Kansanshi mine which is owned by Canadian listed First Quantum Minerals – FQM, copper production has experienced an increase of up to 30 percent from January to June 2024 compared to 2023 productions.
According to official statistics obtained by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, FQM’s Kansanshi mine has produced 8,465 metric tons of copper during this period, compared to 6,335 metric tons produced within the same period in 2023.
The monthly breakdown of production at Kansanshi copper mine produced 9,435. 9, 384. 14,045. 14,354. and 16,595 metric tons for January, February, March, April, May, and June, respectively.
This represents about a 30 percent increase compared to the production of the same months in 2023 of 10033. 7815. 10830. 8688. 12102 and 13864 metric tons from January to June 2023.
As a developing nation, with serious economic and social troubles even after changing seven (7) head of state, Zambia should by now start giving meritocracy a chance. Muzala has earned his stripes and his views ought to be respected as he knows the troubles he had to go through to wrestle only a third medal for Zambia.
With due respect for positions of appointment such as minister, some which are elective such as sports association presidents or Secretary General etc. sports personalities like Kalusha Bwalya, Chris Katongo & his winning team, Samuel Matete, Keith Mwila and now Muzala Samukonga have earned the right to tell it as it is, and help the nation develop.
They are well aware of the challenges they have encountered to go against the local odds and get the Africa wide and global honors and recognition. When you analyse the points that Muzala Samukonga has raised on allowances and sports management, the only credible thing to do is listen and implement reforms rather than become defensive.
Most of the people in Zambia holding positions through appointment or some kind of local elections views should not stiffle or mute the voices of the heroes who understand what it takes. No one appointed Kalu to great football prominence, same with Samukonga, no one appointed him nor did he have to win some local elections.He earned his stripes and the whole world watched what he did.
Muzala Samukonga whether you like or not is now the pride of Zambian athletics and a symbol of national hope, who now finds himself at the center of a storm that threatens not only his future but the very fabric of Zambian sports administration. The Olympic bronze medalist, who etched his name alongside the legendary sprinter Samuel Matete & Boxer Keith Mwila as one of Zambia’s three (3) Olympic medalists, has taken a bold stand against what he describes as “a betrayal of trust” by the very institution meant to support him.
A Hero’s Plight On 23 August 2024, the Ministry of Sports, led by Minister Elvis Nkandu, announced with confidence that “all outstanding allowances have been paid to our athletes, with only winning bonuses remaining unsettled.” This statement was quickly picked up and amplified by social media influencers, eager to reassure the public that all was well in Zambian sports.
But within hours, Samukonga shattered that illusion. “We have not received any allowances as claimed by the Ministry. This is a grave concern for us as athletes,” Samukonga declared in a rare, emotionally charged statement. “These funds are critical for our training, our livelihoods, and our ability to represent Zambia with honor. The Ministry’s statement is simply not true.”
A Troubling Pattern Samukonga’s outcry has brought to light a recurring issue that has plagued Zambian sports for years. The nation’s sports administration has a history of failing to deliver on its promises to its athletes, a pattern that stretches back more than a decade.
In the wake of Zambia’s historic victory at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, members of the national football team, including then-captain Christopher Katongo, publicly voiced their frustrations over unpaid bonuses. Despite promises from the government and football authorities, years went by without the players receiving their due rewards. “We brought glory to Zambia, but we were left to struggle,” Katongo lamented in 2016, expressing the disillusionment that many Zambian athletes feel.
This history of neglect is not lost on Samukonga, who now finds himself in a similar predicament.
“These allowances are not just numbers on a ledger,” Samukonga emphasized. “They are the fuel that drives our dreams. Without them, how can we be expected to perform at our best?”
A System in Disarray that lacks meritocracy
The issues raised by Samukonga are not new. For years, there have been murmurs of discontent among Zambia’s athletes about the lack of support and the inefficiencies plaguing sports management. But this time, it seems the simmering discontent has reached a boiling point.
“It is increasingly clear that the current sports administration lacks the expertise and understanding necessary to manage the complex needs of our athletes,” said a senior sports analyst, who asked to remain anonymous. “The Ministry is out of touch with the realities on the ground, and the consequences are dire.”
The analyst’s views are echoed by many within Zambia’s sporting circles, who argue that the administration’s lack of foresight and experience is costing the country dearly. Samukonga’s ordeal is seen as symptomatic of a system in crisis.
“This is not just about unpaid allowances,” the analyst continued. “It’s about a deeper, systemic failure that is putting our athletes’ careers – and our nation’s sporting future – in jeopardy.” And this is not only for Athletics, but all the other sports that fail to mint meddles.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF INACTION The impact of this mismanagement is already being felt. Samukonga, who was poised to lead Zambia’s charge at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is reportedly reconsidering his future with the national team. Sources close to the athlete have indicated that he may no longer be willing to represent Zambia if the situation is not resolved.
“The situation is untenable,” said one of Samukonga’s close associates. “Muzala is a patriot, but he cannot continue like this. He has given everything for his country, and this is how he is treated? It’s disgraceful.”
If Samukonga were to step away from representing Zambia, it would be a devastating blow to the nation’s sporting ambitions. His departure would not only rob Zambia of one of its brightest stars but also send a chilling message to other athletes about the risks of dedicating their careers to a system that appears to be crumbling.
A CALL FOR URGENT REFORM As the scandal unfolds, there are growing calls for the Zambian government to take swift action. Sports management experts are urging the Ministry to overhaul its approach, bringing in professionals with a genuine understanding of sports and a commitment to athlete welfare.
“The government must act now,” said the sports analyst. “We cannot afford to lose athletes like Samukonga. The time for platitudes and empty promises is over. What we need is real change – and we need it urgently.”
As the dust settles on this controversy, one thing is clear: Muzala Samukonga’s fight is not just for himself, but for the future of Zambian sports. Whether the nation’s leaders will rise to the challenge remains to be seen. ZBT had spoken to Samuel Matete after the Samukonga Bronze, and he echoed that the issues raised have been there and reforms to change are always thwarted.
A NATION HOLDS ITS BREATH For now, Zambia waits. Will the government heed the call of its athletes? Will Samukonga return to the track to represent Zambia, or will he become the latest in a line of disillusioned sports stars like Fashion Sakala in football who broke rank and called out the corruption happening in football? The answers to these questions will shape the future of sports in Zambia for years to come.
Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lewis Mwape has denied claims of businessmen paying Petauke residents K50 in exchange for the use of their NRCs to purchase FRA relief maize.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mwape clarified that after discussions with traditional leadership and the absence of concrete evidence, the claims appeared to be more speculative in nature.
Dr. Mwape stated that the government has established measures to prevent such occurrences adding that beneficiaries are now only permitted to purchase from designated depots using their NRCs and money, with a limit of one 50kg bag of maize per month. He said this approach aims to streamline the distribution process and ensure that maize is accessed legitimately by those for whom it is intended.
“It was a bit more speculative as there was not much evidence, as we as government came in and we discussed with the traditional leadership especially his royal highness Chief Mumbi as well as his royal highness Chief Mwanjabantu and we did not hear anything regarding that,” He said.
Mwape stated that people will now start desisting from doing that as the Government has put in conditions that if anyone is found wanting they will not be allowed even on a genuine basis to procure the community maize as it is meant for them and not trade.
“Where the problem was, is that the first approach of buying remember that when buying the community maize people were supposed to have deposited the money at a bank in town and so what the citizens were doing in the community from far places who are supposed to be the beneficiaries was that, they were putting their NRCs and money to one person to go and deposit the money then they get the receipt then they go and buy so meaning that that process could have been abused to some extent,” He said.
“You can imagine maybe we say you are coming from Mwanjabantu and you want to buy one bag, so for you to buy that one bag you have to go to Petauke town to go and deposit the money through ZANACO and then you go back in Mwanjabantu again to go and present your receipt and be given the bag of maize,” He said.
He added that this will also ensure that there is a cut on transport as it will benefit the local residents.
A tobacco farmer has refuted allegations that tobacco farmers are being exploited due to lower prices, stating that the current price at which tobacco is sold on the market is very fair.
Chilufya asserted that tobacco production stands out as one of the most profitable agribusiness pursuits, citing potential earnings of up to $6000 per hectare.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambia Business Times – ZBT, tobacco farmer Chisala Chilufya said that tobacco production is one of the top leading agribusiness in terms of profit as it cannot be compared to any other crops.
Chilufya explained that “Tobacco has got types, if you are talking about the one which is referred to as Burley it gives the farmer up to $3000 minimum per hectare and when you look at (ECV) it is able to give a farmer up to $6000 per hectare minimum so even if you compare the production cost in terms of fertilizer, labor, and other things nothing can match on that tobacco is the best business someone can venture into,” He alluded.
Chilufya said the major challenge in the country is issues to do with tobacco have been politicized as Zambia lost track during the federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland adding that no leader has ever shared the history of tobacco.
Meanwhile, Chilufya said the production for this year was affected due to the droughts which were experienced as it hit the tobacco farmers especially the ones in southern, Central, and Western provinces.
“The parts that did well were Lumezi, Lundazi, Chasefu that’s where production was very good because of the rainfall, regardless of the production not being good the price for tobacco was very good and any farmer who did a good agricultural practice made money,” He stated.
Chilufya however shed light on the predominantly self-sponsored nature of the tobacco industry in Zambia, emphasizing the minimal government involvement in addressing input-related issues.
Environmental expert has expressed concern over the rising incidence of uncontrolled burnings in various parts of Lusaka.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambia Business Times, environmentalist Joe Nkandaani stressed the worrying prevalence of uncontrolled burning, particularly in the early morning hours, and its potential adverse effects on air quality.
Nkandaani underlined the significant impact of smoke and resulting air pollution on public health, citing concerns over respiratory diseases such as cancer, bronchitis, and asthma, which can be exacerbated by poor air quality.
He also underscored the potential financial burden on the government for treating illnesses caused by air pollution.
“When we wake up in the morning it is very shocking to see the amount of smoke in the atmosphere which eventually causes air pollution, now as you know air pollution is very dangerous because it leads to several dangerous respiratory diseases such as Cancers, bronchitis, those who have asthma they also begin to suffer.” He said.
He has further appealed to the Ministry responsible for the environment and green economy on the need to start sensitizing people as well as begin to enforce the laws that are available In order to stop this cage of unnecessary burning of solid waste.
“You’ll see that this solid waste burning usually happens along the rail line from Chawama way back to near Lilayi because all that area has been turned into a dumping site, so you find that in the morning as well as within the night people begin to burn that solid waste which consists of plastics, paper and all sorts of waste that is available, now this air that people begin to breath will cause a lot of serious problems to people’s health.” He explained.
Furthermore, Nkandaani has urged the general public to start dumping garbage in designated areas where the local authorities or those responsible for collecting garbage will be able to collect it and be able to dispose of it at designated dump sites.
He further added that residents should not be freely dumping waste or solid waste indiscriminately as it eventually comes back to affect them as well as the people around by breathing contaminated air as well as drinking contaminated water.
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has charged that the continued rise in the cost of living is deeply concerning as it deviates from the goal of attaining quality universal health coverage for all.
According to a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection Social & Economic Development Programme Officer, Lukwesa Musonda said the centre has recorded an increase in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) survey for a family of 5 during the month of August, which now stands at K10, 669.33, reflecting an increase of K93.40.
JCTR has however raised concern over the wellbeing of consumers as Food prices have continued to rise.
“This rise was attributed to the increase in the prices of food items such as kapenta which increased to K407.51 from K377.52 per kg and the price of Vegetables increased to K641.26 from K554.46 per 40kg.”
She further stated that JCTR’s analysis over the past months revealed that the prices of food items such as vegetables, kapenta, beans, fruits as well as cassava flour have been fluctuating due to seasonal availability as well as market conditions.
“These food items are essential components of a healthy diet -which are fruits, vegetables, dairy, cereals & tubers and Legumes & nuts that every person should consume. Price shocks being exerted on food commodities pose a threat to the nutritional status of the country as consumers may shift to any other foods that may be available and affordable or compromise on the number of meals they take per day.” She said
Musonda added that the Centre is concerned with the challenge of access to affordable food posed by the rising food prices among the vulnerable and the poor in our communities.
She said this is a serious concern that must be addressed by the government through pro poor Policies and equitable government programmes.
Musonda added that there is need to ensure that consumers, already constrained by low Incomes, are protected from exploitation during such a crisis.
“The 2023/2024 farming season recorded reduced production of many crops in both cereals and tubers; therefore, it is important that farmers are well equipped with knowledge and equipment in sustainable agricultural practices in the next Farming season as well as Increasing awareness of indigenous knowledge on sustainable farming practices,as a measure of ensuring food security and nutrition,” she said.
Musonda further urged stakeholders working in food systems to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous knowledge in farming practices In order to ensure food security regardless of the season or other environmental calamities While adapting to changing climatic conditions.
“Social assistance Programmes are prone to corruption risks and misuse of funds. Hence, the Centre recommends that the government puts in place measures to minimize such risks in the implementation of the programme. As This will ensure benefits accrue to the most affected particularly now with the rise in the cost of living.” She added.
Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association – SACBTA, Secretary-General Jacob Makambwe has emphasized the urgent need for a shift towards value addition in the country which would enable the production of goods that meet international standards, thereby reducing dependency on imports and increase foreign exchange, which could contribute to stabilizing the currency.
Makambwe highlighted the challenges faced by traders, citing the impact of climate change and reduced productivity in agriculture as significant factors affecting cross-border trade.
Speaking in an exclusive Interview with the Zambia Business Times, Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association Secretary General Jacob Makambwe said, there is a need for traders to start being competitive by becoming productive in having at least value or goods that could be taken out in the markets.
He added that trade had been a bit more relative in terms of the challenges and the positives as a result of so many factors like the Impact of climate change, in most parts of the country including the SADC region as there had been a reduction in commodities that are trading from Agriculture due to very low productivity levels, that had been recorded in the countries, especially in Zambia, where the drought situation had been declared as national disaster.
“This has had a general impact on the cross border trade that most of the goods that were traded especially agriculture products are not traded in volumes In the way they were as a result of this impact,” He said.
Makambwe further alluded that the market will always be created in terms of commodities where they are needed, as most of the traders in Zambia do not actually export most of their products.
“We need to change and start focusing on value addition Into making sure that we have products or goods that we can take out there for exports, as much as we are looking forward to trade, maybe buying from other countries we need to become competitive by becoming productive in having at least value or goods that we need to take out in the markets that are opening up,” He said.
He further explained that the Comesa East African community and SADC Tripartite free trade area was going to take place on the 25th of July as it is going to be the creation of the tripartite free trade agreement or trade area that implores that the three mother bodies are supposed to work extra hard to make sure that the framework works in terms of market integration, which also involves trade Liberalization through the creation of the free trade area and arrangements for the movement of different persons and development of infrastructure which focuses on enhancing connectivity and reducing business cost.
Furthermore, Makambwe stated that traders are currently facing a lot of challenges like competition from the Chinese that are coming to trade in our country as well as producing some of their products as they are much more on the retail side instead of wholesale which is crowding out local traders that are buying from them to sell to other places as it is becoming a problem.
He added that there is a need for there to be a margin between the Chinese who are the producers but are selling to local traders as retailers.
Furthermore, Makambwe urged the Government through the Ministry of Commerce to try and address this issue by agreeing with them that they want the foreign direct investment that comes in through the Chinese investment but they do not want them to crowd out the market and trade environment.
Fruits and Vegetables Association President has confirmed that there has been reduction in garlic production in the country which has affected the prices of the product which has doubled.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambia Business Times, Fruits and Vegetables President Mr. Bernard Sikunyongana said, Garlic production has gone down as the production for this year was very poor.
“The garlic that we have this year will only cater for two months as compared to all these years were our garlic would last up to 4 months of which the other 8months we would import from China,” He said.Sikunyonga further added that, up to now this year they are still importing from china of which was not supposed to be the case.
“Because of the rains our small scale farmers did not produce, looking at it that eastern province is the number one producer of garlic and if you look at the shortfall of rains due to climate change they could not produce enough as that is the current challenge we are facing as we are currently still importing Garlic from China,” He explained.
Sikunyongana further stated that the country’s consumption in regards to garlic amounts to about 100-200 tons per month.
“Currently we don’t not have commercial farmers that are big into garlic production as we currently just have smale scale farmers who do not have the capacity to put up irrigation centers on there farms as they solely depend on their dams and if you look at the ones from Chipata normally farm on wetlands, so normally you would find on their farms there is an area where water doesn’t dry quickly and that’s the part where they plant and irrigate and within a short period of three months they are able harvest,” He added.
He further stated that garlic is currently selling at about K180-K200 per Kg , as it used to trade below K100 but now it has doubled.
The fourth Mobile Network Operator – Zed Mobile has confirmed that its services are currently only available in Lusaka after it launched its services on the 9th August 2024.
Speaking to the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Zed Mobile, Head Legal and Regulatory, Chazingwa Sakuwaha revealed that the Company has made advancements in furthering it’s network coverage with it’s efforts standing at 70 percent coverage in Lusaka.
On 9th of August 2024, Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati launched Zambia’s fourth mobile phone operator, Zed Mobile, after it suffered several setbacks in as far as commencement of operations is concerned.
She stated that in one weeks time, the entire Lusaka is expected to be covered with it’s services. “We are eager to get to the all Country but we are doing it in phases, even in lusaka we are still rolling out in some parts, and there are customers that are within and eager to access our network, but we are getting to them in a few days or one week we should be able to cover the entire Lusaka, and soon we shall be rolling out to the rest of the Country starting with the Copperbelt Province,” She said.
Meanwhile, Zed Mobile has denied overpricing sim cards following reports that it has been selling sim cards above the market threshold of K5 adding that the over pricing allegations were being purported by unscrupulous individuals of which some of them had been caught.
“Those who are being charged with K10 or K20 must avail themselves by reporting, our simcards are K5, we must address such stealing, we have received a few reports and we have taken action against such reports,” she said.
And when asked about their strategy of occupying a place on the market amidst competition from already established mobile service providers, she revealed that there are several strides in line with offering affordable services in data and network.
“Our data now is probably the fastest we have on the market, we have some wonderful reviews around our Data, we are focused on using local employers and we are the only employer which is upholding Zambians and we are owned and Zambian managed,” she said.
Amid the concerns about the impact of the 21hrs load-shedding on various sectors of the economy and the daily lives of citizens, the Zambian government has been challenged to clearly indicate if they have abandoned the two major solar projects which have great potential to cut the current electricity deficit.
President Hakainde Hichilema in May 2024 announced the signing of a 1000 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) between Canadian renewable energy company, SkyPower Global, and Zambia’s state-owned utility Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) about a year after Zesco signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates renewable energy company Masdar in 2023 to develop a 2, 000 solar project worth $2 billion.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Renewable energy and climate finance, Expert Susiku I. Nasinda, has challenged government to provide clear updates on the 2000MW Masdar deal and the recently announced 1000MW Skypower solar project which bring the generation capacity to 3000MW.
“There are two pronouncements that were made regarding solar developments, first of all there was a 2, 000 Masdar which was done in the first quarter of 2023 and earlier this year, there is another pronouncement which was made by the President Hakainde Hichilema regarding Skypower where he talked about 1, 000 MW.”
“The fact that we have not seen the actualization of these projects, it means that there could be some underlying factors which we are not preview to and are preventing these projects from coming to fruition.”
He added that “As you may be aware for a joint development to take place, two parties are involved so there is a lot of background work that needs to happen because these are major projects, the Masdar is $2 billion and for you to raise that much am sure ZESCO should have put in some equity or investment as well, it could be land it could be money, so did we raise that which was required and did we meet the conditions required for us to go into a joint agreement so those are critical things but I may not have facts because information released to the public has been scant.”
Zambia’s electricity deficit has deepened with the national average peak demand remaining at 2,400 megawatts, resulting in a power deficit of 1,510 megawatts while the total current import of a total of 496 megawatts of power from the region, leaving a net deficit of 1014MW, According to the Energy Minister Makozo Chikote.
Solar Energy is however seen as the best alternative for Zambia during this power crisis. Efforts however to get a comment from the Ministry in charge have proved futile by press time.
