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Mining

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency – ZEMA has disclosed that the approval of the Environmental Project Brief – EPB for actual mining activities to begin at Kasenseli Gold mine in Mwinilunga by ZCCM gold company is still underway as it is being reviewed in accordance with the provisions of the law.

ZEMA told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that two weeks ago, they approved EPB for explorations works however the one currently pending is for actual mining activities which will be approved within 40 working days as stipulated by the law. The 40 working days are counted from the date of submission.

ZEMA Corporate Affairs Manager Irene Lungu has told ZBT that a follow-up submission by ZCCM Gold was initiated ‘not too long ago’ and the Agency has not in any way delayed the process as it is still working within the statutory period for the review of the EPB.

“The EPB that ZCCM Gold is referring to is the approval for mining activities which is still underway and will be issued in accordance with the law. we already approved the EPB for exploration works which I believe works by the gold company have already started. However, we have not in anyway delayed in approving the environmental license as we are still within the stipulated statutory period,” She added.

This confirmation from ZEMA comes after ZCCM Gold company indicated in a statement availed to ZBT on April 27, 2020 that the mining and processing of the alluvial (surface) gold is pending approval of the Environmental Project Brief (EPB) by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), and the granting of the mining license by the Ministry of Mines.

ZCCM Gold Ltd is undertaking and overseeing all gold related investments throughout the gold value chain in the country including exploration, mining, processing, refining, marketing, trading and beneficiation in Zambia. ZCCM Gold company is owned 51% by ZCCM-IH and 49% by the Ministry of Finance.

The ZCCM Gold company, ZEMA and the Ministry of Mines have been accused of lethargy, lacking in innovation and failure prioritize key game changing national economic activities such as gold mining which have a promise of delivering the much needed diversification of Zambia’s forex earnings away from traditional Copper exports as well as set up of central bank – BOZ gold reserves as an alternative and supplement to traditional US dollar reserves.

Concerns on wether Zambia will reap the full benefits from the gold deposits have been sounded with President Lungu directly dropping North Western Province Police Commissioner over the failure to secure the gold mining site from illegal mining.

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The Zambia Environmental Management Agency – ZEMA

Companies

Prominent economist professor Oliver Saasa has called for the spelling out of clear cut measures and relief packages targeted at local and small and medium size enterprises which make up more than 80% of economic activities and is the largest employer in Zambia.

In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Prof Saasa said there is need for more proactive measures for the business sector which has been the most challenged and posing risks to the country’s economy.

He said Zambians are hoping to hear more on how the businesses and local industry will survive amidst COVID – 19 outbreak therefore the multisectoral approach should be applied.

“We expect to hear more and precise information regarding the country’s largest economic sectors because the majority in the industry are small and local businesses which account for more than 80% of our economic activities, and it accommodates a large number of Zambians including poor people therefore the need to actively pay attention to it,” He added.

President Edgar Lungu in his third covid 19 address to the nation announced that Barbershops and Salons will continue to operate with strict adherance and observing social distancing and regular hand washing adding that failure to adhere to the public health regulations, guidelines and certification, will attract penalties including revoking of licences at any given time.

President Lungu’s third national address on the country’s COVID – 19 situation has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders stating that the speech did not clearly highlight additional measures towards the country’s key economic areas such as the local and SME sector despite an increase in COVID – 19 positive cases.

Speaking when he addressed the national on April 24, 2020 on COVID-19 monitored by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, the president disclosed that the country has recorded 8 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of cases in Zambia to 84.

Meanwhile, the country still remains at a death toll of three with 44 patients remaining under isolation among which 15 are health workers while 37 have recovered from COVID- 19.

The president had on April 23, 2020 announced his intentions to address the nation on consideration of re-opening key economic areas that were closed amid COVID- 19 to ensure certain activities continue with provided health guidelines.

However, in his address, the president announced the re-opening of worship places while observing social distancing, mandatory face masks and hand washing guidelines adding that Sporting activities such as golf and tennis, which do not involve physical contact between players can begin to be played but bars in those premises will remain closed.

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Prominent economist professor Oliver Saasa has called

Lifestyle

Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita has disclosed that an Austrian firm has offered to finance Zambia’s cancer centre at the University Teaching Hospital – UTH with interest free loans for its upgrade.

Ambassador Mukwita said this comes after consented meetings between the mission in Berlin that also oversees Vienna on a non-resident basis with Austria and the Ministry of Health that have since culminated in an MoU signed five months ago.

Ambassador Mukwita said thousands of lives would be saved from needlessly being lost as a consequence of the scourge if Zambia agrees to proceed with the zero-rated long term ‘government to government‘ financing package.

“Studies show that dozens of Zambians die from cancer annually posing a major concern. And if we act now, we could save lives in future not only in Zambia but regionally because our centre would cater for others in the region once complete, but it all depends on the government really,” said Ambassador Mukwita.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by press secretary Kellys Kaunda , the diplomat said times like now, of the COVID-19 epidemic raises the urgency for investing in diseases control such as cancer now more than ever because Zambia can ride on the international goodwill.

The Zambian envoy said that today might be COVID-19 and another time it could be another catastrophy hence investing in fighting cancer today could save lives tomorrow.

Heinz Messinger, the Managing Director of AME International in Vienna is collaborating with the embassy of Zambia in Germany and anxious to see Zambia take advantage of the “promise” for finance.

Ambassador Mukwita said losing one life from cancer is bad but dozens annually is just unacceptable when something can be done to halt the loss.

Analysts however caution that interest free financing packages need critical review as they may have some hidden costs or restrictions in terms of equipment to be purchased. Zambia has to ensure that upgrades are made based on needs analysis as opposed to availability of interest free financing.

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Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita has

Mining

Kasenseli gold mine, which will be operated by ZCCM Gold Company has been caught up in government bureaucracy with full scale gold mining still awaiting licensing and environmental clearance.

Despite this project having a critical role in bolstering Zambia’s finances that could see the country open up a credible US dollar earning power other than from the traditional copper, the much hyped ‘gold rush’ had been caught up in the lethargy of the slow wheels of government agencies and their staff.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, ZCCM IH confirmed that the mining and processing of the alluvial (surface) gold is pending approval of the Environmental Project Brief (EPB) by the Zambia Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA), and the subsequent granting of the mining license by the Ministry of Mines.

ZCCM IH has already injected approximately K45 million for the initial phase of the Kasenseli Gold Mine Project in Mwinilunga district of North Western Province. The gold was also envisaged to help bolster the establishment of gold reserves which would aid in boosting the country’s forex reserves.

ZCCM- IH Chief Executive Officer Mabvuto Chipata has disclosed that the Gold company moved on site and started mobilisation in the first week of April 2020 to undertake detailed exploration that will determine the extent of gold mineralisation in the license area. He confirmed that the gold company has been granted the exploration licence by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development end of March 2020.

According to a statement made available to ZBT by ZCCM-IH Public Relations Manager Loisa Kakoma on April 27, 2020, Chipata said the extensive exploration works which includes geophysics, geochemistry and diamond drilling activities are aimed at delineating the hard-rock (underground) gold deposit in the license area.

“The capital injection will also go towards the fencing of the license area to avoid and prevent any intrusion from outsiders. Over 40 locals will be employed in the fencing exercise scheduled to start this week. The fence is an additional security measure to the state security that is already on the ground and keeping vigil, patrolling the area to wade off any illegal activities,” He said

Speaking during a courtesy call on Chief Chibwika early April, ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Mabvuto Chipata indicated that it has taken a bit of time to start the operations at the mine due to a number of statutory and regulatory approvals that are required.

Chipata further said that ZCCM-IH is a listed entity and cannot start any operations without obtaining the necessary and required approvals hence the firm is required to comply with best corporate Governance practices as required by the Lusaka Securities Exchange – LuSE listing rules, the Mines and Minerals Development Act, the Zambia Public Procurement Authority Act, and the Zambia Environmental Management Authority Act.

Commenting on the coming on board by ZCCM-IH gold company, Chief Chibwika has expressed happiness that this will help address the challenges they have been facing in the area with regards to security and the need for development in the area and the district.

He appealed to ZCCM Gold company that preference should be given to the local community in terms of jobs and local participation in the supply of various goods and services adding that there is a lot of expectation from the local community with the coming of ZCCM Gold.

ZCCM-IH through ZCCM Gold has been mandated to drive the national gold agenda, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development and other stake holders.

ZCCM Gold is undertaking and overseeing all gold related investments throughout the gold value chain in the country including exploration, mining, processing, refining, marketing, trading and beneficiation in Zambia.

Last week, President Lungu recalled North Western Province police commissioner over the deteriorating security situation in the province as well as cited the lack of security at the Kasenseli gold mine.

Economic Association of Zambia President Lubinda Habazoka accused officers handling the gold mining establishment at Kasenseli as well as those at the bank of Zambia – BOZ who are charged to establish gold reserve system of failure to timely implement clear cut and game changing policies.

The Zambian Business Times – ZBT exclusively reported that BOZ would start buying gold in Kwacha and establish gold bullion reserves late last year in 2019, and this is still not implemented now four to five months down the road.

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Kasenseli gold mine, which will be operated

Companies

Following the economic impact that COVID – 19 pandemic has had and continued to have on individuals and Zambian businesses, the Zambia National Commercial Bank – Zanaco has announced it’s financial relief packages available to it’s customers impacted by the pandemic.

The Bank has indicated that the relief will be available to it’s Personal, Business Banking and Corporate customers who have existing loan facilities with the bank.

ZANACO acting Chief Executive Officer Lishala Situmbeko has explained to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that following extensive engagement with various customers and other stakeholders, the bank’s relief options will include the extension of loan tenures, refinancing of loans and loan repayment holidays adding that the relief will be provided in line with the banks credit parameters and customer needs.

He said the Bank seeks to ensure that it’s customer’s cash flows are cushioned in the medium term saying ZANACO’s support will not end at financial relief but will include business coaching and investment guidance.

Situmbeko added that the bank further recognizes the need to support it’s customers at a time that the country is fighting the deadly Coronavirus which has become a world pandemic.

“We would like to assure our customers that they are not alone on this journey. Our doors are open and we are ready to assist them through these uncertain times and beyond the COVID – 19 pandemic. Zambia is our home and our focus has always been to ensure the country’s growth and development. The only way we can do this is by making sure our customer’s growth is not halted and providing this relief is one way of doing it”, He said.

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Following the economic impact that COVID -

Tech

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has launched a one-stop-shop self-care application and introduced a Community Champion Program to enable customers easily access Airtel products and services including Me2U, Airtel Money and SoChe on one platform while the Community Champion program will allow customers earn extra cashback in airtime for buying airtime for friends and family.

The one-stop-shop self-care application is intended to make it easier for customers to access Airtel products and services including recharging of their main account, buying SoChe packs, access their Airtel Money wallets as well as be able to purchase data bundles without using any short codes.

Airtel’s Marketing Director Hussam Baday has explained in a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that Airtel has continued to lead the way in innovation and is excited to be able to empower the community to help one another especially in this period of the Covid 19 pandemic.

“We are happy to offer this one stop shop self-care application for all our customers as well as a community champion opportunity which will allow customers get instant cashback of 5% of airtime after buying airtime for others by using Airtel Money on the self-care app,” Baday said.

He also encouraging the use of cashless solutions such as bank to wallet as the country rally to safe during this difficult time that is affecting the entire world and not just Zambia.

To become a community champion, a customer will be required to load one’s Airtel money wallet and buy airtime for friends and family through the Airtel money wallet to get an instant cashback in airtime.

“The customers can increase their own talktime by simply buying for others through the cash back option or simply re-sell it thru the Me 2 U option. The Me 2 U option can also be accessed through the self-care app,” he added.

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Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has launched a

Lifestyle

The Zambia Gaming Association (ZGA) is concerned that some business houses involved in slot businesses have continued flouting health guidelines to suspend operations as a mitigating measure to curtail further spread of the Covid-19, also known as Coronavirus.

The association has observed that while some business entities like Casinos are fully complying with the directive meant to avoid overcrowding, some entities involved in Slot Businesses especially in the townships are not adhering to the directive with impunity.

ZGA Chairman Gift Simusamba is therefore warning all businesses that are regulated by it that it will not hesitate to recommend revocation of their licences to the Ministry of Finance if found wanting.

While acknowledging that the gaming industry plays a key role in Zambia’s economic make up and job creation, Simusamba notes need for all stakeholders whether foreign or indigenous Zambians to observe the laid down laws and presidential directives.

He has advised ZGA members to endeavour to work closely with government in supplementing it’s efforts of fighting the pandemic that has ravaged the globe and not spared Zambia where 76 cases have been recorded, three deaths, and 37 discharged while 36 remain admitted as of 23rd April 2020.

Zambia currently has one of the highest recovery rate with almost 50% of recorded cases having been discharged. He said ZGA therefore does not want its members to contribute in reversing the gains attained thus far by government through various measures being employed.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by ZGA Public Relations Officer Simon Lungu,  ZGA will in the next few days commence a nationwide exercise to ascertain compliance levels of the Health and covid 19 preventive directives for Casinos and businesses operating slot and gaming machines across the country.

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The Zambia Gaming Association (ZGA) is concerned

Companies

The Ministry of Finance has advised all institutions and individuals who would like to make ‘cash donations’ towards the fight of COVID-19 to deposit such funds to any of the GRZ COVID-19 Commercial Bank accounts to ensure proper handling of donations and Aid-in-kind received on behalf of the government.

The Ministry’s Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba has explained that the funds will in turn be transferred to a designated account held at the Bank of Zambia – BOZ to be managed by the National Treasury.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by the Ministry’s spokesperson Chileshe Kandeta on April 23, 2020, Yamba said the pronouncement aims to bring to the attention of all well-wishers and government representatives the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, 2018, which requires that donations given to the Government constitute public resources and must be accounted for accordingly.

He added that all Ministries, Provinces and Public Service Controlling Agencies are requested to ensure that all COVID-19 related funds being received from the Treasury are charged on appropriate budget lines in accordance with treasury guidelines.

The Ministry has also requested that all expenditure related to COVID-19 activities in Ministries, Provinces and Public Service Controlling Agencies should be made through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and be subjected to statutory internal audit processes.

Meanwhile, in the case of Aid-In-Kind, Ministries, Provinces and Public Service Controlling Agencies are expected to receive and dispose such through the procedures stipulated in the law and that will be required to submit monthly returns on all Aid-In-Kind transactions to the Office of the Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance.

Yamba said the need to ensure accountability of resources can never be over emphasised, especially in the prevailing situation of this deadly pandemic hence will further ensure appropriated and donated resources are used only for activities related to COVID-19.

“The Treasury will submit a consolidated return of receipts and expenditure from Ministries, Provinces and Public Service Controlling Agencies to the Controller of Internal Audit and Office of the Auditor General for verification.” He said

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The Ministry of Finance has advised all

Markets

President Edgar Lungu has directed the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Christopher Yaluma to ensure chain stores in the country prioritise local agricultural products in their localities. Yaluma is now expected to issue a statutory instrument – SI to implement the directive.

President Lungu emphasized that under the country’s current circumstances of COVID- 19 pandemic, only products that cannot be sourced from locals should be imported while efforts to produce more products locally within the country must be heightened.

In his third address to the national on COVID- 19 on April 24, 2020 monitored by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, the Zambian president said the current situation should give Zambia an open window of opportunity for local farmers to produce and sell their products to chain stores that for a long time have denied them business and opted to import foreign products.

“I hope that once this is actualised, even after COVID-19, our farmers will continue trading with these chain stores. I encourage citizens to form cooperatives to ensure they meet quality and safety demand,” he added.

Lungu also highlighted that Zambia being a developing country is likely to be more economically hit economically, hence has instructed the Minister of Finance to pursue other options such as consolidating available resources in various empowerment funds to be disbursed to small businesses, women groups, youths and the most vulnerable that have been hit the hardest.

He said the Ministry should create a COVID- 19 economic recovery fund that will help existing businesses, especially affected small and medium size enterprises – SMEs to remain stable during this period and beyond adding that the K10 billion loan facility which is under the Bank of Zambia – BOZ could be part of the resources identified to this fund but that should identify other sources of funding to help beef up this fund so that many businesses benefit.

In order to create new businesses aimed at taking advantage of the void that has been created by reduced imports into Zambia because of COVID-19 lockdowns, Lungu further directed the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission – CEEC to look at proposals for new bankable businesses that can be funded.

The Ministry of Agriculture is also instructed to encourage and support farmers to grow winter maize and engage in other agricultural activities to ensure the creation of new businesses during this period.

“Food security will be the biggest problem post COVID -19. I am directing the minister of agriculture and the minister of national development planning to collaborate with the private sector and develop partnerships to grow food for both domestic consumption and export markets. My government will help provide both financial and logistical support towards the programme,” President Lungu added.

In addition, the Ministry of National Development Planning is directed to draft a new climate change action plan to secure food production in Zambia in light of recent negative impacts of climate change.

All these directives will need implementation, so there is need to track the issuance of supporting legislation and regulation. One of the identified weaknesses of the Zambian government and its civil service is the slow pace of implementation as well as lack of follow through to monitor and hold respective officers accountable for failure to realize the targeted benefits.

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President Edgar Lungu has directed the Minister

Tech

The University of Zambia – UNZA through the Schools of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine has mobilised from its partners and stakeholders about US$241,800 (K4.3 million) worth of testing reagents, laboratory consumables, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and provision of surveillance capabilities for emerging infectious diseases including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Out of the total mobilised funds, US$41,500 has been donated to the Ministry of Health (MOH) today 21st April, 2020  by UNZA Vice Chancellor Prof. Luke Mumba, who stated that the donation is in form of laboratory reagents and consumables that will be used for COVID-19 testing and an additional $70,000 has been committed for diagnostic testing.

The bigger allocation of the total funds amounting to US$110,000 will go to the provision of robust research and surveillance of emerging infectious diseases particularly Coronaviruses in the country. This will be done through the Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals (ACEIDHA) programme housed in the School of Veterinary Medicine that will work and support some of the surveillance activities of the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by UNZA Head of Communications Brenda Bukowa, Prof. Mumba said the funding is provided through partnership with the SKOLLS foundation and the United States National Institute of Health (NIH).

Further, the University has committed itself to support efforts aimed at fighting COVID-19 demonstrated in partnership with Hokkaido University of Japan through the provision of a Biosafety Level three (3) Laboratory facility which allows UNZA to process and test infectious pathogens that cause serious diseases such as COVID-19. The facility is run by a team of qualified and highly skilled researchers from UNZA.

In addition, the University through its technical teams in schools and faculties is working around the clock with various stakeholders to support an expanded response to COVID-19 by addressing various facets of the pandemic.

The school is also committed to conducting and disseminating research findings with relevant wings of government, the private sector industry, NGOs and the general public. UNZA being the largest university in the country continues to lead in the provision of excellence through teaching and learning, research and community service.

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The University of Zambia - UNZA through