Solwezitoday

Solwezitoday A business & news magazine with an international reach in commerce, industry and business sectors.

MTN Ignites Digital Innovation: ICT Connect Expo Showcases Future-Ready PartnershipsMTN Zambia has unveiled the ICT Conn...
30/10/2025

MTN Ignites Digital Innovation: ICT Connect Expo Showcases Future-Ready Partnerships

MTN Zambia has unveiled the ICT Connect Expo, a dynamic two-day showcase of cutting-edge technologies and collaborative innovation, reaffirming its position as a driving force in Zambia’s digital transformation journey.

The Expo, held at Levy Mall in Lusaka as part of MTN’s 20th anniversary celebrations, brings together enterprise customers, government stakeholders, SMEs, and tech innovators to explore digital solutions shaping the future of business in Zambia and across Africa.

Speaking when officially opening the Expo Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati represented by Ministry Director for Science and Technology Dr. Larry Mweetwa commended MTN Zambia for being a consistent ally in the government’s digitalization drive.

“As Government, we recognize that information and communication technology remains a key enabler of economic transformation and job creation,” Mutati said. Click below for full story
https://www.solwezitoday.com/mtn-ignites-digital-innovation-ict-connect-expo-showcases-future-ready-partnerships/

Standard Chartered exits Zambian retail banking- sells unit to FNBIn a significant move reshaping Zambia's financial sec...
30/10/2025

Standard Chartered exits Zambian retail banking- sells unit to FNB

In a significant move reshaping Zambia's financial sector, Standard Chartered PLC has agreed to sell its Zambian Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) business to First National Bank (FNB) Zambia, the companies announced on Wednesday.

The deal, signed on October 29, 2025, marks a major step in Standard Chartered's global strategy to streamline its operations and focus on its core corporate and investment banking (CIB) click below for full story
https://www.solwezitoday.com/standard-chartered-exits-zambian-retail-banking-sells-unit-to-fnb-in-strategic-shift/

FQM Posts Q3 Copper Production Increase at Kansanshi and Sentinel. First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reported an increase...
30/10/2025

FQM Posts Q3 Copper Production Increase at Kansanshi and Sentinel.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reported an increase in copper production at its Kansanshi and Sentinel mines in North-Western Province, supported by the completion of the S3 processing plant at Kansanshi. The Kansanshi operation in Solwezi recorded 47,000 tonnes of copper production in Q3, an increase of nearly 7,000 tonnes from the previous quarter, mainly driven by higher mill out put with the commissioning of the S3 expansion project.

$560 Million Clean Fuel Investment Aims to Save Rwanda’s ForestsA leading African energy firm has expanded its investmen...
29/10/2025

$560 Million Clean Fuel Investment Aims to Save Rwanda’s Forests

A leading African energy firm has expanded its investment in Rwanda’s Lake Kivu methane extraction and processing project to over $560 million (including an extra $170 million) as part of a bold strategy to reduce reliance on imported LPG and fossil fuels.
The project is expected to reach full capacity, about 40 million cubic feet of gas per day by 2027, providing a cleaner, home-grown energy source for households and industry. Rwandan data shows around 75% of households still depend on firewood or charcoal for cooking, which accelerates deforestation.

By replacing firewood and charcoal with methane-based gas, the project addresses both energy access and environmental protection. It is backed by the government of Rwanda and the African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank), marking a convergence of public and private finance in Africa’s energy transition.

This investment signifies how energy strategy in Africa is increasingly tied to sustainability efforts and reducing import bills, offering a model for other countries aiming to achieve similar outcomes.

From Gold King to Copper Champion: Motsepe’s $1 Billion MoveSouth African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has taken a major ...
29/10/2025

From Gold King to Copper Champion: Motsepe’s $1 Billion Move

South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has taken a major leap into the copper market via his backing of Harmony Gold, which completed the acquisition of Australia-based MAC Copper Limited, owner of the high-grade CSA Copper Mine in New South Wales for $1.01 billion (approx R18.4 billion). The deal, finalised through a Jersey law scheme of arrangement on October 24, 2025, reflects a clear strategic pivot by Harmony Gold from gold-only production toward copper and Motsepe’s wider vision of mining diversification.

This move comes against the backdrop of increasing demand for copper, driven by global energy transition themes such as electric vehicles, grid upgrades and renewable infrastructure. The CSA mine is described as a “Tier-1 jurisdiction” asset with high grades and long life of mine. Harmony Gold plans for copper to contribute about 40% of total production by 2035, signalling a long-term shift in its portfolio.

For Motsepe and his mining group, the acquisition not only enhances global reach but also positions the company for the future of base-metals. It emphasises strategic growth beyond traditional gold mining and illustrates how African mining capital is increasingly playing at the global stage. But it also comes with challenges: integrating a large foreign asset, managing commodity cycles, and delivering long-term value amidst volatile markets.

United States has removed Mali from its visa bond programme, requiring nationals of certain countries to deposit up to $...
27/10/2025

United States has removed Mali from its visa bond programme, requiring nationals of certain countries to deposit up to $15,000 while applying for business and tourist visas.

The removal of Mali from the list by the Trump administration followed Bamako’s retaliatory measure, which imposed an equal bond requirement on US citizens applying for business and tourist visas.

Several African countries are still under the controversial
US visa rule, including São Tomé and Principe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi and Zambia.

The US Department of State said, in an updated statement on the programme, that nationals of these countries “must post a bond for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview.”
The fee is refundable if the travellers leave the US according to their visa terms.

Russian Engines Roaring in Africa: Local Production to Challenge Asian Auto DominanceRussian automobile manufacturers ar...
27/10/2025

Russian Engines Roaring in Africa: Local Production to Challenge Asian Auto Dominance

Russian automobile manufacturers are making strategic moves into African markets, launching local assembly operations and raising the competitive stakes against dominant Asian automakers. Firms like AvtoVAZ are preparing spare-parts hubs and assembly plants in key African markets, such as Nigeria, to reduce reliance on imports and better tailor vehicles to local needs.

This trend comes amid shifting global auto industry dynamics, where foreign brands are increasingly expected to localise production to manage tariffs, costs, and market access. African markets, still relatively under-penetrated by some global manufacturers, offer sizeable growth potential for manufacturers able to build locally and compete on price and service. For Russian automakers, the move also helps diversify away from highly saturated or sanctioned markets.

However, the shift is not without challenges. Russian brands will face competition from well-established Asian firms like those from China, Japan, and Korea, that already have strong brand recognition and dealer networks in Africa. Success will hinge on partnerships, local content, service infrastructure and adapting to local consumer preferences and regulations.

Nigeria Aims for 95% Digital Literacy & AI Leadership by 2030Nigeria’s Federal Government, through NITDA, has reaffirmed...
27/10/2025

Nigeria Aims for 95% Digital Literacy & AI Leadership by 2030

Nigeria’s Federal Government, through NITDA, has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving 95 % digital literacy by 2030 as part of its broader digital economy agenda. The agency also intends to elevate Nigeria into a regional and global leader in artificial intelligence (AI).
Under the “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4ALL) initiative, NITDA will aim for a 70 % literacy milestone by 2027, covering skills such as device and software usage, information and data literacy, communication, digital content creation, safety, and problem-solving. Meanwhile, partnerships with global tech platforms (e.g., Meta Platforms, Inc./Facebook) are underway to support digital skills training and address issues of misinformation and digital access.

The significance of these targets extends beyond education: they are central to Nigeria’s strategy for economic diversification, innovation-driven growth and expanding its role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). By cultivating a digitally literate population and strengthening AI competencies, Nigeria looks to unlock new job opportunities, attract investment and compete globally. However, ex*****on will require infrastructure upgrades, wide-scale training, inclusive access especially in rural areas, and strong coordination among stakeholders.

Happy 61st Independence day Zambia!!
24/10/2025

Happy 61st Independence day Zambia!!

✨ This Independence Day, we celebrate the poetry of our people, the power of our stories, and the beauty of a nation for...
24/10/2025

✨ This Independence Day, we celebrate the poetry of our people, the power of our stories, and the beauty of a nation forever rising.

🇿🇲 Happy Independence Day from Solwezi Today Today Magazine where every story is a heartbeat of Zambia.

Kalumbila local driver empowerment launched A new milestone in community empowerment was marked in Kalumbila District to...
24/10/2025

Kalumbila local driver empowerment launched

A new milestone in community empowerment was marked in Kalumbila District today with the launch of the Local Driver Support Programme, a partnership between Trident Foundation Limited (TFL) and Buks Haulage Limited (BHL), supported by FQM Trident Limited.

The initiative, unveiled at Mbole, aims to equip local residents with professional driving skills and create entrepreneurial opportunities in the transport and logistics sector.

Officiating at the event, Kalumbila District Commissioner Brenda Sankisa commended the partners for their commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods.

The programme consists of two key components: the Local Driver Training Programme and the Owner-Driver Programme. Through the training programme, 20 community members will be trained every six months in driving, safety, and industry standards to boost their employability and self-confidence.

Meanwhile, the Owner-Driver Programme offers long-serving BHL drivers an opportunity to own their own lorries, transitioning from employees to entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the same event, TFL Manager Joseph Ngwira explained that the initiative reflects TFL’s mission to promote economic participation and create sustainable livelihoods that extend beyond the life of the mine.

The partnership underscores FQM Trident’s broader vision of community-driven development through collaboration with the private sector, traditional leadership, and government.

Mr Ngwira emphasised that the programme not only builds skills and enterprises but also transforms communities into stakeholders in local economic growth.

“This is empowerment in action — turning drivers into business owners and ensuring that Kalumbila’s progress continues long after the lorries stop moving,” he said.

China Becomes Net Creditor: Developing Nations Pay More Than They BorrowA recent report by Boston University’s Global De...
17/10/2025

China Becomes Net Creditor: Developing Nations Pay More Than They Borrow

A recent report by Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center reveals a striking shift: in 2022 and 2023, developing nations collectively repaid $3.9 billion more to China than the amount of new Chinese loans they received. his marks a turning point in China’s overseas development finance narrative, where it transitions from being primarily a lender to increasingly a debt collector.

Over the past two decades, China’s state banks namely the Export-Import Bank and China Development Bank financed infrastructure, energy, transport, and water-projects around the Global South, committing over $472 billion by 2024. However, as loan disbursements taper and repayment flows rise, the net flow of capital is now reversing direction.

This reversal carries serious implications. With fewer new inflows from China, many developing economies could face tighter financing environments. The study’s authors call for mechanisms such as loan refinancing, increased green lending, RMB-denominated bonds, and enhanced South–South cooperation to revive development finance. Meanwhile, governments that previously relied on Chinese infrastructure financing must prepare for fiscal pressures and seek alternative funding sources.

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Solwezi Today Magazine

Solwezi Today is a business news magazine which aims to bring out the development aspects of the town of Solwezi in the North-Western Province of Zambia. The coverage, with bias towards the mining and energy sectors, also extends to other towns in North-Western and other provinces throughout Zambia.

The magazine, which is published monthly, draws clients from all business sectors in the mentioned areas, but with a biased focus on Solwezi. Solwezi Today focuses on the developments that have taken place and the potential in the mining industry, mining support sector, hospitality business, banking, tourism, health, and small and medium business enterprises, among others.

Solwezi Today is purely a business magazine and does not engage in the publication of political news of any nature. We endeavor to give our advertisers the opportunity to have their editorial content covered in each issue, where possible to appear next to their advert/s, either written by their commissioned writers or by our specialized writers.

This news magazine is distributed free of cost countrywide to paid advertising clients. However, free copies are made available to selected embassies local and abroad, hotels and lodges in Solwezi, all towns on the Copperbelt, Lusaka and Livingstone, with plans to expand to all provinces of Zambia. Other recipients of free copies include the Zambia Development Agency, Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Embassies in Lusaka.