This is Zambia

03/10/2023

4,946 GIRLS VACCINATED AGAINST HPV IN NALOLO DISTRICT

The Department of Health in Nalolo District has vaccinated 4,946 girls during the just ended Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) campaign.
Nalolo District Health Director, Douglas Singini disclosed that in Nalolo today that the district recorded 111 percent coverage during the HPV vaccination exercise because it had targeted to reach out to 4,457 girls aged between nine and 14 years.

“We had registered 4,457 girls comprising 4,089 that are still in school and 368 that are out of school but it seems we had missed out on a few girls that are out of school hence, our number increased after the vaccination exercise,” Dr Singini said.

He has thanked stakeholders and parents that encouraged the girls to get vaccinated, saying the campaign would not have been a success without the concerted effort from everyone.

Dr Singini however, encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that they take advantage of the free education policy by taking their children back to school so that they are also captured when there are health campaigns such as HPV vaccination.

“We had a challenge with accessing girls that are out of school and these are the ones who are at high risk because most of them, due to not being occupied with school things, become sexually active at an early stage,” he said.

Dr Singini emphasised on the need of reaching out to girls aged between nine and 14, saying this is the age group which is not yet sexually active because the vaccine will not be effective when administered to someone who has already started engaging in sexual activities.

Credit: ZANIS

02/10/2023

ZRA to Collect K125.3 Billion in 2024, Contribute 70.5% to Government Budget

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is expected to collect K125.3 billion in 2024, representing a growth of 21.5% from the 2023 target. This will contribute 70.5% to the Government budget.

ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda made the announcement at the ongoing 2024 National Budget Symposium at Mulungushi International Conference Centre. He said the Authority has outlined various reforms in 2024 in order to boost revenues.

These reforms include the introduction of the Electronic Invoicing System to seal revenue leakages for VAT, a New Operating Model for ZRA, and mandatory pre-clearance of goods.

Mr. Banda said the Authority is also working on improving its customer service and making it easier for businesses to comply with tax laws.

The government's reliance on tax revenues to fund the budget has been increasing in recent years. In 2023, tax revenues are expected to contribute 67.5% to the budget.

The increase in tax revenues is being driven by a number of factors, including the recovery of the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of new taxes, and the improvement of tax collection efficiency.

The government is also working on reducing its reliance on tax revenues by increasing non-tax revenues, such as dividends from state-owned enterprises and privatization proceeds.

30/09/2023

FUEL PRICES INCREASED

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) of Zambia has announced an increase in the prices of petrol and diesel, effective from midnight tonight.

The price of petrol has increased by K0.56 per litre, from K29.42 to K29.98, while the price of diesel has increased by K3.08 per litre, from K26.88 to K29.96.

The ERB attributed the increase to a combination of rising international oil prices and the depreciation of the Zambian kwacha against the US dollar.

30/09/2023

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024 SIMPLIFIED

The 2024 budget presentation brings forth a series of notable highlights, showcasing the government's strategic financial plans for the upcoming fiscal year. These initiatives and allocations demonstrate a commitment to various sectors crucial for the nation's growth and development.

Key Highlights:

• Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Enhancement: The government has allocated an impressive increment of K4.8 billion to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). This signifies a substantial boost, with each Constituency set to receive K30.6 million in the forthcoming fiscal year.

• Educational Advancements: A substantial recruitment drive is planned for the year 2024, with 4,200 new teachers slated to join the workforce. This builds upon the 4,500 teachers already hired in the current year.

• Revitalization of Education: Under the New Dawn initiative, significant progress has been made in reclaiming abandoned schools initiated by the previous administration. A total of 69 schools have been successfully revived, while 46 more are currently under construction.

• Industrial Yards: The government is embarking on the construction of industrial yards in key cities such as Kitwe, Lusaka, and Ndola, with the aim of fostering industrial growth and development.

• Airport Expansion: Anticipating the future needs of transportation, the government is investing in airport infrastructure. Airports in Kasaba Bay, Chinsali, and Choma are set to be constructed

• Infrastructure Connectivity: A significant agreement is on the horizon with the planned Katete - Chanida Road concession, which will establish a vital link between Zambia and Mozambique.

• Cancer Treatment Facilities: In a bid to alleviate the strain on the Lusaka cancer hospital, the government has committed to constructing cancer treatment centers in Ndola and Livingstone.

• Healthcare Workforce Strengthening: An additional 4,000 healthcare professionals will be hired in 2024, complementing the 3,000 appointments made this year.
• Resolution of Unpaid Workers: Remarkably, the New Dawn initiative has resolved the issue of unpaid council workers (LASF) for the period spanning from 2017 to 2021. Furthermore, the waiting period for these payments has been significantly reduced to just one year.

• Social Welfare Expansion: The number of Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries has seen a modest increase, rising from 241,000 in 2022 to 242,000 in the current year.
• Food Security Measures: Alongside the expansion of local fertilizer production and the enhancement of maize prices, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is set to directly distribute maize stocks to communities.

• CDF Allocation Increase: The government's commitment to constituency development is underscored by the augmentation of the CDF allocation to K30.6 million.

• School Infrastructure Completion: An allocation of K398 million has been set aside to complete abandoned school projects, emphasizing the importance of education.
• SME Development: The Citizens' Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) is slated to receive a substantial K392 million, aimed at fostering Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) development.

• Investment in Education: In line with the free education policy, an allocation of K1.9 billion has been dedicated to schools, ensuring accessible and quality education for all.

• PAYE Exemption Threshold Increase: The Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) exemption threshold has been elevated to K5100, providing relief to many taxpayers.
From this overview of the 2024 budget presentation, it is evident that the government's financial strategies are geared toward propelling Zambia into a future of growth and prosperity. These allocations and initiatives, spanning education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, underscore a commitment to the welfare and advancement of the nation's citizens.

22/09/2023

In Memory of Philip Pascall
The books of condolence are now open to well-wishers, employees and stakeholders at the following points;
1. Lusaka Corporate Office (Opposite Intercontinental/Holiday Inn)
2. FQM Trident
• Main Admin building
• Trident Foundation
• Trident Club House
• Main checkpoint
3. Kansanshi Mining Plc
• Kansanshi Mining Plc Admin Front Desk,
• Smelter
• Mining Operations Front Desk
• The View Point
• Kansanshi Community Centre/Kansanshi Foundation

22/09/2023

GOVERNMENT IN TALKS WITH MILLERS TO STABILIZE MEALIE MEAL PRICE

In an effort to stabilize the price of mealie meal, a staple food in Zambia, the government is currently in talks with millers, according to Vice President Mutale Nalumango. The Vice President made this statement during a recent parliamentary question time.

Contrary to some assumptions, Nalumango clarified that the Zambia National Services (ZNS) is not receiving any government incentives for maize production. This response was directed at Sinazongwe Member of Parliament Gift Sialubalo, who had inquired whether the ZNS’s ability to produce inexpensive mealie meal was due to such incentives.

The Vice President also addressed concerns about maize shortages in certain regions of Eastern Province, raised by Nkana Member of Parliament Binewell Mpundu. In response, she urged Zambians to be vigilant against maize smuggling to avoid potential deficits of the commodity.

The government’s engagement with millers and its stance on maize production incentives highlight its commitment to ensuring food security and stable food prices for its citizens.

22/09/2023

EIB Veep to make investment visit to Zambia

By Derrick Silimina
The European Investment Bank Vice President, Thomas Östros , is slated to make three days’ business and agriculture investment visit to Zambia.

Zambia is the EIB's largest country of operation in southern Africa. Over the past five decades, the EIB, the world’s largest international public bank, has provided more than EUR 1.2 billion for priority business, water, energy, and transport investment across the country.

The EIB Vice President will make a three-day official visit to Zambia next week and his engagement in Lusaka will reinforce the strong partnership between Zambia and the European Union and marks the first high-level EIB visit to Zambia since the launch of EIB Global.

During his visit from 25th to 27th September, Östros will be accompanied by technical and financing experts from the EIB’s regional hub in Pretoria and Luxembourg headquarters, as well as the European Union Delegation in Zambia, will meet Zambian political, banking and business leaders, and international partners.
Speaking ahead of the visit in a statement, Östros said, "Zambia is a key partner for the
European Investment Bank. During my visit to Lusaka I look forward to demonstrating our strengthened support for priority investment that improves lives and enhances economic opportunities across Zambia, and to confirming future opportunities through our new dedicated financing arm EIB Global. This visit builds on decades of close partnership backing private sector, water, energy and transport investment and will unlock new investment opportunities in the months and years ahead."

And Ambassador-Designate of the European Union Ambassador to Zambia Karolina Stasiak welcomed the upcoming visit on behalf of the Delegation of the European Union to Zambia, saying, "The visit of Vice President Thomas Östros and EIB colleagues reflects the deepening cooperation between Zambia and the European Union. It underscores Team Europe’s shared commitment to advancing economic growth and development in Zambia and across southern Africa and opens up new opportunities in key sectors, such as access to finance for sustainable agriculture."
She noted that Zambia is the first country to benefit from EUR 400m pan-African agriculture investment initiative and during the visit, Vice President Östros will formally sign the first financing under the EIB's groundbreaking pan-African agricultural and agribusiness financing programme.

This landmark agreement, made with Zambian partner First Capital Bank and backed by the European Union, is set to unlock substantial investment opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness across the country and demonstrates the EIB's strengthened support for agricultural development and food security in Zambia and throughout Africa.

As Lusaka hosts EIB Southern Africa SME Banking and Microfinance Academy On Wednesday, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and Vice President Ostros will open the EIB Southern Africa SME Banking and Finance Academy and more than 100 regional banking leaders and international partners will attend the Lusaka academy, the 7 th annual event, aimed at promoting financial inclusion and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.

Lusaka will also host the unveiling of the EIB 2023 Financing in Africa report, which provides valuable insights into banking and access to finance across the continent. Building on five decades of support for investment across Zambia.

The European Investment Bank has supported public and private investment across Zambia since 1978. This includes improving agricultural cold storage, financing pharmaceutical and textile production and horticulture, upgrading the Itezhi-Tezhi hydropower scheme, Kafue-Livingstone electricity transmission line and electricity distribution in Lusaka.

The EIB also backed recent rehabilitation of the Great East Road and Great North Road, financed large scale solar power at Ngonye and helped to improve water and sanitation services in Lusaka, Mufulira, Chingola and Chililabombwe.

21/09/2023

Zambia attends 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Congress

Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary Mrs. Subeta Mutelo led the Zambian delegation to Melbourne, Australia to the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC).

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress ( GEC) is aimed at building one Global entrepreneurial ecosystem for communities, leaders, policy makers, investors and entrepreneurs responsible for driving innovation and technology in their communities and countries.

This year’s Congress is held under a theme “Transform Your World” Together, we’re kick-starting a new era of vision-casting, collaboration and collective action to solve global challenges, create long-lasting growth and make people’s daily lives better. There is recognition that entrepreneurs are problem solvers who create opportunities and establish businesses that offer solutions to the challenges faced by communities.

The Congress has brought together approximately 4,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries, providing a unique platform for entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and innovators to exchange ideas and foster collaboration on a global scale.

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is an annual gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders from around the world and provides a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing and collaboration to drive innovation and economic growth through entrepreneurship. Zambia is ready through the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development to innovate Zambian entrepreneurs and promote an ecosystem for economic growth and job creation.

The Zambian Delegation comprises of Entrepreneurs, private and public sector players as well as personnel from Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry and Ministry of Science and Technology among others

21/09/2023

OMCs TO START IMPORTING DIESEL THROUGH TAZAMA PIPELINE

The Energy Regulation Board- ERB says independent Oil Marketing Companies -OMCs in Zambia will soon start importing Low Sulphur Diesel directly from Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania using the TAZAMA Pipeline.

ERB Board Chairperson Reynolds Bowa says a Statutory Instrument-SI-to facilitate for the change is being developed and has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for approval.

Mr. BOWA said this during a Press Briefing in Ndola to mark the conclusion of an inspection tour of the 1-thousand 700- and 10 kilometer TAZAMA pipeline from Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania to Ndola.

At the same briefing, ERB Director General Yohane Mukabe said third party access to the TAZAMA pipeline will create a level playing field in the sector.

And speaking at the same event, TAZAMA Managing Director Davison Thawete said the company will publish requirements and conditions to access the pipeline once the SI is approved.

Credit: ZNBC

15/09/2023

15/09/2023

MoMo from MTN Launches US$10, 000 2023 MoMo Hackathon

MoMo from MTN has announced the launch of the MoMo Hackathon held on the 13th of September at BongoHive.

This initiative invites talented developers and coders from across Zambia to win their share of US$ 10,000 by creating transformative tech solutions utilising the MoMo APIs tailored for the Zambian market.

https://solwezitoday.com/momo-from-mtn-launches-us10-000-2023-momo-hackathon/

15/09/2023

Java Foods opening new noodles factory

Java Foods Limited won second prize in the Best Women Enterprise Exhibit at the 95th Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka as it unveiled its US$6.5 million investment in a new noodle manufacturing plant.

Founder and Managing Director Monica Musonda has told Solwezi Today Magazine that her vision and dedication had paid off and Zambians were able to enjoy consistently high-quality instant noodles at good value.

https://solwezitoday.com/java-foods-opening-new-noodles-factory/

15/09/2023

Choova cycling competition wins state support

The annual Eastern Province Choova cycling competition has won Government support to promote road safety education and encourage healthy habits.

Provincial Assistant Secretary Clement Chilembo, representing Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri, said the province relied heavily on bicycles and motorbikes as a primary mode of transportation, making the Choova cycling competition a vital platform for practical road safety education.

“Choova remains a practical platform for road users, including vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians, to learn coexistence and practice road safety measures,” Phiri said.

https://solwezitoday.com/choova-cycling-competition-wins-state-support/

15/09/2023

Vedanta appoints Chris Griffith as CEO for Base Metals

Vedanta Resources has announced the appointment of Chris Griffith, former CEO of Gold Fields, one of the world’s largest gold producers, as CEO for Base Metals and President of its International Businesses, effective on 2 October 2023.

Chris Griffith will be leading the Group’s international zinc business in South Africa and Namibia, its iron ore business in Liberia, and the entire copper portfolio including KCM, Zambia, Fujairah, UAE and Sterlite Copper in India.

https://solwezitoday.com/vedanta-appoints-chris-griffith-as-ceo-for-base-metals/