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Zambia’s growth target shaky as Copper output and drops, prices plunge

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Zambia’s growth target shaky as Copper output and drops, prices plunge

Zambia’s economic-growth targets for this year are looking shaky as its copper production plunges along with prices of the metal it relies on for more than 70% of export earnings.

Output fell 7.4% to 364,089 tons in the first half of 2022, data from the Zambia Chamber of Mines showed Tuesday.

Prices for the metal that’s used in everything from automobiles to iPhones are down 20% this year to $7,718 per ton on the London Metal Exchange — well below the Ministry of Finance and National Planning’s July forecast of $9,595 for the year.

The government’s budgeted 3.1% growth target may be under threat, as farm output is also shrinking.

“With half the year gone, the government’s target of 1.3 million tons for 2022 appears unattainable,” Absa Group Ltd. analyst Ridle Markus said in an emailed note Wednesday.

That, along with weaker output expected in the agriculture sector, is likely to further weigh on economic growth he said.

The slump in first-half copper came despite the government giving mining companies tax incentives this year and broadly improving the operating environment.

Output fell at both mines that First Quantum Minerals Ltd. operates in Zambia, which together account for more than half of national production, as prolonged rains and pandemic restrictions curbed output in the second quarter.

Unless mining operators reverse the production drop in the second half, Zambia annual output may slump for a second straight year, even after prices rose to a record $10,674 a ton in March.

The government is targeting to grow production to 2 million tons by 2026 and to 3 million tons by 2031.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning in July forecast output would grow to 833,480 tons this year from 802,967 tons in 2021.

In the medium-term budget plan, it targets production of 986,902 tons by 2025.

Zambia’s copper export volumes fell 8.4% in June from a month earlier, according to data from the statistics agency.

Next ECZ Chief Electoral Officer should not be aligned to UPND

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Next ECZ Chief Electoral Officer should not be aligned to UPND

Activist Laura Miti has warned that the next Director of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) must not be aligned to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).

ECZ on Wednesday announced the departure of Kryticous Patrick Nshindano as its Chief Electoral Officer on reported mutual agreement.

In a statement issued by ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga, the commission indicted that it will announce Mr. Nshindano’s successor once the appointment is finalized.

Mr. Nshindano had been at the helm of ECZ for three years prior to his departure on 3rd August, 2022.

Ms. Miti said she hopes that the UPND administration, will not, in picking the next Director, be motivated by picking “their person.”

She said ECZ should be headed by someone identified for competence, independence of mind and non-partisanship.

Ms. Miti charged that the time of ECZ being a controversial body must end.

She also spoke against Mr Nshindano’s decision to accept the position of ECZ Chief Electoral Officer from PF.

“Patrick Nshindano’s time as Director of the Electoral Commission of Zambia has come to an end. My view always was that his decision to accept this position was ill advised to the extreme.Patrick is super smart and competent. He however, he accepted a poisoned chalice. It is very difficult to believe that PF, as we knew it, would have appointed someone to a vital electoral office that they did not belieive would do their malicious bidding.But that’s over now. We can only wish Patrick well in his next engagement,” she said.

“The question now is who takes over in a position that is central to our electoral democracy and in the running of peaceful credible elections? My sincere hope is that the UPND administration, will not, in picking the next Director, be motivated by picking “their person.” Can we have someone identified for competence, independence of mind and non-partisanship. I really do envy how South African elections are conducted. No matter how politically contested, all rivals display full belief in and acceptance of the results. That is because the SA electoral commission is respected for its full independence, competence and credibility,” she said.

“My citizen request is that, in appointing the next commission, the UPND focuses not on having a set of people to favour the party on elections, but on finding individuals who will understand the sanctity of our elections in establishing Zambia as a solid democracy.Let the politicians do battle for citizen minds during elections with everyone knowing that on election day, the individuals and parties that best convince citizens will win.The time of ECZ being a controversial body needs to end,” Ms. Miti said.

20 people died in Road Traffic Accidents during this year’s Farmer’s Long Weekend Holiday in Zambia

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20 people died in Road Traffic Accidents during this year’s Farmer’s Long Weekend Holiday in Zambia

Police Service Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga says 20 people died in Road Traffic Accidents during this year’s Farmer’s Long Weekend Holiday countrywide where a total of 280 Road Traffic Accidents were recorded countrywide out of which 17 were fatal road traffic accidents.

Mr Hamoonga added that 47 were serious injury accidents in which 73 persons were seriously injured, while 54 were classified as slight injury accidents where 80 persons sustained minor injuries and 161 were recorded as damage-only road traffic accidents.

In a statement issued, the Police Spokesperson noted that Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of road traffic accidents with 129 cases, followed by Copperbelt with 53 cases, while Muchinga and Northern Provinces recorded the least with three cases each.

“A total of 280 road traffic accidents were recorded during this year’s Farmer’s holiday as compared to 260 road traffic accidents recorded in 2021, the figures indicate an increase by 20 road traffic accidents reported,” he said

He noted that in 2022, 17 fatal road traffic accidents were recorded where 20 persons were killed as compared to 21 fatal road traffic accidents recorded in 2021 where 28 persons were killed, these figures translate a decrease in both fatal road traffic accidents recorded by four and persons killed by eight.

Mr Hamoonga explained that 47 serious road traffic accidents were recorded in which 73 persons were seriously injured as compared to 34 recorded as serious road traffic accidents in 2021 where 97 persons were seriously injured, these figures indicate an increase in serious road traffic accidents by 13 and a decrease by 24 in persons seriously injured.

He added that 54 Slight Road traffic accidents were recorded in 2022 where 80 persons were slightly injured as compared to 42 recorded in 2021 as slightly injured road traffic accidents where 61 persons were slightly injured, these figures indicate an increase in both slight road traffic accidents recorded and persons slightly injured by 12 and 19.

He further noted that 161 damages only road traffic accidents have been recorded in 2022 as compared to 163 recorded in 2021, these figures indicate a decrease by two.

Mr Hamoonga said that a total amount of K 620,675.00 was raised as Admission of Guilt fines in 2021 as compared to K 505,910.00 raised in 2022, the Admission of Guilty fines has decreased by K114, 765.00.

And in a separate statement Mr Hamoonga explained that during the Second quarter of 2022, a total of 8,438 road traffic accidents were recorded out of which 436 were fatal in where 515 persons were killed, 802 were serious accidents where 1,378 persons were seriously injured, 1,562 were slight road traffic accidents in which 2,300 persons were slightly injured and 5,638 were recorded as Damage Only Road traffic accidents.

He noted that Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of 4,708 road traffic accidents followed by the Copperbelt with 1,257 whilst Northern Province recorded the least with 149 road traffic accidents.

“In comparison with the second quarter statistics of 2021, a total number of 8,407 road traffic accidents were recorded as compared to 8,438 road traffic accident recorded in this quarter of 2022 showing an increase of 31 road traffic accidents,” he said

Mr Hamoonga noted that during the second quarter of 2021, 455 fatal road traffic accidents were recorded where 532 persons were killed as compared to the second quarter of 2022 where 436 fatal road traffic accidents were recorded in which 515 persons were killed showing a decrease in both fatal road traffic accidents recorded and in persons killed by 19 and 17 respectively.

He said that under serious road traffic accidents 784 were recorded in the second quarter of 2021 in which 1,365 persons were seriously injured as compared to 802 serious road traffic accidents recorded in the second quarter of 2022 where 1,378 persons were seriously injured showing a slight increase in the number of serious road traffic accidents by 18 and 13 in persons seriously injured.

He cited that in the second quarter of 2021 a total of 1,642 were recorded as slight road traffic accidents where 2,474 persons were slightly injured as compared to 1,562 slight road traffic accidents, where 2,300 persons were slightly injured in the same quarter of 2022, the record shows a decrease in slight road traffic accidents by 80 and an increase in persons slightly injured by 174.

He said that on damage only road traffic accidents, 5,638 were recorded in this year (2022) second quarter as compared to 5,526 recorded in 2021 in the same period, the record shows an increase by 112 Damages only road traffic accidents.

Mr Hamoonga revealed that in the second quarter of 2022, a total amount of K12, 202,397.00 was collected as admission of guilty fines as compared to K 14,011,754.00 collected in the same quarter of 2021.The figure in admission of guilty fines has decreased by K 1,809,357.00.

“Most of the accidents recorded were attributed to human error as such as excessive speed representing 17.1%, Misjudging clearance distance representing 15.8%, Failing to keep to nearside representing 14.9%, reversing negligently representing 7.7% and cutting in representing 4.6%,” Mr Hamoonga stated

Confusion erupt, multitudes turn for census recruitment

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Confusion erupt, multitudes turn for census recruitment

Confusion has characterized the ongoing national census recruitment exercise as multitudes turned up for aptitude test at Lusaka Business and Technical College.

A stampede occurred as the thousands who thronged the business college broke some glass panes while demanding the exercise to start prompting Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Robert Kamalata and the Police to visit the institute to calm the situation.

Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Robert Kamalata, who addressed the multitudes, described the situation as overwhelming and called for calm.

Mr Kamalata stated that the overwhelming response in the recruitment exercise was not expected saying there was need to relocate to a more conducive place for the aptitude tests.

He announced that government would provide buses for the applicants to Heroes’ stadium and that the aptitude test would be rescheduled to later in the afternoon.

‘’ The numbers are too high something we didn’t anticipate, I therefore ask you to relocate to heroes stadium where it’s spacious,’’ he stated.

But some applicants talked said government should have taken into consideration the number of applicants who were called for the aptitude test before deciding the venue.

The applicants who requested to be anonymous said it would not be possible for the buses to ferry the multitudes to Heroes stadium and appealed to government to reschedule the programme.

“It will take the whole day to ferry us to the stadium, what time then, can we write the aptitude test,” they wondered.

A check at heroes’ stadium around 12 : 00 hours found some applicants who opted to use their own transport had started arriving.

Zambia Statistics Agency ZamStats will be conducting its sixth census population and Housing scheduled for August 18 to September 14 2022.

And As the country steps up preparations for the forthcoming National Census of Population and Housing, Chinsali district has joined the rest of the country in conducting aptitude tests for the shortlisted candidates for positions of the 2022 National Census of Population and Housing supervisors and enumerators.

District Census Committee chairperson, Samson Muchemwa has urged committee members not to be impartial as they select would be supervisors and enumerators.

He said the anchor of quality data collection begins with the caliber of field enumerators and supervisors selected.

Mr. Muchemwa was speaking during the briefing of committee members on their roles and responsibilities during the 2022 National Census of Population and Housing programme held in his office today.

He said the objective of the committee cannot be over emphasised as the committee is expected to rise above the challenges by ensuring that it renders necessary support to the exercise.

“I expect every civil servant in this committee to be level headed and ensure that the objective of this noble exercise is met,” he said.

This year’s National Census of Population and Housing is being conducted in a decentralised plan from National up to sub-zonal level.

The exercise is expected to commence on 18th August to 14th September 2022 under the theme “Everyone Counts.”

The first-ever electronic Census in Zambia has suffered postponements on a number of occasions.

The National Census of Population and Housing was initially supposed to have been held in August 2020 but was pushed to 2021 before being pushed to August this year.

Zambia conducts a Census of Population and Housing every decade with the last Census having been conducted in 2010.

Meanwhile, Kabompo District Census Committee Chairperson, Hubert Chinyanga says the district is set for the implementation of the 2022 census.

Mr Chinyanga, who is also Kabompo District Commissioner, said all equipment to be used for the recruitment and implementation of the census is already in the district.

He said this in Kabompo today during a district census committee meeting on census recruitment for Kabompo enumerators and supervisors.

“We are ready and set for the recruitment and eventual implementation of the 2022 census. All logistics have been put in place and all equipment has been received for the exercise,” Mr. Chinyanga said.

And speaking at the same event, Kabompo District Census Coordinator, Clymore Kalyangile said the officers are ready for the aptitude test admission adding that the district is expected to recruit about 176.

Mr. Kalyangile said candidates shortlisted are expected to undergo a ten days training in readiness for the census exercise.

“We are ready chairperson, for the exercise, our candidates are expected to be examined using tablets and once done will undergo a ten day training,” he said.

Recruitment of teachers, health workers to improve service delivery-PS for Special Duties at Cabinet Office

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Recruitment of teachers, health workers to improve service delivery-PS for Special Duties at Cabinet Office

Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at Cabinet Office, Patrick Mucheleka says the recruitment of teachers and health workers will improve service delivery in the education and health sectors.

Mr. Mucheleka said government wants to improve the quality of life for the Zambian people especially in rural areas where the services of the newly deployed staff are needed most.

He stated that health and education are key sectors to the country’s development hence the decision by the new administration to have them prioritized.

“We are talking about 30, 000 teachers employed, added to that is over 11, 000 health workers and this is education and health improvement,” he said.

Mr. Mucheleka said this when he visited the office of the District Education Board Secretary in Kasama to check on the deployment process.

Mr. Mucheleka said the deployment of teachers and health workers will also result in increased economic activities in rural communities.

He noted that people in the respective areas have an opportunity to venture into businesses that will benefit the newly employed workers.

“Our people in these areas can even build houses which the teachers and nurses can rent,” he said

Mr. Mucheleka further said the transparency exhibited during the recruitment process is evidence of government’s commitment to create a corruption-free environment.

And Kasama District Education Board Secretary, Andrew Chipili said the district has received 394 teachers compared to seven in the last recruitment exercise.

Mr. Chipili informed the Permanent Secretary that the deployment of the teachers to various schools is on course.

He said the new teachers are expected to be at their respective stations before September 5, 2022 when schools re-open for the third term.

“We are now giving them introductory letters to go and report to their stations before September 5th when schools open,” Mr. Chipili said.

UPND Mulenga happy with Malanji Kwacha seat nullification

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UPND Mulenga happy with Malanji Kwacha seat nullification

United Party for National Development (UPND) Charles Mulenga commends the Constitutional Court for upholding the judgement of the High Court in his petition against Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Kwacha Member of Parliament Joseph Malanji for the nullification of the Kwacha seat on grounds of not possessing a Grade 12 Certificate.

Speaking after the verdict, Mr Mulenga stated that he is delighted for being vindicated because when he expressed his concern 12 months ago that his victory was stolen as he did not agree with the results nor believed that he had actually lost the Kwacha seat to Mr Malanji thus his petitioning of the matter in the High Court.

Mr Mulenga added that he presented 13 grounds of evidence to support my petition and the presiding Judge Kazimbe Chenda agreed with him on two principal grounds the first being electoral misconduct where bribery and corruption was wide spread and the second being the issue to do with eligibility where it was proved that Mr Malanji did not possess a Grade 12 Certificate.

“It’s on those principal grounds that the High Court went on to declare the results of Mr Malanji as now and void,” he said

He noted that Mr Malanji was not pleased with the decision of the High Court thus making an appeal to the Constitutional Court, which today has agreed with the High Court for his Kwacha Constituency seat to be nullified.

“Since his seat has now been nullified and it now remains with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to take it up and give us a direction on how we are going to proceed from now on,” Mr Mulenga stated

Mr Mulenga said that the one thing that the Court is telling everyone and the lesson that the Court is sending across is that every person that transpires for public office must conduct themselves in an exemplary manner that is conducive as opposed to under hand methods of getting into these offices using bribery means, corruption and violence which is not required.

Mr Mulenga has since declared interest in recontesting the Kwacha Constituency seat under the UPND Party as he has also declared a win in the forthcoming By-Elections.

Meanwhile, the facts of matter in which Mr Mulenga petitioned the Kwacha seat are that Mr Mulenga sued Mr Malanji and the Electoral Commission of Zambia – ECZ as first and second respondents respectively in the High Court, where he argued that Mr Malanji did not qualify to have participated in the August 12, 2021 General Elections as he did not possess a Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent.

But despite the High Court decision to nullify the Kwacha Seat, Mr Malanji appealed to the Constitutional Court where the Court upheld the nullification of the election of Mr Malanji in Kwacha Constituency despite having a G12 certificate, the court ruled that Mr Malanji should have submitted it to the court for verification.

The Constitutional Court affirmed the decision of the High Court Judge Kazimbe Chenda to declare Joseph Malanji’s election as Kwacha Constituency Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament void for not possessing a Grade 12 Certificate during his re-election.

Constitutional Court Vice-President Margaret Munalula on behalf of the majority ruled that Judge Chenda cannot be censured for determining Malanji’s eligibility to contest in the August 12, 2021 General Elections as he did not possess the requisite academic qualification when filing in nomination papers in line with Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution.

She said Malanji had a chance to prove that he had the school certificate (Form 5) at the time of his re-election but did not do so, neither is there evidence on the record of appeal.

Constitutional Court Judge Margaret Munalula, who read the majority judgement, said High Court trial Judge Kazimbe Chenda’s decision to annul the seat on the basis of lack of a grade 12 certificate cannot be faulted because of sufficient evidence.

Judge Munalula noted that the Constitutional Court is of the view that there was enough evidence that Mr. Malanji did not have a Grade 12 Certificate.

Judge Munalula stated that the trial was on firm ground to shift the burden of proof to show that he had the right credentials.

Judge Mungeni Mulenga has however opposed the decision of the majority stating that the trial Judge erred in Law to shift the burden of proof to Mr. Malanji, and as the petitioner, UPND Candidate Charles Mulenga should have provided proof that the appellant did not have a Grade 12 certificate.

The nullification of Joseph Malanji Kwacha Seat for not having a Grade 12 Certificate comes barely a week after Patriotic Front (PF) Kabushi Law maker, Bowman Lusambo seat was nullified by the Constituency Court on grounds of malpractice, violence and distribution of money which was in breach of the electoral rules.

Zambia set to revamp rail sector-Tayali

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Zambia set to revamp rail sector-Tayali

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali says the government is working on modalities of revamping the rail sector.

Mr. Tayali said President Hakainde Hichilema is looking at Railway projects within the sub-region that can benefit various countries collectively and not individual nations.

Mr. Tayali said this yesterday in Tanzania’s business capital, Dar es Salaam that the US $ 7.3 billion railway project being constructed by the Tanzania Railway Corporation- TRC is one example that will enhance the rail sector in Africa.

He said the Tanzania project is one that Zambia can replicate in collaboration with some neighbouring countries.

“We shall continue to grapple with ways in which we can undertake similar projects looking at the kind of fiscal strength within which the country is able to undertake a similar project,” Mr. Tayali said.

TRC Director General, Masanja Kungu Kadogosa said the project is being implemented in any way that would not disturb citizen’s day to day business operations.

“The stations will also have facilities such as super markets, shopping malls, a multistory building, and restaurants among others in order to boost cash flow for the railway company, “he said.

Some light at the end of the tunnel in Zambia’s debt restructuring process -CSO Debt alliance

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Some light at the end of the tunnel in Zambia’s debt restructuring process -CSO Debt alliance

The Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Debt Alliance is elated at the announcements by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, and the World Bank Group President, David Malpass, that the Official Creditor Committee for Zambia has provided the financial assurances necessary for the IMF Executive Board’s approval of a Fund supported program. This implies that chances are high that the Fund program for Zambia may be in place by September this year as envisaged, in time for the 2023 fiscal year.This is contained in a press statement issued by Mr.Wakumelo Mataa,CSO Debt Alliance Coordinator

Since August 2021, the new dawn government has been demonstrating a renewed resolve to restore fiscal fitness and re-institute debt sustainability. By December 2021, Zambia secured a Staff Level Agreement (SLA) with the IMF as a prelude to an Extended Credit Facility Program (ECF). It is gratifying that these noble efforts have bared fruits as the country prepares itself for the debt restructuring process.

Zambia is among countries that were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which combined with pre-existing debt challenges to drive the economy into a recession in 2020. By November of the same year, government officially requested a debt treatment under the Common Framework supported by the Group of 20 major economies and the Paris Club which, unfortunately, proved elusive ever since. Despite benefiting from an earlier initiative, the Debt Service Suspension Initiative, Zambia’s debt challenges have remained evident to date as manifested in fiscal constraints that have forced the government to cancel and rescope ongoing projects to curtail debt accumulation.

The CSO Alliance on debt management has welcomed the UPND government’s decision to cancel some loan-financed projects and rescope
others as part of measures to address current debt challenges beyond the debt restructuring process. This is key towards retaining debt to a sustainable path. The CSO Debt Alliance looks forward to formally engaging with both the government of Zambia and the
International Monetary Fund once the Fund program is approved and relevant policy documents are made public to ensure a smooth debt restructuring process as this is key to steer a steady and resilient economic turnaround, and revelation of the conditionalities of the

The CSO Alliance on Debt Management was established in September 2020, created to provide oversight and policy engagement leadership on Public Finance Management. The alliance is housed at the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD)
Fund Programme for Zambia, will make it easy for the CSOs to monitor the implementation of the programme in order to ensure transparency and accountability.

Malanji loses Kwacha seat

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Malanji loses Kwacha seat

The Constitutional Court has upheld the nullification of the election of Joe Malanji  as Kwacha Constituency Member of Parliament.

Constitutional Court Judge Margaret Munalula , who read the majority Judgment, said High Court trial JudgeKa Kazimbe Chenda ’s decision to annul the seat on the basis of lack of a grade 12 certificate cannot be faulted due to sufficient evidence.

Judge Munalula says the constitutional court is of the view that there was enough evidence that Mr. Malanji did not have a Grade 12 Certificate.

Judge Munalula says the trial was on firm ground to shift the burden of proof to show that he had the right credentials.

However in the minority Judgment, Constitutional Court Judge Mugeni Mulenga  said that the trial judge erred in law to shift the burden of proof to Mr. Malanji, as the petitioner, UPND Candidate Charles Mulenga should have provided proof that the appellant did not have a Grade 12 certificate.

MID-WEEK PRO HIT LIST: Fashion and Chilufya’s UEFA CL Hopes Dented

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It was a forgettable night for Chipolopolo stars in Tuesday’s nights UEFA Champions League 3rd Round, First Leg ties.


=DENMARK
Midfielder Edward Chilfuya came on in the 46th minute of Midtjylland’s 4-1 away loss in Lisbon to Portuguese giants Benfica.


=SCOTLAND
Striker Fashion Sakala remains on the peripheral in the early days of the 2022/2023 season for Rangers after two successive competitive games played this term.
Fashion was an unused substitute in Tuesday evenings 2-0 away loss to Belgian club Royal Union Saint Gilloise.

=SERBIA
Midfielder Klings Kangwa is in action on Wednesday evening for Red Star Belgrade who host Armenian club Pyunik.
All three final leg ties will be played during the dates of August 9.

Shepolopolo Star Kundananji Talks About Madrid CFF Move

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Shepolopolo Star Kundananji Talks About Madrid CFF Move

Shepolopolo Zambia striker Rachael Kundananji has expressed her joy after clinching a big move to Spanish top side Madrid CFF.

Kundananji on Monday joined Madrid from fellow Spanish club SD Eibar.

In a phone interview, Kundananji declared herself ready for Madrid task ahead of the 2022/23 Spanish Primera División.

“I am so happy to join Madrid CFF. I am so happy to still play this season in the first division,” Kundananji said.

Kundananji played for BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan prior to joining Eibar last year

“It is my dream to play in this first division for a long time. So, I need to play in this first division for many years. I am so happy.”

“I am glad that I am here at Madrid CCF and my expectation is that I know it’s going to be hard so I just have to work hard and fight,” Kundananji said.

Kundananji, who was part of Shepolopolo’s Olympics team in Japan, last year represented Zambia in October in a 3-2 WAFCON qualifier win over Malawi in a match she scored a brace to elp Zambia advance to the final qualifying stage where theymet Namibia..

But she conspicuously missed the just ended 2022 Africa Cup in Morocco where Shepolopolo won bronze.
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HH calls for repackaging of African tourism sector as he cuts short his Tanzanian visit

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HH calls for repackaging of African tourism sector as he cuts short his Tanzanian visit

President Hakainde Hichilema has challenged African countries to enhance tourism packaging to attract tourists saying that the industry is as important as other sectors.

President Hichilema says pulling various tourism destinations and repackaging them together can enable the industry to flourish and attract more tourists to the African continent.

President Hichilema said this yesterday in Tanzania’s business capital, Dar Es Salaam where he had gone for a one day state visit.

President Hichilema noted that the tourism sector if well managed can generate more business opportunities for the continent.

“We are talking about tourist packages that will cover here in Tanzania, Zanzibar, as you know there are many islands here in Tanzania and obviously Zambia. When you pull this what I may call destinations together plus. Our Victoria falls, our national parks will make tourists stay longer in the continent,” he said.

President Hichilema said tourism is one sector that has already proved that it can generate more business opportunities, create sustainable jobs and wealth creation.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said she is happy that Zambia and Tanzania have started reviving their political relations which she said were somehow lost.

President Hassan said with the renewed political relations now in place, the two countries now have the muscles to build their economic powers.

She said the African continent should develop a spirit of taking care of assets left by fore fathers and ensure that they serve a tangible purpose in the new economic order.

“What should be put on record is the revival of our political relations which was somehow lost somewhere and with the political relations that bring in our people together, working together, we are building our economic power, ” she said.

The President has since returned back home and no explanation was given for him cutting short the visit. According to the statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the president was to undertake a State Visit to the United Republic of Tanzania on 2nd to 3rd August, 2022, at the invitation of Her Excellency Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

This Visit is highly significant as Tanzania remains a strategic partner as a link for transportation in the southern region for both freight and passengers through the eastern African seaport of Dar-es-Salaam. To this end, during the Visit, President Hichilema and President Hassan will hold bilateral talks where discussions will focus on areas of mutual interest aimed at enhancing trade, investment and infrastructure development, among others.
The two leaders were expected to engage on matters pertaining to the Tanzania Zambia Railways (TAZARA), primarily operational issues including revamping and capitalization of the company.The Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) Pipelines Limited, and the Nakonde-Tunduma One Stop Border Post (OSBP) will also be an area of discussion and focus.

President Hichilema was thus scheduled to tour the Dar-es-Salaam Port, Dar-es-Salaam Standard Main Gauge Railway Station, TAZAMA Pipelines Limited and TAZARA.

President Hichilema and President Hassan were also to preside over the signing of Memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of Defence and Tourism.
Zambia and Tanzania share strong historical bilateral relations and a common boundary, and the two countries actively cooperate in social, political and economic areas within the framework of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation.

Government concerned over failure among cooperatives in Katete to adhere to universal principles

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Government concerned over failure among cooperatives in Katete to adhere to universal principles

The government is concerned over the failure among cooperatives in Katete District to adhere to universal principles that guide the cooperative movement in the country.

Katete District Commissioner, Malan Zimba said the district has over 1000 cooperatives, but very few of them observe cooperative principles.

“We have over 1,420 registered cooperatives in Katete, it is sad to note that very few of these are organised and managed based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity,” Mr Zimba said.

The District Commissioner was speaking over the weekend during the commemoration of International Cooperative Day held under the theme “cooperatives enterprises build a better world”.

He warned that Government will no longer be interested in providing support to cooperatives that operate outside the universal principles that guide the cooperative movement.

“In this regard, I wish to make a sound warning that this government will never support such cooperatives. The intention of government is to work together with cooperatives that practice the universal principles of cooperatives,” he said.

Mr Zimba further stated that the Government had commenced the process of deregistering all dormant and moribund cooperatives.

Mr Zimba also highlighted that government was encouraging the formation of cooperatives to facilitate the acquisition of loans and other empowerment programmes like the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He said this was in a bid to grow the economy hence citizens are encouraged to diversify the types of cooperatives they form and belong to other than agriculture.

Meanwhile, Katete District Cooperative Society Chairperson, Jacob Mbewe appreciated the Government for its concerns towards the corporative movement.

However, Mr Mbewe hinted on some challenges are hindering the cooperatives in the district to contribute to the economic development of the district.

He cited the non-functional solar milling plants, which are not benefiting the communities, among the various challenges.

“The Solar milling plants are a white elephant and require to be revamped. The Feeder roads in the district are terrible making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to the market,” Mr Mbewe said.

He further appealed to the Government to ensure that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) pays farmers that will supply farming commodities to it on time in this year’s purchasing season.

World Bank Group launches the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative for women led SMEs in Zambia

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World Bank Group launches the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative for women led SMEs in Zambia

The World Bank Group on Wednesday, 27 July 2022 announced the launch of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) Pipeline Development Program aimed at assisting Women Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs) to overcome financial constraints, stimulate growth and inspire more women to participate in the Zambian economy as entrepreneurs. The launch was officiated by the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development, Honourable Elias Mubanga, MP at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre – Kenneth Kaunda wing.

The We-Fi program is a global initiative that is meant to support women entrepreneurs scale-up their access to financial products and services, build their capacity, expand their networks, offer and access mentorship, and provide linkages opportunities within the domestic and global markets. We-Fi Zambia supports formal women-led WSMEs with more than five (5) employees for support under the Zambia project. Under the We-Fi Zambia Pipeline Development Program which is Phase 2 of the country program, the objective is to reach at least 1,000 WSMEs in Lusaka and Kitwe through a combination of in-person and digital trainings while providing a virtual platform for other WSMEs around the country.

Minister of SME Development, Hon Elias Mubanga, MP
Minister of SME Development, Hon Elias Mubanga, MP

In his keynote address, Honourable Elias Mubanga said: “We are delighted by this timely gesture by the World Bank Group and we strongly believe that this program has come at the right time as it resonates with my ministry’s mandate of growing and supporting the development of SMEs in Zambia.”

The Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor – Administration, Mrs Rekha Mhango commented “We commend this timely, move to launch such a great initiative which we believe will address the many challenges being faced by our entrepreneurs across many sectors. As Central Bank, we are fully aware that this program will also further deepen the financial inclusion agenda. SMEs continue to play a major role in economic development in many countries, including Zambia.”
Speaking during the launch event, The World Bank Zambia Country Manager, Dr Sahr Kpundeh said, “SMEs are the backbone of the economy and play a vital role in employment and wealth creation. SMEs in Zambia represent 70 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 88 percent of employment and contribute 97 percent of all businesses in the economy.”

The We-Fi Zambia Pipeline Development Program will be implemented in collaboration with the financial institutions (commercial banks and micro finance institutions), industry-based associations, women in business associations, private sector players and other key cooperating partners to prepare viable WSMEs for growth and recovery through a combination of investments and productivity-enhancing tools. The focus on financial management serves to enhance the credit worthiness of WSMEs during a time when financial institutions are reluctant to lend to SMEs.

Picture taken during the launch of the We-Fi program in Lusaka's Mulungushi International Conference Centre - Kenneth Kaunda Wing
Picture taken during the launch of the We-Fi program in Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre – Kenneth Kaunda Wing

Speaking at the same event, International Finance Corporation Resident Representative Ms Madalo Minofu added: “We-Fi provides an unprecedented opportunity to ensure that women entrepreneurs in Zambia have a real and fair chance at success. We know that everyone benefits when women have the resources they need to fully participate in our economies and societies.”

Other key dignitaries who were present at the launch event include representatives from the World Bank Group, Senior Government Officials, the Bank of Zambia representative, Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of Financial Institutions, industry-based associations, women in business associations, women entrepreneurs, private sector players and other cooperating partners also took part at the launch.

Entrepreneurship continues to play a significant role in creating jobs, fueling economic growth, and enhancing societal wellbeing in many African countries. Women entrepreneurs typically use their increased power and incomes to invest in their families and give back immensely to their communities. Women entrepreneurs also employ proportionately more women than men-led firms. Furthermore, successful women entrepreneurs are a source of inspiration for other women and girls, and are key in strengthening their ambition, agency, and financial independence.

The Zambia We-Fi program will run until June 2023 and is being implemented by Kudu Consulting – a local development and management firm providing advisory, consulting and research services in food and agriculture, business, financial services, corporate advisory services, livelihoods, environment and natural resources management.

Picture of participants at the launch of We-Fi in Zambia
Picture of participants at the launch of We-Fi in Zambia

Mr Hichilema’s leadership is very inconsistent and not worth trusting-Socialist Party CB Spokesperson

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Mr Hichilema’s leadership is very inconsistent and not worth trusting-Socialist Party CB Spokesperson

The war of words between the ruling UPND and the Socialist Party of Zambia has persisted with the opposition party accusing the New Dawn government of being inconsistent.

The UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema in particular recently teased the Socialist Party with a claim that socialism had failed to work in Zambia before.

“Socialism, Communism, failed. There is no question about that. Communism and socialism failed,’’ President Hichilema said.

Now Socialist Party Copperbelt spokesperson Joseph Kangwa has charged that Mr Hichilema’s leadership is very inconsistent and not worth trusting.

Mr. Kangwa said the UPND has let down Zambians that trusted the party when in opposition because President Hichilema promised many things that have not been delivered.

“If we had to choose one word to describe President Hakainde Hichilema and his government so far, it would be “inconsistent”. Mr Hichilema’s leadership is very inconsistent and he is definitely not worth trusting. The President is playing the poor people of Zambia psychologically to hide his inconsistency. He is like someone nursing a wound while biting it. We all heard the various promises of faith and commitment from Mr HH and the UPND during the 2021 campaigns to improve the living standards of the majority poor Zambians. He promised to reduce the cost of living, adding that no Zambian would go to sleep hungry. He said everyone would manage to have at least three meals a day. He promised to reduce the prices of goods and services, such as a 25kg bag of mealie meal from K150 to K50, and a 50kg bag of fertiliser, for example D compound, from an average of K600 to K200,” Mr. Kangwa said.

He highlighted some promises the UPND made to the people of Zambia when in opposition.

“President Hichilema assured the people of Zambia about the availability of drugs in public hospitals, the creation of jobs, good working conditions of service, and said everything would be corruption free. He vehemently criticised former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his Patriotic Front government for living a life of luxury at the expense of suffering, poor Zambians, and assured people that under his government cabinet ministers and members of parliament would not need to drive expensive vehicles, citing the example of a VX,” he said.

‘Zambians trusted UPND because HH promised many things, but he and his government completely failed to deliver on the expectations when the time came. He has failed to walk the talk. What we see today is the cost of living being reduced on paper and in speeches, but in reality the cost of living is worsening daily. Contrary to three meals a day as per HH’s promise, many Zambian families are now struggling to eat just one meal per day. Due to the skyrocketing prices of goods and services, especially food staples, many poor Zambians have been exposed to malnutrition and diseases and are dying prematurely. Shortages of essential medicines in public hospitals have continued to affect our people, who cannot afford to go to private hospitals or buy drugs. The only thing they get from government hospitals is a prescription,” Mr. Kangwa said.

He continued:”Today the UPND government is bragging about the employment of around 12,000 health workers and 30,000 teachers, and the provision of free education; things it has done because of the pressure of its many unfulfilled promises. Kudos for the employment of health workers, even though the question now is how these people are going to save lives when the equipment and drugs to do their work effectively are not there. As for the 30,000 teachers, any government can do that, but the question is, does the government have the financial capacity to recruit that number given the state of our economy? Where are they going to work since there are insufficient schools? The President and his finance minister have from time to time flown to the West to attend meetings, begging for the IMF to lend them money because they don’t have the financial capacity to run the country. It is unthinkable to employ civil servants with their benefits based on borrowed money. Zambians should prepare for more taxes.”

Mr. Kangwa also doubted the reduced inflation rate by a single digit.

“President HH sir, the poor people of Zambia did not vote for you so you could fly to Western countries and other parts of the world at the expense of their taxpayers’ money to beg for investors, who mostly come and loot our minerals for peanuts and get the money Zambians should have been making. It is morally wrong for the UPND government to brag about a questionably reduced inflation rate by a single digit on paper when their people aren’t eating due to the high cost of living and others are dying because they cannot access adequate healthcare because of a lack of life-saving medicines in hospitals.The people have the power,” he concluded.

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