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Agribusiness

The Avocado Grower Association Zambia (AGAZ) says the avocado industry in Zambia is reeling from a severe crisis as droughts have led to substantial tree losses among farmers.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Lungu revealed that the impact of the droughts has significantly affected production and revenue streams, with many farmers losing a large number of avocado trees.

Lungu expressed deep concern over the devastating effects of the water crisis, noting that most avocado farmers are unable to water their trees due to the lack of irrigation systems in their fields.

He added that this has resulted in major buyers running out of avocados due to the association’s inability to supply them.

Highlighting the broader implications of the crisis, Lungu emphasized the significant drop in production and its potential impact on revenue streams.

He underscored the industry’s previous success, citing the recent commencement of avocado exports, and lamented the current situation’s adverse effects on both farmers and the government.

Lungu drew attention to the government’s prior recognition of the avocado industry’s economic contributions, expressing concern that the crisis might overshadow the industry’s importance in policy discussions. He noted that while the government has historically focused on other agricultural initiatives, such as FISP, the avocado sector has been overlooked, despite a notable mention by the republican President Hakainde Hichilema.

Meanwhile, Lungu urged remaining avocado farmers to explore alternative, affordable irrigation methods, such as solar installations, to mitigate the impact of the water crisis on their plants.

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The Avocado Grower Association Zambia (AGAZ) says the avocado industry

Agribusiness

The Cotton Board of Zambia – CBZ Senior Cotton Inspector, Derrick Sichilima, has stated that the cotton sector needs an estimated K13 million to be revamped and upscale productions amid plans to reopen Mulungushi Textiles.

Speaking exclusively to the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Sichilima explained, “We need about K13 million, but we have only received K3.2 million. To revamp the sector, especially with the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles, we need to collaborate with such institutions and fulfill our duties as regulators. Without adequate resources, it becomes difficult for us to operate effectively.”

He further highlighted that, despite the Ministry of Agriculture receiving significant funding, the cotton sector has not benefited fully.

“Most of the funds are directed towards social security, drought impact relief, and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), leaving us without the support we need,” Sichilima stated.

He expressed concern that the limited funds are hampering the sector’s progress, adding, “We wish we had received a substantial allocation to help the industry, which is currently limping.”

“We need about 13 Million, but we have only received about 3.2 Million. if we have to revamp the sector, you know as a regulator, and with the coming in of Mulungushi Textiles there, we need to work together with that institution and do what we are supposed to do as regulators and advise, or give direction on how to go about this sector, now you know if we do not have resources it is difficult for us to operate.” He said

 “The Ministry of Agriculture has received a huge amount, but if you look at where that amount is targeted, it’s targeted to social security issues and also the impact of the drought as well as to FRA, that’s where the chunk of resources he as gone, so for us as a cotton board we have not benefitted.” He stated.

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The Cotton Board of Zambia - CBZ

Markets

Zambia’s private sector faces a severe liquidity crunch as commercial banks shift their focus to government securities, raising fears about stagnating job creation, reduced exports, and slower economic growth. The root of the liquidity problem lies in the fact that commercial banks are investing about 70% of their treasury in government bonds and treasury bills, leaving just 30% for private sector lending. In an exclusive interview with former Zambia Development Agency Director Makula Makasa, he mentioned that this trend has devastating effects on business operations and employment. “If companies don’t have liquidity, they can’t expand their operations, and that means no jobs are created,” Makasa explained.

The consequences are twofold:

  1. Revenue losses for the treasury—as businesses fail to grow, the government collects less in taxes.
  2. Weakened export potential—without expansion, companies cannot contribute to foreign exchange through increased exports.

One may ask the question, “Why are banks preferring bonds?” The answer is that banks are reluctant to lend to the private sector due to high risks. “The government is a safer bet. With global economies slowing down, banks are advised to keep their money where returns are guaranteed,” Makasa explained.

The global economic climate, particularly the slowdown in China and the U.S., has further pushed Zambian banks to avoid risky ventures. Even sectors with growth potential, like agriculture, are seen as unreliable due to droughts and erratic rainfall.

With fewer loans available, job creation efforts have stalled. Makasa highlighted that youth unemployment remains a critical issue. “If we don’t find ways to extend capital to the private sector, the number of unemployed youths will only increase,” he warned. The lack of jobs also threatens the stability of pension funds, as fewer workers mean fewer contributions to the national pension system.

Makasa stressed the need for creative solutions to re-engineer Zambia’s capital markets. He called for policies that encourage banks to lend to strategic sectors that can generate jobs and drive economic growth. “The government must take deliberate steps to stimulate the private sector. If we fail to address this liquidity issue, we risk stifling economic progress,” he cautioned.

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Zambia’s private sector faces a severe liquidity

Sport

Rugby is struggling to garner the much-needed pinnacle of success compared to other Countries due to the Government’s failure to actualize its pledges.

Recently the spotlight dawned on the sport when its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Godfrey Ndunda a veteran and seasoned administrator resigned.

However, Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) President Louis Chileshe Bweupe remarked that among the major challenges affecting the sport, is financial constraints due to the government’s failure to actualize its pledge to offer grants to all sports disciplines.

Bweupe noted that initially, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts had indicated that each Association was to receive K550, 000 but later in March, the Ministry rephrased the announcement that the grant would be reduced citing the realignment of the budget due to the drought, but as things stand the Associations are yet to receive anything from the Ministry.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Bweupe expressed disappointment that the pledges have not been provided and believed that this has affected Rugby which has been drastically belittled by the lack of support.

“The government had promised that this year every sport will be able to receive a grant which we had all planned and budgeted for, but that has not happened both this year and last year, I think the Minister and the PS are still having challenges to offset allowances to various players in various sports disciplines.”

He highlighted that the League is being sustained by Defence Force and Security wings sponsored sides, unlike the sides supported by the mines which are also struggling to fulfill their potential.

“We are thankful to have army sides, Zambia Airforce, Zambia Army, Zambia Police, and Zambia National Service for supporting teams the way they do, so these teams obviously because of the support they are doing fine, but when you come to a town like Roan, where the teams are traditionally sponsored by the mines, there is a huge problem there, you go to Ndola as well, Chibuluma, this is actually sad and i speak as President of the ZRU.”

Bweupe echoed that despite the sport being accoladed with the status of being the second most followed sport and number of players, there are major constraints that are scheduled to be tabled in an upcoming Indaba.


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Rugby is struggling to garner the much-needed

Tech

The Solwezi – Kipushi Road project which has been earmarked for face-lifting under the Public Private Partnership (PPP), and it is tipped to upscale the flow of goods and services between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia has dragged as the Solwezi District Commissioner has confirmed that that there is no development on the project.

In 2023 the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) had reported that a feasibility study was concluded, and in the present day Solwezi District Commissioner Anthony Fulwe has revealed “We do not have any circular to that effect, and the project is not on a yellow book.”

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) Fulwe stated that there are high expectations in light of the Economic significance of the project, highlighting that the implementers must realize the project in due time.

“When the President came here he mentioned some of the critical roads that are supposed to be worked on, and it was one of them, he talked about Kasempa, Mumbwa, Lusaka roads will be done but definitely we do not have any circular to that effect, I can’t give a concrete answer because when the President is talking to his people, he can mention that but the people at the lower level, they either may follow the policy or may suppress it, but for now there is nothing happening,” he said.

Fulwe underscored the vitality of the project, highlighting that it is as essential just like other borders like Kasumbalesa, in facilitating for a smooth flow of goods and services between the two Countries through Kipushi Border.

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The Solwezi – Kipushi Road project which

Mining

Chilanga Cement one of the leaders in cement production in Zambia has attributed the 15 percent increase in in production to the rising market demand.

Chilanga Cement production has increased to 562,626 metric tons from January to August 2024 compared to 489 602 produced within the same period in 2023 representing about 73, 000 metric tons increase which is about 15 percent.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Chilanga Cement Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager, Gift Danga attributed this surge in production to the escalating demand driven by various infrastructure projects such as road construction and other Community Development initiatives.

Danga stressed the impact of the increase in production, emphasizing that the surge was motivated by the revival of projects that were previously on hold in 2023, as well as the launch of new projects in the mining sector.

He emphasized that the demand for cement has been fueled by ongoing infrastructure developments, particularly in road and school construction, requiring a significant supply of cement to meet market needs.

Danga said the surge in production by Chilanga Cement aligns with the burgeoning activities in the construction and mining sectors, reflecting a positive shift in the market dynamics.

“If you compare with 2023, some of the projects were on hold and in 2024 some of those projects are being rolled out and there are other projects in the mines that have been launched.”

“Most of the projects launched such as road construction and school construction require a lot of cement and for us to cutter for that market we have to increase production so it’s just a matter of demand.” He said.

Danga added that this increase not only underscores the company’s ability to adapt to market demands but also positions Chilanga Cement as a key player in catering to the growing infrastructure and construction needs in the region.

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Chilanga Cement one of the leaders in

Agribusiness

The Veterinary Association of Zambia VAZ, has expressed skeptic over the implementation of budget allocations to the livestock sector in the 2025 national budget.

While acknowledging that the budget allocation to deal with diseases of national and international importance was on point, VAZ emphasizes the need for efficient disbursement of the allocated funds.

Speaking in a recent interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), the President of VAZ, DR. Malcolm Chiyoba, stressed the importance of addressing diseases that could potentially affect neighboring countries, stressing the government’s responsibility to ensure the effective utilization of allocated resources.

He expressed optimism that the allocated funds would be released but underscored the necessity of directing resources towards addressing human resource challenges within the livestock sector.

The Veterinary Association of Zambia president urged the government to consider allocating resources to the employment of surgeons and paraprofessionals within the sector, emphasizing the crucial role of human resources in ensuring the effective management of livestock and disease control.

Dr. Chiyoba revealed that a sum of K1.8 billion had been allocated to the Ministry, underscoring the significance of proper implementation and utilization of these funds to address critical issues within the livestock sector.

“Like you may know some of the diseases, we have to help our neighbors we should not let them go out there, we have to deal with them and the government has the responsibility to be with us and make those allocations and we are so sure that the money will be released.” He said.

Chiyoba added that the government should also consider allocating some of the resources to addressing issues of human resource in the Livestock sector.

“The government needs to make those allocation, but we are so sure that the money will be released but issues of the human resource, we hope the government also addresses employment of surgeons and paraprofessionals.” He said.

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The Veterinary Association of Zambia VAZ, has

Agribusiness

Despite increased offloading of animals due to the severe drought in the country, the price of T-bone and other premium meat cuts has surged, according to the latest ZAMSTATS report. The annual inflation for T-bone currently stands at 9%, indicating a significant increase in prices.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), the Agriculture Institute of Zambia Registrar highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, including reduced quality and weight of animals due to a lack of good nutrition. The drought has significantly affected the availability of high-quality feed, leading to cattle losing weight and producing less meat, thereby reducing the meat yield from each animal and impacting the supply of quality beef cuts like T-bone.

Despite the increased offloading of cattle, high costs for supplementary feed, water, and veterinary care are being passed on to consumers through higher meat prices. The drought-induced offloading has the potential to disrupt the normal supply chain, leading to inefficiencies that affect meat prices.

To address these challenges, the Registrar emphasized the need for feed efficiency strategies, improved animal health practices, and proper veterinary services to increase the supply of premium cattle and potentially stabilize prices.

Exploring local sourcing of cattle and implementing energy efficiency measures in processing plants has also been highlighted as potential solutions to reduce input costs and improve value chain efficiency.

He added that promoting alternative cuts of meat that offer high quality but are more affordable could help manage the demand for premium cuts like T-bone without driving prices higher.

“Drought affected the availability of good-quality feed, leading to cattle losing weight and producing less meat hence reducing the meat yield from each animal and reducing supply in terms of quality beef cuts like T-bone.” He said

 Ngosa added that despite having more for slaughter, farmers still face high costs for supplementary feed, water, and veterinary care stating that these costs are therefore being passed on to consumers through higher meat prices.

“The drought-induced offloading has potential to disrupt the normal supply chain, leading to inefficiencies that affect meat prices.” He stated.

“Abattoirs and meat processors should explore energy efficiency measures in processing plants to reduce overheads, while improving value chain efficiency. If demand for premium cuts like T-bone has outpaced supply, to avoid driving prices higher, there should be promotion of alternative cuts of meat which are cheaper but still offer high quality.” He said.

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Despite increased offloading of animals due to

Markets

After a period of low activity in the listing space, the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) has announced that five companies are actively preparing to go public.

This move is part of the exchange’s broader strategy to reposition itself in the Zambian capital market ecosystem, aligned with the 10-year capital markets master plan.

LuSE is currently working with stakeholders to build a “healthy pipeline” of new listings and financial products. “The response has been overwhelming with positive feedback from potential issuers, though some have also highlighted areas for improvement,” LuSE’s Chief Executive Officer – CEO Nicholas Kabaso’s told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT.


The exchange has faced challenges in recent years, marked by a dwindling number of new listings and limited market participation.

According to the LuSE, their new strategy seeks to address these issues, focusing on liquidity growth and aligning with broader economic plans to expand Zambia’s financial markets.


Industry experts have long emphasized the importance of vibrant stock markets in mobilizing investment and deepening economic growth.


The exchange’s leadership appears optimistic that these new developments will mark a turning point, fostering investor interest and expanding participation across various sectors.


While market observers have welcomed the news of new listings, the lack of transparency regarding timelines and sectors has drawn some criticism.


Investors are now keen to see whether LuSE can deliver on its promise and how soon these companies will be available for trade.

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After a period of low activity in

Tech

Despite the massive development in various sectors of the economy, mobile network access is still a big impediment for the citizenry largely in the outskirts of the Country.

Zambia’s mobile network towers deficit currently stands at 900 countrywide with the Ministry of Science and Technology Permanent Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu confirming that the Universal Access Fund is not capable of financing an extensive rollout of towers Countrywide.

The Universal Access and Services Fund (USAF) is a fund that is propelled by contributions of 1.5 percent by mobile network operators (MNOs).

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) Dr. Habeenzu highlighted that the fund can only manage to finance 30 towers in a year and solely depending on it would take the digital inclusion agenda years to be realized.

“We have been using the USAF from the time it was established, we are getting to those underserved and unserved areas but remember that it can only give you about 31 or at times even below the stated figure every year and the gap is such that if at all we were to cover the entire Country we need about 900 towers and now 900 divided by 30, it would take 30 years to achieve the agenda to connecting the entire Country,” he said.

Dr. Habeenzu echoed that this has culminated in the allowance of MNOs to contribute to the setting up of towers in places that are deprived.

He further disclosed that to reduce the number of towers that must be set up, the Govt issued a spectrum in 700 and 800 frequency bands which enables one tower to have an extensive coverage.

Dr. Habeenzu stated that in reaching out to the far-flung areas in network distribution there are benchmarks that are being undertaken, “If we are to go by equitable distribution it means that we might miss the target in one way or the other, it is possible that in one area in the process of saying equitable distribution there are only three people that are going to benefit, and in another area you might have 100 people that are going to enjoy the facility, we are targeting the population and not the areas, so those areas with bigger population are likely to be extensively covered so that it helps the MNOs not to make losses.”

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Despite the massive development in various sectors