‘Close To You‘ Off Kupeleka Nyali Ya Moto is the ultimate lovers anthem! For when you need to be with that loved one but circumstances present a challenge.
The King of Beers successfully hosted an EPL Game Day in commemoration of the Manchester Derby
Lusaka’s finest and A-listers were in attendance at the EPL Manchester Derby event held on Saturday (12th December) by Budweiser Zambia. The occasion was graced by famous faces including His Worship The Mayor of Lusaka City, Miles Sampa and his fiancé Nchimunya, Slap Dee, Salma Sky and Tivo Shikapwashya. The fabulous media personality Mutale Mwanza was the MC of the show which was held at Lusaka’s most sought after venue; The Quorum – a modern, stylish and members-only club in Lusaka’s Kabulonga neighbourhood. Budweiser is always accompanied by high energy music and in similar fashion, DJs El Mukuka, Sebastien Dutch, Clap and Sane were on the decks at the event.
“Our consumers are passionate about football and so are we, it is with great pleasure to connect the King of Beers with the Kings of the Game of Football.” said Sibajene Munkombwe, Country Head of Marketing at Zambian Breweries Plc. This is the fourth instalment of the EPL Game Days which are a part of the global campaign by Budweiser to celebrate and highlight the Budweiser sponsorship of the prominent English Premier League. “These EPL Game Day events are part of the global sensation of Budweiser championing one of the best football leagues in the World. It is an exciting moment for the beer and we are even more thrilled to share this excitement with all football fans across the globe” added Munkombwe. He also encouraged the public to be on the lookout for other Budweiser Football events that will emphasise the brand’s participation in other major sponsorships such as La Liga and the recent announcement of their incredible partnership with football giant Lionel Messi.
Budweiser’s football portfolio includes multi-year partnerships with La Liga and the English Premier League which are among the top internationally acclaimed Football Leagues. Budweiser is also currently in a 30 year partnership with FIFA World Cup making the iconic beer a historical friend of the game of football.
Pictures of the successfully attended event in Lusaka can be found on the Budweiser Zambia social media pages using hashtag #EPLgameDay and #BeAKing.
NAPSA buys shares in MTN Zambia
The National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has bought an 8% stake in MTN Zambia through a share placement.
This was confirmed in a statement released by NAPSA on Wednesday.
Despite NAPSA being a public pensions fund, no financial details of the transaction have been released hence it’s unclear how much NAPSA has paid for the 8% shares in MTN Zambia.
NAPSA Director General Yollard Kachinda said “Zambia has in the recent years seen some significant growth in mobile telecommunications and digital technology.”
“Mobile data has transformed the way people conduct their day to day activities such as buying and selling of products and services. A mobile phone is no longer just a tool of communication, but an important component in trade and commerce and it is helping to reshape the way we conduct business,” said Mr. Kachinda.
The Director General said the extension of network coverage to remote areas was enhancing financial inclusion by extensive mobile money usage.
“Because of the increased network coverage across the country, people can easily send and receive money. This is helping people to access some of their basic needs, including food and health services without having to move long distances to access their money.”
He reiterated the importance of the development of telecommunications technology in pension administration.
“For us at NAPSA telecommunications technology has not only helped us to drastically improve service delivery to our members through introduction of mobile-based services but has also enhanced efficiency in the overall management of the scheme, leading to increased customer satisfaction. The technology has greatly helped us in extending social security coverage to the informal sector by simplifying the onboarding and payment processes. It is for this reason that we have put telecommunications as a key growth sector in our investment strategy,” he said.
And MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bart Hofker said, “MTN Zambia’s partnership with NAPSA was a demonstration of the shared vision with the Zambian government to make MTN a truly Zambian owned company and to continue to contribute to the Zambian economy.”
He said, “MTN Zambia is committed to partnering with local shareholders to ensure that the benefits of our investment in Zambia are shared with Zambians and we have now become truly Zambian.”
He added, “As part of our undertaking to the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), 8% of our shares are now held by NAPSA and this was done through a private placement process. As MTN Zambia, we are always looking out for innovative ways of giving back to our citizens because we realise that, in this highly competitive industry, Zambian citizens are more than key and they are simply the reason for our success as MTN Zambia,” said Mr. Hofker.
The MTN Zambia CEO further stated that MTN was contributing to government’s vision of achieving universal access and financial inclusion through usage of a broad range of quality and affordable financial services that meet the needs of individuals, enterprises and business.
MTN Zambia is owned by MTN International and for many years it has been attempting to offload some shares through a private placement to Zambian institutions.
Government challenges Unions for Civil Servants to Restore the Image of the Public Service in Zambia
Government has challenged the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ), to restore the image of the public service in Zambia. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Joyce Simukoko challenged the Union to work with the Patriotic Front (PF) government in its efforts to deliver a better Zambia.
Ms Simukoko said the PF government recognised that a bad image and poor performance by the public service constituted a major impediment to the country’s endeavours, to transit to economic prosperity.
She said the Union had an important role to play in government’s quest to ensure efficiency became the order of the day in the public service.
“Your members in various government ministries and departments must be put on alert to reduce opportunities for administrative corruption and partisanship in government institutions,” Ms Simukoko said.
Ms Simukoko said this in Livingstone on today, at the 10th Quadrennial Conference of the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia at Fairmount Hotel, under the theme: Strengthening Trade Union Capacity In Promoting Sustainable Growth and Building Worker’s Power for Decent Work and Social Justice.
The Labour Minister also urged civil servants to read the Labour Code to understand their rights, as this would help prevent employers from exploiting them.
Ms Simukoko said the government had done its part by reviewing and amending labour laws to ensure adequate protection for employees.
“If you die poor, it will be because of your carelessness…so stop the blame game since the government has put everything in place for your wellbeing,” she said.
And Zambia Congress of Trade Unions Secretary-General, Cosmas Mukuka said the economic challenges being faced by the country had been worsened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which had impacted negatively on global economies.
Mr. Mukuka said COVID-19 pandemic had turned into a national economic and social crisis, as it put at risk, the health of people, jobs, and incomes for thousands of people.
“This is the reason public sector unions should be commended for clinching an eight percent salary increment…it was not an easy task to negotiate for a salary increment against the backdrop of the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr. Mukuka said.
He also expressed concern over informal sector workers who he noted have been struggling to survive for years without the government making meaningful measures to streamline their operations.
Mr. Mukuka said this had caused untold misery among the workers and had adversely affected national economic growth.
“We would like to urge government to ensure that economic and social policies are strategically tailored at ensuring a fairer distribution of income and wealth,” he said.
And speaking at the same event, Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia President, Davy Chiyobe said the cost of living was too high for the average Zambian.
Mr. Chiyobe said despite most civil servants getting low salaries, they still had to purchase their necessities from the same shops as those in the upper income bracket.
He further said it was unfortunate and shameful that concerns by the Union on the high cost of living were deemed to be sponsored by opposition political parties.
Mr. Chiyobe said the high cost of living in Zambia was real but those with different opinions on the matter thought otherwise.
He noted that such disagreements had in the past, led to breakaways and formation of new unions.
Mr. Chiyobe however, said CSAWUZ was willing and ready to work with the PF Government in its quest to establish an enabling environment for wealth creation for the benefit all Zambians.
ECZ has been abrogating the law, Voter Registration should be Continuous-HH
United Party for National Development (UPND) President, Hakainde Hichilema has told the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to abide by the legal provisions which allow it to conduct a continuous voter registration exercise so that it doesn’t leave out any eligible Zambian voter.
And Mr. Hichilema says Zambian youths and the general citizenry have a collective responsibility to save the country each time danger looms.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday morning, Mr Hichilema observed that the framers and designers of the Republic Constitution, in a quest to end reckless spending towards endless by-elections and reduce panic ahead of general elections, opted to add suitable provisions in the Constitution that would ensure the sitting Government did not deplete the treasury through the creation of endless by-elections.
“Electoral Commission of Zambia, register all the eligible Zambians. Did you saw the queues? You created that mess. The Electoral Processes Act of 2016 allows for a continuous voter registration exercise; that’s why the designers of the law put such measures so that there is no rush, there is no stampede which you’re creating now,” charged Mr Hichilema.
Mr Hichilema, questioned the criteria used to arrive at both the 30 days registration period for the exercise which came to an end last Saturday as well as the 4 days extension.
He accused the ECZ of continued abrogation of the laws of the land.
He said that it was public knowledge that ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Patrick Nshindano was “confused” by the endless instructions from the ruling elite to ensure that the voter registration exercise was conducted in a manner that favoured the PF and increased their chances of clinging onto public office beyond 2021.
“The ECZ has been abrogating the law because they should have been doing voter registration since 2016 because that’s what the law states. But, now they create these illegal provisions of 30 days…7 days per polling station and now the 4 days extension which is illegal. Now, if those in the ECZ and Government are ignoring the rule of law, how is this country to be governed legally? ,” he wondered.
The ECZ made an announcement that it had extended the voter registration exercise from the initial 30 days which ended on Saturday with an extra 4 “questionable” days against the law which allows it to conduct an ongoing voters registration exercise.
Many stakeholders have since condemned the move and have called for the Commission to revert to the provisions of the Electoral Process Act of 2016 so that eligible citizens are not disenfranchised.
JICA donates medical supplies
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has handed over medical supplies under the follow-up technical cooperation project that commenced in 2011 in the four districts of Zambia.
Among the donated items include handwashing buckets, cases of sanitizer and handwashing soap, face masks, some health posters as well as under five cards for children.
JICA Health Programms Officer, Mukupa Malama said during the handover ceremony in Ndola yesterday that the project is aimed at strengthening health systems in Zambia.
Mr. Malama explained that the project which includes training of health volunteers and promoting the health of children is being undertaken in four districts namely Ndola, Lusaka, Solwezi and Kitwe.
Mr. Malama said the project is a symbol of Zambia and Japan strong corporation.
Speaking at the same event, Ndola District Health Director Charles Mwinuna thanked JICA for the donation and for promoting the health of children in the communities.
Dr. Mwinuna said promotion of children’s health services is key in reducing mobility and mortality cases in the country.
And Dr. Mwinuna has cautioned Ndola residents to always adhere to the set guidelines by the ministry of health against COVID-19.
Dr. Mwinuna explained that COVID-19 is still prevailing in Zambia and people should not to relax in observing the health guidelines.
“As of last week Friday, the province recorded a total of 1, 827 positive cases and 51 deaths all from COVID-19 and 29 deaths were from Ndola district. Ndola is on the top list of deaths occurring in the province due to the pandemic.
Government warns health workers against pilfering drugs
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama has warned health workers in the country to desist from pilfering drugs.
Speaking in Chipata yesterday when he addressed directors of health and hospital medical superintendents drawn from all the 14 districts of Eastern Province. Dr. Malama said the government remains committed to ensuring that all health centers in the country are well stocked with essential drugs.
Dr Malama, however, observed with sadness that pilfering of drugs has remained rife in health facilities.
He has since warned that the government will not condone the practice of drug pilfering as any case found will not be treated lightly but dismissed and prosecuted.
“As a government, we will not condone any case of drug pilferage, and offenders will be dismissed and prosecuted. We remain committed to ensuring that all our health centers in the country are well stocked with essential drugs,” the PS said.
Dr. Malama further urged district health directors and superintendents to ensure that all drugs in health centres are managed by qualified people.
Nkana Pick Easy Derby Win Over Kitwe United
New Nkana coach Kelvin Kaindu watched from the stands as his side edged Kitwe United 2-0 in a sparkless midweek Kitwe derby played at Nkana Stadium in Wusakile.
Nkana captain and striker Idris Mbombo scored two easy goals to inspire Kalampa to their second straight victory in this delayed FAZ Super Division round six tie.
Chingalika had contained Nkana until the 29th minute when Mbombo struck a low shot from inside the box to beat keeper Haveson Ching’ambu.
Nkana doubled the advantage when Ching’ambu gifted Mbombo with a goal just a minute away from the break.
Mbombo slotted the ball into an empty net after grabbing it from Ching’ambu who had tried to dribble him after receiving a back-pass in the box.
Earlier, Mbombo missed a chance to score when sending Diamond Chikwekwe’s cross over the bar after 28 minutes.
Winless Kitwe created fewer scoring opportunities on their way to recording the sixth defeat of the season.
The Stephen Mwansa-coach side remains bottom of the table with four points from 10 matches played.
Meanwhile, Nkana moves to 11 points after playing eight matches and have two more unplayed.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION RESULTS
16/12/2020
WEEK 5
Power Dynamos 2-Napsa Stars 2
Forest Rangers 2-Buildcon 1
WEEK 6
Nkana 2-Kitwe United 0
The high levels of social media abuse at the expense of development worries Chief Chitimukulu
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people of Northern Province is saddened by the high levels of social media abuse at the expense of development.
He is worried at the low levels of “intellectual output” among citizens thereby leading to unprogressive discourse on social media due to vices such as insults,propaganda and fake news.
Speaking to journalists at his palace when he addressed various topical socio-economic issues, the paramount Chief said it is unproductive for people to concentrate on insulting leaders on social media instead of providing progressive solutions on how the country can be developed.
“Everything has now turned to politics. People do not have anything to do and they are resorting to insulting government and leaders on social media instead of offering solutions on how lives can be made better amidst various socioeconomic challenges, ” Chief Chitimukulu said and attributed the current social media abuse to “low intellectual output”
And the traditional leader is disappointed that people have misinterpreted his message in a statement where he urged people in the Eastern province to vote for President Lungu failure to which, the head of state will also be rejected.
He said all he was trying to encourage was for people to register in large numbers to participate in elections and further questioned what comes first between voting and results.
“What comes first, voting or elections, how can we know if the people have rejected him without voting?” Chief Chitimukulu questioned and said it is illogical to think his statement is an implication and called for attachment of logic to the subject to fully understand his stance on the matter.
In the same vein, Chief Chitimukulu urged people to take full advantage of the 4 days voter registration extension to register as voters and said he has taken personal responsibility to ensure those that did not obtain voter cards do so before the close of the extension period.
Meanwhile, the traditional leader has called for people to heed President Lungu’s strong message warning against complacency in regards to preventive measures in the wake of a possible second wave of the COVID-19.
He said the President’s call should be taken seriously and further asked for the provision of free masks and hand sanitizers as a way to escalate efforts of containing a possible second wave
Mufulira residents urged to utilize 4 days voter registration
Mufulira District Commissioner Mike Manda has urged eligible citizens across the country who have not registered as voters to take advantage of the extension period to register as voters.
Speaking in an interview in Mufulira today, Mr. Manda commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the extending the voter registration exercise so as to allow for more people to register and perform their civic right.
He said the added days will make difference for those who have not yet registered to do so because the new voters’ cards will allow them to vote in next year’s general election since the old voters’ cards will be null and void.
He noted that the governance system does not segregate and called on all Zambians who are holders of National Registration Cards to register as voters instead of robbing themselves off their civic right to vote.
“I want to call upon all Mufulira residents and the rest of the country who are qualified to register as voters and have not yet registered as voters to take advantage of the extension period starting tomorrow 17th December, ending on 20th December, 2020 to register as voters,” said Mr. Manda.
He has also called on all political parties to advise their cadres to refrain from violence and embrace peace and warned that those found wanting will be prosecuted.
Mr. Manda noted that peace in Zambia can only be maintained if people avoid violence.
Government bemoans increased malaria cases
Government has bemoaned the increase in malaria cases that the country has recorded this year.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary (PS) Kennedy Malama said in Chipata today that the country this year recorded a 46 percent increase in Malaria cases.
He said the statistics show that the country has recorded 6 million malaria cases compared to 4 million cases in 2019.
Dr Malama said the situation is worrying and urged all stakeholders from the church, traditional leaders and Non-Governmental Organisations to work together in order to combat the disease.
“Zambia has recorded six million of Malaria cases as compared to four million cases recorded in 2019, showing a significant increase of about 46 percent,” he said.
ZANIS reports that the Dr Malama was speaking during the commemoration of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Week in Chipata.
SADC Malaria Week is observed every year to create awareness about malaria and mobilize the community to participate in the malaria control programmes.
This year the malaria week is being commemorated under the theme; ‘Community involvement is key to achieving Zero Malaria-together we can defeat Malaria’.
Speaking at the same occasion, Eastern Provincial Health Director Gideon Zulu said the agenda to eliminate Malaria is not just for the Ministry of Health but calls for all stakeholders especially the community.
He said Malaria is found in communities, hence the need for the community to get involved and protect their lives from Malaria.
Meanwhile, North-Western Province Minister, Nathaniel Mubukwanu has flagged off the distribution of mosquito nets in Mushindamo district.
Mushindamo district has received a total of 49,450 mosquito nets meant for distribution while 300 nets have already been given out to residents of St. Dorothy area.
Mr Mubukwanu who was also in the district to check on progress made on the construction of Kasapa mini hospital has expressed concern with the high malaria incidence rate in the region.
Mr Mubukwanu has since urged district leadership to ensure all stakeholders play a role in reducing the prevalence rate of malaria in Mushindamo.
“The fight against malaria is a collective effort that should use multi-sectoral approach to sensitize people on the correct use of nets and importance of having their homes sprayed,” he said.
Mr Mubukwanu said that government has invested huge sums of money in the elimination of malaria because it wants to see a malaria free Zambia where people are more productive.
“Government has invested so much in the malaria elimination program. So please let us ensure we sensitize people on the correct and consistent use of misquote nets,” he said.
And Mushindamo district Health Director, Edgar Mutimushi said the malaria incidence rate stands at 500 per 1,000 population.
Dr Mutimushi said community sensitization on malaria prevention strategies is still on going and efforts are being made to ensure people use the treated nets correctly so that the incidence rate may reduce at the end of the exercise.
He has however, commended government through the malaria elimination council for the huge investment made in ending malaria by 2021.
And speaking in a separate interview with ZANIS, Mushindamo district malaria elimination officer, Nawa Mutakela said 6,835 out of 7,256 targeted households have been sprayed under the indoor residue spraying (IRS) exercise.
Mr Nawa said the field officers that were deployed to conduct the exercise for 28 days conducted IRS amidst challenges of refusal by some residents.
“We could not reach our target because some families practice shifting cultivation while others were refusing the officers from spraying their homes,” he said.
Mr Nawa added that the district has received a total of 49,450 mosquito nets for distribution and so far 300 have been given out to the people in St. Dorothy.
He said Mushindamo will also benefit from the mass drug administration (MDA) that will require all residents in the district to take drugs for malaria in an effort to prevent the transmission of a parasite from one person to another.
President Lungu allows partial settlement in Ichimpe forest reserve
President Edgar Lungu has authorised the degazetting of part of the Ichimpe forest reserve in Kalulushi on the Copperbelt to allow over 300 people to settle.
Community Development Minister Kampamba Mulenga who is also Kalulushi Member of Parliament disclosed that the residents had written to President Lungu requesting to legalize the area.
Ms Mulenga said President Lungu has since conceded to the residents requests to legalize their stay in the forest.
Mrs Mulenga told the residents who are mostly farmers at a meeting in Donovan area of Ichimpe, that the ministry of lands will soon start processing and demarcating plots in the forest reserve.
And the representative of the residents Patson Kalamata urged government to open up feeder roads in the Ichimpe forests.
Mr Kalamata said the roads in Ichimpe have remained deplorable despite the area being a vibrant farming block.
He also commended President Lungu for degazetting the forest and ensuring that the 300 farmers have pieces of land for farming.
President Lungu to Launch 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Programme at Mulungushi International Conference Centre
President Edgar Lungu will tomorrow launch the 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba said that the ERP has been formulated to address various dimensions of the economic challenges that the country is currently facing resulting from a number of factors including the Covid-19 pandemic which had negative and serious consequences on the growth prospects of our economy.
Mr. Yamba said that the plan is aimed at bolstering economic growth while reducing poverty and inequality amongst the Zambian population, adding that the launch is a demonstration of Government’s firm commitment and stance to addressing various macroeconomic challenges in the country with a view of improving the welfare of the Zambians without leaving anyone behind.
Mr. Yamba said the launch of the ERP will be covered live on both Radio Two and ZNBC TV1.
Govt launches Zambia’s first-ever SDGs implementation review Report
The Ministry of National Development planning today launched Zambia’s first-ever Voluntary National Review (VNR) report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since their adoption five years ago.
The Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme explained that after the adoption of the SDGs in 2015, member countries of the United Nations were encouraged to undertake periodic voluntary national reviews of their implementation of SDGs.
Mr. Chiteme was speaking through the Ministry’s permanent Secretary in charge of Development Cooperation, Monitoring and Evaluation Mr. Danies Chisenda who launched the VNR Report on his behalf in Lusaka.
Mr. Chiteme said the review is aimed at assessing progress as well as identifying key challenges in the implementation of the global agenda. He said Zambia’s review of its SDGs implementation, which have been mainstreamed in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP), is a validation of the level of commitment to achieve the vision 2030 and SDGs by 2030.
Mr. Chiteme said the VNR had showed that progress was uneven and there was need for more initiatives for the Vision 2030 to be achieved.
Notwithstanding the challenges, the Minister noted that Zambia had learnt some important lessons in the implementation of the SDGs.
“The first lesson is that effective partnership is key to improved development outcomes. The collaborative efforts in social sectors have proven to be effective and have provided best approaches and practices to learn from. For instance, the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey shows improvements in key health outcomes.” Mr. Chiteme said. “Secondly, climate change has the potential to undermine development gains. Climate change negatively impacted on Zambia’s economic growth during the review period and has emerged as one of the most pressing issues affecting the country’s socio-economic development. The response to climate change, therefore, demands the attention, commitment and decisive action by all actors at all levels.”
The Minister noted that one of the major concern highlighted in the Voluntary National review |report is that awareness of SDGS at sub-national levels remains quite low compared to national level.
“As a way of increasing visibility at sub-national levels, as well as effectively disseminating the results of the VNR report, it will be imperative for the report to be translated into national local languages in line with the tenets of whole-society-approach by leaving no one behind,” the Minster said.
He added the ministry will soon start the dissemination of the voluntary national review report to all provinces to influence policy dialogue on SDGS and enhance stakeholder participation in the implementation of the goals.
Mr. Chiteme assured stakeholders that the Government will continue to mainstream SDGs in future national development plans.
“Interestingly, the voluntary national review report is being launched at a time when the Government is preparing its Eight National Development Plan (8NDP) for implementation during the period 2022 to 2026. This will be following the expiry of the 7NDP in 2021,’ Mr. Chiteme said. “As my ministry prepares the 8NDP, efforts will continue to be made to mainstream SDGS in the new Plan so as to accelerate the attainment of the goals. In this regard, all key stakeholders including the UN systems are encouraged to work with our ministry to ensure that SDGS programmes and projects are adequately catered for in the new Plan.”
And speaking during the same function, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio said the United Nations in Zambia is pleased to support the Government on the delivery of the SDGs and to ensure that “No One is Left Behind”.
“This year the Government successfully presented its first VNR at the 2020 High Level Political Forum. Zambia’s VNR showcases the country’s path in the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs. Zambia has adequately mainstreamed SDGs (86 per cent) into the 7NDP. I am happy to note that Zambia’s first VNR is an outcome of participatory and inclusive consultations based on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches,” said Dr. Mar Gadio.
“I would like to thank Government for the successful delivery of yet another milestone in Zambia’s path towards the attainment of the SDGs,” Dr. Mar Gadio.”
She said some of the highlights from Zambia’s VNR Report showed that the country had a stronger and integrated SDG compliant national development framework, Zambia has undergone considerable infrastructure investments, which forms the basis to unlock sustainable development throughout the country, the country’s commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement as well as gender and women empowerment, and effective patnerships.
Dr. Mar Gadio encouraged the wider development community to continue its support to Zambia’s development to achieve its development aspirations.
This is according to a media statement issued in Lusaka today by Ministry of National Development Planning spokesperson Chibaula Silwamba.
COMESA, EU sign 7.6 million euro financing agreement
The European Union (EU) and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) have signed a 7.6 million financing agreement for the COMESA institution capacity building programme.
European Union Ambassador accredited to Zambia and COMESA, Jacek Jankowski indicated that the programme aimed at responding to the institution, will help the Secretariat as well as member states, towards effective implementation of regional cooperation projects.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr Jankowski pointed out that the regional integration continues to encounter challenges, which includes overlapping membership, inadequate capacities of regional economic communities and over-reliance on external funding from developed countries.
“The programme clearly responds to COMESA’s institutional capacity constraints. It will address among others human resource, capacity and management challenges at both the Secretariat and at member states levels,” Mr. Jankowski explained.
The Ambassador expressed confidence towards COMESA’s capabilities of engaging its member states and delivering concrete results, thereby benefiting the targeted beneficiaries.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, Mr Jankowski stressed the need for private sector and international financial institutions engagement if the Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved by 2030.
He explained the importance of promoting value addition and regional value chain amidst COVID-19, saying that they go hand in hand with free, fair and more sustainable trade.
The Ambassador reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting COMESA in better fulfilling its central and transformative role in the region.
He however implored COMESA to effectively coordinate, manage and implement the programme at regional and national levels.
And COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe disclosed that the Euros 7.6 million is the last series of the Euros 85 million overall COMESA sub envelop under the institutional capacity building programme.
Ms Kapwepwe indicated that the programme will provide necessary backing to achieve the set goals for the good of the member states who remain the target beneficiaries.
She added that the programme was timely for the region as it will help to strategise the priority activities and create a public awareness with a view to organize resources.
“These priority areas include strengthening technologies, systems and enhancement of statistical skills on new tools,” Ms Kapwepwe explained.
She added that the programme will strengthen partnerships, dialogue and communication on regional integration policies among all key stakeholders.
The Secretary General was happy that the support will enable COMESA to implement a business process, re-engineering to redesign ways of doing business to better support its mission.
She said this will enable the institution to influence policy and decision-making through dissemination of information on the benefits of enhancing the regional economic integration.
The COMESA institutional capacity building programme is financed through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). It is in line with the EU and COMESA policies to enhance the capacity of both the COMESA Secretariat and COMESA member states, including the private sector to deepen regional integration. The Euros 7.6 million programme will be implemented over a period of five years.