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Suzyo Mwale is an ambitious and passionate filmmaker who has turned his personal struggles into a powerful source of inspiration for his career in Zambia’s growing film industry. As the founder of Zambezi Rock Studios and a project manager with Lawrence Thomson Films, Suzyo has made a name for himself as a talented writer, director, and editor.

Suzyo’s journey into filmmaking is deeply personal. Born and raised in a family of five, Suzyo is the eldest of three sisters and two brothers. His family has always supported his ambitions, with his mother being his biggest fan and the first person he pitches his creative ideas. However, his path to the film industry wasn’t straightforward.

As a young boy, Suzyo was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that forced him to stop attending school and confined him to a wheelchair. In 2014, he underwent life-saving surgery in India.

It was during this difficult period that Suzyo discovered his passion for film. Watching stories come to life on screen gave him hope and became the spark that ignited his dream of becoming a filmmaker. “Film actually saved my life,” Suzyo recalls. “Seeing how stories came to life on the screen made me feel that anything was possible, and I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker.”

Suzyo attended primary school at South End and completed his secondary education at Munali Boys Secondary School. During high school, he began writing short stories, which he shared with classmates eager to read his work. This early success inspired him to pursue storytelling seriously. His first book, Fly Away, was published and sold a few copies, marking the beginning of his journey as a storyteller.

In 2015, Suzyo transitioned from writing to filmmaking. His first short film, Blunder, earned him the Best Southern Africa Short Film award at the Sotambe Film Festival, a major milestone in his budding career.

Despite these early achievements, Suzyo lacked formal training in filmmaking until he applied to the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF). After seeing an advertisement for MTF on television, Suzyo immediately knew this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. He applied for the 2019 cohort but was not selected. Undeterred, he applied again the following year and was accepted.

The MTF experience proved to be life-changing for Suzyo. “Being at MTF meant a lot to me. I emptied my cup, came in with a blank page, and was ready to learn as much as I could. It really changed my life,” he explains. During the program, Suzyo sharpened his skills, learning to think outside the box and push the boundaries of his creativity. One of the highlights was working with SuperSport on live football broadcasts, which exposed him to the teamwork and coordination required in large-scale productions.

Since completing MTF, Suzyo has worked on a variety of projects, including short films, music videos, TV commercials, and high-profile productions. He credits MTF with giving him the skills and confidence to take on major projects, such as the two TV drama series Falls and Nyami that he is currently developing.

Today, Suzyo continues to expand his horizons as a filmmaker. Through his work with Lawrence Thomson Films, he has taken on prestigious projects, including working with Al Jazeera. Suzyo’s journey from self-taught storyteller to award-winning filmmaker and industry leader serves as an inspiration to aspiring creatives in Zambia and beyond.

For Suzyo, film is more than just entertainment. It is a powerful tool for conveying messages and telling captivating stories. His passion, combined with his determination to push the boundaries of his craft, has positioned him as a rising star in Zambia’s creative industry.

With numerous exciting projects on the horizon, Suzyo Mwale is a filmmaker to watch, as he continues to tell powerful stories that resonate both locally and internationally.

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Suzyo Mwale is an ambitious and passionate

Lifestyle

Sioma District Commissioner has attributed the hike in price for a 25kg bag of Roller mealie meal to high transportation cost in the district.

According to the latest ZAMSTATS report for September it showed that Roller mealie meal in Sioma was selling at K360 as compared to other districts like Mongu where it is selling at K190 per 25Kg bag.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Sioma District Commissioner Mike Kamutumwa said, transportation cost has contributed majorly to the hike in Mealie meal prices in the district as businessmen buy and transport the mealie meal from Mongu and Senanga and then take it to Sioma.

“I am sure the hike is because of where they are buying the mealie meal, as they are buying it from maybe Senanga, Mongu taking to Siomai.So that Transportation aspect can make the mealie meal price to go up because in Sioma we don’t have a milling plant, in Senanga we do not have a milling plant we only have a Milling plant in Mongu so that can be the contributing factor.” He said.

Kamutumwa further stated that ZNS brand is currently selling K230 breakfast Mealie meal and K190 for 25Kg Roller meal respectfully.

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Sioma District Commissioner has attributed the hike

Markets

Public Sector Development Association (PSDA) President Yusuf Dodia has challenged the Industrial Development Cooperation (IDC) to invest in Indeni Petroleum Refinery Company Limited to reclaim the company’s viability to the energy sector in refining fuel products locally.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) Dodia emphasized that the importation of fuel into the Country is an expensive venture but the reviving of Indeni will enable the Country to create the necessary value addition which is essential to the economy.

“Value is what IDC must promote, right now we are importing finished fuel from abroad which is the most expensive fuel we can buy, and yet if we brought in the feedstock as Indeni was designed, push it through Tazama to Ndola, and begin to go back to refining our fuel that is the most sensible value addition investment for IDC to be doing and to expand it by opening Indeni Phase two or phase three,” he said.

Dodia stated that IDC must also consider investing in ZESCO to sanitize the Country’s electricity shortfall which is almost crippling the economy.

He questioned some of the investments that IDC has made in the past stating, “IDC is the biggest state-owned enterprise so when they make a contract that is worth $500 million the people of Zambia suffer the consequences,  as things stand IDC is not been seen as a partner for investment but a dumping ground where when your business is not doing well or where you want to make a big profit, 10 years ago IDC bought two milling companies, and there was no explanation, and now they are considering to buy a farm and they are using public money, we have an argument that Government should not be in the business of running business” he said.

However, adding to the call made by the World Bank to Zambia to the removal of the Republic President from the IDC Board, Dodia remarked “With some of these investments if one wanted to challenge IDC where do you go when the Chairman is the head of state, in a normal good cooperate setting, the Head of State or the chairman should not seat on any of the lower units for which he may ask to arbitrate, by the President not being associated with IDC it allows for transparency,” he said.

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Public Sector Development Association (PSDA) President Yusuf

Markets

Economist Notulu Salwindi has expressed skepticism about achieving the 6.6 percent Gross Domestic Product – GDP growth rate for the 2025 budget citing the severe impact of drought on the economy.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, announced a 6.6% GDP growth rate projection in the 2025 National budget.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) Economist Notulu Salwindi said the damage caused by drought and the extended loadshedding requires significant recovery efforts, which will likely spill over into 2025.

“The economy is currently in recession, and next year should focus on recovery, not assuming a boom,” emphasized Salwindi.

Salwindi however predicted a minimal level of growth, contingent upon adequate rainfall.

To achieve this, he recommends measures to support recovery, rather than assuming a boom.

“The damage that has been done requires a lot of recovery, whether you are looking at household level or Company level everyone now is incurring costs if we are being honest, meaning there will be some borrowing that will be done, if you are not borrowing it means you are depleting on your savings, meaning next year either you replenish your savings or paying back debt that you acquired this year because you are trying to survive,” he observed.

However, Salwindi projected that the GDP is likely to attain a minimal level of growth but within the conditions of adequate rainfall.

“In other words, right now, we are under a recession, so next year we are trying to recover we don’t want to go into depression, everything in 2025 should be a recovery process and not where we are assuming. we are coming from a boom where all things where rosy, if people are recovering from a shock now what measures are you putting in place to ensure that they are being assisted in their recovery?” he questioned.

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Economist Notulu Salwindi has expressed skepticism about

Mining

The Zambian copper industry experienced about 5% decrease in export earnings from refined copper, dropping from K17.2 billion in July 2024 to K16.4 billion in August 2024.

According to the Zambia Statistics Agency – Zamstats this decline was mirrored by a 6.4% decrease in refined copper export volumes, falling from about 70 thousand mt in July to about 65 thousand mt in August 2024.

“Export earnings from refined copper decreased by 4.6 percent from K17.2 billion in July 2024 to K16.4 billion in August 2024. Refined Copper export volumes decreased by 6.4 percent from 68.7 thousand mt in July 2024 to 64.3 thousand mt in August 2024.” Confirmed Goodson Sinyenga, Zamstats Statistician General.

Furthermore, copper prices on the LME market also saw a 5% decrease, from US$9,393.6 per mt in July 2024 to US$8,963.7 per mt in August 2024.

Meanwhile, the cumulative volume of refined copper exported from January to August 2024 saw a decrease to 511.5 thousand mt from 531.6 thousand mt in 2024 representing a 3.6% decline.

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The Zambian copper industry experienced about 5%

Companies

Coca-Cola Beverages Zambia continues to reward its loyal customers through the ongoing ‘Wina naKapendelo kaCoke’ promotion, offering exciting weekly prizes to consumers nationwide.

Among the winners is 23-year-old Ruth Chalwe from Kalomo district, Western Province, who has turned her K25,000 win into a life-changing opportunity by enrolling in a tailoring and design school.

Ruth, who completed her secondary education in 2019 and holds a nursing qualification, expressed her gratitude to Coca-Cola Zambia for the promotion.

“I am extremely grateful to Coca-Cola Zambia for this opportunity. Winning the K25,000 has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional tailor,” Ruth said.

Ruth has already made plans to begin her tailoring and design course in January 2025. After completing her studies, she hopes to open her tailoring shop and contribute to her community by employing local youths.

“My goal is not just to become a tailor but to create opportunities for others by offering employment in my shop. This promotion has been a blessing, and I encourage others to participate and win,” she added.

The ‘Wina naKapendelo kaCoke’ promotion, running until November 30, 2024, invites participants to buy a 300ml Glass Bottle of Coca-Cola, Fanta, or Sprite with a yellow bottle cap, dial 38424#, and follow the prompts to stand a chance to win amazing prizes. Entry in the promotion is free.

Coca-Cola Beverages Zambia remains committed to bringing joy and life-changing opportunities to its consumers through such promotions.

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Coca-Cola Beverages Zambia continues to reward its

Companies

Coca – Cola Beverages Zambia – CCBZ recently welcomed its Group Chief Executive Officer – CEO, Sunil Gupta, along with other key executives to the Zambian market for a two-day familiarization tour.

The visit, which took place from 2nd to 3rd October 2024, provided an opportunity for the CEO and other executives to engage with various stakeholders and gain valuable insights into the Zambian market dynamics.

Accompanied by the Chief Operating Officer, Gavin Hudson, and the Chief Supply Chain Officer, Alok Sharma, Gupta led the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in visiting key accounts, general trade partners, “Matebeto” outlets, distributors, and wholesale customers.

The ELT was joined by CMT members, led by the General Manager, Josphat Mwangi, as they sought to interact with customers and gain a deeper understanding of the market landscape.

The second day of the visit kicked off with a “meet and greet” session with GMT members, during which valuable feedback was shared on market opportunities. The tour concluded with a plant visit to the Lusaka West plant, providing the executives with insights into the company’s local operations and production processes.

The familiarization tour not only allowed the Company to strengthen its connections with local partners but also provided them with a firsthand understanding of the Zambian market.

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Coca – Cola Beverages Zambia – CCBZ

Agribusiness

Crushers and Edible Oil Refiners Association (CEDORA) has attributed the 12% increase in export earnings to the ban lift on the export of oil cake and other solid residues of sunflower seeds, which accounted for 19% of the increase.

The Zambia Statistics Agency reported a 12% increase in export earnings from agricultural products, reaching K2.4 billion in August 2024, up from K2.1 billion in July of the same year.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times, Dr. Aubrey Chibumba, Director of the Crushers and Edible Oil Refiners Association (CEDORA), revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture had allowed the resumption of the export of sunflower cake, soya cake, and cotton cake, following the decline in demand.

“As a result, there is now a limited quota for the export of these protein cakes every month, leading to a noticeable surge in their export. He highlighted the impact of factors such as load shedding on the local demand for stock feed.”

He explained that the decline in demand was a result of the inability to rear birds due to the challenges posed by load shedding, leading to a decrease in the demand for soya cake and stock feed.

“In April we were stopped from exporting any cake due to the droughts because the country was not sure about whether we had enough cake for stock feed production.” He said.

“You can imagine if you are keeping day old chicks and then there is no electricity and then those day old chicks are going to die, same applies to restaurant owners and you order hundred chickens per week because of no electricity you cannot keep those hundred chickens so you start ordering on a day by day basis , but again on a day by day basis your supplier also their costs are going to go up if they have to be distributing on a day by day basis, so the whole cost structure in the value chain has gone up so high that it has made it difficult for people to actually rear birds making the demand for soya cake and stock feed to go down.” He explained.

Chibumba further stated that due to the demand going down the Ministry of Agriculture allowed them to export, making them to resume export of sunflower cake, soya cake and Cotton cake.

“So all the protein cakes currently, we have a limited quarter that we can export every month so that’s why you will start seeing jumps in experts of those commodities.” He said.

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Crushers and Edible Oil Refiners Association (CEDORA)

Tech

Amid the power crisis the country is currently grappling with, the Solar Industry Association of Zambia – SIAZ, has Expressed concern over the renewable energy sector, specifically solar energy in Zambia as it is facing shortage of expertise, with only the University of Zambia currently offering a master’s degree program in renewable energy.

Association President Matanda Mwewa has emphasized the need for additional training and courses to address this gap. Mwewa stated that there is a need for courses to be introduced, as there are currently no technicians specializing in solar energy.

He explained that Solar energy requires hands-on training, and engineers and electrical technicians willing to contribute to this sector must come on board.”

Mwewa however revealed that the Association has collaborated with TEVETA to develop a curriculum, which is now being implemented in five TEVET schools to ensure that the sector is wellequipped with the necessary skills.

Emphasizing the importance of research and professional installation, Mwewa urged end users to conduct thorough research on equipment setup, common market brands, and warranties.

He stressed that investing a significant sum of money in renewable energy systems necessitates the engagement of professionals with a proven track record in installation and urged individuals to seek referrals from experts to avoid potential hazards.

The industry’s call for enhanced training and expertise underscores the critical need for sustainable and safe renewable energy practices in Zambia.

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Amid the power crisis the country is

Agribusiness

The prolonged hours of load shedding in Zambia have taken a devastating toll on the poultry industry, with the Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) Executive Manager Dominic Chanda revealing that costs have tripled for some businesses.

Chanda said this increase is primarily due to the expensive alternative energy sources that companies have been forced to adopt.

He noted that small businesses, particularly those providing incubation services for village chickens, have been severely impacted, with many closing down adding that these businesses are unable to invest in alternative energy sources, making it impossible for them to continue operations.

He also said the reduced purchasing power of consumers has also affected the industry, with families opting to buy chicken daily instead of in bulk.

He explained that this shift has put pressure on farmers to keep chickens longer than necessary, increasing production costs. Unfortunately, farmers have not been able to increase prices due to consumers’ limited disposable income, resulting in significant losses.

“Other people who have invested in other alternative sources of energy which is more expensive , are enduring three times the cost of grid meaning that every output that is been produced is at a higher cost than the previous one hence there is higher chance of seeing some adjustments in prices .”

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The prolonged hours of load shedding in