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President Hichilema commends World Bank’s support for Zambia’s economic restoration programme

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President Hichilema commends World Bank’s support for Zambia’s economic restoration programme

President Hakainde Hichilema has commended the World Bank Group for its continued support to Zambia’s economic restoration programme.

And President Hichilema has also appreciated the bank’s support towards Zambia’s quest for a debt restructuring programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking when visiting World Bank Group Managing Director, Anshula Kent paid a courtesy call on him at the State House, President Hichilema explained that he was elected into office by the people of Zambia in order to reform the economy.

He noted that efforts have already been made towards improving the current economic status and enhancing national development.

The President cited the provision of free education from grades 1 to 12, and the promotion of skills development as a tool to create employment opportunities among others as some of the programmes aimed at bettering the lives of the people in the country.

“We appreciate your support in our debt restructuring programme which is very important to us, we came into office on the ticket of bringing change, and people took this decision because they want the economy to be restructured in order to bring development,” he said.

The Head of State noted that the government is committed to delivering an expanded economy that takes into consideration the social needs and development of the people.

He however, stated that for this to be achieved, there is need for the government to address its financial challenges such as the high debt.

President Hichilema expressed concern that the current debt levels have a negative impact on the country’ economic development agenda.

He said this is why there is a need for institutions such as the World Bank Group to come on board and assist Zambia through the IMF deal.

“The current debt level is choking, if nothing is done to address it, it has the potential to affect our economic development agenda, that is why we need your support in our debt restructuring programme,’’ he stressed.

The Head of State has also said that Zambia will reinforce its partnership with institutions such as the World Bank Group for the benefit of the country.

President Hichilema pointed out that the country is likely to accrue more benefits by interactions with international organisations like the IMF and the World Bank Group, contrary to the beliefs by certain sections of the society that they do not mean well.

World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Anshula Kant and her delegation at State House.
World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Anshula Kant and her delegation at State House.

And World Bank Group Managing Director, Anshula Kent has pledged her organisation’s support to efforts by Zambia to reach a debt sustainability programme by the IMF.

Ms. Kent said the World Bank Group is pleased with the economic transformation being undertaken by the government of Zambia hence will support any initiatives targeted at enhancing its development.

“We appreciate the collaboration that we have with Zambia, and will support your efforts to improve the economy of the country and the whole process that you are doing to restructure it,” she said.

The World Bank Group Managing Director who is also Chief Finance Officer is in the country for a three day working visit where she is expected to hold a number of high level meetings with key stakeholders and visit World Bank funded projects.

World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Anshula Kant and her delegation at State House.
World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Anshula Kant and her delegation at State House. House.

Why are people insulting the President?

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Why are people insulting the President?

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

During the previous regime, daring to insult the president would have entailed a mortuary or ICU case, thanks to the almighty PF cadres that were keen to take matters into their own hands. Lately, we’ve witnessed a number of people insulting the president. What is causing all this? Some people have, of course, weighed in and offered conflicting reasons, more prominently UPND spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa MP and New Heritage Party Leader Chishala Kateka.

Addressing a media briefing at the UPND secretariat recently, Hon. Mweetwa MP appealed to the previous PF administration to stop sponsoring people use the social media to insult the president.

Earlier on, Kateka had claimed that the rising number of cases of members of the public either insulting or defaming the President could be that Zambians are unhappy with his leadership and have no other option but to insult the presidency.

For the record, we don’t subscribe to either of the assertions! But what could be the main reason, you may still wonder. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to get to the root cause of this problem. During the previous administration, caderism had taken to another level. Reminiscent of the dreaded vigilantes during the UNIP era who were eager to lift suspected critics ‘by air,’ the notorious PF cadres were ubiquitous in the markets, bus stations, CBDs and even public offices. Some of them had even gone to the extent of decorating themselves with revered titles as commanders and put on military uniforms!

Anybody who dared criticize the humble leader risked having “a ton of blocks falling on them!” Any perceived culprit would be abducted and taken to secluded places where they would be subjected to spine chilling indignities. Remember the journalist in Chipata that had himself peed into the mouth for writing articles critical of government? And if you thought you were smart and offloaded profanities against President Lungu on social media, they would hunt you down with the help of ZICTA and mete out instant justice on you!

As everyone would recall, when President Hichilema got into State House, he immediately pronounced a big NO to caderism.

“If you commit a crime in the name of the party UPND, remember you are on your own!” he fired a warning shot.

Consequently, those in UPND cadres with evil intentions of emulating their peers from PF would immediately refrain from such illegalities. Today, citizens are free; there are no cadres to instill fear anymore, but instead of enjoying these newly found liberties, some people have now realized a golden opportunity to insult the president with impunity!

Even in the so-called free world, we don’t see individuals insulting presidents and their parents to such an extent as literally undressing and describing their body anatomies in graphic detail. It’s even shocking that some of these insults are coming from our mothers and children who ought to uphold good morals.

The president has encouraged us to criticize any wrongdoing on the part of his government. However, this doesn’t mean we should now start competing for entries in the Guineas Book of World Records for having uttered earth-shattering insults against the head of state!

A few good men

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A few good men

By Nkonkomalimba Kafunda

While it is undoubtedly healthy, right and proper for citizens to take keen interest in affairs of governance, to treat government with suspicion, misgiving and apprehension, seeing criminality in almost all transactions and initiatives undertaken, tends to defeat the whole purpose of upholding checks and balances.

Understandably, endemic scepticism after a seven-year kleptocracy is to be expected even, to some extent, accepted. However, not all leaders go into government with nefarious intentions. There are exceptions to what Africans have come to accept as the rule.

Listening to radio call-in programs, a habit I should have embraced much earlier, I hear callers, uninformedly and without basis, accuse the government and by implication, the President of awarding contracts to friends, associates and acquaintances as reward for bankrolling last years election campaign, among other things. The people’s ignorance is exacerbated by an orchestrated, concerted malicious social media misinformation campaign whose core objective is to paint the president black. An unfortunate outcome was gullible youths blatantly, impertinently insulting the head of state and getting their just deserts. Well done Zambia Army. Human rights, freedom of expression notwithstanding, our values, norms and cultures remain paramount. Privately, most of those calling for action against the Army officers seen disciplining the errant youths, would prefer they be given medals.

Devoid of facts, callers talk of fertilizer supply contracts tendered and awarded opaquely, major road projects being given to friends of the president, KCM being handed over to Vandetta and so on.

While the Sowers of these seeds of hatred, ridicule and contempt rub their hands in collective, malicious glee, matching malevolent grins in tow, the Zambian people are denied an opportunity to buy into the bigger picture, a picture painted on a canvass of hope, rejuvenation, vitality, prosperity and good will.

Granted, the Patriotic Front reign of illicit jollification has left more than just a nasty hangover in our people’s collective psyche, it has left Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but that does not mean the country lacks good, honest, upright leaders with pure intentions.

Let these few good men lead you, fellow Zambians, to a place you deserve to be: progressive, prosperous and peaceful.

Over 160 persons arrested in Eastern Province for drug related offences

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Over 160 persons arrested in Eastern Province for drug related offences

The Drug enforcement Commission has arrested over 160 people among them 12 juveniles from January to date on charges of drug trafficking and seized 6 tonnes of cannabis in Eastern Province.

Eastern Province Drug Enforcement Commission Regional Commander, Charles Ndulumina said drug trafficking, substance abuse and illegal cultivation of narcotic and psychotropic substances such as cannabis still remains a threat to the development of the economy.

ZANIS reports that Mr Ndulumina said this when he officiated at this year’s World Anti-Drug Day commemoration under the theme “ Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises” in Mambwe District.

Mr Ndulumina said the Commission is determined to put an end to drug trafficking and has thus declared Zero tolerance to any form of drug abuse, trafficking and cultivation.

He added that through its education and counseling department, the Commission has also reached out to 15,443 people with drug and money laundering awareness information and 37 people have so far been attended to under counseling.

Mr Ndulumina further reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to continue engaging other stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education which has included Drug Preventive Education in the Curriculum and formation of anti – drug clubs in Schools, the Ministry of Health, Traditional Leaders and the Zambia Police among others.

And Mambwe District Commissioner, William Banda said drug abuse if left unchecked, will continue to be one of the lead factors in escalating crime rates destroying the lives of people.

Mr Banda added that drug abuse is a complex socio economic issue that requires an integrated approach in order to fight it.

“The fight against drug abuse affects all and must not be left to Law Enforcement Agencies only but rather, it requires all stakeholders to come on board and join in raising awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and treatment of addicts,” he said.

Mr Banda said it was also necessary to encourage individuals and families to seek early assistance for problems related to alcoholism and drug abuse.

Meanwhile, Charity Banda, a grade Twelve Pupil from Mambwe Boarding Secondary School urged the Drug Enforcement Commission to continue sensitizing on drugs and its effects.

Ms Banda added that youths especially, needed to take the message to “Say No To Drugs” seriously, think outside the box and figure out ways of making the message known to everyone.

The Drug Enforcement Commission has managed to sensitize pupils on drug abuse in schools in Mambwe district, among them Mambwe, Matula, Mfuwe Day, Jumbe Day, and Yosefe Secondary schools..

Quickly resolve obstacles in disbursement of empowerment funds to communities – ZANAMAC

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Quickly resolve obstacles in disbursement of empowerment funds to communities – ZANAMAC

The Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMAC) has appealed to the government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and other Ministries to quicken facilitating the process of resolving issues of disbursement of funds meant for empowerment programmes.

ZANAMACA President, Mupila Kameya said resources such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) should be unblocked so that the association can also access the funds to implement the transformational and game changing initiatives for youth unemployment .

Mr Kameya said the association with its strategic partners have designed a youth job creation initiative using mobile technology to formalize some specially selected members of the informal sector in order to track youth job creation .

He said the Digital Graduation of Informal Sector entrepreneurs (DIGISE) is aimed at creating more jobs for youths in a short period of time within five years.

Mr Kameya said that the objective of the Programme entails digital entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer ,formalization of enterprises and acceleration of the informal sector of their growth with already identified interventions.

He urged the government and donor community to support the association by providing resources to launch a programme that is creative , practical , innovative and critical to create massive job creation.

Mr Kameya noted that as an association believes that most practical and effective channel for fast tracking the creation of formal jobs ,and working together with government and cooperating partners.

“We understand the informal sector in general and we know the needs of its various sub sectors and which informal sectors can be formalized because we have presence throughout the Country so the formalization of informal entrepreneurship cannot be a challenge to us once the resources are available,” he said.

Mr Kameya said that the association has numbers, the Knowledge and the technology to create youth jobs and all that is needed is the resources to make the initiatives a reality.

Govt creating resilient health systems to counteract disease outbreaks – Masebo

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Govt creating resilient health systems to counteract disease outbreaks – Masebo

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo says government is creating resilient systems that will withstand emergencies and disease outbreaks.

Ms. Masebo noted that there is a need to develop a healthcare system which will protect the Zambian citizens regardless of the disease.

Speaking during the Czech Solutions for Zambian Healthcare Workshop, the Health Minister noted that the country is exploring ways Government and the Czech Republic can build a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Ms. Masebo said the health facilities required that government enhance their function with modern equipment and technologies.

She added that well-functioning equipment is key to creating a strong and resilient healthcare delivery system.

The Minister noted that infrastructure and equipment need rehabilitation and construction across the country.

She said the replacing of critical medical equipment will enable health personnel to perform their duties in a safe and conducive environment.

Ms. Masebo added that lack of addressing the health challenge will pose a negative impact on the quality of healthcare for the citizens.

She stated that there is a need to invest in health delivery systems such as health infrastructure, and modern medical equipment among others.

And Czech Republic Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Martin Tlapa said that his country will partner with Zambia to facilitate projects that will enhance relations and businesses.

ZDA commends WSO for setting up offices in Zambia

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ZDA commends WSO for setting up offices in Zambia

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has commended the World Sustainability Organisation (WSO) for coming on board to help promote Zambian companies and products in the global market.

ZDA acting Managing Director, Albert Halwampa said Zambian companies and traditional products have been straggling to penetrate the global market for a long time.

Mr. Halwampa noted that the failure has been attributed to certification and tariff barrier procedures that exits in international markets.

ZANIS reports that the director said the coming of the WSO in the country will help increase access to international markets.

He added that the agency will make sure that they sensitize and train Zambian companies on certification of products so that they get promoted outside.

And the World Sustainability Organisation founder and director Paolo Bray said the organisation is set to open up an office in Zambia before the end of September this year.

Mr. Bray noted that the aim is to help promote Zambian companies to meet the desired standards that are required in the global market

He added that about 10 Zambian professional workers will be employed at the WSO to help in the certification of Zambian companies.

Investigate cases thoroughly before effecting arrests – President Hichilema

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Investigate cases thoroughly before effecting arrests – President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties thoroughly and professionally in an effort to regain public confidence.

President Hichilema observed that some cases being handled by the law enforcers do not go beyond conviction, which has become of public concern.

The Head of State therefore challenged the law enforcement agencies to ensure that they carry out thorough investigations before making arrests, which will convince the public in governments’ effort to fight corruption in the country.

President Hichilema said this during a swearing-in ceremony of 19 senior government officials who included the Anti-Corruption Commission Board, Human Rights Commissioners, the Police Public Complaints Commissioner, Judicial Complaints Commissioners and Diplomats, at State House.

The Head of State implored the appointed officials to serve the public with diligence and efficiently in their individual capacity and collectively as a team to meet the expectations of the Zambian people.

He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that there is an improved governance record in the country.

President Hichilema urged the different agencies to work together and bring reforms that will enhance the governance of Zambia.

“These appointments therefore come at the right time when we have embarked on a new trajectory of our country in all sectors,” President Hichilema stated.

Addressing the newly sworn-in Police Public Complaints Commission Chairperson Zunga Siakalima, the Head of State wants his government to open the economy 24/7 where factories are able to operate at any time without citizens fearing for their safety during night time.

President Hichilema further expects the Human Rights Commission to be proactive and ensure that the rights of people are safeguarded.

He also told the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate cases and ensure that when a matter is taken to court, it will be convicted so that citizens are convinced with the Commission’s mandate.

For the Judicial Complaints Commission, President Hichilema stressed the need for the country to be run on the constitution rather than placing others above the law.

He says it is unfortunate that sometimes the Zambian people have had their rights infringed on due to the slow processes by the judicial system.


And he also urged the Diplomats to create opportunities for citizens within the country and also look after the welfare of citizens in the diaspora.

Meanwhile, newly conferred State Counsel Mulambo Haimbe assured that he will provide guidance to the legal profession and help in developing the law and the sector to benefit the general public.

HRC Vice Chairperson Pamela Samboa said the Commission will engage various law enforcement agencies to ensure that the rights of people are not taken away.

Others who were sworn in include Musa Mwenya as ACC Board Chairperson, Henry Mbushi as State Counsel, Gilbert Phiri as ACC Director General and Isabelle Lemba as Ambassador.

Others include Elias Mushya as Zambia’s High Commissioner Designate in the Commonwealth of Australia, Patricia Kondolo as Zambia’s Ambassador in Italy, while Syvester Mundanda serves as Zambia’s Ambassador Designate to the Kingdom of Belgium.

RUGBY :Arrows Bury DIGGERS to Cement Top Spot

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Defending champions Red Arrows consolidated their stay at the top of the National after thrashing Diggers 33-08 in Lusaka to move to 31 points.

Arrows scored tries by Enock Mutembo, Birthrock Sikaona Thomas Mwakenja, Elisha Bwalya and Peka Phiri.

Alex Mwewa converted three tries while Gabriel Mungalaba converted one as Diggers scored a try through Maybin Mukosa and a penalty by Mulenga Mwila.

Diggers dropped one position to number four on 24 points.

KPF with a game in hand, are second on goal difference after thumping Lusaka 54-3 to amass 31 points from seven games played.

In other games, Konkola posted their first win of the season after beating struggling Ndola Wanderers 23-6 at home in Chililabombwe.

The win over Ndola moved Konkola out of the bottom position.Konkola are now second from the bottom with six points, one above bottom placed Ndola.

Results Week 8
=National League
Konkola 23 – 06 Ndola Wanderers
Mufulira Leopards 29-03 Green Eagles
KPF 54 – 03 Lusaka
Red Arrows 33 -08 Diggers

=Presidents League
Chibuluma 06-24 Nkwazi
Roan 05 -12 Nchanga

=Ladies League
Leopardess 26 -19 Eagles

=Youth League
Linda Lions 07-08 Chibolya

Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant

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Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant

Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant which is expected to double production capacity over the next 18 months.

Zambian Breweries Country Director Michelle Kilpin said that the capital investment is supported by the enabling investment and trade climate under the New Dawn Administration.

Ms. Kilpin said the investment, scheduled to be completed by the end of next year is expected to create more direct and indirect jobs and expand the company’s agriculture out-grower schemes.

Ms Kilpin said that this will offer further procurement opportunities for local suppliers and service providers and contribute additional tax revenue to government.

Ms. Kilpin added that the investment will enhance the company’s beer production capacity and significantly contribute to the wider national economy.

She said this in a statement to the media.

And Zambian Breweries Board Chairperson Monica Musonda said the new investment is another demonstration of the company’s long-term commitment and contribution to Zambia.

Zambia is food secure and we expect Mealie prices to gradually fall-Information Minister

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Zambia is food secure and we expect Mealie prices to gradually fall-Information Minister

The government has assured the nation that Zambia is food secure beyond the next harvest and that it expects mealie meal prices to gradually fall.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chusi Kasanda attributed the expectation to new maize stock from small-scale farmers which will start being offloaded on the market.

In a statement released to the media, Ms Kasanda however noted that the relatively high mealie meal prices being experienced are a result of the high cost of carry-over maize grain which is being used to process the mealie meal.

Currently, the latest retail price of breakfast mealie meal is averaging K150 per 25-kilogram bag while the price of the same quantity of roller meal is averaging K110.

Ms Kasanda said Prices are slightly higher in some areas of Muchinga, Northern, Eastern and Western provinces mainly as a result of external influences such as smuggling.

Ms Kasanda, who is the Information and Media Minister also said that the country is food secure beyond the next harvest, adding that there is adequate mealie meal supply throughout the country.

Ms Kasanda revealed that the country produced over 2.7 million metric tonnes of maize during the 2021/2022 agriculture season and that the country had a total maize carry-over stock of over 1.5 million metric tonnes, leaving the country with excess maize stock of over 1.2 million metric tonnes.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON HON. CHUSHI KASANDA, MP, ON THE NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY

Some sections of our society have in the recent past raised concern about what they feel is a weak food security situation in the country, coupled with high mealie meal prices.

I wish to assure the nation that the country is food secure beyond the next harvest. As at 12th May, 2022 when the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP, announced the crop Forecast Survey results for the 2021/2022 Agriculture Season, the country had the following stocks:

1. Maize

During the 2021/2022 agriculture season, the country produced a total of 2,706,243.00 metric tonnes of maize. In addition, the country had a total of maize carry-over stock of 1,506,432 metric tonnes, giving a total stock of 4,209,675.00 metric tonnes. The total annual national maize grain requirement for human, livestock, industrial and other uses, stands at 3,004,763 metric tonnes.
When this is netted out of the total available stock of 4,209,675 metric tonnes, it leaves the country with an excess maize stock of 1,204,912 metric tonnes.

2. Maize price

Prices of the new maize crop average K3.50 per kg (about K175 per 50kg bag) while the previous season’s maize average K4.00 per kg (about K200 per 50kg bag). These prices are expected to gradually reduce to around K3.20 per kg (about K160 per 50kg bag) as the new crop which is currently being harvested, is on the market in July, 2022.

3. Mealie meal prices and supply

The latest retail price of breakfast mealie meal is averaging K150 per 25kg bag while the price of the same quantity of roller meal is averaging K110. Prices are slightly higher in some areas of Muchinga, Northern, Eastern and Western provinces mainly as a result of external influences such as smuggling.

Otherwise, mealie meal is in adequate supply throughout the country. Different brands are found in different areas of the country, thereby giving the consumer a wide choice. These brands are also being sold at different prices.

I further wish to state that mealie meal prices for millers that are participating in the Maize Export Programme are lower as they are compensated with exports. The government projects mealie meal prices to gradually fall as the new maize from our small-scale farmers starts being offloaded on the market.

The relatively high mealie meal prices currently being experienced are a result of the high price of carry-over maize grain which is being used to process the mealie meal.

4. Wheat

I further wish to inform the nation that the country currently has a total wheat stock of 319,356.00 metric tonnes. The country also expects to produce 874,400.00 metric tonnes of cassava flour and 63,911 metric tonnes of paddy rice.

On behalf of the Government, once again, I wish to assure the nation that we are food secure despite the reduced harvest during the 2021/2022 farming season.

Through stakeholder consultation and collaboration, Government will ensure that mealie meal, our staple food, is available and affordable and that no citizen of this country will go hungry.

KCM and Indo Zambia Bank hold exploratory discussions for bridge financing to the company

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KCM and Indo Zambia Bank hold exploratory discussions for bridge financing to the company

Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) and Indo Zambia Bank have held exploratory discussions to establish a strong business partnership, which would unlock bridge financing to the mining company by the bank to pave the way for growth.

KCM Provisional Liquidator Celine Nair, who is also the acting Administrator General and Official Receiver of Zambia, held business talks with Indo Zambia Bank Managing Director Kowdichar Shashidhar and other senior bank officials during a visit to KCM in Chingola. The Provisional Liquidator’s team comprised her agent Jason Kazilimani, the acting Chief Executive Officer Enock Mponda and other senior management officials.

The discussions centred on creating synergies to ensure potential structured financing of mining operations, possible lending by the bank to employees of KCM and other facilities that would assist in unlocking some of the untapped mining activities of Konkola Copper Mines.

Indo Zambia Bank expressed their desire to explore and partner with KCM in the short to medium term. The bank is also willing to explore possibilities of extending credit lines and other facilities. “KCM is looking at ways of doing business with Indo Zambia Bank through a win-win situation. We would like to create a strong mutually beneficial business partnership with Indo Zambia Bank,” Ms Nair said. Ms Nair said her office would continue to strengthen relationships with lending institutions to in order to create a strong platform for take-off by a new investor in KCM for continuity in mining operations. The government of Zambia is looking for an investor to take over the running of KCM.

“The global market is presenting opportunities for entities like KCM and we as Indo Zambia Bank would like to be part of the support to unlock such opportunities,” the Indo Zambia Managing Director, Mr Shashidar said.

The two parties agreed to explore pooled support to Community initiatives such as tree planting to aid a green economy, which is the thrust of the New Dawn Government for environmental promotion activities, and also in the areas of promoting various sports disciplines.

PRO’S HIT LISTS: Frankie and Kings Make Club Debuts

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PRO’S HIT LISTS: Frankie and Kings Make Club Debuts

Some of our foreign-based Chipolopolo stars were in competitive and pre-season action over the weekend.

=USA
Defender Aime Mabika was an unused substitute in Sundays 2-1 home win over Minnesota United.
Miami are now 8th on the Eastern Conference log on 21 points, eight behind leaders Philadelphia Union after 16 games played.

=SCOTLAND
Defender Frankie Musonda was in pre-season action on Saturday for his new club Ayr United in a 2-1 friendly win over visiting League Two club Stranraer FC.
Musonda played in the first 45 minutes to get a feel of some action since leaving fellow Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers a fortnight ago.


=SERBIA
Midfielder Kings Kangwa made his Red Star Belgrade debut on Saturday as a second half substitute in the Serbian champions 2-1 pre-season friendly win in Slovenia over hosts NK Bravo in Ljubljana.

Zamtel up for sale, foreign equity partner found

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Zamtel up for sale, foreign equity partner found

A senior official at state run telecoms firm Zamtel has revealed that government has put the company up for sale.

Acting Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Joshua Malupenga told a special virtual staff meeting last week that government has already found an equity partner to run the company.

Mr. Malupenga did not disclose the name or origin of the equity partner but stated that it was a foreign firm.

The meeting was held two days after Science and Technology Minister Felix Mutati revealed during a tour of Zamtel House that the entity was loss making and that government had no intentions of recapitalising the company.

A source who attended the meeting explained that the meeting was convened to brief workers and explain the implications of Mr. Mutati’s statement.

“The meeting was cordial but tense. The Acting CEO went straight into subject and told us that a decision had already been taken and we have to be ready for the changes that will come with the new equity partner. Job losses are inevitable,” the source said.

The source revealed that according to Mr. Malupenga, government wants the new equity partner to come in before the August first anniversary of its reign.

“The target is August, they want the process quickened because Zamtel is making losses and is now a burden,” the source added.

Mutati recently disclosed that Zamtel is a loss-making venture with about 90 percent of its revenue being utilized for administrative expenses.

Mr Mutati said government will however, not recapitalize Zamtel because it has other priorities it intends to spend its resources such as funding the teacher and health-workers recruitment, Constituency Development Fund and youth empowerment.

Mr Mutati said estimates show that Zamtel currently needs a sum of US$265 million in order to survive as a company by way of investing in its co-networks, infrastructure and other business support services.

Mr Mutati said this is in exception of a staggering debt of around K3 billion and the over $500 million owed to Lapgreen, without taking into account other liabilities.

He said Zamtel as a company has a deficit on working capital of around K1 billion with its balance sheet unable to support programs such as maintenance of current infrastructure, expansion and modernization, a key issue requiring to be addressed urgently.

Mr Mutati said no matter how well-written a letter requesting funding may be, government is unable to finance Zamtel because there is no resource envelope at Ministry of Finance.

He said Zamtel now needs to find an answer to its insolvency beginning with where it will find the $265 million required for survival.

He said the Minister of Finance has his hands tied for him to begin financing Zamtel’s operations as he has to deliver value to the people.

“If it means we need to cut some limbs in order to save the life of Zamtel, so be it because that is where the solution for Zamtel lies. Let’s not take it as an easy conversation” the minister told Zamtel Acting Managing Director Joshua Malupenga.

Government has secured a market for agricultural equipment to be manufactured in Choma-Mutati

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Government has secured a market for agricultural equipment to be manufactured in Choma-Mutati

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati has said that the government has secured a market for agricultural equipment to be manufactured by Saint Mawaggali Trades Training Institute in Choma.

Mr. Mutati says his ministry is in the process of engaging the private sector which will lead the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will see the institute supply agricultural equipment on a commercial scale.

Speaking in Choma when he and Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Namani Monze, toured the institute, Mr. Mutati expressed satisfaction with the quality of skills imparted in the students and the modern machinery at St. Mawaggali.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati has commended the institute for enrolling 170 students using the Constituency Development Fund -CDF- bursaries component.

He said there have been complaints on procedures and uptake of CDF but noted that St. Mawaggali is a practical example of how institutions can make use of funds.
AND Saint Mawaggali Principal, Tom Kampamba, said the institute has the capacity to produce agricultural equipment and desks using its recently procured modern equipment.

He added that the increased enrollment will result in expanded revenue generation to the institution.

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