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U S embassy awards K4.5 million to 9 women entrepreneurs

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U S embassy awards K4.5 million to 9 women entrepreneurs

The United States Embassy, in collaboration with the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) and Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center (WEAC), has yesterday awarded nine women entrepreneurs with funding amounting to K4.5 million to support seed entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment.

United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, David Young disclosed that each entrepreneur has received K500 thousand from USADF following a competitive review of their business plans.

Mr Young said the entrepreneurs were part of the first phase of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a U.S. government program to empower women with knowledge, tools, and resources they need to start and grow their businesses.

He explained since the launch of AWE in 2019 a total of 87 women in Lusaka have successfully completed their training.

Mr Young stated that the funding would address the financing shortfalls which remained one of the most severe challenges facing small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Zambia.

He added that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a terrible toll on economies around the world, including Zambia and hence the need to start supporting entrepreneurs and growing the private sector which is very important.

And USADF Zambia Country Program Coordinator Guy Kahokola, says USADF’s funding of AWE graduates demonstrates the agency’s commitment to helping women entrepreneurs succeed which is aligned with the all-of-government approach taken by the U.S. government’s Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative.

Mr Kahokola added that the seed funding would give women entrepreneurs access to the capital needed to grow their business

He further complemented the women on the training and mentorship the U.S. Embassy and WEAC were providing.

And WEAC Executive Director Nambula Kachumi said WEAC was strategically positioned to support Zambian women venture successfully into business while helping them address gender barriers to entrepreneurship.

Zambia is among 50 countries worldwide participating in the AWE program launched globally in March 2019 by the U.S. Department of State.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by the United States Embassy.

The government provides US$40, 000 grant to a Chibombo agro-processing company

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The government provides US$40, 000 grant to a Chibombo agro-processing company

The Government has provided US$40,000 as a special grant under the Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Kafue Sub-Basin Project (SCRiKA) to enable MKP Farms to complete the construction of an agro-processing plant.

The SCRiKA Project falls under the National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU) in the Ministry of National Development Planning.

Minister of National Development Planning Hon. Alexander Chiteme, MP, in a speech read on his behalf by his Permanent Secretary in charge of Development Cooperation, Monitoring and Evaluation Mr. Danies Chisenda at the cheque handover ceremony in Chibombo today, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promote the agriculture sector and processing of farm produce.

Mr. Chiteme expressed gratitude that MKP Farms Ltd agro-processing plant will host a cold-room, drying, sorting and packaging bay for value addition as well as a warehouse.
“The Government through the SCRiKA matching grant initially supported MKP Farms with K250,000. However, this initial support was not adequate to fully service the 36,000 community members scattered in the three selected wards of Chibombo district,” Mr. Chiteme said. “MKP Farms Limited is currently linking over 36,000 community farmers to the various local and foreign markets. Of these farmers, over 20,000 are females from 115 community adaptation projects and 54 farm level projects. The markets being accessed by our farmers due to their relationship with MKP Farms include chain stores such as Shoprite and Choppies as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Denmark. As a result of their integration into value chains, our farmers have now increased household incomes and food security. They are able to send their children to school without much difficulty.”

The Minister said MKP Farms provides training in climate smart agricultural practices, harvesting, handling and packaging of farm produce according to the specified standards of the chain stores and the international markets.

“This training of our farmers is enhancing their skills as well as building their adaptive capacity to the adverse impacts of climate change. What MKP Farms is doing is a clear demonstration of the community, private sector and Government working together to bring development and improve livelihood of our people,” the Minister said.
Mr. Chiteme explained that the SCRiKA is a US$ 38 million Project jointly financed by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Government of Zambia.

“SCRiKA’s main objective is to foster sustained economic growth, reduce poverty and enhance food security through strengthening the adaptive capacity of the 200,000 farmers that reside within the Kafue sub-basin,” said Mr. Chiteme. “This is with a view to enable them to better respond to current climate variability and long-term consequences of climate change. Implementation of the project commenced in 2014 and it is expected to close in June 2021.”

SCRiKA Project covers 11 Districts in Choma, Kalomo, Namwala, Monze, Pemba and Mazabuka Districts in Southern Province; Itezhi-Tezhi, Chibombo, Shibuyunji and Mumbwa Districts in Central Province and Kafue District in Lusaka Province.

In Chibombo District, the SCRiKA is supporting 63 sub-projects and spread in Chikobo, Katuba and Chitanda wards. SCRiKA Project provides solar-powered irrigation boreholes to vulnerable communities in the three wards to ensure that farmers engage in agricultural production throughout the year.

And Central Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Chomba said the grant to MKP Farms should help unlock export opportunities.

“This cold room will now increase the shelf lifespan of agriculture products from farmers around MKP Farms and other areas. It is also set to enhance reliable and sustainable supply chain which is key in getting export market,” said Mr. Chomba. “I call upon all of you benefiting from SCRiKA Project to explore export opportunities in order to maximise on profits. I urge MKP Farms to ensure that this project is sustained beyond SCRiKA.”

Local farmer, who are beneficiaries, Priscilla Simwanza, Esteli Kapita and Clive Katala expressed gratitude to the Government for the support, which will encourage many farmers to grow crops and have them processed in readiness for supply to the market.

This is according to a media statement issued by Ministry of National Development Planning spokesperson Chibaula D. Silwamba.

Danies Chisenda hands over check worth USD40, 000 grant in chibombo
Danies Chisenda hands over check worth USD 40, 000 grant in chibombo 29-10-2020
Danies Chisenda hands over check worth USD 40, 000 grant in chibombo 29-10-2020

BILL 10 Down, ECZ is Next

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BILL 10 Down, ECZ is Next

On Thursday 29th October, we appealed to Parliamentarians from both sides to choose peace and unity of the nation above partisan politics. We called on the deep conscience of our members of Parliament to vote against Bill 10. We further appealed to the Christian family in the nation to pray and stop the impending danger Bill 10 could pose to peace.

BILL 10 ENEMY #1 HAS FALLEN…..

Following the events in parliament, it remains our moral responsibility to thank and salute the galant members of Parliament who chose people’s interests above partisan interests. Bill 10 has finally fallen. Zambia has been saved from a disastrous future of disunity and unnecessary conflict.

The position of the New Hope MMD has been that the bill lacked consensus and was a recipe for violence and insecurity.
The arrogance of the PF has been astonishing.
The end has been a humiliation defeat.

This process of leveling the electoral playing field ahead of the 2021 election has started to take shape. We however must not rest until we remove all threats to a free and fair election next year.

ECZ ENEMY #2 IS NEXT…

The next enemy to peace and security is the ECZ. The arrogance being demonstrated by the ECZ is no different from the arrogance which delivered Bill 10 to its death.

DEMANDS TO A FREE AND FAIR ELECTION;

  1. We call on all Zambians to demand that the electoral process be subjected to a consensus audit.
  2. We demand that the old voters list be not tempered with.
  3. We demand for a complete audit of the NRC issuance process.
  4. We demand for the neutralization of the Public Order Act.
  5. We demand for a credible non partisan appointment of ECZ Commissioners.
  6. We demand for a security of tenure for the new ECZ commissioners.
  7. We demand for the new ECZ to have power to disqualify any candidate who contravenes electoral guidelines.
  8. We demand that the police stay away from the electoral process.

We celebrate today’s victory but we still have many mountains to climb and many rivers to cross before we get to the promised land.

For Israel to break free from the bondage of Egypt, they never gave up. It was only after the tenth plague that Egypt surrendered.

We call upon all Zambians regardless of political affiliation to come together and defeat the next enemy of a flawed electoral process.

This is God’s Country and God is at work as he prepares a new Nation.

Zambia Shall Be Saved.

Hunt: Kambole Must Work Harder At Chiefs

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New Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt says he knows very little about his striker Lazarus Kambole.

Kambole is entering his second season with Chiefs whom he joined from Zesco United last year on a three year deal.

However, nothing has gone according to plan so far for the Chipolopolo striker following his high-profile move and failed to spark during his debut season scoring just one league goal from 17 games under Hunt’s predecessor Ernst Middendorp.

Furthermore, Kambole has yet to feature in Hunts’ plans with two league games played into the 2020/2021 season.

“I really didn’t know Lazzie until I saw him plus-three weeks ago. I think the football here is a totally different; speed of the game, “Hunt told South African media.

“So the speed for me is something, not even those coming from Europe-top-top players- struggle in South Africa because in South Africa the players here run faster than the ball where as in Europe, the ball runs faster than the players.

“So the game is a 100 miles an hour here and people take time to adjust. You know, gradually we could make him try to understand a little bit.

“He was here most of last season but I didn’t really see much of him so I don’t really know him that much so I will try and work with him you know and get him to the levels of the way things are done much quicker here.”

Promoted sides Kitwe United-Prison Leopards Clash in League Opener

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Promoted sides Kitwe United and Prison Leopards on Friday face-off in the first match of the 2020/21 FAZ Super Division season.

Kitwe and Prison will be seeking to earn the early pacesetters status when they meet at Garden Park Stadium in Kitwe.

Both teams have bounced back to the top league after spending one season in Division 1.

The last Super Division meeting between Kitwe and Prison ended 1-1 in 2019.

Stakes are high as both teams pray for a positive start to the new campaign.

“Our vision as a club is to sustain our stay in the Super League,” said Kitwe United Chairman Emmanuel Numwa.

Zambia Correctional Service, the owners of Prison, are equally eager to see the Kabwe side excel in the top league.

“As a command we shall do all we can to keep you up there with dignity but as I have always said before, use this privilege that you have to the best of your abilities because better things are coming your way if only you do what is expected of you and die a little for the team,” said Dr Chileshe Chisela – the Commissioner General.

HH toasts the fall of Bill 10, as Sinkamba expresses happiness the Bill 10 has finally been put to rest

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HH toasts the fall of Bill 10, as Sinkamba expresses happiness the Bill 10 has finally been put to rest

United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has paid conveyed congratulations to what UPND MPs, other MPs from other parties, and the Independent MPs, for what he called standing on the right side of history.

Reacting to the fall of Bill 10 Mr Hichilema described Bill 10 as a diabolical idea from an evil regime that had sought to entrench itself against the will of the people. adding that the Bill has been permanently buried today never to rear its ugly head.

Mr Hichilema further sent congratulations to the Civil Society Organisations, and what he called progressive Churches the people of Zambia for rejecting what he called dictatorship and corruption that Bill 10 was seeking to legitimize.

And Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has added his support to the people happy that Bill 10 has been put to rest. In a statement released to the media, Mr. Sinkamba said that is are happy that Bill 10 has finally been put to rest it was a toxic chalice, acrimonious, and a serious liability on the economy.

“It was toxic chalice because it poisoned minds of some party cadres whereby some resorted to violence and shedding blood, for example, what happened at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka,

“It was acrimonious as evidenced from the divisive. It divided the church; it divided traditional leadership; it fuelled tribalism; and the regionalism that it brought was complete anathema it most people that promote values of national unity, peace and love.

“It was a liability on the economy because Government went out the way to spend without restraint to make the Bill pass. Precious time and resources were wasted on the Bill instead of attending to other ideas that could help cushion the economic impacts of Covid-19 and rising external debt.

“So, seriously speaking, let it rest in peace so that the Nation embarks on a healing process, ” concluded Mr. Sinkamba’s statement

The Controversial Constitution Amendment Bill 10 Fails by 6 Votes in Parliament

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The Controversial Constitution Amendment Bill 10 Fails by 6 Votes in Parliament

THE Constitution Amendment Bill 2019, also known as Bill no.10, has failed to garner the support of two-thirds of Members of Parliament and has fallen away.

The bill required 111 votes to pass but only managed to get 105 yes votes.

In conceding defeat, Minister of Justice, Given Lubinda said Zambians had won as the proposed constitutional amendments received wide consultation.

Bill 10, which was supported by the ruling party, become an emotive issue with some sections of society advocating for its withdrawal.

The bill, which has been referred to the (parliamentary select) committee with sittings to deliberate on the provisions expected to commence on September 2, 2019, has received opposition from some stakeholders who claim the process abrogates the Constitution.

One of those opposed to the bill is the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), which has petitioned in the Constitutional Court to challenge the decisions of President Edgar Lungu, the Attorney General and the National Assembly in relation to the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill no. 10 of 2019, pursuant to article 128 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Zambia, chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia.

LAZ contends that Parliament must not hold proceedings on the Constitution Amendment Bill no. 10, which passed first reading in Parliament, saying that was in contravention of the current Constitution.

Besides LAZ, Chapter One Foundation Limited, a non-governmental organisation which seeks to promote human rights and constitutionalism, has petitioned the Constitutional Court to declare that the Constitution Amendment Bill 10 of 2019 violates national values and principles in the Constitution. The foundation wants the court to order Justice Minister Given Lubinda to withdraw the Amendment Bill from the National

Now, Mozambique AL-Shabaab terrorist rebels attack Tanzania,kill and behead 20 civilians

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Now, Mozambique AL-Shabaab terrorist rebels attack Tanzania,kill and behead 20 civilians

I know, there is too much tension in our nation because of oppression of the opposition leaders. Nonetheless, it is worth knowing what else is happening around your home, especially those issues that one day are likely to catch up with you and disturb your peace and tranquility, even worse than your current woes.

Two months ago, I posted here a concern of Al-shabaab terrorists operating in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado; that they had taken over a province in Mozambique. According to the post I made, the terrorists’s ultimate mission is to establish an Islamic State of Central Africa. With regard to the SADC situation, my concern was on the I-don’t-care-attitude taken by the regional body on these terrorists. I believed that this attitude is fatal, and that SADC was bound to soon regret when these rebels consolidate their hold in Mozambique, and embark on cross border attacks. My post did not attract due attention.

Now, barely two months after my post, the terrorists have carried their first war across the border into Tanzania, where they murdered and beheaded 20 people last week on Wednesday, according to a report in this week Monday’s issue of the independent newssheet “Carta de Mocambique”, citing Tanzanian sources.

The raid was against the village of Kitaya, in Mtwara province, near the border with the Cabo Delgado district of Palma.
According to military sources cited by the newssheet, the terrorists entered Tanzania by sea, going up the Rovuma river that forms the border between Mozambique and Tanzania.
The raiders burnt down houses, destroyed an armoured vehicle and stole money and military equipment. The terrorist network that calls itself “Islamic State” claimed responsibility for the attack, and said it had killed three Tanzanian soldiers.

Videos and photographs circulated by the terrorists on social media show them decapitating a man and throwing his head onto a road. In the videos the murderers speak in Swahili (which is the lingua franca of much of east Africa, including Tanzania), in Emakua (one of the main languages of northern Mozambican), and in Kimwani (only spoken in a few Cabo Delgado coastal districts).One of the terrorists can be heard saying “”We have nothing to do with the coming elections (in Tanzania). We are here, and we are going to kill and leave his head on the road. They are pigs. God is great”.

In a second video, terrorists are tearing up a poster of Tanzanian President John Magufuli, who is standing for a second term of office. “Here is the face of Magufuli, which means we are in his country. We are the Al-Shabaabs of Mozambique and we have come here to teach you our doctrine”.

The Cabo Delgado group have been called “Al-Shabaab” colloquially for at least three years, and now seem to be using the name themselves. They are not known to have any formal connection with the Somali terrorist group of that name.

The raiders also threatened to return, reports a second newssheet, “Mediafax”. There are also reports, not yet confirmed, of an attack against a second village, Mahembe, about eight kilometres from Kitaya.

In Cabo Delgado, people fleeing from the terrorist attacks, are continuing to pour into the provincial capital, Pemba. According to “Carta de Mocambique”, on Saturday 25 boats, each carrying between 30 and 40 displaced people, arrived at Pemba’s Paquitequete beach.

In all, some 700 people arrived, fleeing from Macomia district, and from islands in the Quirimbas archipelago. The jihadists attacked Macomia town last week, but were driven back by the defence and security forces. The situation in Macomia is said to remain tense.

SADC, wake up please. Take action before these terrorists overwhelm our relatively peaceful region.

President
Green Party of Zambia (The Greens)

Veep call for concerted efforts to end violence against children

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Veep call for concerted efforts to end violence against children

Vice President Inonge Wina has called for enhanced efforts towards eradicating vices that infringe on children’s rights such as violence against children.

Mrs. Wina has observed that violence against children is injustice that has reached global levels resulting in the United Nations agencies to take keen interest in the welfare of children at country level.

 “I wish to stress that government needs the partnerships to support efforts towards eliminating violence against children and securing the best interests and rights of children across the country,” she noted.

She said this is why government has put in place a number of policy measures and administration to address the plight of children and respond to the global agenda of protection of children.

The Vice President was speaking in Lusaka today, during the inter-ministerial dialogue on violence against children in Zambia.

Mrs. Wina said government has also resolved to show commitment to the subject matter through the vow to the UN Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) which is supposed to be domesticated through the Children’s Code bill.

She however, wondered why the Children’s Code bill has taken long to be tabled before parliament, further directing the Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development to ensure that the bill be presented before parliament, adding that it will help in protecting the rights of children.

“The efforts to domesticate this instrument through the Children’s Code bill has taken long. As Vice President of the Republic of Zambia and leaders of government business in parliament I am directing the Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development to ensure that the bill comes to parliament without any further delay,” she stressed.

The Vice President added that despite Zambia’s ability to benchmark the efforts and interventions at national, regional and global levels a lot still needs to be done due to the escalating cases of child abuse that are taking place in various parts of the country resulting in among other cases teen pregnancies.

Mrs. Wina stated that this is why there is need for stakeholders to work together towards increasing child protection actions by enhancing coordination, efficiency and effectiveness of interventions in order to sustain the delivery of child development programmes.

World Health Organisation Country Representative Nathan Bakyaita has praised Zambia for the strides made in eliminating all forms of abuse against children.

Dr. Bakyaita said violence against children worldwide does not just affect the welfare of children but economic activities as well.

“Violence against children has continued to be a challenge around, but it is worth noting that any form of child abuse does not affect the child alone but it affects the economy and income generating activities for nations,” he said.

He added that this is why there is need for countries to step up their efforts in addressing issues affecting children if they are also to achieve the set targets on Sustainable Development Goals.

The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children (GPEVAC) has encouraged Zambia to continue on the strong path of demonstrating political will towards ending violence against children and ensuring that children’s rights are upheld and respected.

GPEVAC Executive Director Tim Howard explained that this is evidenced by Zambia’s active participation and involvement in finding solutions to matters that affect the plight of children.

Vice President Inonge Wina confers with Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development Emmanuel Mulenga during the Inter-Ministerial Dialogue on Ending Violence Against Children in Zambia at Pamodzi Hotel

Local Government to roll out E-levy

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Local Government to roll out E-levy

Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary Ed Chomba says the local authorities will start rolling out the Electronic Levy (E-levy) payment system in an effort to increase revenue base in all Councils.

Speaking when he opened the E-levy orientation workshop, Bishop Chomba indicated that the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic adversely affected economic activities in Local Authorities due to challenges faced in revenue collection.

The Permanent Secretary further observed increased pilfering among revenue collectors due to the physical cash handling system in the Local Authorities.

In order to enhance collection efficiency of Council revenues, Bishop Chomba disclosed that his Ministry devised the E- levy payment system at collection points in markets and bus stations.

“The roll out of the E-levy could not have come at a better time than when local Authorities are striving to expand their revenue base in the midst of constraint resource allocation. To this end, the need for Local Authorities to devise smart revenue collection mechanisms which aim to maximize collection efficiency is urgent,” Bishop Chomba stated.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the new system will support the operationalization of the markets and bus station funds.

He explained that from the collected revenues in selected markets and bus stations, 30% of the funds will be channeled to develop new trading places in needy areas.

Bishop Chomba added that the smart revenue collection mechanism will be a more convenient and secure payment alternative for clients.

“It will provide citizens with a convenient and secure online payment options for various services provided in the markets and bus stations,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the implementation of the E-levy payment system is a great milestone for the Ministry, which shows the transformational resolve of President Edgar Lungu vision to attain a smart Zambia.

He revealed that implementation of the E-levy payment system will first target Local Authorities that are poorly performing especially in Western and Southern Provinces to help build capacity and further extend to other Councils across the country.

Meanwhile, speaking in an interview Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute Acting College Principal, James Paipi assured that the institution was ready to train participants in order to build capacity for Local authorities.

Mr. Paipi stated that since a gap was identified in revenue collection activities, the training institute will take up its task of ensuring that training interventions are provided in order to improve the performance of Councils in service provision.

“One of the areas that has been identified and requires intervention is the issue of revenue collection by the Councils. Among the reasons observed is that due to the conventional systems which are being used in our Local authorities, in terms of generating revenue for various activities including markets as well as bus stations, the Local authorities have been losing a lot of revenue,” Mr. Paipi indicated.

In November 2018, the Ministry of Local Government entered into a contract with Dot Com Zambia Limited for the design and implementation of an E-levy payment system in order to maximize revenue collection efficiency in Local Authorities. The pilot was implemented at BH market which was successful. The programme will be extended to various Councils in phases starting with Southern and Western Provinces.

Government and WWF to restore depleted forests in Western Province

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Government and WWF to restore depleted forests in Western Province

Government in partnership with Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has launched the 1.2 million Euros Forests Landscape Project in Kafue.

Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Chief Research Officer Lishomwa Mulongwe said the five years project that is aimed at restoring the depleted forests will be implemented in Silowana complex of Sioma and Sesheke districts of Western Province.

Mr Mulongwe said the five years project is scheduled to come to an end in the year 2024.Mr Mulongwe said this at the inception meeting of the Forests Landscape Project in Kafue today.

He underscored that the project will help the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in addressing the hash effects of deforestation and climate change.

“This project is part of the regional programme which started in January 2020 and is being implemented in Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia. The program will on regional level aim for a regional exchange of experiences on Forests Landscape restoration among the three countries,” he stressed.

Mr Mulongwe pointed out that deforestation has been caused by agriculture expansion and charcoal burning among others, will also help government to come up with a framework for forests restoration.He underscored that during the scope of the project 1000 small holder farmers in the surrounding districts will benefit through trainings.

And WWF Zambia Acting Country Director Isabel Mukelabai said time has come for the actual value of forests to be achieved.Ms Mukelabai pointed out that the project will help halt the indiscriminate cutting of trees in the country.

She affirmed that her office will ensure close collaboration with the line ministry to achieve the intended purpose of the project.

“Agriculture expansion has rushed the forests to their knees. But some challenges are from weak mechanisms to halt deforestation in the country, now time has come to realize the noble call,” she charged.

The Forest Land Scape Project Inception Meeting was attend by different stakeholders from the forests sector in Zambia.

Zambia reaffirms support for Morocco’s sovereignty in Western Sahara

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Zambia reaffirms support for Morocco’s sovereignty in Western Sahara

Zambia has reiterates its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara after it inaugurated its Consulate in the southern city of Laayoune.

During a joint press briefing following the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Chalwe Lombe stressed Zambia’s “abiding” position regarding Morocco’s right to territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces.

Mr. Lombe considered the diplomatic move a “sovereign act of support and solidarity” towards Morocco on the question of Western Sahara.

Mr Lombe labeled Morocco as “a true friend of Zambia.”

Zambia’s Consulate is the eighth African diplomatic representation to open in the province of Laayoune in one year.

It is the 15th African Consulate in the southern provinces as a whole, as seven others have opened in the city of Dakhla.

Four other African countries opened diplomatic representations in Western Sahara this week alone.

Eswatini opened a consulate general in Laayoune today, while Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Burkina Faso opened embassies in Dakhla on October 23.

The recent inaugurations are part of an expanding recognition within the African continent of Morocco’s territorial integrity.

In 2016, Zambia withdrew its recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), consolidating pro-Morocco momentum on the Western Sahara dispute and boosting the growing ties between the two African nations.

In 2017, Zambia’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba, said Zambia supports “the efforts of the United Nations to help the parties find a long-lasting solution to the conflict over the Western Sahara.”

A year later, Joseph Malanji, Zambia’s current Foreign Affairs Minister announced a “decisive break” with the separatist Polisario Front.

Mr. Lombe welcomed Morocco’s support for the training of Zambian students who benefit from scholarships in Morocco.

He went on to recall King Mohammed VI’s 2017 visit to his country.

The productive visit led to the signing of 19 agreements in various fields, including diplomatic consultations, economics, science, technology, education, mining, finance, and tourism, among others, with the aim to increase commercial and cultural exchanges.

Mr. Lombe also commended King Mohammed VI’s medical aid donation amid the COVID-19 crisis to 15 African countries, including Zambia.

The medical shipments included millions of protective face masks, 900,000 visors, 600,000 hygiene caps, 60,000 medical gowns, and tens of thousands of liters of hydroalcoholic gels, along with 75,000 boxes of chloroquine and 15,000 boxes of azithromycin.

World Bank sanctions Chinese engineering firms for corruption in Zambian power project

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World Bank sanctions Chinese engineering firms for corruption in Zambian power project

The World Bank has sanctioned a Chinese state electric engineering group and its subsidiary over fraudulent practices in a power project in Zambia.

The action bars China Electric Design and Research Institute Co Ltd (CEDRI) from participating in World Bank projects for up to 18 months, with the ability to meet new compliance conditions and end the ban.

The firm’s parent company, China National Electric Engineering Co Ltd (CNEEC), was allowed to continue to participate in projects under a settlement agreement, but could be banned if it fails to meet agreed conditions, the bank said.

The sanctioned firms are contractors on the $210 million Lusaka Transmission and Distribution Rehabilitation Project which aims to reinforce and upgrade the power transmission and distribution network in Zambia’s capital.

“CEDRI engaged in fraudulent practices by failing to disclose a conflict of interest and by presenting false documents with CNEEC’s company name in order to meet the requirements of a contract under the project,” the World Bank said in a statement.

“CNEEC, as a controlling affiliate of CEDRI, failed to oversee CEDRI’s misconduct.”

The debarment of CEDRI also disqualifies the firm from participating in projects of other multilateral development banks, the World Bank said.

The settlement agreements allow for the sanctions period to be reduced from 18 months if both companies cooperate and adhere to the World Bank’s integrity compliance guidelines.

Zambia clinches major debt deal with China

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Zambia clinches major debt deal with China

Zambia says it has reached a deal to defer debt repayments that were due in October on a loan from the China Development Bank (CDB). Zambia owed CDB about $391m at the end of 2019 — about a tenth of the $3bn it owes Chinese entities — according to the finance ministry.

It was not clear whether the loan in question covers all of this debt or a fraction of it. China holds about a quarter of Zambia’s foreign debt.

“The Government is very pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with the China Development Bank to defer debt service in respect of a commercial loan facility insured by Sinosure. Under the terms of our agreement with CDB, interest and principal due on 25th October 2020 will be deferred,” said Treasury Secretary Fredson Yamba said.

Mr Yamba said the deferred interest payment is now payable on 25th April 2021 and the deferred principal rescheduled over the life of the facility.

“Reaching this agreement is an important milestone for Zambia in our debt relief efforts. This was made possible thanks to CDB’s and Sinosure’s collaborative and cooperative approach. We will continue to work with all of our creditors to reach similar interim agreements around deferral of principal and interest payments.”

Mr Yamba added, “Such interim debt service deferment agreements will provide the Government with the necessary time to focus efforts on completing its overall debt strategy aimed at restoring public debt sustainability.”

The government missed a $42.5m coupon payment on one of its Eurobonds that was due on October 14 but has a 30-day grace period before it goes into default.

It has asked Eurobond holders to defer interest payments until April 2021, but they have so far rejected the request.

One of the sticking points has been whether other key lenders such as China would also agree to reschedule repayments.

“This is a good step in the right direction but they still need to do more to appease the creditor group,” said one of the members of the Zambia External Bondholder Committee, Kevin Daly at Aberdeen Standard Investments in London.

“It is still piecemeal and what you need is something comprehensive.”

He also said it was not clear whether the announced deal included a deferral of arrears payments believed to have become an obstacle to some Chinese entities participating in debt relief for Zambia.

Zambia’s external debt is nearly $12bn, including $3bn of outstanding Eurobonds, $3.5bn of bilateral debt, $2.9bn of other commercial debt and $2.1bn owed to multilateral institutions.

Change is inevitable, there’s no need to fear it

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Change is inevitable, there’s no need to fear it

By Fred M’membe

Information and broadcasting services minister Dora Siliya says they are not ready to hand over power to anyone in 2021.

“We shouldn’t relax that Edgar azawina since he is an Easterner but if we vote lazily, our friends in Southern Province will challenge us and we will be removed in power. Let’s not vote lazily the way we did on Rupiah. We lost him because we are many but few voted and we lost him. Those eight bags of fertiliser we got under Rupiah disappeared because Sata ate Cassava which doesn’t require fertiliser and you started calling us Paya Farmer and it’s now under President Edgar Lungu that agriculture has been revamped.

These elections of next year are not an easy one. It’s war abale anga. It’s a war, we should make sure everyone registers as voters and vote on 12th August 2021 or else we will lose. Napapata, we go wrong, we in government, but forgive us please. Pray for us, we know we have gone through problems in these five years but let’s not lose this presidency because we still have a lot to do with it in our families, communities. We are not only happy for Edgar to be in State House but to work for us. If this presidency leaves, Eastern Province, nobody among us will be alive when it will be back here…Let’s not be lazy.

If Edgar Lungu loses next year, good agricultural system will collapse. So we have to put on much effort if Edgar is to win next year because we still have a lot to do. For now, we are not ready to hand over power to anyone unless in 2026 we are going to say ‘now namwe a Tonga mungatoleko ici cinthu but pakali pano usogoleri tikali nao nacocita,” Minister Siliya pleaded with over 300 village headmen and indunas from Eastern Province last Sunday.

This fear of losing power, of change is widespread among our colleagues in the current government and the ruling party. And it has been openly expressed by many, including the President himself. It has actually become a phobia.

Philosophizing a little on this issue, I would say we have no alternative to meeting the future, we have no hope but the changes, advances, and improvements that the future may bring. Even if our current leaders want to stay in power forever, they won’t be able to do so. Nobody controls the future. No matter what schemes they may pull, other times will come.

The fear of change or changing things is called Metathesiophobia. It is often linked with Tropophobia which is the fear of moving. The origin of the word Metathesiophobia comes from Greek ‘meta’ meaning change and Phobos meaning fear.

Metathesiophobes often tend to live in the past and may also be depressed. Their phobia makes them unwilling to move, to progress, or to change anything. This can severely impact one’s work and personal lives.

The fear of change is evolutionary in humans. Since times immemorial, man has liked routine. Our internal predispositions – heredity and genetics – teach us to resist change mainly to ‘always feel in control’. But the normal fear of change becomes a full-blown phobia when it is irrational, persistent and very intense.

Fear of being unable to adapt can also deter one’s adaptability. Insecurity and guilt are other common emotions behind Metathesiophobia.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “When you are finished changing, you are finished.”

The fear of change is a natural survival instinct ingrained in humans. However, in cases of extreme Metathesiophobia, life can become very difficult. It can negatively impact one’s work and/or personal lives.

Thought of change or adapting to a new environment may lead to a full-blown panic. Avoiding change, one may go to great lengths, break ties, tell lies, or make excuses, manipulate electoral processes, rig elections, commit human rights violations. This can affect many things and lead to irrationality. Often the phobic is aware that his/her fear of change is irrational. However, he/she is unable to overcome it.

The root of Metathesiophobia is deeply embedded in one’s psyche.

Many people suffer from this phobia but the key is to accept change as part of life. Nothing lasts forever. Change is inevitable, there’s no need to fear it. We must always prepare for it and be ready to embrace it.

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