economy, particularly the agricultural sector.

Shorter agricultural seasons, for instance, have forced farmers to plant more and later in the season.

To help communities adapt to these conditions, the GEF is providing US$2 million to set up a solar-powered water supply scheme that aims to ensure access to safe water, improved sanitation, irrigate farms and water for livestock.

Senior Hydrogeologist in the Ministry of Water Development, Beatrice Kanyamuna-Pole, said:
“This project will be crucial to improving the lives and livelihoods of 85,000 people of the Nyimba and Lumezi Districts in Eastern Province, where flash flooding and episodes of drought are a part of life. Many people live in extreme poverty and do not have access to drinking water. Not only does the project envisage a reliable source of fresh water, but it will be using solar-powered water pump systems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while building resilience.”

Chief Climate Change Officer in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Beausic Chongo, also acknowledged the contribution of the Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser for Zambia, Othniel Yila, who worked closely with the Government to prepare the original proposal to secure GEF funding.

Mr Yila, said: “This project is an important opportunity for the Government of Zambia to support a climate resilient future, protect its economic and social sectors from effects of climate change, and build towards achieving Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions and other important goals that will support this nation well into the 21st century.”

The two-year project will assess the groundwater supplies in several rural areas and build human, technical and institutional capacity for sustainable groundwater management while creating an enabling environment for the solar-powered water systems to operate successfully and sustainably over the long term.

Lessons learned from the project will also be compiled to facilitate future up-scaling and replication of good practices.

The contribution of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub is part of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s efforts to support member countries to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

It also aligns with the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter: A Commonwealth Call to Action on Living Lands which seeks to support integrated actions addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation.

The CCFAH currently has at least 16 national and regional advisers deployed in various countries; to date, it has supported governments in mobilising more than US$61 million in climate finance, including US$3 million in co-financing.

President Hichilema welcomes Heriot-Watt Principal and Vice-Chancellor

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President Hichilema welcomes Heriot-Watt Principal and Vice-Chancellor

President Hakainde Hichilema has met with Professor Richard Williams, the Principal and
Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, to discuss strengthening the University’s links with Zambia.

Mr Hichilema invited Professor Williams to visit Zambia with Professor Gillian Murray, the University’s Deputy Principal for Enterprise and Business.

The meeting marked a milestone for Heriot-Watt as its alumni numbers in Zambia passed 1,000.

Professor Richard Williams, Principal, Heriot-Watt University said, “It was a great honour to meet with President Hichilema and explore ways to continue building our unique partnership.”

President Hichilema said: “We are delighted to host our Heriot-Watt colleagues, who have done so much to develop skills and leadership in our country.”

The itinerary for Professor Williams and Professor Murray also included meetings with senior officials from Zambia’s Ministry of Education; with the British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Woolley; with the Principal of the University of Zambia and with Heriot-Watt alumni in Zambia.

Heriot-Watt’s 1,070 former students in Zambia have studied programmes including an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Edinburgh Business School, the University’s graduate school of business.

Other subjects include accountancy and finance, strategic planning, management, brewing and distilling, construction management and business and enterprise.

One of Heriot-Watt’s MBA scholars is Regina Mtonga, who has set up a social enterprise called Asikana Network – meaning ‘young women’s network.’

“I wanted to use technology to create a community of confident and capable women and to help more women find employment,” Ms Mtonga said.

“So my co-founders and I set up the Asikana Network to train Zambian women in technology and increase their capability in the tech space. Working with international companies like Meta (formerly Facebook), we have now trained more than 30,000 women since 2013.”

Ms Mtonga is a graduate of Heriot-Watt’s Scholarship for Women in Zambia. The programme, launched in 2019 in partnership with the Scottish Government, offered 20 fully funded MBA scholarships to women passionate about business and tackling gender inequality.

Other Heriot-Watt alumni in Zambia include Norman Chipakupaku, who is currently Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence in Zambia, and Heriot-Watt Honorary Graduate Sam Abrahams, who is founder and Chief Executive of First Aid Africa.

This is a humanitarian organisation providing sustainable medical equipment and first aid education across rural parts of Southern and Eastern Africa.

The Watt Club, the University’s alumni association and the oldest association of its kind in the United Kingdom, held a special reception for graduates in Lusaka to celebrate the 1,000 alumni milestone.
Last month, with support from donors, Heriot-Watt University launched the Denis Goldberg Scholarship Programme in Zambia.

Named after the social campaigner who was jailed for 22 years for resisting apartheid, the scholarship is designed to help talented graduate employees in southern Africa study an online, part-time Master of Science (MSc) without having to leave their home country.

It offers MSc degrees in Renewable Energy, Construction Management and Real Estate Management.

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