Serenje Town Council Chairperson has disputed the August Zamstats report that indicates that a tray of eggs in serenje district is going at K120.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT Serenje Council Chairperson Staivous Mulumba disclosed that there is no hike in egg prices in the district as there are no traders who are selling eggs at k120 per tray.
“According to the current information on the ground, there is no one who is selling a tray of eggs at K120, I am just from asking some of the traders at the market and the majority of them are currently selling the eggs at K80 and not K120.” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Council Chairperson has attributed the K80 per tray in the district to the cost cost of doing business.
“One of the contributing factors is about the cost of feed, as well as the other issue is that in serenje we do not have enough poultry farmers who are into layers ,” he alluded.
Mulumba further explained that the other factor that is contributing is that most traders normally order their eggs from Lusaka there by pushing out the retail price because of the price at which they are ordering the eggs and the high transportation costs.
ZESCO’s director Transmission – Justine Loongo has been listed as a shareholder of the newly registered ZESCO subsidiary – KIYONA Energy Ltd.
This has been confirmed by Patents and Companies Registration Agency – PACRA records seen by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT.
This development has however sparked controversy as the best practice and established norms are that the Minister of Finance holds shares on behalf of the government for government entities.
The registration of Kiyona Energy itself has been challenged as experts say investments in Solar and other alternative energy generation drives could just sit as a department within ZESCO to avoid duplication and costly bills for a new management team.
ZESCO Chairperson Vickson N’cube revealed on a social media post that that ZESCO had incorporated a subsidiary called KIYONA Energy Ltd to drive solar power and other alternative energy generation endeavors.
Loongo who is currently listed as Transmission director has previously held positions such as Chief Technical Officer at Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company limited, an Independent Power Producer, as well as served as General Manager at Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of ZESCO Ltd.
Other individuals listed as KIYONA Energy Limited directors Kabwe Mulenga, currently a Chief Engineer in the Renewable Energy department at ZESCO, Jane Ngulube-Kunda, Principal Legal Officer at ZESCO and Alister Kadyata.
Meanwhile, when contacted by ZBT, ZESCO’s Spokesperson Matongo Mumbi said “regarding the shareholder arrangements in Kiyona Energy Limited, I would like to clarify that shareholders in a company are not ‘appointed.’ Instead, they typically acquire shares through investments or equity contributions. Kiyona Energy Limited, as a subsidiary of ZESCO Limited, follows the governance and strategic objectives set forth by ZESCO. Any specific details regarding shareholder structures will be communicated through official channels as necessary by Kiyona.”
Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has refrained from addressing partner-specific concerns related to Zedfin, directing inquiries to the organization directly.
The Zambian Business Times (ZBT) has received various service complaints related to microloan offers, particularly those from Zedfin, available on Airtel Money.
In an inquiry to Airtel, ZBT raised several pressing questions, seeking insights into the management’s awareness of the situation, the volume of daily complaints, interest rates charged by these platforms, and the company’s handling of customer disputes concerning charges and fees.
In response to the inquiry, Airtel emphasized its commitment to driving digital financial inclusion and providing access to affordable loans.
However, the company refrained from addressing partner-specific concerns related to Zedfin, directing inquiries to the organization directly.
The ZBT’s inquiry also drew attention to the exorbitant interest rates, with some surpassing 60% per annum and even exceeding 100% per month.
Some of the questions raised by ZBT to Airtel questioned if the network is aware of the number and high volume of complaints per day which some of their clients had informed ZBT went unattended to.
Airtel also declined to address concerns as to whether they vet their platform micro-loan partners in terms of whether they are charging exhorbitant or exploitative interest rate as well as if the network and it’s mobile money platform was aware that the complaints had reached a crisis?
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.
