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US Treasury Secretary Arrives in Zambia to Address Debt Crisis and Promote Economic Development

Chief Editor
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US Treasury Secretary Arrives in Zambia to Address Debt Crisis and Promote Economic Development

United States Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen is set to arrive in Zambia on her Africa tour today. During her visit, Secretary Yellen will participate in various activities and meetings to highlight joint efforts between the US and Africa to promote global health and economic development.

Secretary Yellen’s first stop will be at a community health site, where she will tour the facility and participate in a discussion on joint efforts to advance global health. She will then visit Mylan Lab’s Lusaka distribution center, which employs 75 workers and helps distribute anti-malarial and anti-retroviral treatments. The Secretary will tour the facility and highlight the role of the US in promoting a healthy population in Africa.

Afterwards, Secretary Yellen will have a lunch with business leaders from the American Chamber of Commerce in Zambia, followed by bilateral meetings with President Hakainde Hichilema, Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane, and Governor of the Bank of Zambia Denny H. Kalyalya.

One of the key issues that Secretary Yellen will be discussing during her visit is the issue of Zambia’s debt, particularly its debt to China. Zambia has been struggling to repay its debt, which has led to calls for a multilateral debt restructuring agreement. The potential agreement is seen as a crucial test case for efforts to help developing countries find relief from sometimes crushing external debt.

Secretary Yellen has expressed cautious optimism that China will be willing to enter into such an agreement. During her meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Liu He, in Zurich on Wednesday, Secretary Yellen raised the case of Zambia and received a “constructive” response from China.

“Our counterparts are sophisticated economics officials who can listen to a reasoned argument and understand it,” Yellen told reporters in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday. “I definitely think they get what the problem is, and that there needs to be a solution.”

However, China has appeared to drag its feet on agreeing to a restructuring deal with Zambia. Yellen shed some light on why this may be the case, saying “They have issues about why multilateral development banks don’t have to take a haircut, and that needs to be worked through.”

Despite this, Yellen remains optimistic about the possibility of a deal. “But we have counterparts who we are able to talk to in a reasonable way, and work through our differences, and I hope out of that process that some progress will come,” she said.

On January 24, Secretary Yellen will tour two agricultural-related sites in Zambia. During her visit, the Secretary will deliver remarks highlighting the work the Treasury Department and the US government are engaged in to promote climate-resilient agriculture and food production, as well as to mitigate the global spillover effects of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Matambo Emphasizes the Importance of Protecting HH and Party During Party Mobilization Drive

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Matambo Emphasizes the Importance of Protecting HH and Party During Party Mobilization Drive

United Party for National Development (UPND) Copperbelt Province Chairman Hon. Elisha Matambo had a busy schedule in Kalulushi and Kitwe on his continued party mobilization drive and meeting party officials in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.

Mr Matambo took to the podium in Kalulushi where he first thanked the party officials for all the contributions that they made over the years for the UPND party and President Hakainde Hichilema while apologizing for delaying to hold such meetings, adding that it was better late than never.

The Copperbelt UPND chairman, who is also the Copperbelt Province Minister, said as party officials, the people must move together as a united force. He told the party officials’ meeting to protect President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND party. Hon Matambo encouraged party officials to go back to the structures from the wards, going upwards. He reminded them that councilors, mayors, Chairpersons, MPs, and others are there because of the party and urged them to never leave the party behind.

Hon. Matambo explained to the officials that the Community Development Fund (CDF) had cumbersome bottlenecks and processes, and those bottlenecks have since been removed. He added that going forward, all projects under CDF will be done at the provincial level through local government officer supervised by the Province Permanent Secretary. He further disclosed that going forward the District Commissioners will also be included in the CDF committees as supervisors.

Hon Matambo stated that party officials should help educate the people because President Hakainde Hichilema has done so much and he does not want to see any child sitting on the floor in 2023 and beyond as propagated by free education policy. Hon. Matambo said President Hichilema wants to see all clinics with a maternity wing and clean drinking water among other achievements.

He however, cautioned the officials and any other individuals that from now on anyone who will stand in the way and frustrates government under UPND will be sidelined because the UPND government is in a hurry to develop Zambia. “Let us get back to mobilize the party going forward, if there are those who think PF will bounce back. Never!”. He said. The UPND strong man concluded by urging all officials to hold on to the party because a bird in a hand is better than the one in the bush.

Later in the afternoon Hon Elisha Matambo addressed another party officials’ meeting where over 500 party officials turned up to listen to the UPND Copperbelt Province chairman in Kitwe. Hon Matambo went down to his knees thanking and praising the party officials for doing a tremendous job and all the contribution rendered to the party and Republican President Hakainde Hichilema. He reminded party officials never to abandon the ward because that is where the party is anchored. He said the party must not remain behind so that everyone must unite and move in tandem with the government UPND policy.

The Copperbelt Minister also praised the women, the security wing of the party and the youths in general for their resilience, patience, and hardworking. Meanwhile, several party officials in both Kitwe and Kalulushi party officials pledged to get back to the grassroots and continue mobilizing the party and defending the Republican President Hakainde Hichilema.

Hon Matambo is on the party mobilization drive and holding meetings in Copperbelt Province accompanied by UPND Copperbelt Vice Chairman for administration Mr. Kolala, Copperbelt Youth Chairman Wallen Hinyama, Patricia Mwaanga Copperbelt Chairlady among others. The UPND party is determined to win the next general election and bring much-needed development to the Copperbelt Province and the entire country under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Government distributes 12, 000 litres of Army Worm chemicals in Northern Province

Chief Editor
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Government distributes 12, 000 litres of Army Worm chemicals in Northern Province

The government has provided 12,000 litres of chemicals to farmers in Northern Province to control the invasion of Fall Army Worms in maize fields.

Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Lewis Mwape who flagged off the distribution of chemicals in Kasama said government is committed to supporting farmers secure their crops.

He explained that this is demonstrated by its decision to procure not only the pesticides but also other equipment such as sprayers.

Mr Mwape s said government will prioritise farm land that have been highly affected by the pest.

He urged District Agriculture Coordinators to ensure that the procured chemicals and other equipment reach the intended beneficiaries.

“Developing the agriculture sector is the major economic activity for most farmers, hence needs to be supported,” Mr Mwape said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Principal Agriculture Officer Innocent Mulauzi said about 120 agriculture camps in the province have been affected with the army worms.

He explained that infection rate stands at 10 percent in the districts and are destroying the maize farms.

Mr Mulauzi also disclosed that the province has also been ravaged by the Cassava Brown Streak virus which has affected the cassava crop.

He stated that the virus is spreading at a very fast rate and need to be controlled quickly.

“The virus is spreading at a very faster rate and if nothing is done it will completely wipe out the cassava crop,” he said

Mr Mulauzi has since asked for support from government and other well-wishers to help control the virus.

And Kasama District Agriculture Committee Chairperson Charles Silwimba commended government for acting promptly to the cries of farmers in the province.

Mr Silwimba however appealed to government not to wait for the tragedy to happen but stock the pesticides readily in advance every season.

Community Markets for Conservation to plant 100 million Gliricidia Sepium trees in four provinces

Chief Editor
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Community Markets for Conservation to plant 100 million Gliricidia Sepium trees in four provinces

The Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) has earmarked to plant 100 million Gliricidia Sepium trees in four provinces of Zambia in the 2022/2023 planting season.

COMACO has invested US$200,000 in producing Gliricidia Sepium seedlings and supporting the campaign for the planting of 100 million trees in the regions where COMACO is sponsoring farmers.

ZANIS reports that COMACO Eastern Province Extension Manager, Kenneth Linyunga, disclosed in Chipata hat the gliricidia sepium tree is an important and very fast growing agro-forestry specie which fixes nitrogen and restores other nutrients in the soil thereby replacing the use of chemical fertilisers in crop agriculture.

Mr Linyunga said COMACO supported farmers will plant 50.5 million gliricidia sepium trees in Eastern, 30 million in Muchinga and 20 million seedlings in Mumbwa and Itezhi Tezhi districts in Central and Southern provinces respectively.

He said at least 120,000 out of the more than 230,000 farmers, who belong to COMACO through various cooperatives, will access the Gliricidia trees and plant them in their various fields in the 2022/2023 tree planting season.

“Since the trees grow very fast, the farmers can benefit within a very short period of two year and they can start using the fertilizer from the leaves. These are natural fertilisers and are better as compared to relying on the synthetic or the chemical fertilisers that other farmers are using,” he explained.

Mr Linyunga said resorting to using natural fertilizers from the Gliricidia Sepium trees is a cost-saving measure which will make small-scale farmers increase their maize and cash crop production in the near future.

Gliricidia Sepium trees
Gliricidia Sepium trees

The nurseries for the 100 million Gliricidia Sepium seedlings were planted around October and November in 2022.

He has since urged cooperatives affiliated to COMACO and the farmers to work together and plant the 100 million Gliricidia Trees this year.

“What will happen is that in the next few years, all these farmers will have soils that are fertile enough and they will manage to harvest crops equivalent to those farmers that are using chemical fertilisers, they will save money as they will not have to buy expensive fertilisers,” he said.

COMACO has used Gliricidia Sepium tree for the past one decade among its farmers in the country and has proven its usefulness in the farming and conservation efforts.

And Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people in Chipata district has said his chiefdom was working towards implementing organic farming and promoting reforestation in order to fight the effects of climate change.

Chief Madzimawe said the negative changes in the weather patterns call for the change of mindset and tuning people’s behaviour towards reversing climate change effects in the country.

He said his subjects were already implementing forest and wildlife conservation with a view to reclaim the old type of rainfall patterns which were predictable and reliable.

The traditional leader told ZANIS that a palace committee on environmental protection has since been formed to look after all natural resources in the Madzimawe chiefdom.

Meanwhile, in an effort to promote wildlife protection and conservation, COMACO has over the years persuaded more than 2,100 poachers to surrender their firearms and engage in conservation farming.

Two of the former poachers, Patrick Nkhata and Standwell Chirwa who are both based in Lumezi district in Eastern Province, praised COMACO for empowering them with skills such as beekeeping and equipping them with necessary inputs for organic farming.

COMACO is a social enterprise that supports wildlife conservation and small-scale farmers in the country.

The UN, NATO and Putin’s Atrocities

Chief Editor
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The UN, NATO and Putin’s Atrocities

By Henry Kyambalesa

Essentially, this article is designed to provide a commentary relating to the following: (a) the dire consequences of the decision by Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, to willfully invade, as well as annex parts of, Ukraine—a neighboring sovereign nation—in violation of the Principles of the United Nations (UN); (b) the UN’s role in resolving disputes and conflicts between and/or among member-countries; and (c) the primary purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Dire Effects of the Invasion:

Russia’s unprovoked invasion and annexation of parts of Ukraine has caused catastrophic socioeconomic consequences worldwide, among the most obvious of which are the following:

(a) Trauma, the refugee crisis, the human carnage, the destruction of economic infrastructure, and the disruption of socioeconomic activities in Ukraine and beyond;

(b) The disruption of oil supplies from Russia to the rest of the world, and the resulting shortages and high prices of gasoline around the world; and

(c) The disruption of supplies of grain from Ukraine to the rest of the world, and its contribution to famine and high prices of food worldwide.

Role of the United Nations:

The “Principles of the United Nations” stipulated in Article 2 of the multilateral institution’s Charter essentially prohibit member-countries from engaging in activities and/or covert operations against the territorial integrity or political independence of other member-countries.

Specifically, the following Principles stipulated in Article 2 of the UN prohibit member-countries from threatening or, except in self-defense, using force or war against other member-countries in Clauses 3 and 4:

1. The UN is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.

2. All Members, in order to ensure to all of them the rights and benefits resulting from membership, shall fulfill in good faith the obligations assumed by them in accordance with the present Charter.

3. All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.

4. All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the UN.

5. All Members shall render assistance to the UN in any action it takes in accordance with the present Charter, and shall refrain from giving assistance to any member-country against which the UN is taking preventive or enforcement action.

6. The United Nations shall ensure that states which are not Members of the United Nations act in accordance with these Principles so far as may be necessary for the maintenance of international peace and security.

7. Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the UN to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit such matters for settlement under the present Charter; but this Principle shall not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter Vll.

Chapter VII of the UN Charter sets out the institution’s Security Council’s powers to maintain peace. It provides for the Council to “determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression” and to take military and nonmilitary action to “restore international peace and security.”

Chapter VII also gives the Military Staff Committee responsibility for strategic coordination of forces placed at the disposal of the Security Council. It comprises the chiefs-of-staff of the Council’s five permanent member-countries—namely, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

If Vladimir Putin had any genuine issues or problems with Ukraine and/or its leaders, he should have shown some respect for the UN by presenting his or his country’s grievances to the multilateral institution to have the issues or problems resolved.

Unfortunately, he could not suppress his primitive, crude, savage, and evil impulses, and, intoxicated by unfettered political power and backed by docile military officers, he could not guard himself against committing heinous atrocities against Ukrainians in particular, and against humanity in general.

The Purpose of NATO:

NATO was established on August 24, 1949. Its purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means, including the promotion of democratic values and ensuring that members consult and cooperate on defense and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict.

According to the Organization’s collective defense clause stipulated in Article 5, an armed attack against one member-country would be considered an attack against them all and, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the UN, would individually and in concert with other member-countries take such action as it would be deemed necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of an affected member-country.

The following are NATO’s current member-countries: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.

In conclusion, there is a need for each and every country’s executive president or prime minister to possess leadership qualities that all national political leaders worldwide need to have in their arsenal of aptitudes.

Such qualities include emotional stability, humility, patriotism, selflessness, impartiality, patience, compassion, tolerance, diligence, respect for both national and international laws, ability to think of one’s leadership position as a temporary mandate to serve the people, ability to conceive of oneself as just another mortal with limited knowledge and aptitudes, ability to make compromises with people who have dissenting views, and an inclination to work hand in hand and hand in glove with other countries’ leaders in addressing pressing global issues and challenges.

Zanaco Beat Nkana in Five-Goal Thriller

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Hosts Zanaco overcame Nkana in a dramatic five-goal thriller to win 3-2 on a rainswept Sunset Stadium pitch on Saturday to dent the visitors’ battle for survival.

Two Nkana mistakes that included an own-goal handed Zanaco the victory who returned to winning ways following last weekend’s 2-1 away loss to Nchanga Rangers.

As for Nkana, they have now managed to collect only 3 points out of a possible 9 in their last three games.

Abraham Siankombo fired in the first goal in the 28th minute with a superb shot from an acute angle outside the box that saw the ball dart into the far right corner of the net.

Nkana defender Stephen Chulu then scored a bizarre own-goal from exactly the same spot Siankomobo scored when his shot more than a clearance crossed the line into the same corner.

But Bob Chansa cut the margin when he headed in Harrison Chisala’s cross in the 45th minute before the second half started with a downpour that drenched the Sunset pitch.

Chansa completed his brace in the 70th minute with a left-footed shot after Mousa Lamisa who was shielding the ball in front of him rolled the ball straight to his feet.

But seven minutes later, Chansa turned provider for Zanaco’s winner when his clearance fell straight at the feet of Francis Mustafa’s feet who hammered in a booming volley on the slippery surface that made it difficult for both teams to control the ball.

Zanaco is at number 5 on 31 points, seven points behind leaders Power Dynamos who were held 0-0 at home by Green Eagles in Kitwe.

Defending league champions Red Arrows halted their five-match losing run with a 0-0 away draw at Kansanshi Dynamos.

Arrows are 7th on 28 points while Kansanashi is three points behind at number 11.

Forest Rangers stay firmly at number 2 following a resounding 5-0 Ndola derby victory over bottom-placed Buildcon.

Quadri Kola and Moyela Libamba scored a brace each while Moro Amenu scored Forest’s second goal in the 43rd minute.

FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
WEEK 20
21/01/2023
Green Buffaloes 0-Nchanga Rangers 0
Zanaco 3-Nkana 2
Chambishi 1-FC MUZA 2
Power Dynamos 0-Green Eagles 0
Napsa Stars 1-Lumwana Radiants 0
Buildcon 0-Forest Rangers 5
Kansanshi Dynamos 0-Red Arrows 0
22/01/2023
Kabwe Warriors-Prison Leopards
Zesco United-Nkwazi

Despite the Malice and Half-Truths contained in the purported OCiDA statement, we note its content, UPND responds

Chief Editor
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Despite the Malice and Half-Truths contained in the purported OCiDA statement, we note its content, UPND responds

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has issued a statement regarding a statement that was purportedly issued by the Our Civic Duty Association (OCiDA) and circulated by a named opposition political party leader.

According to UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda, the party is firmly anchored on democracy and has noted the contents of the so-called statement. Despite the malice and half-truths contained in the statement, the UPND has acknowledged the right of every citizen in a democracy to engage and express themselves on the governance of their country.

“As a party firmly anchored on democracy, we have noted the contents of the so-called statement. Despite the malice and half-truths in the statement we note its contents. As we have always stated it is the right of every citizen in a democracy to engage and express themselves on the governance of their country,” said Imenda.

President Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated that the New Dawn administration will not only promote but fulfill the rights of all citizens regardless of political persuasion. In opposition, the UPND advocated for freedom of expression and this they promise to guarantee.

“President Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated that the New Dawn administration will not only promote but fulfill the rights of all citizens regardless of political persuasion. In opposition we advocated for freedom of expression and this we promise to guarantee,” Imenda said.

The UPND believes that the country, especially as a young democracy, will only develop if all citizens work together and promote the general good of the country. As demonstrated by the Head of State, the New Dawn is not immune to criticism and the party believes in the collective wisdom of all Zambian people in their diversity.

“We believe our country, especially as a young democracy, will only develop if we all work together and promote the general good of our great country Zambia. As demonstrated by the Head of State, the New Dawn is not immune to criticism as we believe we in the collective wisdom of all the Zambian people in their diversity,” Imenda added.

As a party in government, the UPND will endeavor to listen to constructive criticism from citizens. The UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda, has urged all citizens to work together for the development of the country.
“As a party in Government, we shall endeavor to listen to constructive criticism from citizens. We urge all citizens to work together for the development of our great country Zambia,” Imenda said in conclusion.

The statement by the UPND Secretary General comes after the alleged statement by OCiDA was circulated by a named opposition political party leader. The UPND has clarified that it is open to constructive criticism and is committed to working for the development of the country.

Government urged to intervene and address the rising cost of mealie meal

Chief Editor
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Government urged to intervene and address the rising cost of mealie meal

Zambia’s opposition Leadership Movement is urging the government to intervene and address the rising cost of mealie meal, a staple food in the country. Party President Richard Silumbe is concerned that despite promising Zambians reduced cost of goods and services while in opposition, the UPND in government has failed to fulfill its promise as evidenced by the skyrocketing mealie meal prices, with a 25kg bag of breakfast meal selling as high as K200 in some areas.

Addressing the media in Lusaka this morning, Dr. Silumbe advised the government to come to the aid of millers by creating an enabling environment to ensure they reduce the price of the commodity. He suggested that the government help millers reduce the cost of production by relieving them from paying certain taxes and reducing the cost of fuel and electricity. Dr. Silumbe also questioned why mealie meal prices should continue rising when the country has plenty of maize.

The rising cost of mealie meal is not the only economic concern currently facing Zambia. The Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) has warned that any further delays to resolve the country’s debt situation by the second quarter of this year will exert extra pressure on the kwacha and inflation among other economic factors. Association President Leonard Mwanza stated that much of how Zambia’s economy will shape up this year is hinged on resolving the debt situation quickly, including ending load-shedding to restore productivity in the wake of the Russia/Ukraine war and the global recession.

Despite these challenges, the banking sector in Zambia had a satisfactory year in 2022, with institutions maintaining capital adequacy provisions, asset quality at its second year best and profitability showing improvement in the third quarter of the year. Mr. Mwanza attributes this to fiscal stability, inflation being lower than 10 percent, and a stable exchange rate until the year-end pressures crept in to depreciate the kwacha from around K16 to over K18 currently.

Government calls for speedy distribution of Army Worms chemicals in Muchinga

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Government calls for speedy distribution of Army Worms chemicals in Muchinga

Government has directed the Ministry of Agriculture in Muchinga Province to ensure that the chemicals for the control of the Fall Army Worms expeditiously reach all the affected farmers in the province.

Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Matthews Chilekwa said government has spent a colossal sums of money to procure and deliver the chemicals to the Province adding that it will be unjustifiable to receive updates that the Province’s infestation rate is increasing beyond 3 percent.

Reverend Chilekwa was speaking yesterday during the launch of the distribution of chemicals for the control of the Fall Army Worms in Chinsali District.

Rev Chilekwa says government places keen interest on the welfare of smallholder farmers, as they are key engines for wealth creation and economic growth.

He said President Hakainde Hichilema being a farmer, has on several platforms reiterated government’s commitment towards the growth of the agriculture sector and the need to support the smallholder farmers that are predominantly based in rural districts.

“The New Dawn administration has its unique characteristic of always responding to the outcry and challenges of its smallholder farmers, one such response is the release of a colossal sums of money by the Ministry of Finance for the purchase of chemicals to fight the devastative effects of the Fall Army Worm,” he said.

He added that government acknowledges the efforts of the Minister of Agriculture, and staff for expediting the delivery of the Fall Army Worm chemicals to the province.

And speaking earlier Principal Agricultural Officer for Muchinga Fred Chikuta disclosed that the average army worm infestation rate for Muchinga Province is at 2.5%, implying that the chemicals have arrived in time to ensure that ministry prevent the situation from reaching dangerous thresholds.

Mr Chikuta said Muchinga province has received over 11, 855 litres of various chemicals to be used in the fight against the fall army worms.

“The 11,855 litres of Chemicals translates to 4,000 hectares of maize that can be treated and so far we are on course,” said Mr Chikuta.

He said his department is confident that the coming of the chemicals that have arrived in good time will help control the Fall Army Worms adding that the province will this year record a bumper harvest.

And some farmers whose fields have been infected with Fall Army Worms expressed happiness to government for the time delivery of the chemicals.

The farmers have since appealed to government through the Ministry of Agriculture that the chemicals should reach the intended farmers.

REA spearheads solar power projects for women in Kalomo

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REA spearheads solar power projects for women in Kalomo

The Rural Electricity Authority (REA) is to put up a three high power solar project for women in Chief Sipatunyana’s area in Kalomo District in Southern province.

REA Southern Regional Manager, Lavender Kamanga disclosed this when her team and members from the Non-Governmental Gender Coordinating Council (NGOCC) paid a courtesy call on Kalomo District Commissioner, Joshua Sikaduli recently.

ZANIS reports that Ms Kamanga said the high power solar plant project is to be set for the Ngolongozya Women Community alongside providing 100 solar power lighting to selected households in the area in conjunction with the NGOCC.

The project also comes with a water reticulation component and is to gobble 55.4 million United States dollars.

“We have a memorandum of understanding with the NGOCC in their quest to uplift the living standards of women, especially in the rural areas. That is why we have come up with this project,” Kamanga observes.

And NGOCC Project Manager, Irene Malama said her organization has realized the challenges women face in rural areas in their income generating activities hence the coming up with such an initiative to capacitate their efforts of lifting their livelihood.

“Women play a vital role in national development, so if we alleviate some of the challenges they face in their businesses, they will effectively contribute to national

Ngolongozya Women Cooperative is engaged in a number of income generating activities, among them grinding Sunflower to produce cooking oil but it is on low production due to lack of electric power.

The club is among several women groups in Kalomo that has received pass on agro inputs through Heifer International.

And Kalomo District Commissioner Joshua Sikanduli has welcomed the project saying such a venture will alienate the financial dependence of women from their spouses as it brings hope for closing the gender equality gap.

He however, called on REA to consider rolling out such ventures to other parts of the district so that women can be self-sustainable in income generating activities.

Kitwe Chamber hails president Hichilema for clinching solar power deal

Chief Editor
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Kitwe Chamber hails president Hichilema for clinching solar power deal

The Kitwe Chamber of Commerce has applauded President Hakainde Hichilema for clinching a solar power deal in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) that will see an additional power of 2000 megawatts into the national grid.

Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema led a team in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) and a Joint Development Agreement with the United Arab Emirates Investors aimed at facilitating massive investment in renewable energy in Zambia.

The MoU and the Joint Development Agreement will see ZESCO and the company MASDAR, form a joint venture in developing and deploying solar projects across the country at a cost of US$2 billion.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kitwe, Kitwe Chamber of Commerce president Emmanuel Mbambiko said once it materializes, the deal will help address the power deficit challenges in the country.

Mr Mbambiko said the quick move by the President must be commended as
it will permanently get the country out of the power deficit which has a challenge for the past years.

He noted that finding alternative power sources like solar on a large scale should have been done way back when it was realized that the country was likely to suffer from power deficits.

“For us in as a chamber we applaud this opportunity to try and address the power deficit for another number of years, something which has not been done since independence, we have all just being complaining without taking action but now the leader has taken hold of an opportunity to address the situation,” he
said.

And Mr Mbambiko has urged members of the chamber to look at ways through which they can partner with the United Arab Emirates investor in order to take advantage of the business opportunities.

He advised that the opportunities will not just come easily but must make efforts to clinch the partnership deals as the president has already done his part.

Mr Mbambiko further commended government for resolving the Maamba Collieries impasse saying the move will help mitigate the power deficit currently being experienced across the country.

UPND cadres accuse local authority of being used by PF

Chief Editor
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UPND cadres accuse local authority of being used by PF

United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres in Mporokoso yesterday stormed council offices and threatened to lock the offices of the Council Secretary, the Planner and Procurement Officer.

The cadres were claiming that the named council officers are being used by the opposition to award tenders to Patriotic Front (PF) supporters.

The cadres claimed that the council has awarded all the 18 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects for 2022 to PF cadres.

Mushamba Chunga who spoke on behalf of other members accused the Council Secretary of being used by PF area Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile and Council Chairperson Nick Nkole.

Mr Chunga has since advised the Council Secretary not be controlled by Mr Mundubile who is also leader of opposition in Parliament adding that the council chair should also not side with any party.

“We are asking the council secretary not to be controlled by Mr Mundubile who is aspiring for PF presidency. We also expect Mr Nkole (Council Chairperson) not to side with any party, his role is to work with the community,” Mr Chunga said.

But Mporokoso Town Council Secretary Thinkwell Mwamba has refuted the claims from the UPND cadres.

Mr Mwamba told ZANIS in an interview in Mporokoso yesterday that the allegations are unfounded.

He explained that as a council employee, he is not influenced by anyone but is working in line with the agenda of the government of the day.

And Mporokoso Council Chairperson Nick Nkole advised the Council Secretary to conduct sensitization with the community on the procedure for getting contracts.

He said people should know how they can apply and get contracts from CDF.

And when contacted for a comment, Mporokoso District Commissioner Brian Muyuni also advised ruling party supporters to familiarise themselves with procedures for accessing contracts under CDF.

Mr Muyuni further advised UPND supporters not to rush in closing government when they feel aggrieved.

He explained that President Hakainde Hichilema has clearly given his position that he does not support caderism in any form

The District Commissioner has since urged cadres to follow the right procedure when addressing issues that affect them.

Daunting Challenges Ahead: Is HH Aligned

Chief Editor
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Daunting Challenges Ahead: Is HH Aligned

By Chibamba Kanyama

Zambia is facing daunting economic challenges. The bird’s eye-view points to an increase in the cost of living, loadshedding that is crippling industrial performance, shortage of medicines in hospitals and slow delivery of agricultural inputs, a threat to food security.

The Kwacha has continued to lose value against major currencies, a situation that threatens macroeconomic stability, particularly on inflation, interest rates and economic growth. Critical issues with potential positive impacts remain unresolved. These include problems around Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani.

Zambia qualified for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme (Extended Credit Facility) that should signal economic stability in the medium to long term. However, the sovereign risk still hangs over our shoulders as we seek to restructure the external debts.

Looking ahead, there is little optimism by many an economist about Zambia continuing with economic resilience the way it did in 2022. The external environment continues to be problematic. The geopolitics (Russia-Ukraine war), instability in the global financial markets, COVID 19 problems, slow growth in China and climate change seem to now have an impact on the Zambian economy.

On the other hand, Zambian citizens seem impatient about solutions that will reduce the cost of living, a prospect that may be farfetched without a strategic approach to resolving the problems. These are issues that I am sure President Hakainde Hichilema is fully aware of. It is a question of whether he is properly aligned with practical solutions.

IS THERE A STRATEGY?

Many believe the New Dawn government does not have a strategy that should help solve these problems. I have followed closely the actions of the President and his team and can confidently state that the strategy is very clear and we know about it.
My understanding is that government seeks to resolve the problems by firstly, creating the appropriate environment for the private sector to thrive. The private sector has a way of answering a country’s problems: unemployment, inflation, subdued growth, poverty as well as beefing up government coffers through taxation.

Under this strategy, government seeks to induce high domestic and foreign direct investment. This message has been well articulated by the Minister of Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane in the 2023 national budget. The mining sector is central to all these initiatives and explains some fiscal policy considerations. (There has been an argument the deteriorating exchange rate is a result of the concessions given to the mining companies. My counterargument is that even when these concessions were non-existent and mineral loyalty taxes non-deductible for corporate income taxes, the exchange rate still deteriorated!)

Second, government believes a disciplined approach to financial management will be enough to accumulate resources for social investment. Third, enhancing international partnerships would help restructure Zambia’s high external debt.
Forth, given that the first three can take time to consolidate and bear fruits, government is focused on executing low-lying fruits that provide immediate relief to citizens (expanding social cash transfers, employing thousands into the civil service, enlarging empowerment funds, including decentralizing Constituency Development Funds).

In short, government has a strategy, anchored by the 8th National Development Plan. It is now a question of whether it is the appropriate strategy that answers to current problems and those ahead of us.

WILL IT PLAY OUT?

Economics is not a science of one plus one is equal to two. You can lay out strong policies and possess a robust economic master plan. Unfortunately, if you are dealing with economic agents, whose behaviour is unpredictable, you should always anticipate some level of disappointment. For example, if there is no firm contract with the existing and prospective mining companies that they should increase investment with relaxation of fiscal policy, the mines may still not invest at anticipated levels.

The President has been aggressive in wooing domestic and foreign investment for Zambia. Whatever the level of investment, we still rely on those boardrooms to make the final decision. Is this a gamble? Not really. Given where we are coming from, Zambia should make significant breath-taking decisions to get the private sector to respond. Genuine private sector that sinks in long term capital requires significant assurances and evidence of robust policy change to invest in any economy, especially one that has experienced numerous policy reversals.

If there are any Zambians who thought the mining companies or any other prospective investors would jump into the country upon change of leadership, I encourage them to think again. A lot of things must happen in this country to win the confidence of investors and the President has shown signs of understanding what is to be resolved, such as ironing out rigidities associated with investment lead time.

But there are encouraging signs things are playing out. The expected visits by the United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and the IMF boss, Kristalina Georgieva-Kinova this month are signals Zambia is doing something right to win the confidence of international business decision makers. Having worked at the IMF, I know exactly what went on behind doors to get that visit from the head of the institution.

Some will argue that links with the USA government and the IMF are of an imperialistic nature and not useful for Zambia. In every relationship, what matters is the preparedness of each counterparty to negotiate fruitfully for itself. Let us leverage these opportunities to make a difference for Zambia now and in future. (Unfair) historical circumstances cannot always be used as the basis to reject new opportunities.

EVENING OUT

Zambia has a lot of problems, many of them of a legacy nature. Though the problems seem insurmountable, they are manageable. There has been a lot of learning from the distribution of agriculture inputs, shortage of medicines and loadshedding. I expect that Zambia will be different going forward.

The alignment the President and is team require is to fulfill the promises in a strategic manner. There is about three years remaining in the current mandate, not long enough to change many things but good enough to demonstrate that a strategic approach to issues will deliver economic growth. The culture in the public service has to change; private sector should respond, and the President will need to remain firm and focused.

Not an easy road ahead but seems President Hichilema thrives in challenges. There are certainly no quick fixes to problems of this magnitude.

Kapiri Forestry dept. bemoans increased land encroachment in protected areas

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Kapiri Forestry dept. bemoans increased land encroachment in protected areas

The Forestry Department in Kapiri Mposhi has bemoaned the increased encroachment of protected forest reserves in the district.

District Forestry Officer, Nicholas Chilo said Kapiri Local and Chibwe National Forests, the two forest reserves in the district, have been encroached thereby endangering their existence.

Mr Chilo said both forests which have ecological significance to the district have been encroached by individuals and firms conducting illegal mining activities and squatters who were involved in charcoal burning and farming activities.

He disclosed that Kapiri Local Forest and Chibwe National forest serve as water recharge catchment areas for Mushimbili Dam and Mulungushi River respectively.

” We have noted an increase in illegal settlements and business activities such as sand and stone extraction and agriculture in the two forests, mind you these two forests have critical ecological significance and we fear life consequences if they are disturbed in this manner,” Mr Chilo said.

He said the Forestry Department working with Zambia Police will soon serve eviction notices to squatters in Kapiri Local Forest adding that the department is still awaiting the outcome in the matter before the High Court on eviction of squatters from Chibwe National Forest.

Over 100 families have illegally settled in Kapiri Local Forest reserve.

” On Chibwe Forest we are waiting for the High Court to conclude the matter because the squatters sued government after we tried to evict them some years back but all in all these forests are important and need to be preserved,” Mr Chilo said.

Chibamba Kanyama appointed Zambia’s Ambassador to Washington

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Chibamba Kanyama appointed Zambia’s Ambassador to Washington

Economist and Journalist Chibamba Kanyama has been appointed as Zambia’s 18th Ambassador to the United States of America.

Mr Kanyama who is also Managing Consultant at Bridges Limited, a firm he founded will take up his new role by March 2023.

His appointment was confirmed in a congratulatory message posted by Bridges Ltd on Facebook.

Mr Kanyama who is supposed to also concurrently be accredited on a non-residential basis to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama, will take over from Mr. Lazarous Kapambwe who has served since January 2020.

Before taking up this appointment as the 17th Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Kapambwe served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations in New York from 18 June 2007 to 31st December 2019.

Prior to the United Nations, he served as Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, from June 2003 to June 2007. He was concurrently accredited as Ambassador of Zambia to Sudan, Yemen, Djibouti and Somalia. Before holding that post, he was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2003, after serving as Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Asia, Africa and the Middle East from 2000 to 2002. He was the Director for Africa and the Organization of African Unity Affairs from 1996 to 2000, after two months as Director for European Affairs from June to August 1996.

He held numerous additional diplomatic and government posts prior to this time.

Mr. Kapambwe obtained a bachelor’s degree in political economy from the University of Zambia, where he studied from 1977 to 1981. He has a post-graduate diploma in international relations from Nairobi University, Kenya, which he attended from 1985 to 1986, and received a certificate in contemporary American politics from New York University in May 1988.

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