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Saturday, March 15, 2025
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Economist welcomes BoZ’s decision to maintain monetary policy rate

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Economist welcomes BoZ’s decision to maintain monetary policy rate

An economic and financial analyst has welcomed the decision by the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) to maintain the monetary policy rate at nine percent.

Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) Economist, Patrick Chileshe, said the decision means that the cost of loans will remain the same to the borrowers, a development he said was positive for the economy.

Dr. Chileshe said maintaining the monetary policy rate is good for a better economy as the level of inflation will reduce thereby stabilising the economy.

He said lenders such as commercial banks will adjust their lending and interest rates downwards.

Dr. Chileshe explained that this will cause many borrowers to flock to banks to get loans to start or grow their businesses.

He added that the Central Bank’s decision to maintain the monetary policy will promote liquidity, which means more cash flow will flood the market.

Dr. Chileshe explained that an increase in cash flow on the market is a good signal for the country to attract investors.

He explained that if inflation keeps on skyrocketing, few people will put the money in banks, making it difficult for the commercial banks to lend to borrowers for their investments.

“This is a signal that inflation will keep going down and more people will run to banks to deposit and borrow for their investments resulting in liquidity and price reduction in goods and services,” he said.

Dr. Chileshe further said the decision by the Central Bank will also spur confidence in the investors who will in turn invest in financial assets such as government bonds among others.

This week, the Bank of Zambia maintained the monetary policy rate at nine percent thereby restoring confidence in the Zambian people especially the business community.

Bureaucracy hindering access to CDF funds – Nkandu

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Bureaucracy hindering access to CDF funds – Nkandu

Minister of Youth, Sport and Art Elvis Nkandu says red tape is delaying a number of registered cooperatives in not accessing the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

Mr Nkandu says having observed the flaw, his ministry has since compiled a report and accompanying recommendations he says will soon be submitted to President Hakainde Hichilema.

He says his Ministry is , in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent directive, proposing for revision of the policy and legal frame to access government empowerment funds.

Speaking during a meeting with Copperbelt province Minister Elisha Matambo, Thursday, Mr Nkandu said his office is alive to the fact that accessing the CDF goes with it a number of bureaucracy, existing policy and regulatory frameworks, among others, that he said are undergoing consideration.

“The President is alive to the existing barriers to accessing empowerment under the constituency Development Funds, Ministry of SME and Youth and Sport.

“ He ( President Hichilema ) gave my ministry an ultimatum to provide solutions and we have since done our homework to unlock access and a report will soon be submitted to his office, he said.

He lamented that new dawn government wants to do more but current policies and regulations by the former regime are prohibitive to roll out its agenda.

President Hichilema recently said there is a deliberate ploy to block citizens from accessing Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Mr Hichilema charged that there is a deliberate ploy to block citizens from accessing CDF adding that he was aware that there are concerns relating to accessing CDF among stakeholders.

President Hichilema said the New Dawn Government wants equity when it comes to accessing CDF in constituencies.

And Copperbelt province Minister Elisha Matambo expressed fear that if barriers in accessing the CDF funds remain unchanged , the disbursed CDF might return to the Treasury.

Mr Matambo told his Youth and Sports counterpart, that says his office called for a consultative meeting with principal officers from local authorities in the province to find solutions to challenges being faced by the public.

“ If the CDF barriers are not removed in time, it will be regrettable to see the funds disbursed under CDF are likely to be returned to the Treasury, ” he lamented.

The new dawn government has increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K25.7 million per constituency.

Meanwhile, government says it will finance the completion of youth resource centres which are at 80 percent of completion across the country.

Disclosing the development , Ministry of Youth and Sports minister Mulenga said the new administration wants to use the facilities for entrepreneurship education, skills training and non-existent youth services.

He also mentioned that starting July this year, government will start empowering graduates from skills training centres with capital and working tools.

The Minister has also advised youths in the country aspiring to venture into agriculture to take advantage of resettlements schemes where government is offering parcels of land, equipment and input as startup capital.

“The new admissions does not want youths and women to only aspire to work in the formal sector.

“ We have added incentives such as equipping of tools, land and working capital to create wealth for themselves and create the much needed jobs,” he emphasized.

Pro Bono service framework to provide access to criminal and civil justice launched

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Pro Bono service framework to provide access to criminal and civil justice launched

Minister of Justice, Mulambo Haimbe has commended the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) for launching the pro bono policy framework which achieves the notion of providing access to criminal and civil justice for the disadvantaged in society without cost.

Mr. Haimbe stressed the need for legal representation as a fundamental right for every Zambian as enshrined in the constitution.

The Minister said the framework, therefore, responds to a duty of the legal sector to ensure that the rights of the accused persons are upheld in the criminal justice for the public good.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, Mr Haimbe was happy that LAZ has made sure the pro bono services become a reality.

He was pleased that the pro bono policy framework contains quality control measures which require the lawyers to treat matters with the same importance and care as the private matters.

“This is a great milestone for the people of Zambia especially the indigenous who grapple for legal representation in the courts of law,” Mr Haimbe noted.

Mr Haimba assured of his ministry’s support towards the implementation of the pro bono policy framework for the benefit of vulnerable Zambians, as it is a vision of the government to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

The Minister noted that government places great importance on the rule of law, civil liberties and human rights and inter alia, ensuring that speeding up of the dispensing of Justice and widening access to justice for all.

LAZ president, Abyudi Shonga disclosed the association resolved to actualise the pro bono framework following the need to improve access to justice and ensure that its members fulfil their oath of doing justice.

Mr Shonga explained that even when there are efforts by legal bodies such as the National Legal Aid Clinic For Women and the Legal Aid Board providing pro bono services, a large section of Zambian society still cannot access justice due to lack of representation.

“While the number of advocated has to creased over the last decade, there has not been a corresponding increase in access to justice by the vulnerable and marginalized members of society,” Mr. Shonga indicated.

He said LAZ understands the role that its members must play in society and will continue to endeavour that it remains relevant and contributes to the development of society at various levels.

Meanwhile, Legal Aid Board acting Executive Director, Humphrey Mweemba says the framework resonates well with its mandate of providing legal services to persons of inadequate means in society.

Mr. Mweemba said taking matters on pro Bono basis is beneficial to both the Legal Aid Board and legal practitioners as it will help clear the backlog of cases.

He explained that an action that will promote access to justice for all as litigations will feel that justice has been accorded to them in good time.

Mr. Mweemba added that matters on pro Bono basis will further help develop professional skills among practitioners as well as enhance the firms’ reputation which in turn may open new doors for business.

“Offering your services for free has innumerable benefits for your clients and professional development alike,” Mr. Mweemba stated.

Govt urged to ensure actualising of investment pledges

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Govt urged to ensure actualising of investment pledges

National Union of Miners and Allied Workers has government to ensure that mining companies pledging huge financial investments actualize their pledges.

NUMAW Treasurer Saul Simujika says unlike that in the recent past where some investors made investment pledges that have never been actualized up to date, the new dawn government should be on top of things in ensuring the actualising of investment pledges.

ZANIS reports that Mr Simujika said it is very important that the new dawn government takes a leading role in actualisation of investment in terms of supervising mining companies despite its minority shareholding.

He said government should have the final whip to ensure that the pronouncements by mining investors do not end as mere lip pronouncements that are never fulfilled.

“ We got the news that First Quantum Minerals will be able to invest quiet substantial amount of money in their business, what we are expect is that when this money is ploughed into the business, it should translate into increased production, expansions on mining projects and improved conditions of service for workers,” He said.

And Mr. Simujika says the unions further expect increased job creation from the mining company as it injects the pledged investment.

Recently, during the Mining Indaba in South African where President Hakainde Hichilema gave a keynote speech, First Quantum Minerals pledged to invest $1.25 billion in an expansion programme of Kansanshi Mine.

The expansion project is expected to extend the life spun of the mine to around 2040 and increase copper and gold production by about 25 per cent.

Cleo Ice Queen collaborates with Towela Kaira “On my own” music video

Entertainment Editor
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Cleo Ice Queen collaborates with Towela Kaira “On my own” music video

Cleo Ice Queen and Towela Kaira released the video for “On my own“. The video was directed by Director LO of Reel Studios.

Government must explain why Sweden and Finland were allowed to fly Lesbian, Gay Flag-Nevers Mumba

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Government must explain why Sweden and Finland were allowed to fly Lesbian, Gay Flag-Nevers Mumba

Radio Phoenix reports that Former diplomat Nevers Mumba is urging the government through the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation to guide the nation on the laws regarding adherence to the Vienna Convention.

On Tuesday, May 17th 2022, the Swedish and Finnish embassies in Zambia flew the rainbow flag along with their own national flags on their premises which stands for the support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer And Intersex -LGBTQI- rights.

This act has received criticism from some stakeholders who have described it as a breach of the 1961 Vienna convention, and a lack due regard to the laws of Zambia and cultural sensitivity to its people.

Under article 20 of the Vienna convention, the mission is only allowed to fly the flag and emblem of their country on their premises and on the vehicle.

However, under the 1961 Vienna Convention Guiding Diplomatic Relations, diplomats are mandated to respect the law of the receiving state and it is a serious breach of the convention to break the law of the host country.

Commenting on this matter, Dr. Mumba says it is important that the ministry of foreign affairs makes it clear to Zambians why the two countries flew the rainbow flags and which laws and convention guided their actions in order to avoid wrong perceptions.

Zambia has not recognized LGBTQI rights and the practice of homosexuality remains a criminal offence in the country.

Efforts to get Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo on the matter proved futile as his mobile phone was switched off.

Fight against corruption that does not lead to convictions is mockery to the people of Zambia

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Fight against corruption that does not lead to convictions is mockery to the people of Zambia

By Pilato

The fight against corruption that does not lead to convictions is nothing but a mockery to the people of Zambia. The anti-corruption commission should sober up and take responsibility. We will not blame the suspects, we will not blame the judiciary and we will not blame ourselves. The ACC in its current form can easily be described as practical jokers not deserving our respect.

A professional entity cannot operate on social media drama and rumours the way ACC is doing. We remember how they called for a media briefing and announced that a certain ward councillor had bought a commercial bank for K300million. They abused our trust. We believed them and got excited that they had caught this thief. My uncle ba MWEWA Chitambala believed them and went running with the story and he was sued by one ward councillor ONLY for ACC to come back without shame to say they had the wrong information. Why should we trust them again?

Mr. Chitotela didn’t force anyone at ACC to sign any document, they entered into an agreement willingly and knowingly based on what? Why do they want to appear to be fighting corruption now by arresting and harassing the same person they sat down with and entered into an agreement with? Do they think that we are stupid? If you signed a deal with Mr Chitotela in 2019, what were the facts that influenced your commission to do so? Why are you arresting him now for the same suspicions? Yes, the fight against corruption is one that needs everyone’s support, but what did uncle Simon MWEWA get for believing and supporting the ACC? We can’t expect the judges to provide the facts just to convict Mr Chitotela, it is you ba ACC to do so and when you fail to provide facts, then what is your job?

The anti-corruption commission in Zambia is letting us the people down. Our confidence levels are at the lowest. Mr. Chitotela may not be our favorite guy but it is clear that ACC did wash him clean therefore instead of wasting our time, resources and attention, leave the man alone. You destroyed the case yourselves. We know most of our judges are corrupt and highly compromised but on this issue, they are not to blame.

The same can be said about the Kabushi guy. Who is the ACC legal advisor? Which constitution are they using to effect these Asset seizures? Are they doing so deliberately to frustrate the fight against corruption?

If you have no capacity to investigate thoroughly declare that publicly instead of wasting our time and resources. My appeal to the incoming ACC chairperson and Director-General is to start by investigating these incompetences by ACC itself.

My brother Munir Zulu did make serious allegations against ACC officials, we didn’t believe him but now we are beginning to believe that the ACC officials are highly and dangerously compromised. The new Chairperson SC Musa Mwenye and Mr Gilbert Phiri please we need to know who is frustrating this fight against corruption.

For now ACC should just close as we wait for parliament to ratify the new Director and Chairperson. ACC is not an entertainment organization so they should stop competing with Shi Mumbi and do the actual work for once.

US$6 million investment required in water, sanitation sector – Kalusa

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US$6 million investment required in water, sanitation sector – Kalusa

Government says there is a financing gap of US$6 million in the water and sanitation sector in the country.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Joe Kalusa said the investment opportunities are secure for anyone interested to work in the sector.

Mr Kalusa said the country has 11 water utility companies that require water and sanitation services from companies supplying parts and accessories and technical services.

“In the water sector, which is for water and sanitation, we expect to have an investment of US$6 million,” said Mr Kalusa.

He challenged investors to set up manufacturing and assembling plants for water equipment and other accessories for water and sanitation services in order to reduce costs.

“If we talk about the pipes, water meters, everything is imported, “pointed out Mr Kalusa.

He said the 11 water utility companies create a bigger market that any investor in the sector can tap into and recoup their investments and create jobs especially for youths.

Mr Kalusa said Zambia has adequate raw materials needed to manufacture water equipment, chemicals and other accessories.

The Permanent Secretary also appealed to Water and Sanitation investors like KSB Zambia to consider setting up workshops in provincial centres to facilitate maintenance and repair of water and sanitation equipment so that water utility firms, industrial and domestic customers are not inconvenienced.

“If a pump was to break down in Kasama where we have Chambeshi Water and Sanitation Company, it means we have to bring that pump from Chambeshi into Lusaka or Kitwe where KSB is based,” he said.

And German Water Sanitation Company KSB says it is keen to increase its investment in the water sector from US$3 million to US$6 million.

KSB Zambia Manager, Fanus Terblans said his company which is 150 years old has been in Zambia for five years and wants to expand its presence.

Mr Terblans said his company provides industrial and domestic water and sanitation accessories, solutions and services.

He pointed out that the business and regulatory framework has impacted positively on his company’s business.

He said his firm will collaborate with government and relevant authorities to enhance skills in the water and sanitation sector in order to improve service delivery.

Meanwhile, Impact Research Limited is conducting a research on expanding Water and Sanitation Project Baseline Assessment in 12 districts in Zambia.

The assessment is conducted on behalf of Research Triangle International’s Zambia USAID funded Project on expanding water and sanitation on the upcoming WASHE Project in Kazungula district as well as other districts in selected areas in the country.

This came to light during a special D-WASHE meeting held at Kazungula Council Chamber yesterday.

Impact Research Assistant, Brenda Mpande disclosed that in Southern Province, Kazungula and Kalomo districts were picked while in Muchinga Province, Mpika and Nchinsali are being covered.

Ms. Mpande added that other districts in the country include, Kalabo, Nalolo and Sesheke in Western Province as well as Luwingu and Nakonde in Northern Province.

“Impact Research is trying to assess the current situation in terms of water and sanitation in peri-urban and rural areas in the named districts. The information gathered will help Research Triangle International (RTI) and USAID to establish strategies that will enhance the enabling environment for private sector engagement in water service delivery in Zambia,” Ms. Mpande explained.

Ms. Mpande further stated that Impact Research Ltd also hopes to professionalize WASHE services, promote accountability for reliable and high quality service provision.

She mentioned that in Kazungula district, baseline assessment has been undertaken in 10 enumeration areas in four chiefdoms namely Mukuni, Sekute, Musokotwane and Nyawa respectively.

Ms. Mpande said a report will be generated on the findings and inform the RTI and USAID on the possibilities of the upcoming WASHE Project in those areas.

Research Triangle International is currently implementing USAID’s flagship Zambia Expanding Water and Sanitation Project (USAID ZEWP).

RTI is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition with a vision to address the world’s most critical problems with science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future.

Kitwe’s Chimwemwe MP laments the poor state of many roads in the constituency

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Kitwe’s Chimwemwe MP laments the poor state of many roads in the constituency

Kitwe’s Chimwemwe Constituency Member of Parliament Allen Banda has lamented the poor state of many roads in the constituency located in Kitwe City.

Speaking after touring selected roads in Chimwemwe Constituency on Thursday, Mr. Banda, the Patriotic Front (PF) MP, said it disheartening to see the deteriorating of roads in the constituency.

He cited Katilungu Road from Mpandafishala to Choppies, Nachibungulubwe Road from Chimwemwe to Kabala in Chimwemwe West as some roads that in a poor state.

Mr. Banda said the dilapidated roads in Chimwemwe Constituency require urgent attention.

He has since announced plans to patch up most of the roads while waiting for a permanent solution from the central government and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

“We toured some parts of our Constituency to check on the state of roads in the area. It is however, disheartening to see how deteriorated our roads are in the area.After our tour this afternoon, it has come to our attention that the state of roads in Chimwemwe requires urgent attention.Some of the roads we toured this afternoon were Katilungu Road from Mpandafishala to Choppies, Nachibungulubwe Road from Chimwemwe to Kabala in Chimwemwe West among others,” Mr. Banda said.

“To this effect, we wish to announce that efforts to patch up most of the roads are underway while waiting for a permanent solution from the central government and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).We further wish to assure you fellow residents of Chimwemwe Constituency that we will source for resources to help Grade and patch up some of the identified roads that require urgent attention before a permanent solution is found,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Banda discovered during his tour of the constituency that unscrupulous people have stolen some power cables that were recently installed at Salamano School by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA).

This is under the K2.2 Million REA project which has taken shape in the peri-urban of the constituency.

Mr. Banda said the theft and vandalism will derail the project that targets to connect to the national power grid 400 households in Salamano area.

“Allow me to also express my disappointment at the high levels of vandalism to public property in some parts of our Constituency.I was at pain to discover during our tour that some power cables that were recently installed at Salamano School by the Rural Electrification Authirity ( REA) under the 2.2 million Kwacha REA project have been stolen. This is the project which was undertaken by RETRO International Zambia following the contract signed by the two parties last year.Under this project, over 400 households in Salamano area were earmarked to be connected to the national grid at the end of the whole project.It is sad that thieves have stolen power cables at Salamano School and some nearby houses causing total blackout in the whole community few days after REA lit-up the area.The incident is a draw-back to the delivery of development and services to our people of Salamono and the surrounding areas,” Mr. Banda said.

He promised to engage REA to find ways of securing the cables and guarantee security in the area.

We however, assured the school management and residents of Salamano that we will soon engage REA to find ways of securing the cables and guarantee security in the area.We further warned perpetrators that the law will soon catch up with them.Earlier Salamano School Headteach Mr. Chapuswike appealed to us to consider putting up a one by three classroom block to decongest the current classrooms.Mr. Chapuswike disclosed that the introduction of free education by government has leade to the increased numbers in pupil enrolment.
Meanwhile we assured the School management that we will table the matter with Ward Development Committee (WDC) for possible action.
We also advised the School management to engage the community to submit the proposal to the WDC for consideration,” Mr. Banda said.

Zambian commercial farmers might shy away from growing maize

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Zambian commercial farmers might shy away from growing maize

Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo, has disclosed that commercial farmers might shy away from planting maize because of the cost of production attached to it.

Mr. Mtolo said he had a meeting with farmers recently where they expressed concern with the cost of maize.

He was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when visiting European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, called on him.

The minister told the EU official that the Russia-Ukraine war has led to an increase in the cost of maize production.

Mr. Mtolo has however said Zambia is food secure although certain stakeholders are uncomfortable with the country’s decision to export to neighbouring countries because of the cost of maize.

“I had a meeting with them, they were very open to say ‘we are not going to go into maize if we are going to buy fertilizer at an equivalent of a 1,200 or 1,400 dollars per ton, what price would we sell the maize at, at that margin for us to make profit?” he said.

And European Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, said there is a need for African countries to be self-sufficient to avoid shocks that have come with the Russia-Ukraine war.

Mr. Wojciechowski said Zambia needs to increase crop production to levels where the country will not be affected by external shocks.

He said issues of global food insecurity need to be urgently addressed.

Mr. Wojciechowski observed that Zambia has a huge potential to increase agriculture production.

“Zambia has a huge potential which we can together give support and exchange of views, knowledge and experience on how to increase the production but in a sustainable way,” Mr. Wojciechowski.

Excess teachers from Lusaka schools to be redeployed to rural areas – TCZ

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Excess teachers from Lusaka schools to be redeployed to rural areas – TCZ

Teaching Service Commission of Zambia (TSCZ) chairperson, Daphne Chimuka says the commission will soon decongest teachers from schools in Lusaka district to some rural schools.

Ms. Chimuka stated that this exercise is expected to increase the number of teachers in some rural schools which have been noted to have a deficit despite the current recruitment of teachers.

She said the commission wants to ensure that schools in both urban and rural areas have adequate teachers to enable school going children to access quality education.

Ms. Chimuka said this when she addressed head teachers from various zones during a meeting held at Chongwe Secondary school in Chongwe district.

She implored the head teachers to welcome teachers who will soon be deployed to their respective schools and embrace the ideas they may present to improve education services offered to school going children.

“Most of the teachers you will receive at your schools are young and have stayed for years without working. Some of them will come with new innovative ideas because they are young. Do not intimidate them but instead embrace these ideas to see how best they can contribute towards improving the quality of education your schools are giving to children,” Ms. Chimuka said.

Ms. Chimuka said head teachers should set good examples for the new teachers by being professional and upholding the set standards of the country’s teaching practice.

She urged the head teachers to induct the new teachers to work in line with the existing systems of the education sector and ensure that they are not indisciplined as they carry out their duties.

Ms. Chimuka also encouraged school authorities to lobby for construction of teacher’s houses through the constituency development fund (CDF) from their communities to accommodate newly recruited teachers.

“Engage your communities and request that they consider constructing houses for the new teachers using some of the funds allocated to their wards under CDF,” she said.

She further assured all teaching staff and head teachers working in the country’s public schools who have not been confirmed despite working for many years that the commission and ministry of education are making efforts to ensure that teaching staff are confirmed immediately after probation.

Speaking during the same event, Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ) Director for inspections, Fred Mwale called on head teachers and teachers to acquaint themselves with the legal framework and regulations which guide the teaching fraternity in the county.

Dr. Mwale stated that the guidelines have been established to foster professionalism among teachers.

He urged teachers across the country to take advantage of the online platform created by the council to process their applications for their practicing licenses.

And Chongwe Secondary school Head teacher, David Phiri who gave a vote of thanks assured TSCZ and TCZ that head teachers in Chongwe are ready to work with the new teachers who will be deployed to their schools adding that they will give them the necessary support.

Mr. Phiri said no teacher will be intimidated on the basis of tribe as the school heads in the district have proved to be professional in the manner in which they execute their duties.

Zambia receives over 2,5 million doses of vaccines under Covax facility

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Zambia receives over 2,5 million doses of vaccines under Covax facility

Zambia has received over 2.5 million doses of Johnson’s and Johnsons Covid 19 vaccines from Germany, Italy and Croatia through the Covax Facility.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Technical Services Lackson Kasonka who received the donation at Kenneth Kaunda international airport yesterday, said 1,296,000 doses have come from Germany, while, 1,267,200 doses are from Italy and 7,200 have come from Croatia.

Prof Kasonka said Zambia was nominated to be part of the beneficiaries of these donations through Covax Facility hence the donation.

He said that through the Covax Facility, Zambia had benefited about 7 million doses of Covid 19 vaccinations.

Prof Kasonka who thanked the three counties for their donations said this calls for Zambians to get vaccinated especially through this ongoing countrywide vaccination campaign.

He said the consignment received yesterday brings the total number of vaccines received in the country to about 12,976,810 doses.

And Germany Ambassador to Zambia, Anne Mitchell said the Republic of Germany will continue partnering with Zambia to ensure that the country successful fights the Covid 19 pandemic.

Ms Mitchell has since called on Zambians to get vaccinated and ensure that the cases of Covid 19 are reduced.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Country Representative, Penelope Campbell said UNICEF will also continue to support Zambia in the fight against covid-19 and other related health issues.

ACC officers accused of ransacking Lusambo’s house, disable CCTV as one Zebra dies

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ACC officers accused of ransacking Lusambo’s house, disable CCTV as one Zebra dies

Officers from the Anti Corruption Commission broke down the main front door to Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo’s house and accessed the inside of the property.

The officers also disabled the CCTV system on the property by removing the cables and tempering with the electronic wire fence.

During their newly two months of seizing the property, the ACC officers also saw the death of a male Zebra under their care.

This was revealed on Thursday when Mr. Lusambo toured the property with his family following an order by the Magistrate Court for the ACC to vacate the property.

The family has since decided not to move back into the house until it is forensically cleaned by security experts.

The ransacking of the property was against the seizure order that the ACC officers allegedly obtained which only allowed them to seize the property by changing locks to the main gates.

Mr. Lusambo described the behavior of your ACC officers as unprofessional and uncalled for.

“These are a bunch of unprofessional men and women masquerading as officers, they are so unprofessional that they jumped the security wall, disabled my CCTV and started messing around my house. When they got into my house, they started admiring my bed and telling each other that how can Bowman be sleeping on such an expensive bed which can pay for my salary for a year.”

He added, “they came to my house with a fake seizure notice. No Magistrate issued an order to seize my property, they lied and produced a fake notice which we challenged in court and this is why they have lost.”

Mr. Lusambo said what is going on is not a fight against corruption but political persecution.

“So the President doesn’t like Bowman, he instructs ACC to find something on him and when they fail, he tells them to just go and inconvenience him. Freeze his accounts and grab his house and this is what you are calling fight against corruption?”

Mr. Lusambo challenged President Hichilema to focus on fixing the economy and not fixing perceived political enemies.

CCTV cables cut off and disabled at Mr. Lusambo’s house
CCTV cables cut off and disabled at Mr. Lusambo’s house

Back entrance to Mr. Lusambo’s house whose glass door was brought down forcibly.
Back entrance to Mr. Lusambo’s house whose glass door was brought down forcibly.
Back entrance to Mr. Lusambo’s house whose glass door was brought down forcibly.
Back entrance to Mr. Lusambo’s house whose glass door was brought down forcibly.
Bowman Lusambo inspecting the house
Bowman Lusambo inspecting the house

Sautu: Local Call-Ups Hungry to Make Chipolopolo Cut

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Zesco United midfielder Spencer Sautu says his fellow home-based Chipolopolo call-ups are fighting very hard not just to make the numbers for June’s 2023 AFCON Group H qualifiers as Zambia prepares for its fourth attempt to qualifying for the biannual tournament.

Chipolopolo has not been to the AFCON since 2015 and the pressure is mounting for the team to stand up and be counted on the road to the Cote d’Ivoire finals.

Twenty two home-based players entered camp on Tuesday in Lusaka under Aljosa Asanovic to push for a place and join the foreign-based regulars who include Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu and Fashion Sakala for the June dates against Cote d’Ivoire and Comoros.

Sautu said the home-based crew is coming with the same enthusiasm from domestic completion that saw Red Arrows buck the trend to end Zesco and Zanaco’s almost 15-year duopoly of the FAZ Super League title.

“So you have seen just in the just ended FAZ Super League, it is equally the same with the players called-up in the national team. Everyone is pushing, everyone is equal to the task, everyone must just concentrate to fight for that position,” Sautu said.

“One cannot say there is no competition, competition will always be there because it is every players dream to don the national team jersey and play for their country.”

Chipolopolo kickoff their Group H campaign away against Cote d’Ivoire on June 4 in Abidjan and then hosts Comoros on June 7 in Lusaka.

“Yes, Ivory Coast is not a pushover, it is one of the best teams in Africa so for us in another way that is what is going to give us motivation to fight as a team,” Sautu said.

EU-Zambia partnership to change economic landscape-Nalumango

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EU-Zambia partnership to change economic landscape-Nalumango

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has described the just ended inaugural European Union (EU) -Zambia Economic Forum as a successful meeting that will change the economic landscape of Zambia.

Mrs. Nalumango said the forum must be used as a springboard to strengthen and remodel the longstanding trade and investment relations between Zambia and the EU.

Speaking when she officially closed the EU-Zambia Economic Forum, Mrs. Nalumango urged Zambian businesses to take a leading role in forging partnerships with EU firms and penetrate the European market.

She said the new dawn administration is determined to make the private sector the engine of the country’s economic recovery through growth and job creation.

“I am extremely excited with what has gone on in this forum, I am pleased to announce that the inaugural European Union-Zambia Business Forum has been a success,” declared Mrs. Nalumango.

She said the new level of EU-Zambia engagement should move away from mere cooperating partnership to business cooperation.

Mrs. Nalumango has since directed the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to assist all EU companies that attended the economic forum to actualise their deals, partnerships and export undertakings.

Speaking earlier, Minister of Commerce, Chipoka Mulenga, said it is important that Zambia begins to add value to her raw materials to achieve increased benefits from a large market which is presented by one of the world’s largest economies.

Mr. Mulenga said government has provided a platform that promotes an enabling environment for private sector growth and the development of entrepreneurship to spur national economic development.

The Commerce Minister has since urged the EU business leaders that attended the economic forum to sample Zambia’s tourism by visiting Livingstone at the end of the meeting.

Acting Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director, Alfred Halwampa, challenged the private sector to make the EU market Zambia’s new playground through exports.

“Zambia will make the EU a playground and ensure that goods are marketed there,” said Mr. Halwampa

He said ZDA is prepared to assist Zambian companies to meet EU market standards.

He said Zambia can triple her gross domestic product (GDP) from around US$30 billion to US$100 billion by actualising trade and investment partnerships with EU businesses.

Mr. Halwampa projected that in the next three years, Zambia should reach the levels of countries like Kenya that have aggressively penetrated the EU market and annually make US$300 million from exporting avocados and US$1.8 billion for flowers.

Deputy Head of the EU-Delegation to Zambia, Bruno Hanse, said the inaugural EU-Zambia economic forum has already produced results which need to be consolidated to bring about more benefits to Zambians.

Ambassador Hanse said Zambian businesses must engage in new partnerships to promote green growth in the economy.

He proposed that the forum should become a permanent feature to benefit both Zambian and EU businesses in unlocking and consolidating business opportunities.

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