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The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has spearheaded the launch of an enhanced Livestock insurance product or risk transfer solution for local farmers in Zambia that will protect them from losing their capital (livestock) in times of drought or floods.

The product was launched in the first week of October by Fisheries and Livestock Minister Professor Nkandu Luo. The launch event was held at Chikankanta district of Southern Province, which is one of the region’s most affected by low rainfall in the last two farming seasons.

Index-Based Livestock Insurance – IBLI is a comprehensive insurance offering that covers Livestock farmers when their land for grazing is not sufficient, often due to drought or delayed rain. It pays out when there is loss of animals due to adverse weather conditions.

IBLI covers farmers against delayed rainfall, drought, fire and widespread destruction of grasslands by pests and diseases. However, it does not cover against death of the livestock through slaughter, violence and theft.

Prof Luo stated that “what has been launched is another innovation to further support fisheries and livestock as an important sector in the economic development of our country and wealth creation for our people. If we want our people to be healthy and wealthy, there is need for Zambians to put more effort on fisheries and livestock”.

She further stated that “the ministry of fisheries and livestock is one of the ministries that contributes to the growth of the GDP of this country. This ministry also contributes to the health of the people of Zambia, because if people have good nutrition, then they are healthy. Healthy people or a healthy population contributes to an overall increase in production”.

The ministry of fisheries and livestock is a multiplying department such that one animal can multiply to many animals. We have to learn from our neighbors such as Botswana, where the livestock sector is second to [diamond mining] and yet it is desert compared to Zambia. We are challenged to drive this sector to greater heights so that our people can celebrate wealth. ‘I call upon Zambians from north to south and from west to east to take livestock farming serious’. Prof Luo stated.

Many times, farmers do not like insuring their Livestock (assets), but if you don’t insure your animals, when the animals get affected with the diseases and they die, all animals will be lost compared to the amount of premiums you need to pay to insure your animals.

Professor Luo stated that the launch was set for Chikankanta district due to huge number of animals, the hard work of royal highness and the people of the district at large. “In addition, I want to thank IFAD, WFP, AfDB who have given us support both financial and technical, to launch IBLI”.

The insurance companies and partners involved will measure how the vegetation in your area has been affected by adverse conditions, the measurement of the vegetation state is compared against the expected and agreed mark and if below, the Livestock Farmer would qualify for compensation. The insurance will cover the cost of fodder or feed required to keep your livestock alive for the duration of the insurance cover, which normally lasts a season.

The insurance is provided initially by Mayfair insurance, ZSIC general insurance corporation and Madison general insurance company. These insurance companies have been involved in the development and refining of this insurance product.

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The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has

Tech

As traditional banks continue to shut down their expensive branch network, the more nimble telecoms and mobile money players like Airtel are even expanding and opening up more branches or shops as they like to call them.

Airtel Zambia has told the Zambian Business Times- ZBT that they opened 11 new shops in order to bring products and services closer to the people for a greater experience.

‘Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has opened an additional 11 new shops bringing the total number of stores to 28 across all the ten provinces of Zambia’. The new shops that have been opened are based in Mufulira, Chirundu, Mazabuka, Kalulushi, Lundazi, Kaoma, Sesheke, Choma, Kafue, Mpika and Mkushi’.

Airtel Managing Director Apoorva Mehrotra stated that he is confident that the 11 newly opened shops will help ensure more products and services are accessed including Airtel Money Services which are helping push government’s digital financial services agenda.

“We are excited about this new phase that we have embarked on and this is testament of our continued commitment to ensuring easy access to all our products and services particularly in the rural areas. This ambitious store opening program complements Airtel’s 4G 100% network expansion across the country,” he said.

The 11 new shops were all opened simultaneously yesterday by the regional business managers in low-key ribbon-cutting ceremonies, given the current COVID-19 restrictions.

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As traditional banks continue to shut down

Markets

Household commodity prices are expected to continue going up if nothing is done urgently due to the elevated levels of the Kwacha depreciation which has now crossed the K20 per 1 US dollar mark.

The Kwacha slide has a telling effect on the Zambian economy and overall prices of goods and services due to imported inflation. And with the added pressure of servicing the Euro bond whose bond holders are reported to be reluctant to suspend debt servicing despite the Covid 19 pandemic effect, it looks like the downward trend for the economy may continue.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Association of Microfinance Institutions of Zambia (AMIZ) Executive Director Webster Mate, stated that the situation looks pretty grim and that inflation may continue to rise as the demand for the dollar is exceeding the supply.

“When you look at what is happening on the financial markets, the demand for dollars is more than the supply, of course once in a while the central bank will whenever they are able to land some dollars, they are able to push that into the market to try and stabilize things. But given our situation right now, especially the debt burden, the outlook is looking very grim and the report from the bondholders is not helping the situation. So pressure is likely to mount on the kwacha, interest rates and prices of goods and services”, he told ZBT.

Furthermore, he said the views that where raised from commentators in the field of economics and finance say that the budget has some loop holes and that the budget falls short.

If you look at the JCTR food basket. Inflation affects what the common people depend on. Those commodities that are highly traded in the economy are things that are needed to keep our majority of homes going. Inflation does not spare them.

“Remember, two weeks ago, there was word that the price of fuel will go up, some service stations experienced queues to buy fuel before the price goes up. The point is, I don’t see how government will escape that”, he said.

Mate told ZBT that there is need to be less talk about politics and more discussions and talks about how the country can resolve these economic challenges. It’s as if there are no economic challenges, yet the majority are filling it.

A random survey has shown that commodity prices have continued to go up as most of the industrial inputs are imported into Zambia. These imported components are what is fueling the general increase in prices as even Agro produce dealers need at some point to buy imported products which need to be funded from their local businesses.

The biggest failure in the current economic management system in Zambia is that of failure to strategically manage the currency. The Kwacha has this year alone seen its value cut by over 42%. This drop in value is unacceptable and is only tolerated in emerging markets and country due to financial information gaps.

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Household commodity prices are expected to continue

Sport

It’s evident that when top notch African football clubs and national teams are looking for good quality coaches, they look outside the continent. Mostly because foreign coaches are perceived to have better chances of taking their respective teams to the promised land of winning trophies.

However, the hiring of South African coach Pitso Mosimane by Al Ahly, which is one of Africas’ all time best footballing clubs, is evident that even native Afro bred coaches have the quality . Mosimane becomes the first non Egyptian African coach in their over 113 years history.

The African football giants announced the hiring of their new head coach on Thursday 1st October 2020, a landmark decision that tells the doubting Thomases that a new self belief and confidence structure is gaining momentum.

According to the Confederation of African Football – CAF ‘the eight-time (8X) African champions parted ways with Swiss coach Rene Weiler who took over the club for a little over one year due to organizational reasons, the club mentioned in a statement’.

Mosimane (56), started his coaching career in 2001. He had spells with Supersport United and South Africa national team, before taking on Mamelodi Sundowns job in 2012. He has been a successful coach and manager having led The Brazilians to five titles in South African Premier League, two Nedbank Cup titles and two more in Telkom Cup.

He also guided Sundowns to their maiden CAF Champions League glory in 2016, adding the CAF Super Cup title a year later. He was named CAF Coach of the Year in 2016.

In Zambia, there is also currently about two coaches with strong international pedigree. Former Zesco United Coach George Lwandamina and former Baloka warrior coach Wedson Nyirenda. These two have also taken charge of the Zambia national team – Chipolopolo and went outside their home countries and successfully managed big sides.

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It’s evident that when top notch African

Companies

The Russell Bedford global professional services network has extended its footprint into Zambia and announced the appointment of Amazon Associates Chartered Accountants as its member firm.

Founded in 2005, Amazon Associates offers a broad range of audit, accounting and bookkeeping, tax compliance and company secretarial services.

The firm’s clients operate in a wide range of sectors ranging from manufacturing, trading, hospitality, education, farming, real estate and agricultural supplies to air cargo and security services, as well as Non-Governmental Organisations, and they include several local subsidiaries of foreign companies.

Speaking of the appointment, Russell Bedford CEO Stephen Hamlet told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an emailed note that “It is my pleasure to welcome Amazon Associates to Russell Bedford. As the network’s third appointment in Africa this year, I am incredibly proud of the advances we have made in our ability to provide comprehensive services on the continent. I’d like to extend a big welcome to all at Amazon Associates and wish them every success as new members of our international network.”

Monika Kumar, partner at Amazon Associates, added: “It is an exciting moment for our firm to become a member of the Russell Bedford network. Our membership will indeed support us in meeting our client’s international business goals, and we very much look forward to collaborating with our international counterparts as we seek to advance our firm in a wider regional and global market.”

Russell Bedford International was established in 1983, it is a global network of independent firms of accountants, auditors, tax advisers and business consultants. Russell Bedford is represented by some 700 partners, 6,500 staff and 350 offices in over 100 countries worldwide.

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The Russell Bedford global professional services network

Companies

Zambia’s largest cement producer, Lafarge Zambia Plc has sited the over 40% Kwacha depreciation within one year as being one of the key reasons behind the recent hike in cement prices which has caused an uproar in the construction industry.

Responding to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT on why the timing of the most recent cement price hike is observed to have NOT coincided with other major cement manufacturing cost variable or determinants such as power, transport or fuel?

Lafarge Zambia Director for Communications and Human Resource Thecra Milambo told ZBT that “we recently decided to issue a price increase as a result of current macro-economic factors that the country is facing which have been exacerbated by effects of the Covid- 19 pandemic”.

She said that “due to these [macro economic] factors, our operation and input costs have significantly increased over the last six (6) months; the most notable being maintenance, transport and packaging material costs. Further, ZMW [Zambian Kwacha] has devalued by more than 40% since September of last year which also had a materially adverse impact on our production costs”

And when asked why Lafarge Zambia cement brands on the market have the highest retail prices and if this is their pricing policy, Milambo stated that “the retail prices for the cement sold on the market are not set by Lafarge Zambia, but the retailers set them. Lafarge generally cannot comment on the pricing or business strategies. However, it is true that lafarge recently decided to issue a price increase”.

And responding to ZBT on the question as to why this cement price hike coincided with other cement producers in Zambia and why low capacity producers are now retailing at the lowest price points?

Milambo stated that “Lafarge Zambia takes compliance with competition law very seriously. The company sets its prices unilaterally and primarily on the basis of cost escalation / inflation with the aim to ensure that our customers get the best quality at a fair price. Therefore, Lafarge cannot comment about the prices or strategies of other cement producers.

The steep increase in cement prices has raised alarm bells as it threatens to derail the massive infrustructure program being undertaken by government. Zambia also has a small active mortgage market with most individuals and local businesses resorting to self built housing and commercial projects.

Some contractors and cement retailers have told ZBT that if Cement prices are allowed to escalate by over 100% in one year like is the case now, more schools and hospitals as well as construction projects by individuals and the private sector will stall.

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Zambia’s largest cement producer, Lafarge Zambia Plc

Companies

The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited – ZACL has signed a deal with Protea hotel that will see the hotel chain run the hotels at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport – KKIA in Lusaka.

Managing Director of the ZACL Fumu Mundoloka stated during the signing event today 8 October 2020 that “it is a big day where we are signing off agreements for hotel management between ZACL and Protea hotel which will be operating at Kenneth Kaunda international airport”.

The deal has been signed on behalf of Protea group by Stephen Kwint who is the group operations manager at protea, Mauro Goardigli group general manager for Protea and Fumu Mundoloka Managing Director Zambia Airport corporation Limited.

And speaking exclusively to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT at the the event, Director for Commercial Services Brian Chintu stated that the building to house the hotel was completed in the year 2019. The hotel is a medium range type, not too high end and not too lower end. We want to cater for different aspects and types of passagers.

When asked on what criteria was used to select the hotel chain, Chintu stated “consideration Such as experience in the hotel business, local and international presence, proof of global distribution systems, demonstration of capacity from the financial and a technical perspective, the brand name were all part of the assessment process. These were some of the key considerations”.

The hotel building is on 2 hectare of land and the construction cost came to about US$10.5. The Commercial Director further told ZBT that the hotel has 72 rooms in total, Some rooms are in the new terminal, while others are in stand-line structure, but both are part of the deal.

The auxiliary structures that the corporation has embarked on is to diversify its revenue streams. “This is the first hotel which was planned for developing across our key airport. The target is to diversify the revenue stream”, Chintu stated.

The hotel management deal between ZACL and Protea has been signed for an initial period of 15 years, it is renewable and is a performance-based. After 15 years, the performance will be evaluated to determine the way forward.

Nevertheless, Some projections have set out in the agreement form how much the Zambia Airport corporation limited will be getting. It is estimated that in 2-3 years, the hotel will be stable and will be able to pay out for ZACL.

Protea had to beat three other hotels that showed interest to run to airport hotel. “There were other 3 hotels that wanted to get the operating contract, but protea was successful because it was the best offer and able to meet the required standards.

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The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited - ZACL

Agribusiness

Some parts of the Mkushi River that had dried up have started flowing with water again. This is after the Water Resource Management authority WARMA made interventions to ensure that unauthorized obstruction of water by commercial farmers upstream were stopped.

WARMA public relations officer Joshua Kapila told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that the authority worked in collaboration with affected community members, water users and traditional leadership for water to be released which was trapped at unauthorized points.

Speaking during a situation assessment at various points of Mkushi River, Kapila said the authority would not allow a situation where communities are deprived of water that is a basic human need. More especially were there is no authority given.

He said WARMA would take necessary action against any person or institution obstructing water flow illegally with or without a permit. Meanwhile, WARMA inspector Felix Kabombo said plans are underway to start issuing water permits to small-scale farmers.

Kabombo said WARMA would also educate the small-scale famers on good water usage and conservation. This will allow them to grow in a sustainable manner which will also ensure that water bodies and rivers are able to flow and support various communities and environments.

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Some parts of the Mkushi River that

Markets

Christopher Mvunga, a former banker with UK’s Standard Chartered has now officially taken office as Bank of Zambia Governor to replace Dr. Denny Kalyalya who was relieved of his job. Mvunga had to undergo a ratification process in Parliament after his appointment by President Edgar Lungu, which has seen the substantive Deputy Governor Dr. Francis Chipimo hold fort.

President Lungu has since congratulated Mvunga for his appointment “Congratulations once again on your appointment as Governor of the Central Bank of Zambia. The subsequent ratification of your appointment by parliament is a clear indication that you are qualified for the job. It is also an indication that the people of Zambia have placed their confidence in in you to turn around the fortunes of the financial sector of the country. Do not let them down” stated the head of state and government.

Furthermore, the head of state emphasized that the new Central bank Governor has an enormous task ahead of him, as he will oversee the operations of entire financial sector as well as the performance of the country’s economy.

“I am confident that with over 30 years of experience in the private and public financial management sector, you will apply your skills and expertise to among others, review and formulate policy-driven solutions to address the macroeconomic challenges that our economy is currently faced with”

Meanwhile the head of state says he expects the Bank of Zambia to re-double efforts to achieve and maintain stability in the foreign exchange market by closely working with the Ministry of Finance.

At the same time the Bank of Zambia (BOZ), must continue to review and strengthen policies, where appropriate, to improve performances and ensure that the financial sector remains stable while inflation is brought back to the single digit range over the medium term.

Mvunga’s appointment and ratification in parliament has been received with mixed feelings with the main opposition United Party for National Development having opposed his ratification in parliament. However, Mvunga went through as the ruling Patriotic Front had the required numbers.

Mvunga has a big challenge ahead as he inherits a Kwacha that has within 2020 shed about 42% of its value. The stability of the Kwacha is the biggest single line target that he will be judged from as even the inflation target of single digit can easily be attained if the Kwacha holds its ground.

BOZ had also indicated that they would establish gold reserves which would offer an alternative buffer and boost national reserves after the discovery of substantial gold reserves at Kasenseli in Mwinilunga. The gold would be bought in Kwacha and be used to shore up national reserves as gold prices have been more resilient even in global crises times.

Mvunga may have a better chance of succeeding in the job having spent some few years working on the fiscal side at the ministry of finance and cabinet office, which some government insiders have told ZBT is key to understanding how the “system works”.

The first 100 days perhaps will give the market a feel of the key plays that Mvunga will initiate that will determine the success or otherwise of his tenure.

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Christopher Mvunga, a former banker with UK’s

Tech

World’s largest brewer AB Imbev local unit, Zambian Breweries – ZB has launched a deliverly service that its customers can use to get their ordered products delivered to their doorsteps or business premises.

The brewer in adapting to the COVID-19 challenges has adopted the use of digital technology and e-commerce to streamline its delivery service. The addition of this delivery channel is expected to positively contribute to growth in overall sales volumes.

ZB had recently announced that they have partnered with AfriDelivery and Tigmoo to deliver beer and other alcoholic beverages to their customers who can now make orders and get deliverly within the comfort of their homes or offices.

In an emailed statement to Zambian Business Times-ZBT, ZB Country Head of Marketing, Sibajene Munkombwe stated that “if one wants to make an order to have their alcohol/ beer delivered to them, they need to go to the website homepages of the delivery service providers (AfriDelivery and Tigmoo), search for Zambia Breweries on Tigmoo and for Liquor wholesalers and retailers on AfriDelivery”

He add that customers can choose their preferred beer to the cart, Confirm all their product details, add their delivery address, confirm their order and Select payment method and finally, confirm pay for their order”, he said.

Furthermore, Munkombwe says that if one is stuck, they can always call the delivery service providers on their provided numbers as they are always there to assist the customers. The delivery fee is dependent on someone’s location.

“You would need to call the AfriDelivery or Tigmoo contact numbers and operators from the currently the two service delivery providers. You can also call to confirm your order. We are using our corporate and brand owned platforms to raise awareness about our B2B and B2C e-commerce”, he said.

The Covid 19 pandemic has led to severe economic challenges. Zambia has since 1998 recorded the first recession or contraction of the economy which has dampened demand and led to some businesses folding. However, most businesses that have survived are working to leverage the silver lining behind the dark clouds of covid 19.

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World’s largest brewer AB Imbev local unit,