China Non-Ferrous Metal Company (CNMC) says it will spend about US$100 million from the broader commitment of approximately $500 million to dewater shaft 28 at the Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM).
Responding to a Zambian Business Times – ZBT inquiry on the CNMC’s investment pledge of about US$500 million in reviving production at 28 shafts in Luanshya and the breakdown of the key areas of investment by amount, CNMC Manager Administration Corporate Affairs Sydney Chileya explained that the dewatering initiative accounts for 20% of the total investment.
He said the undertaking involves the removal of 170 million cubic meters of water that currently inundates a channel extending over 6 kilometers across four shafts.
“Of the US$500 Million being invested in the reopening of 28 Shaft, about US$100 Million is going towards the dewatering process, this represents 20% of the total amount.”
“This is owing to the huge amount of water (170 million cubic meters) sitting in the channel covering 4 shafts spanning a distance of about 6 kilometers.”
President Hakainde Hichilema this year commissioned the process of de-watering the flooded 28 Shaft at Chinese-owned CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines in Luanshya to pave the way for the commencement of actual copper mining at the site which has been dormant for over 20 years.
The process of pumping out water from the three shafts commenced in April this year and is expected to be completed within the next 11 to 14 months.
Paid subscriptions are the lifeblood of streaming platforms, fueling everything including the acquisition of premium content and production of original content, investment in the technology needed to ensure smooth and secure delivery. However, Piracy undermines and reduces the companies’ ability to acquire content, and revenue and recoup investments.
There are many effects of piracy on streaming services. Today, revenue loss is one major problem that all online entertainment businesses are struggling with. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Showmax rely heavily on paid subscriptions, but piracy siphons off a significant portion of their audience, with users opting for illegal platforms that provide free access to copyrighted content. This leads to a reduction in legitimate subscribers, cutting into companies’ potential earnings. According to GO-Globe, a market leader in Corporate Web Applications, it notes that more than 141 billion visits globally were made to piracy websites in 2023-2024.
“Piracy leads to increased costs for businesses because they will have to invest for them to protect their content,” notes Owas Ray Mwape, Filmmaker and Actor. In most cases, streaming companies are forced to invest heavily in anti-piracy technologies and efforts to protect their intellectual property. The problem with this is that these expenses meant to safeguard their content, eat into their profit margins.
The other challenge created by piracy is content devaluation. Piracy devalues exclusive content. Platforms invest millions in producing original shows and films, banking on the fact that they can attract and retain subscribers. However, content becomes readily available on pirate sites and loses its exclusivity, weakening the value proposition for paying customers. “Piracy affects the competitive advantage of online streaming businesses, making it harder to justify premium prices and attract new subscribers,” said Chibwe Katembe, a stand-up Comedian and Actor.
As piracy continues to bite into profits, online companies may struggle to justify spending large sums on content creation. The streaming wars, characterized by fierce competition among platforms to acquire or produce high-quality content, will depend on a continuous stream of investment.
Piracy undercuts the return on these investments, potentially leading to scaled-back budgets, which in turn impacts the variety and quality of offerings available to subscribers.
Mwiche Chikungu, Assistant Director, of Performing and Literary Arts at National Arts Council National Arts Council (NAC) believes piracy has affected streaming companies’ brands and damaged trust and Integrity. “Piracy has affected the reputations of companies because the prevalence of pirated content has led to inconsistent user experiences, diminishing the overall value of content creation in the public eye,” says Mwiche.
Streaming companies such as MultiChoice, with its Showmax platform, continue to emphasize the need for heightened public awareness of the dangers of piracy, including the loss it creates for the industry and the jobs it threatens.
Today, initiatives like Partners Against Piracy (PAP), continue to educate consumers and tackle piracy through coordinated efforts with governments and regulators. PAP has taken initiatives as a means of mitigating the effects of piracy. However, without much involvement by other players especially in the creative space to fight piracy, the negative impact on online streaming companies might persist.
In a move that is being hailed as a major boost to Zambia’s environmental efforts, COMACO has donated two vehicles worth $102,000 to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, a move which is expected to enhance the ministry’s operations, particularly in the areas of forest protection and conservation.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha expressed gratitude to COMACO, stating that the vehicles (2 Toyota Hilux) will go a long way in ensuring that the forest is protected and that the ministry’s operations are enhanced.
Mposha recognized COMACO as a valuable partner in the effort to sustainably manage and conserve our natural resources. He also praised COMACO’s commitment to supporting colleagues in need and boosting worker morale and mobility.
He emphasized the importance of responsible vehicle use, encouraging officers to take good care of the gifts to inspire more partnerships.
“As a Ministry, one of the significant challenges we’ve faced has been the lack of proper working tools, particularly vehicles. The support we’ve received will greatly enhance our capability to protect our forests and improve mobility for our officers.” He remarked.
Mposha who is also member of Parliament for Munali constituency added that it would be disappointing to see the generous contributions received being misused. “If we want to encourage more partnerships like the one with COMACO, we need to demonstrate responsibility in managing what has been given to us.”
“Thank you very much, COMACO, for this incredible gesture. It exemplifies what a strong partnership looks like, stepping in to support colleagues who are struggling. This assistance will not only boost the morale of our workforce but also improve our overall operations as a Ministry, particularly within the forestry department and beyond.” He added. “Please we convey our heartfelt thanks to the management team. We truly value this partnership and appreciate your support.”
Speaking at the same event the Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Green Economy & Environment, Sitwala Wamunyima noted that the donation is a symbol of COMACO’s commitment to supporting forestry management in Zambia.
“The receiving of these vehicles by the Minister signifies yet another milestone which will require us to put in more efforts in ensuring that illegal activities that are taking place such as illegal charcoal production, illegal timber production and encroachment in our forest reserves are brought to a halt so it’s a very good gesture by COMACO.”
Meanwhile, COMACO’s Chief Operations Officer, Richard Mumba, emphasized the importance of complementing government efforts to ensure that communities comply with environmental regulations.
He stressed that the organization’s role is to work collectively with the government to address the needs of small-scale farmers and promote sustainable forestry practices.
“As Zambia faces ongoing environmental challenges, our mission is to complement government efforts in ensuring communities adhere to essential environmental standards. By doing so, we aim to showcase a greener environment, which is crucial for addressing the climate issues we currently encounter.”
Mumba said COMACO is committed to working together with the government to address the needs of small-scale farmers, emphasizing the importance of protecting local resources, especially forestry.
He said the two vehicles that have been handed over are valued at over $102, 000 adding that this donation strengthens COMACO’s collaboration with the government. “
COMACO has been working with small-scale farmers in collaboration with the Government to promote sustainable agriculture practices and reduce deforestation and this donation is just the latest example of COMACO’s commitment to environmental conservation in Zambia.
The Mines Safety Department (MSD) has acknowledged its inability to adequately inspect mining activities across the country, highlighting a significant gap in operational capacity.
This is a major grave concern, as it compromises the department’s ability to ensure that mining activities are being conducted safely and in accordance with regulations.
The MSD is responsible for ensuring that mining activities in Zambia are conducted in a safe and responsible manner. However, the department’s inability to conduct regular inspections means that many mining operations are going unmonitored, potentially putting miners’ lives at risk.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), MSD Director Fred Banda noted that originally established to focus primarily on operations within the Copperbelt and parts of North-Western Province, the department is now faced with the challenge of monitoring an expanding mining landscape that spans nearly the entire nation.
He said the MSD’s current constraints are attributed to insufficient financial resources, particularly in areas such as transportation, which are critical for conducting thorough inspections.
Banda however said the Department is actively engaging with the Ministry of Finance to secure increased funding, aiming to bolster its ability to carry out inspections nationwide.
“In light of these challenges, plans are underway to transition the MSD to the Minerals Regulatory Commission. A bill has been proposed in Parliament that, if passed, would facilitate this move, enabling the MSD to extend its presence to at least six provinces to start with.”
He said this restructuring is expected to transform regional mining bureaus into effective regional offices for the Minerals Regulatory Commission, greatly enhancing accessibility and oversight.
“The expansion of our regional footprint will allow us to cover a larger portion of the country, ensuring that mining activities are conducted safely and responsibly,” he said.
He said the department anticipates that additional funding will empower inspectors to deploy to mining sites more efficiently.
The MSD Director emphasized that the department is doing its best with the limited resources available, but acknowledged that more needs to be done to address the safety concerns in the mining industry.”
We are working closely with stakeholders, including mining companies and government agencies, to find solutions to these challenges,” the MSD Director said.
“However, we urgently need more resources to enable us to conduct regular inspections and ensure that mining activities are being conducted safely and responsibly.”
The revelation has sparked concerns among mining industry stakeholders, who are calling for urgent action to address the safety concerns and prevent mining accidents which are becoming rampant.
As the mining industry continues to grow and expand in Zambia, the need for effective regulation and oversight has never been more critical.
The government has been called upon to provide funding to the MSD to enable the department to conduct regular inspections and ensure that mining activities country wide are being conducted safely and responsibly.
The Zambia Association for Musicians – ZAM has emphasized the urgent need for government to focus on the issue of monetization within the music industry.
Speaking exclusively to the Zambian Business Times ZBT, ZAM President Davison Munsanda highlighted the importance of monetizing digital platforms for Zambian artists, enabling them to generate revenue through music streams and online sales.
Emphasizing the need for Zambia to be on par with international standards in terms of monetization, Musanda stressed the potential for significant financial gains for artists and the industry as a whole.
Meanwhile, ZAM has expressed gratification with the government’s attention to their concerns regarding foreign artist fees and promoter license fees.
Furthermore, the President underscored the significance of fair and equitable treatment for Zambian artists, particularly in relation to foreign artists performing in the country. He called for a review of the fees associated with international artists’ performances and urged the government to ensure that such fees benefit the local music industry.
In addition to addressing financial concerns, the President emphasized the need for government investment in the arts, including support for music promotion, cultural exchange, and event organization.
He urged the government to implement policies and provide financial support to promoters, creating a conducive environment for the growth and sustainability of the music industry.
Musanda emphasized the importance of educating the public about the value of live music shows and the need to adjust ticket prices to reflect the quality and value of the performances.
He called for a comprehensive approach that aligns fee revisions with broader support structures to enhance infrastructure and promote the development of the arts sector.
“The biggest side from our sector they should focus on is monetization, we want to monetize all digital platforms we want our Artists to be able to generate revenue via streams ,we want Zambia to be on the same Grid like any other country in terms of monetization online, because then, with that we would be making a lot of money and generating a lot of money via sales of music and then as we do events , you see artists do not need to do events every day they need to do properly managed events in given spaces that means we’ll have events of value.” He explained
Musanda further explained to ZBT that Zambians need to know the value of shows they go to, needs to be elevated.
“If they were paying K50 for a show they need to understand why an artist now deserves to be watched by fellow Zambians by paying 300 to K2000 as this is the level that artists have reached but we are not moving at the same time.” He said
Munsanda further stated that they hope that the revising of the fees should speak to many other support structures that will be able to bring out implementation in terms of infrastructure and structures in the places of art.
On March 29, 2016, the government signed a US$45 million loan agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to finance the Cashew Infrastructure Development Project (CIDP).
The project became effective on August 4, 2016, and was set to be undertaken over five years, concluding on June 30, 2022.
However, on June 1, 2022, the period was extended to June 30, 2023, to ensure the completion of infrastructure projects, which ended on December 31, 2023.
According to the 2023 auditor’s report, the total project cost was US$55.42 million, with USD 45 million financed by the AfDB loan (81.2%), the government counterpart funding of US$8.31 million (15.0%), and community or beneficiary contributions of US$2.11 million.
The report also indicated that at the beginning of CIDP, a target of improved household income of US$710 per household per year was set. However, during the period under review, income levels were 34% below the target.
The report further revealed that the failure to achieve income levels was attributed to the non-export of cashew nuts, as the target outcomes could only be reached when the crop attained peak production age.
During the period under review, CIDP set a target to increase the average cashew tree crop yield from 200 kg/ha in 2017 to 800 kg/ha in 2023.
However, as of December 31, 2023, yield levels were at 440 kg/ha, which was 45% below the target.
It was further indicated that the failure to increase productivity was due to the inadequate implementation of the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of old plants.
“The CIDP had a target of generating foreign exchange earnings of US$8 million per year. However, there were no foreign exchange earnings during the review period. The failure to earn foreign exchange was attributed to the non-export of cashew nuts.”
The Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles has disclosed that as of November 6, the facility has only received 13 containers out of an expected 400.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mulungushi Textiles General Manager Brigadier General Emmanuel Siment said the 13 new machines are now being installed.
Siment further stated he was unsure of the exact number of containers required for the processing factory, but all 13 containers received so far will go to this section.
“Those thirteen containers that we offloaded are now being assembled. We expect the next consignment by mid-month,” he said.
Siment added that it might take a year to receive all 400 containers. “We are working section by section. Once a section is ready, we’ll start operating. Right now, we are focusing on the processing section,” he disclosed.
“We were instructed to complete the processing section before Christmas, aiming for a possible official opening afterward,” he stated.
Siment further disclosed to ZBT that they were supposed to put up 100 megawatts of solar power plants but have since increased it to 200 megawatts.
“We have started clearing the space for the solar panels and are finishing the wall fence to safeguard the installation,” he added.
The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZiCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by planting 100 fruit trees at Kabwanga Secondary School in Mumbwa District. The initiative is part of the Institute’s celebrations for International Accounting Day and its broader financial literacy program.
ZiCA Vice President, Joseph Matimba who led the tree planting exercise emphasized the dual benefits of fruit trees.
“Fruit trees provide a green and healthy environment while also serving as an economic resource by producing food and income for communities,” Matimba said according to a statement issued to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT.
He noted the rampant deforestation in the Kabwanga area and called for urgent community action to address climate change through sustainable practices.
“Climate change is real and planting trees, especially fruit-bearing ones can make a significant difference in fostering greener, more sustainable communities,” he added. Matimba further challenged every household to join the fight against deforestation by planting and caring for trees.
The initiative supports the government’s efforts to combat climate change and is in line with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment’s mission for sustainable development. Among the fruit trees planted were guava, lemon, and citrus varieties, selected for their environmental and economic value.
Meanwhile, Mumbwa District Administration Officer, Dr. Simasiku Nawa, praised ZiCA’s tree planting initiative, highlighting its role in mitigating climate change while providing practical benefits. “Now in today’s climate change you get paid by planting trees and keeping trees and making money,” Dr. Nawa said. He urged Kabwanga pupils and the surrounding community to care for the trees, which will yield long-term benefits.
Headman Mukwempa of the Kabwanga area expressed gratitude to ZiCA, commending the initiative as a step toward sustainable development. He encouraged other organizations to replicate such efforts to make Zambia greener and healthier.
ZiCA’s commitment to sustainability reflects its broader mission to contribute positively to Zambia’s development beyond the financial sector.
Born and raised in Lusaka, Patrick Mutale’s journey into the world of media and film is a testament to passion and determination. From a young age, Patrick was deeply passionate about film and knew exactly what he wanted to pursue. He began building his career in the industry early, driven by a clear vision and commitment to his craft.
Patrick began his education at Twalange Primary School in Lusaka, followed by Muchinga Basic School and Saint Kizito School in Chipata and later completed his secondary education at Anoya Zulu Boys Secondary School in Chipata in 2015.
After completing school, Patrick dove headfirst into media projects, driven by his deep-seated interest in film and television. It was through a friend, an alumna of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), that he discovered the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy. Upon learning about MTF, Patrick recognized it as a golden opportunity for individuals like himself to refine their skills and gain industry exposure.
“I was excited when I heard about MTF and immediately knew it was something I wanted to pursue,” Patrick recalls. Though he discovered the program late in the year, he applied in 2022 with confidence, certain his passion and qualifications would earn him a spot.
“When I was picked, I was overjoyed,” Patrick says. “I even turned down some jobs to focus on filmmaking because I knew I would be at MTF the following year.”
Patrick’s preparation and confidence paid off, and his time at MTF proved transformative. With a certificate in ethno-linguistics from the University of the Nations in Eswatini (Swaziland), he already had a solid foundation. However, MTF allowed him to dive deeper into cinematography, post-production, and technical skills like camera work—areas he found most captivating.
“I enjoyed cinematography, post-production, and technical work at MTF,” he stressed in an interview.
In 2023, Patrick graduated and joined Wathinta Imbokodo Post Productions, the team behind editing Mpali, one of Zambia’s most beloved TV series. His role involves creating motion graphics and contributing to TV production, a testament to the skills he honed during his MTF experience.
“I’m able to contribute to the Mpali production because of the training I got from MTF. I owe it to MTF,” says Patrick.
Passionate about visual effects, Patrick dreams of becoming Zambia’s leading visual effects (VFX) artist. “I want to build a company specializing in VFX because there’s a gap in Zambia’s media industry,” he explains.
His ambition is to pioneer this niche, offering world-class VFX services and elevating the country’s media production landscape.
To aspiring filmmakers and MTF applicants, Patrick offers this advice: “Be specific about what you want to achieve when applying to MTF. Passion and focus are key to standing out.”
Patrick’s journey exemplifies how dedication, opportunity, and a clear vision can transform talent into impact, positioning him as a rising star in Zambia’s creative industry.
