South Luangwa: A Top Destination For Wild Dogs
Tracks4Africa, July 26, 2022
South Luangwa National Park is famous for its untamed atmosphere. But did you know it’s a top destination for wild dogs? Photographer Peter Geraerdts shares an update on the painted dogs.
South Luangwa National Park could be called the Valley of the Wild Dogs. In 2018, the Zambian Carnivore Programme announced that the Luangwa Valley is home to the country’s largest wild dog population. When I started guiding for Track and Trail River Camp in 2010, I didn’t witness nearly as many sightings. But the period from 2017 up to now has seen a noticeable increase.
From our camp just across the Luangwa River from the park, I lead regular game drives into this pristine environment. I have fallen in love with the beautiful landscape and its ebony groves, mopani woodlands and leadwood forests. The Luangwa River, which we often admire from the camp’s elevated pool, is the lifeblood of this ecosystem. It draws high concentrations of game, particularly during winter and spring. And where the game go, so do the predators.
In fact, it’s been an action-packed season as far as wild dogs are concerned. A pack of 20 wild dogs shows up regularly in the open areas of Mfuwe towards Chichele Hill. It’s such a pleasure to see these dogs do what they do best, completely oblivious to the spectators.
Wild dogs are extremely efficient hunters with a success rate of about 75%. The female puku in the photograph falls in the 25% that got away. She was too quick and too smart for the dogs. She even leapt over the attacking dogs a couple of times to get away.
Wild dogs are fleet-footed and efficient hunters, but sometimes their prey manage to give them the slip.
Recent wild dog sightings
Winter is denning time for the dogs and most pregnant females have settled in at a burrow. The Alpha female can give birth to over a dozen pups at a time. One caretaker always stays behind with the pregnant female while the other pack members hunt and bring back food to the burrow.
We find that pack formations change every year. Some packs are joined by members from other packs, even crossing the Luangwa River to join a new pack in another territory.
Also called painted dogs, each pack member has a distinct coat pattern.
Hyenas and wild dogs are not the best of friends, to put it mildly. First of all, hyenas can be a threat to the young pups. Secondly, hyenas are the ‘pirates of the bush’, always ready to steal a kill from other predators. But if the hyenas are outnumbered, they risk a painful nip or two. The dogs are quick to snap away when a hyena is trying to escape. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve had a few of these hyena vs wild dog sightings.
A showdown between wild dogs and a hyena, one of the thrilling encounters recently experienced in South Luangwa.
How to prepare for a wild dog encounter
Lots of travellers no longer bother bringing fancy cameras and heavy equipment on their holidays. Nowadays smartphones can get good results if your subject is not too far away from the vehicle. What does make a difference is catching that specific moment in the right light. Wild dogs are mostly active in the early mornings and late afternoons as this is when they hunt. Fortunately, this is the same time when the light is most interesting for pictures.
Golden light picks out the outlines of a wild dog.
The best chance of catching wild dogs on a hunt is to ‘Track and Trail’ them. Locate them during the day while they are resting. Stay with the pack and look for signs that they are getting ready to hunt. The dogs will begin with stretching their muscles and grooming. After a quick shuffle here and there to relieve themselves, it is game on.
At this point, make sure your camera settings are right, particularly for action shots. Dogs are fast and antelope in flight even faster. Blurry dogs can be an obvious result if the camera settings are overlooked.
Keep your camera at the ready, because when the wild dogs go over into action, things will happen quickly.
When it’s hot, the dogs hunt at dusk from 17:30 till 18:00 (September till January). During the colder months of the year, from May till September, they can start hunting a bit earlier, from 16:30 onwards. When the moon is out, they can continue hunting into the night.
Travel tips
Driving from Lusaka to Mfuwe via Chipata takes around 9-10 hours. The road conditions have improved considerably over the past few years. These days overlanders can travel along a tarred road all the way, bar some potholes here and there.
Although Track and Trail River Camp offers luxurious en-suite accommodation like many other South Luangwa Lodges, we also have camping. The campsite has BBQ stands and electricity, as well as ample ablution facilities. What’s more, campers can use the bar/restaurant, bush gym and elevated pool.
The campsite barbeque islands and ample shade. Something different is the raised platforms where you could also pitch your tent for $15, the same price as camping.
Situated on the riverbank, the pool is a favourite spot for its incredible views over the Luangwa River.
The roads within South Luangwa National Park are fairly good once graded by the wildlife authorities. This is mostly done by the end of May. Note that you require a 4×4 vehicle to cross sandy riverbeds.
For more sightings from South Luangwa National Park, follow @petergeraerdts on Instagram.
Image: Peter Geraredts
SA Energy Crisis: Eskom To Import Power From Zambia, Botswana
ZNBC, July 26, 2022
BBC-Following three weeks of the worst power cuts in South Africa’s history, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a raft of interventions aimed at solving South Africa’s energy crisis.
These include improving the performance of state-owned power company Eskom as well as opening up electricity generation to private companies.
It follows 10 days of extensive discussions with energy experts to address the country’s immediate and long-term electricity requirements.
The main priority is fixing embattled Eskom: the utility’s maintenance budget will be increased to fix its ageing fleet of power stations.
Surplus electricity from independent power producers will be bought by the government and fed into the grid.
Eskom will also be sourcing power from neighbouring Botswana and Zambia through the Southern Africa Power Pool.
Other measures announced by the president include removing red tape for renewable energy projects and offering incentives to businesses and individuals to install and sell surplus power to the national grid.
Pointing to the future, President Ramaphosa said Eskom would have to coexist with private companies to ensure a diversity of electricity supply.
However the national grid will continue to be owned entirely by the state.
Black Professionals in Tech Network launches in Zambia
Mwebantu, July 26, 2022
The Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN), the largest network of Black tech professionals in North America, with over 60,000 Black tech professional members globally, has officially launched in Zambia.
BPTN which launched on Friday 22nd July at Bongo Hive Technology Hub Lusaka provides a dynamic platform (obsidi.com) for global tech companies to build relationships with Black tech professionals across North America and in other global cities, enable large employers to hire talent and be seen as “An Employer of Choice” for Black tech professionals.
Mr. Lekan Olawoye, Founder of BPTN said he is confident that the launch of BPTN in Zambia will create an enabling platform for tech professionals to soar in their careers through provision of mentorship, master classes and resources as well as tap into BPTN network of career growers who are constantly seeking to hire Black tech talent, using this platform. Renowned company partners include Microsoft, IBM, LinkedIn, Deloitte, PwC, HPE, Intuit, Yelp, RBC bank, and many more global companies.
“BPTN is here to stay and will be investing $500,000USD yearly into the Zambian economy through hiring 17+ Fulltime staff, renting an office space in Lusaka and purchasing of equipment. Our Zambian office will be our Software engineering office, and it will help BPTN Inc build and maintain its global platform (obsidi.com). “He added.
In addition, BPTN offers support to partner companies through training sessions rich with relevant and culturally accurate content to enable the company to understand the Black tech professional experience, thereby supporting them to transform their systems and structure to better attract and retain talent.
We are a full-service firm that is a go-to partner for all things Black talent. This is what makes us a leading company, our ability to be the intimate partner for leading companies to solve their strategic hiring and retention needs.
Zambia's Kafue National Park Steps Up Its Tourism Game
Travel Weekly, July 23, 2022
Kafue National Park in western Zambia has stepped into the tourism spotlight in the past few months with several new eco-focused developments.
The park is situated in the world's largest transfrontier conservation area, the Kavango Zambezi, which straddles five countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is among the world's most important natural heritage sites and is home to elephants, large predators, 21 species of antelope and 515 species of birds. It is said that Kafue holds the potential to become one of Africa's most exceptional tourist destinations.
In July this year, the government of Zambia signed a 20-year agreement with African Parks to secure the protection and effective management of Kafue National Park, promising greater investment in all aspects of park management, from biodiversity to socio-economic development.
Zambia Ministry of Tourism permanent secretary Evans Muhanga commented on the agreement, saying this was a new and exciting chapter for Kafue National Park. Projects on the card include upgrades of roads to improve visitor access, development of community facilities and projects and an upgraded communications network.
According to African Parks CEO Peter Fearnhead, the partnership marks the beginning of the process to fully restore Kafue as one of Africa's greatest conservation areas. "In addition to investing in Kafue's exceptional landscape and the conservation of its biodiversity, it also enhances Kafue's value for communities and its economic contribution to the country," he said.
Eco-focused safari lodges
Many of the lodges in Kafue National Park have adopted an ecological approach to safaris. One of them is Green Safaris' Ila Safari Lodge. Built in 2016, Ila was the first lodge to introduce electric game-drive vehicles in Zambia. But the property took the electric safari vehicle concept to the next level when it introduced "solar safaris" on the Kafue River with an e-boat.
From environmentally friendly, locally sourced building materials to solar-powered electricity, Ila is a truly environmentally conscious safari experience. The lodge is powered by a huge solar bank providing the vast majority of power. Hot water is generated by solar water heaters, and the main boma (communal area) is made from materials sourced locally and sustainably, with the walls having been built using sandbag technology that only requires a small percentage of cement.
Unspoiled wilderness areas
Farther north in Kafue National Park is Busanga Plains, one of the most untouched wilderness areas in Africa. The area, which is particularly known for its rich lion populations and abundant birdlife, is probably best suited to second- or third-time visitors to Africa who have already been to the Kruger and/or Botswana.
The plains are positioned on an ancient lake bed and undergo regular flooding during the rainy season from November to April, so camps are mostly seasonal, open from June to October.
Green Safaris offers an e-mountain bike experience at its Chisa Busanga Camp. Travelers can experience the wonders of Busanga quietly and at a comfortable pace from the seat of an electronic mountain bike, with an experienced guide sharing their knowledge of the bush.
Chisa is the Nyanja word for "birds nest," so fittingly the rooms were inspired by weaver bird nests. The camp features four "Nests," which are built about 13 feet off the ground and shaded by terminalia trees.
For avid safari-goers who are on the lookout for a unique and authentic wilderness experience, Kafue National Park is definitely a destination worthy of consideration.
Image: Andrew Beck
“We Are Aggressively Marketing Zambia,” ZTA Says
ZNBC, July 22, 2022
Paul Shalala-The Zambia Tourism Agency -ZTA says it is working with both the public and private sectors to aggressively market Zambia and increase tourism arrivals.
ZTA Acting Chief Executive Officer CHAVUNGA LUNGU says his organisation and the Ministry of Tourism are engaging the private sector to ensure that they market Zambia in a unified way.
Mr LUNGU says the engagements are ongoing and the need to woo more tourists is paramount because of the benefits that tourism brings to the country.
Meanwhile, Mr LUNGU says the listing of the Lower Zambezi National Park as one of the best 100 places to visit worldwide is an exciting achievement.
Mr LUNGU says Time Magazine is a credible publication whose profiling is likely to woo more American tourists to Zambia.
The Acting ZTA Chief Executive Officer said this when he featured live on the TV1 13:00hrs news.
Image: Arpit Rastogi via Unsplash
ICT Key In Digital Empowerment – Habeenzu
ZNBC, July 22, 2022
By Etambuyu Katota-Technology and Science Permanent Secretary BRILLIANT HABEENZU says serious investment in Information and Communication Technology is key in facilitating digital empowerment and sustainable livelihoods for Zambians.
Dr. HABEENZU says government strategic development key areas such as economic diversification, transformation and job creation will be unlocked through digital transformation.
Speaking during the Launch of the Asikana Network Training for Women in Technology, Dr. HABEENZU said mobile companies are already providing means for young people to earn a living as some of them are agents.
And, MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer BART HOFKER said the company is committed to supporting government initiatives meant to increase the participation of women and girls in science and technology.
Meanwhile, Huawei Managing Director BETTE CHEN in a speech read for her by Huawei Account Manager Zambia LAURA LI said Zambia is making significant strides in closing digital gaps through investment in technology development and digital infrastructure.
Image via NASA
Zambia, India Ink Deal For Medical Facility
ZNBC, July 20, 2022
Zanis-Zambia has clinched a deal with the Indian government for the establishment of a state of art medical facility.
The medical facility to be set up in Zambia is aimed at providing quality health care to the people who often seek specialised medical treatment abroad.
Vice President MUTALE NALUMANGO and Apollo Hospital management made the Agreement after engaging in discussions of mutual interest in New Delhi, India.
Mrs. NALUMANGO said government is prioritizing health, due to its importance to the attainment of the country’s development goals.
She noted that many patients from across the world including Zambia have benefited from the services of Apollo Hospitals.
The Vice President said the establishment of Apollo Hospital in Zambia will bring quality specialized health care services closer to the many citizens.
Mrs. NALUMANGO pointed out that due to Zambia’s unique location in the region, patients from neighbouring countries will immensely benefit from the health care services.
And Apollo Hospital Vice President for Corporate Development HARINDER SIDHU noted that his team remains committed to provide appropriate quality health care services in order to help people access improved health care services.
Dr. SIDHU said his hospital is determined to continue collaborating with countries like Zambia in the provision of health care services.
And Director of Medical Services SHANTI SAUSAL added that the hospital has a team of highly trained staff that have performed groundbreaking surgeries and helped save lives of many patients.
The Vice President later toured the medical facility’s outpatient and inpatient departments along with the high tech diagnostic equipment.
During the tour, Mrs. NALUMANGO visited and checked upon Zambians at the hospital seeking various medical care and other services.
Apollo Hospital in India has 74 hospitals under its brand with over 4,500 pharmacies, a wide range of medical schools, nursing care establishments and offers basic medical care to complex problems.
Ritam Holdings Plans $500m Investment
Zambia Daily Mail, July 12, 2022
RITAM Holdings, a South African holding company, will in the next three years invest US$500 million in various sectors of the economy, with a targeted 2,000 jobs for the local people.
This follows the good policies of the New Dawn government, particularly the ones encoded by President Hakainde Hichilema during the mining indaba in South Africa recently.
Mr Hichilema pledged Zambia’s active participation in Africa’s economic agenda through unlocking investment potential in the extractive industry.
He said to this effect, Zambia has started reforming its mining sector in order for the country to maximize its potential for economic development.
Key sectors covered up by the company include health, agriculture, mining, finance and energy.
The company has set up base in Lusaka and plans to acquire land and start building a multi-storey head office within 90 days.
Ritam Holdings chairman Mcebisi Mlonzi said: “As a South African diversified holdings company, we found it befitting to work in partnership with Zambia, given our southern African ties to strive to become Africa’s leading diversified industrial group, applying innovation, technology and resources to enhance the sustainability and development of human life.
“We will be launching a multi-sector investment in Zambia, this is off the successful partnership with Government on a hospital infrastructure project through one of Ritam Holdings subsidiaries, TFM. The success of the hospital has paved way for Ritam Holdings to strengthen its ties with Zambia by launching a multi-sector group of companies supported by investments that will exceed US$500 million over the next three years.”
Mr Mlonzi said in a statement yesterday that the broader vision for Zambia is to make a positive contribution to the economy by creating value, wealth, jobs and transferring skills.
Meanwhile, Ritam Ecomed Zambia chief executive officer Marius Smith said the goal of the firm is to be the first choice for medical equipment solutions, supported by innovative technology, quality and comprehensive range of products, among others.
Ritam Ecomed, a subsidiary of Ritam Holdings, is a flagship medical equipment supply, installation, commissioning, servicing, maintenance and training company that has partnered with Zambian-based healthcare company Kano Healthcare Solutions.
Under the partnership, Ritam Ecomed will provide solutions in the areas of intensive care units, theatres, maternity wards, general wards, trauma units, radiology, emergency medical services, homecare and pain management.
The Zambian Government Makes Historic Commitment to Protect Kafue National Park
African Parks, July 2, 2022
Lusaka, Zambia: On the 1st of July 2022, the Government of Zambia and conservation non-profit organisation, African Parks, announced the signing of a 20- year-agreement for the Kafue National Park in a landmark commitment to secure the protection and effective management of one of Africa’s ten largest national parks. This significant new partnership will deliver greater investment in all aspects of Kafue’s park management, to realise its exceptional value to biodiversity, socio-economic development and the people of Zambia.
The agreement follows the successful conclusion of a 16-month Priority Support Plan (PSP), initiated in February 2021 by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and African Parks, to provide technical and financial support for Kafue. Funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund grant, and supported by The Nature Conservancy and the Elephant Crisis Fund, the PSP has been central to concluding this momentous full-term mandate.
Speaking during the event in Lusaka, Zambia Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga stated, “Following nearly two decades of collaborating with African Parks, the Government of Zambia is confident that this partnership will protect Kafue’s valuable landscape for the benefit of the country. This is a new and exciting chapter for Kafue National Park and we look forward to the socio-economic development and other opportunities that come from expanding sustainable tourism through effective park and wildlife management. We also greatly appreciate the support provided by the Dutch Postcode Lottery for this project.”
Through the PSP, African Parks has laid the foundation for the ongoing development and management of Kafue. During this period US$3.6 million was invested into park infrastructure and operations, including: the construction of a new law enforcement centre; rehabilitation of existing infrastructure at Chunga and Ngoma; grading of 2000 km of roads; aerial support to law enforcement operations with both helicopter and fixed wing; completion of an aerial census for the entire landscape; and the creation of 150 permanent jobs. It also included US$800 000 in law enforcement salaries, which were reimbursed to the Government of Zambia.
The new agreement provides a full mandate to implement a holistic management plan, including a continuation of the work set out in the PSP. Priorities for 2022 include further upgrades of roads to improve visitor access, development of community facilities and projects, an upgraded communications network and the operationalisation of the state-of-the-art law enforcement centre.
African Parks’ CEO, Peter Fearnhead said: “Through the conclusion of this management partnership, the Zambian Government sets in motion the process to fully restore Kafue as one of Africa’s greatest conservation areas. In addition to investing in Kafue’s exceptional landscape and the conservation of its biodiversity, it also enhances Kafue’s value for communities and its economic contribution to the country.”
Spanning 22,400 km2, Kafue National Park is situated in the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area, the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA TFCA), which straddles five countries - Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The park is amongst the world’s most important natural heritage sites and an essential water source for the region. One of the last vast expanses of the iconic Zambezian ecoregion, and home to elephant, large predators, 21 species of antelope and 515 bird species, Kafue holds potential to become one of Africa’s most exceptional tourist destinations.
The Government of Zambia first partnered with African Parks in 2003 in Liuwa Plain National Park and subsequently in 2008 in Bangweulu Wetlands. Kafue National Park is the 20th park to join African Parks’ portfolio.
This is made possible by the Dutch Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund grant, a 16.9 million Euro contribution awarded to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Peace Parks Foundation and African Parks to assist KAZA partner states in securing the TFCA through integrated initiatives. The long-term mandate will continue to be supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund.
USAID Commits $60 Million Towards Addressing Zambia’s Economic Challenges
Lusaka Times, June 30, 2022
The United States government has committed to contribute over 60 million United Stated dollars to Zambia to help address some of the economic challenges the country is facing.
USAID Administrator, Samantha Power said 9 million United States Dollars will go towards addressing the immediate effects of high fuel prices and food insecurity in the country.
Ms Power noted that the 30 million United States Dollars will go towards boosting trade and investment in the country to attract foreign markets and the other 20 million United States Dollars will go towards Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs).
She added that the other 4 million United States Dollars will go towards addressing some of the legal reforms arising from integrity and corruption among other things.
The Administrator announced this investment yesterday when she paid a courtesy call on President Hakainde Hichilema at State House yesterday.
Ms Power added that the US government is committed to supporting Zambia’s democratic advances by addressing issues of economic humanitarian and geopolitical issues.
She however commended government for the excellent reform agenda of the country adding that the US government will continue to support Zambia so that the country can be reformed to become a better country.
Ms Power said 10 months ago, Zambia was filled with things to deal with corruption and high inflation rates adding that the world can see the commitment that the new government is doing to change the picture.
And President Hakainde Hichilema has thanked the United States government for the unwavering support that they have continued to give Zambia.
Mr Hichilema noted that the United States government has supported Zambia in almost all the sectors of the economy starting from education, health and water reticulation among others.
He said the funds that the US government has committed to give Zambia will go a long way in addresses some economic challenges.
The Head of State noted that the funds will help balance the economy and in turn market Zambia internationally.
Zambia’s Implementation of Economic Program is Impressive, IMF Says
Zambia Invest, June 20, 2022
Ms. Antoinette M. Sayeh, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), recently visit Zambia and issued a statement at its conclusion in which she praises the authorities’ efforts in restoring macroeconomic stability.
In her statement, she thanked Zambia’s President Hichilema, the Minister of Finance and National Planning Musokotwane, and other senior officials for their hospitality, and civil society organizations, parliamentarians, and the donor community for their engagement.
“I was happy to have the opportunity to hear about recent economic developments, including the impact of rising global commodity prices, and their implications for the economic outlook. I welcomed the sustained commitment of the authorities to the reform plans outlined in the context of the December 2021 staff-level agreement on an IMF-supported program. Zambia’s implementation to date of its homegrown economic program is impressive. This is a robust program that can achieve the authorities’ goals of restoring macroeconomic stability and laying the foundations for more resilient and inclusive growth,” she noted.
She also praised the authorities’ focus on greater investment in education and health and was pleased to hear that the execution of this spending is on track.
The statement concludes: “We (the IMF) are encouraged by the news that the official creditor committee will meet today to begin deliberations on Zambia’s request for a debt treatment under the G20 Common Framework. We urge creditors to provide financing assurances as soon as possible, as they are needed before staff can put forward Zambia’s program for consideration by the IMF Executive Board. This will allow Zambia to access Fund resources, and also unlock access to critical financing from other partners, to help boost its economic recovery.”
Read more at: https://www.zambiainvest.com/economy/implementation-of-economic-program-impressive-imf/ and follow us on www.twitter.com/zambia_invest
Zambia Investment Agency Signs MoU with Kenya Investment Authority
Zambia Invest, June 22, 2022
On 21st June 202, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the cooperation of the two institutions in investment promotion and exchange of investment-related information.
The MoD wth signed in Nairobi by ZDA Acting Director-General Albert Halwampa and by KenInvest Managing Director Olivia Rachier.
Through the MoU the two institutions have established a practical framework for the development of stronger business relations and strengthening of institutional relations and capacity building through mutual cooperation.
The objectives of the MoU include leveraging on parties resources in promoting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) consistent with the underlying institutional mandate and legal framework of the two institutions.
In addition, the two institutions hope to jointly execute activities that will enhance the investment relations between Zambia and Kenya, and strengthen and maintain technical cooperation in areas identified in the agreement.
The identified areas of collaboration include investment promotion and business facilitation, information exchange, collaboration and exchange programs, organization of events and aftercare facilitation.
In the area of investment promotion, the two parties agreed to facilitate and aid investors from the country of one party desiring to invest in the country of the other party.
Further, the parties will focus on both outward and inward foreign direct investment between both countries while collaborating and assisting each other in establishing, developing and packaging investment projects in both jurisdictions.
In terms of collaboration and exchange programs, the two institutions will encourage and support the exchange of technical expertise, knowledge, and training opportunities in investment promotion, investment facilitation, investor aftercare, and policy advocacy.
The two parties will also promote the transfer of technology between the two countries in priority sectors of their economies and encourage linkages and partnerships between Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from both countries. Meanwhile, in the area of organization or business missions, the two parties will organize delegations related to investment in the country of either party and participate in exhibitions, meetings and conferences organized by either party.
Zambeef to Invest USD $100 Million to Double Crop Production
Zambia Invest, June 21, 2022
Zambeef Products Plc (AIM:ZAM, LUSE:ZAMBF), the largest food products and agribusiness company in Zambia, has recently announced a USD 100 million expansion plan that will double its crop production while adding associated value and capacity to the company’s stockfeed, meat production and processing facilities and retailing operations.
Zambeef is involved in the primary production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, eggs, dairy, fish, flour, stock feed and day-old chicks throughout Zambia and the surrounding region. It operates 236 retail outlets in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana.
Zambeef also has one of the largest row cropping operations in Zambia, growing maize, soybeans and wheat. Zambeef plants nearly 23,000 hectares annually, with most of the resulting crops being used in the Zambeef animal feed and flour milling businesses.
In its press release, the company explains that it will not only expand its various value chain production capacities but will also deliver developmental impact to the Zambian economy through job creation, increased tax revenue and supporting ancillary businesses such as small-scale farmers and small to medium-sized businesses.
Zambeef currently secures the produce of 1,700 small-scale farmers and post the expansion of the number of small-scale farmers it supports by buying their produce, and is targeted to grow this number to 6,760, thereby creating more jobs and contributing to the alleviation of poverty.
The investment will double the company’s Mpongwe farm’s row cropping capacity of grains to 150,000 tons per annum, consisting primarily of wheat and soya beans.
The envisaged expanded wheat production capacity will position Zambeef to be contributing approximately 20% of Zambia’s total annual production.
In response to the news, Zambia’s Minister of Finance Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane said: “This investment is extremely pleasing as it is in direct response to the government’s support of the private sector in undertaking development projects and demonstrates the confidence Zambeef has in the seriousness of the government in its pledge to support the growth of home-grown businesses. The Government is further gratified that the investment comes at the right time, when the world is grappling with an imminent food crisis. The investment will not only ensure national food security, but will boost the Zambian economy and improve livelihoods. It will propel Zambia on its path to attaining the goal of being the food basket of the region”.
Zambia GDP to Grow 3.1% and 3.6% in 2022 and 2023, IMF Projects
Zambia Invest, June 20, 2022
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently released its World Economic Outlook Report (WEO) 2022, projecting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of +3.1% and +3.6% for Zambia in 2022 and 2023.
Global Economic Growth in 2022 and 2023
Global economic prospects have worsened significantly since the IMF’s last World Economic Outlook forecast in January 2022, the report explains.
At the time, the IMF had projected the global recovery to strengthen from the second quarter of 2022 after a short-lived impact of the Omicron variant.
Since then, the outlook has deteriorated largely because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—causing a tragic humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe—and the sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia to end hostilities.
This crisis unfolds while the global economy was on a mending path but had not yet fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant divergence between the economic recoveries of advanced economies and emerging markets and developing ones.
In addition to the war, frequent and wider-ranging lockdowns in China—including in key manufacturing hubs—have also slowed activity there and could cause new bottlenecks in global supply chains.
Higher, broader, and more persistent price pressures also led to a tightening of monetary policy in many countries.
Overall risks to economic prospects have risen sharply and policy trade-offs have become ever more challenging.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian impacts, the war will severely set back the global recovery, slowing growth and increasing inflation even further.
The report projects global growth at 3.6% in 2022 and 2023 from an estimated 6.1% in 2021.
The downgrade largely reflects the war’s direct impacts on Russia and Ukraine and global spillovers.
Beyond 2023, global growth is forecast to decline to about 3.3% over the medium term.
Because Russia is a major supplier of oil, gas, and metals, and, together with Ukraine, of wheat and corn, the current and anticipated decline in the supply of these commodities has already driven their prices up sharply.
Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa are most affected. The food and fuel price increases will hurt lower-income households globally.
Moreover, many countries have limited fiscal policy space to cushion the impact of the war on their economies.
In this difficult and uncertain environment, effective national-level policies and multilateral efforts have an ever more important role in shaping economic outcomes. Central banks will need to adjust their monetary stances even more aggressively should medium- or long-term inflation expectations start drifting from central bank targets or core inflation remains persistently elevated.
Copperbelt Business Groups Praise President HH’s Commitment To Mining Sector
Zambian Observer, June 14, 2022
Business groups and other stakeholders on the Copperbelt have praised President Hichilema for his commitment to the mining sector; in particular his pledge to unlock opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.
On Saturday, the President addressed a large crowd of residents at the Chaganamai grounds in Kitwe. During his speech, he reiterated the government’s commitment to unlocking opportunities at Konkola and Mopani Copper Mines in order to create local jobs.
The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) described the news as “welcome”, saying that it was something local small and medium-sized enterprises had been looking forward to for some time.
ZAM President Ashu Sagar said the priority for the government should be to allow local contractors and suppliers to participate in mineral resource value chains. He observed that President Hichilema’s plans to resuscitate the Zambian economy chimed well with this.
In recent weeks the government has been working to unlock operations at the previously gridlocked Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Mines. Last week, KCM’s provisional liquidator Celine Nair announced the mine would be appointing an adviser to held find a new equity investor willing to fund the mine’s expansion. She also announced the resumption of operations at KCM’s open pit mine.
At Mopani Mines, meanwhile, the government recently announced plans to resume cobalt production after it was halted more than a decade ago. The move will help Zambia capitalise on the accelerating market for electric vehicle batteries, in which cobalt is a vital resource.
In Saturday’s speech, President Hichilema also announced that the government was prioritising works on the Ndola-Mufulira and Chingola-Chililabombwe-Kasumbalesa roads. Mr Sagar similarly described this as a positive step, with the roads providing key infrastructure to enhance trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“As a manufacturing sector, we rely on these border posts to take our goods to Congo which is one of the major markets, I think this is a very welcome move by the President that we have the roads worked on, as soon as possible,” he said.
EU-Zambia Forum Great Initiative
Zambia Daily Mail, May 19, 2022
Indeed there is no grain of doubt that Zambia is back on an impressive economic growth trajectory. From launching the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) three weeks ago, to addressing the Investing in African Mining Indaba in South Africa just over a week ago, President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday graced the European Union (EU)-Zambia Economic Forum.
While his attendance of the mining indaba triggered interest among conglomerates like First Quantum Minerals to invest US$1.4 billion in Kansanshi Mine, the PPDF and EU-Zambia Economic Forum will generate private sector investments and business opportunities that foster economic growth and job creation. These are significant milestones in the new dawn government’s efforts in resuscitating an economy which has been beleaguered over many years of maladministration. The EU-Zambia Economic Forum is the first of its kind launched on April 5 this year by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga under the theme ‘Economic transformation through green growth’.
Image: Christian Lue via Unsplash
Yesterday, this high-level event brought together entrepreneurs, experts, financial institutions, innovators, and policy decision-makers from Zambia, the EU and representatives of its 27 member states. It has created a rare platform for EU and Zambian business people to work together and create economic synergies to promote employment and wealth creation. We therefore urge Zambian business leaders to take advantage of the opportunity created by this economic forum to collaborate with their European counterparts in exploring new avenues of making their enterprises buoyant and grow. The foreign investments President Hichilema is attracting into Zambia should not be misconstrued in any possible way just because some of the investors are from the West. We do not agree with such a misplaced perception because the focus of the head of State is to attract investors from strong economies such as those in Europe. Pessimists should therefore not divert Zambians’ attention to petty talk because citizens are interested in seeing an economic turnaround of the country. About a fortnight ago, President Hichilema met new Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui at State House where he stressed the need for continued close ties of interest and fruitful cooperation in economic affairs, culture and security between Zambia and China. So, rather than dwelling on destructive talk, doomsayers should give Mr Hichilema chance to continue focusing on driving his government’s economic diplomacy agenda, which is pivotal in job creation, attracting investments, and improving people’s welfare. By spearheading the EU-Zambia Economic Forum, the President is aware of the immense benefits Zambia will derive from this initiative because Europe has some of the strongest businesses in the world. Like he correctly pointed out, the €1.6 billion current EU investments in Zambia are inadequate, and through the economic forum, European companies’ level of investment will certainly rise. “Honestly speaking, €1.6 billion, Europe is a giant, I am not convinced that €1.6 billion is something to be proud of. We should work to triple this figure to at least €5 billion,” President Hichilema said. The EU-Zambia Economic Forum alongside the PPDF will be institutionalising private sector investment locally and internationally because both forums are anchored on fostering private sector participation in economic affairs of Zambia. That is why we applaud every effort President Hichilema and his government are making in attracting investments into Zambia because that is the surest avenue to transforming the country’s ailing economy.
Anglo American to Return to Zambia with Arc Minerals Copper Deal
Reuters, May 12, 2022
Anglo American returns to Zambia with copper deal
CAPE TOWN, May 12 (Reuters) - Arc Minerals (ARCMA.L)shares jumped 6.7% on Thursday after it announced an agreement under which Anglo American (AAL.L) would take majority control of the junior exploration firm's Zambia copper-cobalt licences.
Under the deal, which was first reported by Reuters, Anglo will take 70% of a joint venture with Arc that will own licenses to explore Zambia's copper-rich North-Western province, an area Anglo previously explored in the late 1990s. It would mark the first new investment by Anglo in Zambia in 20 years.
Major mining firms are searching for new sources of the battery metals copper and cobalt, especially following the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia which have sent metal prices soaring.
Anglo American will pay $3.5 million into Arc upon signing. It will be able to retain its stake by spending $74 million on exploration within seven years of signing and making cash payments of $11 million to Arc, according to terms of the deal.
Arc Minerals previously had an exclusivity agreement with Anglo from July 2020 to July 2021, and when that lapsed Arc Minerals said it would start talks with other major miners which had approached it.
Zambia, Africa's second-largest copper producer, has become a more attractive investment proposition for mining companies since the election last August of business-friendly President Hakainde Hichilema and a subsequent mining tax reform.
The country aims to more than triple its annual copper output within the next decade to 3 million tonnes a year.
First Quantum Minerals last Sunday said its board had approved plans for a $1.25 billion expansion of its Kansanshi mine in Zambia, a decision it said was prompted by renewed confidence in Zambia's investment climate.
Image via Reuters
DRC/Zambia: An Agreement to Manufacture Batteries for Electric Vehicles
Afrik 21, May 9, 2022
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) want to use the 70% of the world's cobalt reserves in their subsoil for the local manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles. The two border states have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a joint value chain for the electric mobility and clean energy sectors.
The positioning of Africa as a world leader in the manufacture of electric batteries will undoubtedly involve the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. Lusaka and Kinshasa have just signed a cooperation agreement to develop their cobalt reserves, a metal that is essential to the energy transition and electric mobility because of its high energy storage capacity.
The project, called the “Republic of Zambia and DRC Battery Council”, will be implemented on two sites, one in the Congolese province of Haut-Katanga and the second in Copperbelt, a border region (Zambia) particularly rich in mineral deposits, including copper. This body, placed under the aegis of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), will benefit from financial mobilization entrusted to the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM Bank) for its implementation.
“Africa has long been considered a source of raw materials. This project should contribute to the diversification of the economy and the creation of green jobs for the reduction of poverty in our two countries,” says Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
Image via Afrik 21
Government to launch Public-Private Dialogue Forum
Lusaka Times, April 26, 2022
The government will officially launch the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) Forum tomorrow.
The dialogue aims at strengthening private sector engagement in Zambia’s economic development agenda and facilitate collaboration among relevant stakeholders to address critical sector specific constraints.
Acting Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa says government recognises that private sector is the engine of economic growth and the best tool for job creation.
Mr. Kangwa said it is therefore crucial to understand better how government can effectively work together with the private sector to reach the country’s full potential.
He explained that the forum will be used as an opportunity to identify the market failure and develop strategies to address them.
Mr. Kangwa further added that the event is expected to bring together key stakeholders from the public and private sector and cooperating partners to engage in discussion in order to support enablers for sustainable growth in sectors that will yield developmental dividends for the country.
The dialogue will be held under the theme “Fostering Private Sector Growth and Economic Development.
Yesterday, during the press conference, President Hichilema said government considers the private sector as an engine for economic development, this is why government wants to hold the Public-Private Dialogue Forum for Development aimed at unlocking all challenges that impede the growth of the sector.
This is according to a statement availed to the media in Lusaka today, by Acting Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa.
Landmark €6.5m Youth Skills Deal
Zambia Daily Mail, May 23, 2022
THAT the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) have signed a €6.5 million youth skills development contract for Zambia is good news indeed. These are some of the fruits of last week’s EU-Zambia Economic Forum, for which some naysayers in their typical unconstructive talk accused President Hakainde Hichilema of being pro-West investment. The forum was attended by representatives of 27 EU member countries, African Union Commission, and Bankers Association of Zambia, among others. This historic signing of the €6.5 million contract for skills development among Zambian youths could not have come at a better time than now when there are so many young university and college graduates still looking for employment.
Barely four days after the forum, President Hichilema announced in a message posted on his Facebook page that the €6.5 million contract is for supporting skills development among Zambian youths. With this development, the President is right when he says our young people should take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to Zambia’s development trajectory.
President Hichilema at the EU meeting
“When opportunity knocks, our youth have to be ready. We are happy to inform the nation that the European Union and United Nations have signed a contract for €6.5 million for skills development for increased employability programme in Zambia,” Mr Hichilema said. This is aimed at enabling the country’s institutions to train youths in various skills so that they could create employment for themselves and other Zambians. The new dawn administration has always been talking about creating jobs for youths, especially that they form the major segment of the country’s voting population. Inasmuch as this administration has placed job creation top of its agenda, young people should always bear in mind that Government is only there to create a conducive environment for investment in various sectors. It is through investments such as the EU and UN one that jobs are created, mainly by the private sector, of course in collaboration with Government. We therefore urge the youth to take advantage of the €6.5 million skills development contract to enrol in various institutions that will be responsible for skills training under this project. With the EU and UN financed contract, the focus for Zambian youths should not just be on white-collar jobs, but also to delve into various entrepreneurial endeavours to create their own job opportunities.
For any country to develop, it requires home-grown economic growth through engagement in a variety of small and medium businesses by citizens themselves. That is why we urge all well-meaning citizens to support every effort the new dawn government is making to promote investment from within and beyond the borders of Zambia. This is because the just-ended EU-Zambia Economic Forum is already bearing fruit, and hopefully more investments will unfold soon. The €6.5 million skills development contract for Zambian youths is just the beginning of better things to come under the current administration because its leaders do not just talk, but they also walk the talk. Therefore, it is entirely up to youths to get empowered with life skills for them to employ themselves and create jobs for others. We applaud the move by EU and UN to sign the €6.5 million skills development contract for our young people. This is how it should be.
Image: Christian Lue via Unsplash