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Companies

Oil Marketing Companies – OMCs as well as Bulk Oil Importing Companies in Zambia are facing tough times following the instability and continued increases in prices of global crude and refined petroleum products. With the newly introduced monthly fuel price adjustments, the sector is facing this challenge on a monthly basis.

The industry is generally facing increases in the need for working capital or cash needed to make new orders on a month on month basis which is eating away on the already slim margins that the sector comprehends with. The increases in working capital or cash needed for new orders are due to the need for more capital to make new orders which are at higher prices for every new month, a situation which is driving up financing costs.

A check with industry players has revealed that there is need for urgent action to come up with a country strategy on how to deal with this Oil price instability that is not only resulting in increased pump prices, but has a deep effect across the economy. If not handled well, the price increases risk wiping out economic strides for the entire year.

A check with Mount Meru Zambia, one of the fastest growing players the Zambian Petroleum industry revealed that the Russia – Ukraine conflict is having a direct effect on the Zambian economy. Mount Meru Managing Director, Dharmesh Patel stated that if crude oil prices goes up on the international market, the effects are direct on the prices of fuel in Zambia.

He stated that international fuel prices increase, there is a trickle down effects on the price of fuel into Zambia. The increase in prices is resulting in a reduction of the margins immediately the international prices are adjusted upwards. By the time the monthly adjustment is made, some volumes would have been sold at the old price and this is were the working capital is being affected.

In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Patel said that if these adjustments are not handled carefully, someone in the equation might lose money, either the government or the oil company’s, hence the monthly fuel price review by the Energy Regulation Board – ERB is helping to make sure that everything is in line with the international market.

Patel said that the purchase of fuel now is dependent on the M-1 average (which is average for the last 30 days) which is a mixed bag for oil companies because sometimes business is done on lower margins but it only for a short period of time because the price review is done every month now.

He added that it is difficult when the price goes up because it means that the company’s also need to invest more in the working capital for that increased unit, he however stated that the only possible solution is to hope for the stability of fuel price on the international market.

The Russia – Ukraine conflict is having deep economic domino effects in Zambia as it feeds into other essential commodity prices which are dependent on the transport sector. The transport and logistics sector costs and prices are heavily dependent on fuel prices. Petroleum and its by-products is also an important raw materials in the production of many goods, both consumable and non-consumable.

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Oil Marketing Companies - OMCs as well

Tech

The Insurance Association of Zambia – IAZ has rolled out a digital insurance certification system that will completely eliminate the need for customers and the Zambian public to queue up or physically travel to access motor vehicle insurance.

IAZ President Moses Siame said technology is not only a great equalizer but also an enabler as it enables service providers (insurance companies) to deliver services remotely in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

He said technology plays a great role in every insurance company to remotely reach their potential customers and ultimately increase their bottom line. This technology further goes to resolve challenges which ordinarily would not be resolved by traditional means.

Speaking during the launch event monitored by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Siame said this initiative in the motor insurance sector will help in resolving a number of challenges that have affected the bottom line, hampered outreach and in most cases deprive the industry’s contribution to the government revenue.

The IAZ President further said the digital motor vehicle insurance initiative will be responding to the government vision of increased e-commerce that will in turn translate into less cash being used, adding that this is basically moved to electronically means of buying and selling for which motor vehicle insurance is going to be one of those services.

And the Ministry of Technology stated that it is confident that adopting new technologies and increased use of ICT platforms will help build a stronger and sustainable economy. Minister of Technology Felix Mutati said the ICT platforms in particular have a lot of potential in terms of service delivery across the country as they allow people to provide and procure service delivery across great distances without having physical contacts.

Speaking during the launch of the digital motor vehicle insurance certificate system, Mutati said, the insurance sector plays a vital role as it provides short term and long term financial protection that help to deal with the financial shocks that result from unexpected and untimely loses.

Mutati urged and encouraged insurance companies to integrate to the government service bus to realise the benefits of the system some of which are to eliminate fraud that may involve forging motor vehicle insurance certificates which reduces business for insurance companies.

He said the solution also reduces the cost of doing business because the solution is virtual which can be made available to customers anytime and anywhere with internet access. Purchasing of motor vehicle road tax and accompanying insurance has been a pain point for consumers with queues seen on a quarterly basis.

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The Insurance Association of Zambia - IAZ

Agribusiness

Government has lifted the suspension of the issuance of export permits for day old chicks, stock feed and hatching eggs with immediate effect. The ban on the issuance of export permits came into effect in July 2021 due to the high prices of stock feed and day old chicks as well as reduced availability on the local market.

This follows a Zambian Business Times – ZBT reports of increased drowning of excess day old chicks and the expanded production capacity that could not be taken up by the local market. ZBT had earlier reported that the Zambian government had failed to make a decision despite calls for resuming of export by the Poultry Association of Zambia – PAZ. See earlier report https://zambianbusinesstimes.com/over-1-1-million-day-old-chicks-drowned/

And the Zambia National Agribusiness Development Strategies Technical Group Vice Chairperson Munyaradzi Mulonda has welcomed government’s move stating that this will earn the country the much needed foreign exchange that will help stabilize the Kwacha.

Mulonda noted that there is more money in the export of the two commodities as a bird fetches around $1-$1.50 on the export market, adding that fertilized eggs are also fetching good prices therefore the need to take advantage of the export market.

He explained that this development will allow the industry to grow and companies that have been operating at 50%-60% capacity due to reduced demand on the local market can now produce at full capacity noting that this will also encourage more players to venture into the business

“The lifting of the ban on export of day old chicks and fertilized eggs is very good because it’s going to allow us to expand our production for chicks and eggs. It also creates an alternative market which can also bring in foreign direct investment so it’s a very good initiative by government to lift that ban, we support that”, he said.

Mulonda who is also the Founder and President of Sub-Sahara African Farmers Organisation (SSAFO) however said government should give producers of day old chicks and fertilized eggs an export quota in order to avoid creating shortages and price hikes of the commodities on the local market.

He added that government should regulate the exports in order to ensure that the local market is satisfied first and exporters only truck out the excess, as this will keep the prices on the local market stable.

“Exports should not be left open, government should give export quotas as it is done with milling companies, see how much they produce and allow them to export a certain quantity. Do not let them export more than the demand on the local market”, he said.

“Leaving it open can bring shortages on the local market. We do not want to see a situation like what was happening last year where you order in June and you are told you will collect your order in September or October. Chicken prices can go up due to market forces such as supply and demand where demand increases and outweighs supply, prices go up as hatcheries will concentrate on exporting at the expense of the domestic market as they will have a higher earning there”, he said.

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Government has lifted the suspension of the

Markets

The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) has launched the LuSE Gem Portal, an innovative digital platform principally purposed to provide Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with access to capital for investment into growing their businesses.

LuSE Chairperson Kayula Siame said the Lusaka Securities Exchange in collaboration with its partners is pleased to introduce the portal, an initiative admitted to and currently testing under the capital markets regulatory sandbox framework.

Speaking during the launch of the LuSE Gem Portal for SMEs, Siame said the portal digitally identifies, evaluates and enables the urgent provision of financing to qualifying SMEs.

Siame noted that in its continued efforts to make a positive and effective contribution to the growth of the national economy, LuSE has in accordance with its strategic plan continued to implement initiatives aimed at energizing the private sector’s productivity and supporting government programmes.

She explained that in providing SMEs with this digital platform, LuSE is keeping in stride with trending global digital transformation that is leading to the integration of digital technology into all areas of business and is fundamentally transforming how businesses operate and deliver value to their customers.

Siame added that accordingly, a key LuSE objective is to facilitate the mobilization of and access to the much-needed investment capital for both large corporates and small and medium sized enterprises in order to ease and sustain their operations.

She said financial support for the productive sectors of the economy largely populated by SMEs is vital for the health of the general economy noting that during and after the current Covid-19 outbreak, is an even more pressing matter requiring urgent attention.

Siame mentioned that the gem portal is particularly relevant in today’s difficult times, as an effective means of providing relief against the disruptive effects of Covid-19 on the national economy and in particular its impact on SMEs.

She noted that it is the purpose of the portal to enable SMEs to shore up their capacity to rebuild and continue in business during and in the immediate aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis.

Siame added that through the portal, all SMEs dedicated to the local production of equipment, facilities, accessories and services in healthcare, food and agriculture will be aided by United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNDCF) in meeting the expected rise in demand for such resources by an ever-growing population.

“As a securities exchange, LuSE is continually pursuing listings and in this regard LuSE recognized as far back as 2015, the necessity of broadening the opportunity to list investors, high net worth individuals who have not yet joined us, to come on board and partner with us on the gem portal and avail funding to SMEs”, she said.

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The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) has launched

Mining

Mopani Copper Mines has confirmed a fatal acccident at the Smelter Concentrate Shed in Mufulira, which occurred on Tuesday, 22 March 2022 around 16:00 hours.

According to information made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by Mopani Public Relations Manager Nebert Mulenga, the Accident happened when a team of contractor employees were working on the Concentrate Shed, and one of them, Mr. Anderson Mwaba, aged 35 years accidentally fell through the roof and sustained fatal injuries.

Mopani Copper Mines says it is working closely with the Safety Department, Zambia Police Service and other relevant authorities to investigate what could have caused this tragic accident.

Meanwhile Operations at the Smelter Concentrate Shed where this incident happened have been suspended until further notice. Mopani Copper Mines Management has since expressed its deepest condolences and has pledged to render support to the family and colleagues of the deceased during the difficult time.

This is the second time Mopani is recording the fatal accident this week with the first incident at the south ore body-sob shaft in Kitwe which occurred on Sunday 20th March 2022 around 13:00 hours involving a 45 year old boiler maker, Mr. Justin Nsakanya.

The Zambian Government is yet to make clear the way forward for Mopani Copper Mines As well as Konkola Copper Mines – KCM, with some stakeholders calling for the government to support the local management of the mine as opposed to turning it over to foreign investors.

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Mopani Copper Mines has confirmed a fatal

Markets

The timing as to when the Zambian government will finalize the IMF deal for $1.4 billion Extended Credit Facility – ECF is dependent on creditors and not entirely on the Zambian government.

The pitching that it would be closed by June 2022 is not entirely in the hands of the Zambian government or the Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and his team but on the G20 creditor committee.

In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, IMF spokeperson for Zambia Louis Meera stated that the the debt sustainability analysis has not yet been completed but is in the process of finalizing.

“[IMF/World bank] staff are in the process of finalizing the joint IMF-World Bank debt sustainability analysis for Zambia; it will be ready to be shared once the G20 Creditor Committee under the Common Framework for debt treatments is formed”, stated Meera.  

She told ZBT that “we aim to bring the Zambia program to the IMF Board as soon as possible. However the precise timing will depend on when the [Zambian] authorities can secure the necessary financing assurances from creditors.

When asked whether the G20 creditors committee has reached consensus on the way forward, the IMF spokeperson could neither confirm or deny but referred ZBT to the G20 creditor committee.

There has been assertions on social media which have gone viral that the $1.4 billion IMF deal for Zambia has collapsed. However, these reports will only be fully confirmed once the G20 creditors committee and the Paris club (committee of creditors) weighs in and advises their verdict.

The IMF can only approve the Zambian facility once the G20 credit committee and the Paris club group of bilateral creditors give their assurance or support. The Paris Club is an informal group of official creditors whose role is to find coordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries.

As debtor countries like Zambia in this case undertake reforms to stabilize and restore their macroeconomic and financial situation, Paris Club creditors provide an appropriate debt treatment. Paris Club creditors provide debt treatments to debtor countries in the form of rescheduling, which is debt relief by postponement or, in the case of concessional rescheduling, reduction in debt service obligations during a defined period

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The timing as to when the Zambian

Mining

The Zambia Revenue Authority – ZRA has clarified that it has not failed to meet its monthly collection target when it comes to collecting Mineral Royalty Tax – MRT from the mining industry.

This follows accusations that the tax authority has failed to hit its monthly MRT target which has resulted in continued Kwacha depreciation streaks that are a result of low inflows of copper export dollars in form of tax at a time when the international prices are at an all time high.

ZRA Corporate affairs manager Topsy Sikalinda said the authority has the annual target of collecting K97 billion in MRT by December 2022, which can only be confirmed when we reach December 2022. “We are only in March 2022 and we shall only be able to project whether we have met or not in December 2022,” he stated.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Sikalinda explained that Mineral Royalty Tax is only charged at the point of sale of the mineral, adding that where minerals are extracted but not yet sold, the tax point for the royalty would not have yet been reached.

Responding to a question from ZBT on what impact the provision to make MRT deductible on the overall revenues to be collected from the mining industry, Sikalinda stated that the Mineral Royalty Tax rates for 2021 and 2022 are the same, adding that what has changed is that the paid Mineral Royalty Tax will be an allowable expense on the tax return.

Sikalinda further disclosed that the Mineral Royalty Tax and Mining Company Income Tax revenue targets have respectively increased by 125.8% and 141% in 2022 as compared to 2021. He said the increase is largely on account of increased metal prices on the international market and the overall favourable outlook for the mining sector going forward.

He however said ZRA expects more investment in the sector leading to increased production which will eventually lead to more Mineral Royalty Tax, more Company Income Tax, More Pay As You Earn and more job creation. This is expected to lead to increased economic activity in the sector.

Collection of taxes from the mining industry which accounts for over 70% of Zambia’s export earnings has come under heavy criticism following the announcement by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane that Government has accepted to make MRT deductible from company income tax payments.

The move to make MRT income tax deductible is projected to result in revenue loss of about about US$200 million annually and about US$1 billion in five years. The finance minister further announced that the country would get to producing 3 million tones of copper per annum but no details or timeline milestones have been availed.

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The Zambia Revenue Authority - ZRA has

Tech

The Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority – ZICTA – has disclosed that it has switched off or de-activated about 2.1 million mobile phone lines after a clean up exercise following a spike in mobile money scams which the country has been experiencing.

ZICTA acting Corporate affairs manager Hanford Chaaba disclosed in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT- that 2.1 million SIM cards have been deactivated with only about 289 users managing to normalized their SIM cards, while about 2, 256 SIM cards were able to be claimed.

Chaaba further revealed that Zambia has 20.2 million of the registered SIM cards as of December 2021, which is about the size of the population. This is mainly due to some users carrying multiple phone lines as well as usage in WiFi gadgets.

ZICTA had in early February 2022 called for all users to regularize their mobile phone numbers registrations and that a timeline was given after which those phone lines that had not complied, the ICT Authority would deregister all non-compliant SIM cards across the country,

ZICTA has since reiterated that the members of the public should at all cost desist from buying already registered SIM cards as such is against the law and anyone found wanting risks being prosecuted.
Chaaba revealed that so far, ZICTA has encountered situations were innocent people have been implicated in investigations due to being in possession of SIM cards that were once used by criminals.

ZICTA confirmed with ZBT that the sim cards or phone lines that will not be claimed within the period of 90 days after deactivation will be allocated to other new users. The Authority has since appealed to members of the public to take time to regularise their SIM card registration to avoid losing their contact numbers and for the country to have a clean data base.

Some have accused ZICTA of being used by politicians to clean up the data base in-order to facilitate location and identification of anonymous social media commentators who are critical of government officials and politicians. Some say this move is an affront on free speech as most people who use anonymous phone lines will stay away from whistle blowing ills in government following this clean up. It remains to be seen how this will eventually pan out.

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The Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority –

Agribusiness

Agribusiness opportunities are set to rebound with Zambia’s most prestigious show – the Agricultural and Commercial Show and exhibition confirming that it will be taking place this year after a two year absence on the back of Covid 19 restrictions.

The Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia – ACSZ President Duncan Mfula revealed that the 94th Agricultural and Commercial show will be held from 27th July to 1st August 2022 at Lusaka Show grounds under the theme “Innovation through technology” with daily tickets pegged at K30, budges at K70 and those wishing to hire pavilions, the fare will depend on the coverage per square meter.

Mfula stated that this year’s show will after a long time provide the biggest one stop platform for showcasing products and services, innovations and opportunities for information sharing and exchanges of ideas and promote the work of many organizations to the larger audience.

The ACSZ President further confirmed that the show has not been held in the last 2 years due to the covid-19 pandemic in the country with its resultant restrictions and health precautions. Mfula said that the society which is a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth – RASC, International Association of Events and Exhibitions – IAEE and Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa – EXSA is confident that concepts learnt and adopted from these associations will work well for the show to be held this year.

He added that this year’s show will be hosted under the “new normal” with strict adherence to the covid 19 protocols. The society has already witnessed successful shows hosted by other international and regional exhibition bodies such as the Dubai Expo.

Speaking at a media conference covered by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT at the show-ground’s, the society President assured the would attendants and those planning to put up exhibitions that the society is working closely with the Ministry of Health, the Zambia National Public Health Institute and other health authorities to ensure that all health and safety measures are in place to host a successful the show.

On the benefits of participating in the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show, both private and public companies or bodies as well as individuals benefit from the shows renowned networking custom that is now almost a decade old.

We will have both individual, SMEs and Corporates from both the local community and from countries across the globe exhibiting. “I am delighted to share that we have already received overwhelming response in terms of requests and confirmation of participation from local and international exhibitors”, Mfula revealed.

The show provides a unique and seasonal trading market place that attracts various economic players, from several countries from around the world. The show attracts numerous companies of varying sizes, Mfula stated.

As per usual tradition, the first three days of the show are trade and business which are intended at promoting business to business interactions among exhibitors and show goers, and the other three days are general show days which are family friendly.

ACSZ has since thanked both local and foreign exhibitors who have shown interest and committed to participating in this year’s show for their continued support to the society. Various stands and packages are now available and exhibitors are encouraged to immediately sign up for spaces and start preparing their stands in order to secure the best spots and give the stands that attractive and outstanding look during the show

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Agribusiness opportunities are set to rebound with

Agribusiness

The Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) has disclosed that government has not yet reached a decision concerning the export of day old chicks despite the sector drowning over a million birds this year due to reduced demand on the local market.

Association Executive Director Dominic Chanda said the association has written to the Ministry of Agriculture in order to be allowed to export day old chicks and hatched eggs but there has been no concrete response despite holding various meetings with the ministry.

Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Chanda said the association has stated their position concerning the matter and are now just waiting for government to make the final decision noting that they do not know why its taking so long for government to reach a conclusion.

“We haven’t heard anything from them, we have been having meetings but nothing is coming out from there.We don’t know what is happening but from our end we are still pushing that the export of day old chicks and hatching eggs be allowed”,he said.

The Poultry Association revealed that the cumulative number of day old chicks that the hatcheries had drowned because of the reduced demand for the birds on the market was 1.1 million in January 2022.

Drowning of chicks in the poultry industry means killing the chicks, by drowning or gassing them to avoid spending on feed and running out of space. The process is also applied to chicks with deformities and those deemed unfit for rearing.

Chanda said the hatcheries cannot reduce production, as there is no guarantee that the demand will remain low therefore if demand goes up while production has gone down, there would be a shortage of chicks on the market.

He said from the total number of day old chicks produced by the hatcheries, only 30% is guaranteed to be sold because commercial and large-scale businesses give hatcheries a plan for the whole year.

Chanda said 70% of what is produced is meant for customers who simply walk in to buy the chicks without long-term prior arrangements, which is a challenge especially in instances where the demand is low. The export of chics is expected to bring in the much needed forex.

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The Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) has