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Sport

The Zambia Rugby Union is expecting to receive €5,000 (about K100,000) from its regional affiliate body, Rugby Africa. Rugby Africa is one of the six regional associations of World Rugby and assembles the African nations that practice 15s and 7s.

In an exclusive email note to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Zambia Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer – CEO Henry Shikopa stated that Rugby Africa is going to send Euro 5,000 euros (about K101,946) in June 2020.

Sport has been one of the most hit social and economic activities by the corona virus pandemic resulting in complete suspension of all sports activities in Zambia. Concerns have been that administrators and players have lost their key source of income.

“Rugby Africa has offered it affiliates tiered amounts of COVID relief funds. These are set according to rank and status of each affiliate. Zambia falls in the top tier and has been awarded Euro €5,000. These funds are expected to hit the accounts of the Zambian Rugby Union this month of June 2020. Furthermore, world Rugby was waived 2020 affiliation fees for all is members”, he told ZBT.

Furthermore, Shikopa added that the union has not yet lost any money to date because they have not reached a point in the season where they generate money from fixtures. But the losses from league fixtures for the individual clubs is definitely there.

“The union has not lost any notable funds to date. This is because the union does not make any money from Rugby league fixtures. We have not yet reached the point in the season where the union does generate money from tournaments and international fixtures which ordinarily are in June to September. Although the financial and revenue vacuum is coming and we can feel it”, he said.

The union has also joined the digital realm by using an online platform that registers all players and rugby activities on to the international data base. The centralized database will allow for a much wider oversight of all ruby activities and also the local union, Rugby Africa and World Rugby.

“This exercise is ongoing, and aims to register all players male, female, youth to toddlers that are affiliated to any rugby institution in Zambia whether a participant in the ZRU league or any other”, he said.

Shikopa says the union is yet to determine how efficient ScrumIT is but is impressed with what he is seeing.

“The ScrumIT exercise began in April 2020 in the midst of COVID 19 and the halt of rugby activities. It is still in implementation stage. Its full value can only be assessed at after full implementation. We will only be in a position to appreciate the full value of ScrumIT when full domestic and international rugby activities resume. But suffice to say that even in the early stages we are with ScrumIT, its so far so good”, he said.

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The Zambia Rugby Union is expecting to

Lifestyle

Most practicing lawyers in Zambia only manage to pass at the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education – ZIALE after re-sitting and taking what is referred to as repeaters examination.

It has been established that only a few law students (mostly under 5%) that enroll at Zambia’s law practice institution qualify and are admitted to the bar through the repeaters examinations which comprises of candidates that attempt to re-sit for the next exams after failing to clear their final exams.

The institution had on June 16th 2020 congratulated 202 students who cleared the 2019 December REPEATERS examinations out of the 731 that sat for the exams indicating a slight increase from the 2018 repeaters examinations where 194 passed out of the 694 that sat for the exams.

Meanwhile, only five out of 355 students who sat for the 2019 final exams passed, representing 1.4 percentage pass rate. The consistent low pass rate at ZIALE has since attracted concerns from various stakeholder and citizens as it has continued to recorded high failure rate.

One of ZIALE’s officers who asked that his name be withheld told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that the institution conducts two sets of graduations in a year with one for repeaters and the other for final sitters.

“The final exams comprise of those that write the exams for the first time and are examined on 10 different courses and clear all at once while the repeaters are those that had written the final exams and had not cleared all the 10 courses then re-sit for the remaining subjects. Under these exams some attempt for the second time, third and even go up to seventh attempt and all these are categorized under the repeaters exams,” said the source.

When asked if certificates indicated whether one graduated under the repeaters or final exams, the ZAILE staffer said certificates do not indicate whether one graduated under the repeaters or final exams as everything is labeled the same.

When asked if ZIALE is considering another campus on the Copperbelt as Law training seem to be concentrated in Lusaka, the source disclosed that the institution has plans to open another campus within Lusaka and has since identified a site where such a campus will be located in the near future.

There has been concerns raised that the monopoly held by ZIALE has denied other ten provinces of Zambia from housing private law practices to five residents equitable access to the justice system and law representation.

According to a report done in Zambia, most lawyers are based in Lusaka with a few on the Copperbelt. Other provinces outside Lusaka and the Copperbelt remain remain largely under served frustrating the decentralization efforts of national development.

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Most practicing lawyers in Zambia only manage

Mining

The Mines ministry has revised the process through which mineral export permits are issued in order to close some historical loop holes and maximize revenue generated by government from mineral royalty tax.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary – PS Barnaby Mulenga has disclosed that this decision has been arrived at in order to maximize government revenue which is currently being lost through some exporters’ submission of low grade samples to the ministry’s chemistry laboratory while the actual exported product may contain a varying grade.

He stated that currently, every client who wishes to apply for a mineral export permit submits a sample of the export consignment to the chemistry laboratory of the Ministry.

Based on the sample analysis results from the laboratory, a Mineral Valuation Certificate of the entire mineral export consignment is prepared and it is on the strength of this valuation certificate that, after the applicant has obtained a mineral royalty clearance certificate from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the Ministry issues a mineral export permit to the applicant.

Mulenga said unfortunately, this practice had opened a window of opportunity for some mineral exporters to deliberately submit low-grade samples to the chemistry laboratory adding that this has resulted in undervaluing of mineral exports and consequently, loss of revenue earned by the government through mineral royalty tax eventually paid.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT on June 10, 2020, Mulenga said the loss of revenue could amount to significant amounts or even millions of dollars per export, depending on the amount of discrepancy in mineral grade between the submitted sample and the consignment being exported.

“In view of the above, the Ministry has put an end to the current arrangement so that Officers from the Ministry will be going to the mine sites or traders’ warehouses to independently collect the required samples instead of relying on samples submitted by exporters,” He said

He added that this decision will also eliminate the inconvenience of requiring clients to travel to Lusaka to submit samples each time they apply for a mineral export permit and achieve orderliness in the processing of mineral export permit applications as opposed to the practice currently prevailing.

“It is the desire of the government that the ministry gains full oversight of the mineral supply and value chain in order to ensure effective monitoring of mineral production and exports. Therefore in order to facilitate the smooth transition from the current scenario to the new one, all exporters are requested to ensure that their applications for export permits are received by the Ministry at least one week before the officers’ sampling visit to each region,” He added.

He informed all exporters of metals and other mineral products that, with effect from 1st July, 2020, the Ministry will no longer accept samples submitted by exporters to the Chemistry Laboratory at the Geological Survey Department in Lusaka.

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The Mines ministry has revised the process

Markets

As Ministry of Finance commences the revision of the 2020 National Budget that has gravely been impacted by the effects of Covid-19, financial analyst Maambo Hamaundu has advised on the need to consider putting the country back on a path of economic recovery and support local businesses who have been the most hit.

Hamaundu stated that given the impact that the outbreak has had on the domestic economy, it is only prudent that government makes funds available that could stimulate internal activities such as dismantling of domestic arrears.

He told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that there is need to also create a path for commencement of business activities with the domestic economy which has extremely become low resulting from complete closure of some businesses and loss of income amid Covid – 19.

Hamaundu said the call for help by SME’s is justifiable as they are facing a number of challenges and that the provision of the K10 billion facility by the Bank of Zambia – BOZ may only favor a few large businesses.

He added that in order for most businesses to return to their feet, grants and other ways to inject activity is going to be appropriate as opposed to loans which have obligations of paying back.

“We must prioritize the local business sector when revising the 2020 budget and ensure enough funds are being allocated to local businesses because the K10 billion facility has an obligation of paying back and most of the affected businesses especially bars have completely lost their revenue on closure hence only a grant is ideal for them because they have fallen back on rent and salaries, He said.

He further said that as government prepares for the 2021 budget, there is need to target the Agricultural, Energy, Manufacturing and Tourism sector as they have potential to generate revenue in the country.

Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba last week announced that ministry of finance has commenced preparation for the 2021 budget and that in order to ensure broad-based consultations, it is calling on the general public, companies and non-state actors to make proposals for possible inclusion in the 2021 National Budget.

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As Ministry of Finance commences the revision

Tech

ZESCO Spokesperson Henry Kapata has advised AFCONS to be patient with the power utility company over the process of relocating underground power lines to pave way for roads under the Lusaka Decongestion project.

It has been emerged that road works in Lusaka have certain parts not completed resulting in delays and the contractor AFCONS has attributed that the delays are actually being caused by ZESCO and the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company – LWSC who have delayed relocating their lines despite been paid.

Kapata has told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that relocating highly sensitive installations like those of ZESCO requires cautiousness and not timeframe to ensure a good job is done to avoid putting the lives of people in danger.

He said the company is currently working on a number of projects across the country and relocation of power lines on road projects has already began, therefore AFOCNS needs to exercise patience as their roads will soon be cleared in no time.

“Routing installations is not like switching off a candle, it needs to be done cautiously hence it’s important for them to realise that when they engage us to do our professional works, they should leave it to us, we don’t work on timeframe with regards to such installations, we work with caution,” He said.

The Lusaka decongestion project is seen as a solution to making doing business in the capital easy, as traffic jams had reached an unprecedented level were working hours were being lost in traffic, impacting negatively on productivity.

Residents has also been taking to social media and morning traffic radio shows to vent their frustrations on being caught up in heavy traffic jams leading to higher stress levels. This is one reason why the Lusaka decongestion project is key to improving quality of life for the capital city residents.

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ZESCO Spokesperson Henry Kapata has advised AFCONS

Tech

Energy Minister Matthew Nkuwa has stated that the Copperbelt Energy Corporation – CEC remains a Zambian private company listed on the Lusaka stock exchange and has not been nationalized or expropriated by government following its recent developments with Konkola Copper Mine – KCM.

Nkuwa says government is aware of the over 400 Zambians who have invested in CEC and is proud of its achievements in the recent past and it continues to play a critical role in the Zambian electricity market therefore sentiments indicating that the Zambian government is about to take over CEC should be ignored.

Speaking at a joint media briefing in Lusaka on June 17, 2020, attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, the minister said prior to the expiration of the Power Supply Agreement – PSA between KCM and CEC, KCM formally engaged ZESCO to enter successor agreement that would ensure continuation flow of power following its outstanding debt of about $144 million owned to CEC.

He said it was from this stance that ZESCO was free to enter into a PSA as on June 1st 2020 and that it was in accordance with clause 18 of the electricity Act of 2019.

He further said that in the interim, ERB has determined that CEC shall charge a wheeling tariff of US$5.84/KW/Month effective June 1st 2020 pending determination of a final tariff governing the relationship in consultation with the parties.

“I would also like to indicate that the infrastructure remains that of CEC while the same shall be used as a common carrier of power in line with the provisions of the electricity Act 11 of 2019. However, we are still in consultation to come up with our own charges, terms and conditions but be rest assured that our charges will not go beyond what has already been set by CEC,” He added.

Meanwhile, the minister has also confirmed that during the period 1st May to 15th June 2020, the average generation of electricity in the country was 1,780MW which comprised 1,379MW from ZESCO and 401MW from independent Power Producers – IPPs.

He said the reduction in the IPPs contribution was due to non-availability of Heavy Fuel Oil from Ndola Energy Limited and non – availability power from Lusemfwa Hydro Power Plant. The power deficit in the country still stands at 810MW and that Load shedding for up to 10 hours is being carried out for different customer’s categories under distribution.

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Energy Minister Matthew Nkuwa has stated that

Companies

The National Biosafety Authority – NBA has seized products that may contain genetically modified organism (GMOs) worthy over K 80,000 from Game stores and Spar supermarket in Lusaka which were being sold without a permit from the Authority.

The Authority had last week during its spot and compliance checks discovered that the two chain stores were trading in some products which may contain GMOs that were not granted permits.

NBA Communications Officer Sandra Lombe has disclosed to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that the stores, namely Game stores- Manda Hill and Cosmopolitan as well as Spar Superstore which include Twin Palm, Cross Roads, Mumbwa Road and Foxdale, contravened the Biosafety Act as they were selling the products without authorization from the NBA.

“Among the food products seized include Kellogs Noddles chicken flavor, Spar Woof dog food of various flavours, Savemor tea and chocolate biscuits, Kellogs Crumbs, Bisto Original, Savemor soya mince and Savemor soups (chili flavor). “In some of the affected shops we found that they had removed some products from the shelves after being alerted by their colleagues but we managed to get them from the store rooms,” She said

Lombe added that all the products seized shall be destroyed as provided for by the Biosafety Act No. 10 of 2007 adding that the  Authority is disappointed that despite the stores being aware of the process and procedure on how to import and place on the market products which may contain GMO they disregarded the Act.

She said the two chain stores had started the application process but have not completed the process, hence are not allowed to bring in any products that may contain GMOs unless authorized to do so after risk assessment is conducted on the goods intended for importation and subsequent placing on the market.

The Authority has since reiterated its call on stores and traders to get products which may contain GMOs from the suppliers and distributors who have been granted permits because the products have been assessed.

“We would also like to warn all those intending to bring in products that may contain GMOs that the NBA is not sleeping. The Authority will do everything possible to ensure that the Biosafety Act is adhered to. We do not take pleasure in seizing products but we will continue doing so in the interest of the consumers and the environment. We are mandated to ensure that all products that may contain GMOs imported and placed on the market are safe.” She added

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The National Biosafety Authority - NBA has

Agribusiness

Agribusiness opportunities continue to expand in Zambia as more crops and companies that are connected to the global Agro value chain set up commercial farms in Zambia and engage local farmers in out-grower schemes.

While a 50kg bag of maize is fetching K110, a new crop on the block, quinoa is fetching US$40 (about K720) per 50kg bag. More and more crops with ready uptakers and market are cropping up for those ready to seize the opportunities.

One of Zambia’s large Agribusiness enterprise, Amatheon, has budgeted to buy about 250 tons of quinoa from its out-grower farmers in Mumbwa worth about US$200,000 in 2020. The Agri-Business company has introduced commercial quinoa production in Zambia with about 800 hectares under commercial cultivation.

Quinoa is a rice like grain that is highly nutritious, has all the nine amino as in proteins, high in fiber and is considered a viable substitute for rice and couscous.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Amatheon Agri Zambia Managing Director Troy Minne disclosed that they are already buying quinoa from the out-grower farmers in dollars and that the crop is forecast on exports to Europe and other key quinoa consuming markets.

About 1,200 local farmers surrounding the farm in Mumbwa joined the out-grower scheme on inception and the introduction of quinoa will promote crop diversification and reduce the dependence on maize in the country. Not only is quinoa a nutritious grain, it has the potential of being a major export crop for Zambia.

“We are not yet selling quinoa and we are still to explore the local market, but we are buying at $40 per bag (approximately K720 per 50kg bag) as the commodity is dollar linked. This is a business that Amatheon has started in order to create opportunities for the local farmers as well as on the commercial business. It a product that’s linked to the dollar and it’s not a kwacha based commodity”, he said.

Minne acknowledged that quinoa is not yet a well-known crop in Zambia but has stressed that they are have come up with an initiative of extending this opportunity to out-grower farmers who are guaranteed the market and uptake of produce.

“At the moment, we have an extension function within the small scale business segment. We go out and promote not only the growing but also support local farmers with technical services. Quinoa serves as a substitute for rice and couscous (durum wheat) in developed countries and is very rich in proteins, so the global market is wide”, he said.

Quinoa is not widely cultivated in Africa but Minne told ZBT that it’s grown successfully in isolated areas of the continent. “There are isolated areas where it’s been grown in Africa, I know that it is grown in south Africa, and certainly it is grown in Ghana, Ethiopia as well as Uganda”, he said.

He further told ZBT that at the moment, Amatheon isn’t making any products from quinoa locally and may in future initiate value addition but stressed that the crop has a big market in foreign countries and will deliver US dollar inflows into the country as its traded in Us dollar.

Minne stated that Amatheon has invested in a processing facility in Mumbwa rural which it is using to polish the quinoa grains before exporting mostly to Europe. For this and more on Agribusiness, contact out Agribusiness experts us on: info@zambianbusinesstimes.com

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Agribusiness opportunities continue to expand in Zambia

Companies

The Water Resources Management Authority – WARMA has facilitated the investment of over K2.6 billion (about US$140 million) through issuance of water permits.

The water Authority stated that out of 209 applicants considered for Water Permits, a total of 190 water permits were approved and granted.

WARMA stated that the permits granted were for use of water for various economic activities which include Agricultural (88), Hydropower (2), Municipal (59), Industrial (26), Aquaculture(4) and Mining (4).

The Authority has disclosed that the envisaged direct investment that will be injected into the various economic sectors of the country as a result of the granting of the 190 water permits is approximately K2.6billion (based on developers figures).

The largest investment is in the Hydropower sector with about K1.45 billion pledged investment, followed by Agriculture with K720 million, Municipalities with K360 million, Mining with K72 million, while Industrial and Aquaculture being K27Million and K12.6 million, respectively.

WARMA Public Relations Officer Joshua Kapila told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT  that the Authority grants Water permits for commercial, Agricultural and other industrial uses in the country and this is in accordance its legal mandate.

The WARMA Board of Directors has since thanked the general public and business houses that have supported the Authority in its quest to ensure equitable access to water resources by all and further wish to appeal to interested individuals or entities come forward and apply for water permits for commercial use of water.

The water Authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the country’s water resources are shared equitably, used sustainably and preserved for the future generations of Zambia.

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The Water Resources Management Authority - WARMA

Tech

It has emerged that those road works in Lusaka by AFCONS which have certain parts not being completed resulting in delays in road completion are actually being caused by either Lusaka Water and Sewerage company – LWSC and Zesco not timely executing their parts.

AFCONS, an Indian company contracted to construct filter-road and fly over bridges in Lusaka under the Lusaka de-congestions project has bemoaned delays from LWSC as well as power utility Zesco in relocating their lines despite being paid, slowing down works on the remaining roads.

AFCONS Planning and Coordination Manager Sachin Zende told to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that lack of timely relocation of water and power lines is the main challenge being faced at the sites and that the company has continued to engage government on the prevailing challenges hence awaiting response.

He said most of the roads have already been handed over the ministry of local government and AFCONS is currently working on the remaining three major roads which include Great East, Independency avenue and Haile Selassie roads.

“Water and power lines remain as a hindrances to the progression of works, however we are hopeful that these issues will soon be dealt with especially that we are working on busy roads like Great East. Initially, the remaining three roads were set for commissioning in December this year but this may become a challenge if not timely addressed. Overall works for the whole project stand at 70%,” He said

Zende further confirmed that the US$13 million Makeni flyover bridge is 100% complete and will be handled over to government for commissioning next week while works on the remaining bridges are underway and that this month is planned to begin works at Long-acres bridge.

Minister of Local Government and Housing Charles Banda had in March 2020 set April 14, 2020 as commissioning date for the Makeni flyover bridge but this was interrupted due to the Covid – 19 pandemic.

Zende said despite the company suspending its works from 1st April to 28th April 2020 amidst Covid – 19, works have fully resumed with an increase of labor work force to help speed up the process and meet the commissioning date.

He has since expressed optimism that the company will soon complete the remaining bridges and roads in the city as works are going on smoothly, and the team is on track and hoping to complete within the stipulated timelines. Meanwhile, both ZESCO and Lusaka Water have been contacted and we will inform you of their responses as soon as responses are availed.

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It has emerged that those road works