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JFFF launches first ever online agro market

Just Fresh Foods Farms – JFFF has launched the first ever Online Agro Market worth K1, million aimed at providing farmers and consumers an opportunity to trade through the internet.

The platform is meant to compliment the already existing traditional physical markets in delivering fresh farm products with an added advantage of delivering the goods at designated locations for easy access by consumers countrywide.

Speaking during the launch of the Online Agro Market in Lusaka On August 23, 2019, Just Fresh Foods Farm Founder Executive Director Chuula Twaambo explained that the platform will also facilitate a consistent and steady supply of farm produce to the consumers through a network of the Zambian farmers.

Twaambo said the online market will endeavor to connect the Zambian farmers to the global community of consumers adding that it will further provide various benefits to both the local farmers and the wider network of consumers.

“The benefit of this platform will trickle down to the a consumer in that, farm produce will be delivered to their door step or their close location. The platform will save consumers the time and stress in sourcing for farm produce and it will also eliminate the risk of theft through cashless transactions as the platform provides a safe and secure payment system for purchase,” he said.

And Ministry of Commerce Chief Economist Margret Chikuba has commended Just Fresh Food Farms for the initiative which she said will provide an opportunity for farmers and agribusiness individuals to trade online.

She said with the advancement of technology, it is necessary for the agriculture sector to enter into e-commerce market to enhance market access and competitiveness. The Ministry is hopeful that the Online market will contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector through empowerment of agric- entrepreneurs, create jobs and promote the formalization of businesses for those wishing to be registered members.

“This kind of transaction secures the farmers as their produce is assured of ready purchase even before it has left their farm. This secured purchase culminates in to future predictions of crop yield returns,” She said

August 26, 2019

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Just Fresh Foods Farms - JFFF has

Markets

CTPD questions the Secrecy over the US$8 billion FQM-ZRA tax settlement deal

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development – CTPD hast noted with great concern the lack of transparency (in effect the secrecy) regarding the purported settlement of the over $8 billion tax settlement deal between Zambia Revenue Authority – ZRA and First Quantum Minerals – FQM.

The center has bemoaned lack of openness between the two parties in their dealings hence the demand for a lot more transparency on the part of both FQM and ZRA over the matter. CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that ZRA publicly announced some mining firms which included FQM Kalumbila that were owing it huge amounts of money.

This report which generated a lot of interest and praise from a cross section of the general public who at the time commended ZRA for the bold steps taken hence it is only logical that the revenue agency gets back to inform the public on how the whole matter was resolved and at what amount.

Mwaipopo has reminded ZRA and FQM that the amounts in question are not just so huge, but are also public funds which belong to the Zambian people who deserve to know the whole truth over this matter.

He added that ZRA’s agenda of hiding under the veil of tax payer confidentiality restrictions about the matter is not helpful to many Zambians who wish to know what the Tax authority has agreed to settle for a decent amount that is in the interest of the majority of Zambians.

“we wish to repeat our clarion call on the need for transparency from both parties [ZRA and the Mining firm] to avoid similar occurrences in the future. On the part of the mine, they should make their profits in a manner that is clean and transparent, devoid of denying the majority Zambian people the much-needed revenues through payment of the right amount of taxes at the right time” he said.

Meanwhile the center has commended ZRA’s move of setting its bar high by signaling its drive to maximize revenue collection from the mines for the benefit of all Zambians but has called on the agency to open on up on the final settlement amount.

FQM group representatives Clive Newall had stated in a statement availed to ZBT that the company had reached a settlement amount with ZRA over the US$ 8 billion tax dispute saying the amount of the settlement was in line with FQM’s earlier made provisions but did not disclose the actual final settlement amount.

When ZBT followed up the matter, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda also confirmed the settlement with FQM stating that the act was after the mining firm appealed on penalties through the Ministry of Finance. The ministry of Finance has equally not confirmed the settlement amount.

Further when ZBT reached FQM for detailed information, FQM Public Relations Manager Godfrey Msiska could not avail further information and reacted angrily saying that the company was not in position of giving further information aside what was reported in the statement released earlier. The actual and final figure of the settlement still stands unrevealed leaving questions on weather the country settled for a better deal.

August 23, 2019

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The Centre for Trade Policy and Development

Three top livestock feed exporters behind escalating maize prices

Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo is expected lead his ministry and technical staff to set an average selling price of mealie meal by millers to retailers at between ZMK115 to ZMK120, while roller meal should be sold between ZMK80 to ZMK90.

This follows revelation that the state has information that the high maize buying price prevailing in the private sector are driven largely by the 3 major manufacturers of livestock feed who are procuring maize at exorbitant prices, to make stock feed cake for export which is fetching favorable prices”.

Chief Government’s spokesperson Dora Siliya said in a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that government has expressed great concern over the high price of mealie meal which is reported to have reached K150 for 25kg bag of breakfast and ZMK120 for a 25kg bag of Roller meal in some cases and parts of Zambia.

She said, Acting President Inonge Wina had this morning summoned Hon Katambo to urgently meet major retail outlets to address the price distortion.

Katambo is however expected to meet with manufactures of livestock feed to arrest the price distortion in the maize buying market and conclude interventions by Government to stabilize the price of Mealie meal and make the staple food affordable to ordinary Zambians in the next few days.

“Government is also aware of price distortions in the maize buying market. While the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) buy-in price is ZMK110 per 50Kg of maize, the private sector price is as high as ZMK170 per 50kg bag of Maize. This too is clear distortion because historically the price difference between FRA and the private sector has never been more than ZMK10 per bag. However, this year the difference is as high as ZMK60,”.

“Our information is that what is driving the high maize buying price in the private sector are the 3 major manufacturers of livestock feed who are procuring maize at exorbitant prices, to make stock feed cake for export, at the expense of ordinary Zambians,” She said.

Siliya has however assured Zambians that despite the country being impacted by drought and floods in some areas, it is food secure and will do everything possible to ensure it remains so to avoid dearth from hunger.

Government has further instructed the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission – CCPC to render a report to Government on the price distortions within 24hrs. And in a separate interview with ZBT, Agriculture Minister said his ministry will engage its stakeholders on the recommended price on the market hence assurance will be made after meeting stakeholders in the maize industry.

He said the ministry will soon make a public announcement on recommendations made by government regarding the price of Mealie meal on the market.

Analysts have however noted that the price of maize has been escalating following the announcement of the increased maize purchase price by the state food reserve agency – FRA following the upward adjustment in response to cries from small scale farmers that account for over 90% of total maize production in Zambia.

The demand in neighboring countries for Maize has further exacerbated the situation with the vast export market in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – DRC offering almost double the price of the local prices in Zambia. Zambia had also a reduced output following poor rainfall blamed on climate change effects.

August 23, 2019

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Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo is expected lead

Sport

Zambia to host 2019 UN All Africa Games

Zambia will from 10 to 12 October 2019 host the 12th United Nations – UN All Africa Games 2019 aimed at promoting good health and well-being in line with Sustainable Development Goal – SDG number 3.

The games, which will be organised and hosted by the United Nations in Zambia, will see about 1,200 participants from over 14 countries compete for honors at the annual United Nations sporting event to be held in Lusaka.

This is the first time that Zambia is hosting this prestigious event, with last year’s games having been successfully held in Mphumalanga, South Africa, under the auspices of the United Nations in South Africa.

UN Zambia Resident Coordinator, Dr George Okech in a media statement availed to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT stated that the United Nations is open to partnership, sponsorship and co-branding with Government, private sector and sports associations, for Zambia to successfully host these annual continental games.

He said twelve disciplines including athletics, basketball, chess, football, netball, swimming, golf, tennis, volleyball and parasports present life changing opportunities for the private sector in the areas of brand marketing, sales, and Corporate Social Investment.

“As UN Zambia, we are honoured to host the games. This is a huge undertaking that needs sponsors to join hands with us. We invite the private sector to come on board and partner with us to ensure success of these games,” said George Okech.

Dr. Okech also noted the support so far received from the Zambian Government in the lead up to the UN games and has since expressed gratitude to the Government through line ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Health, Youth, Sport and Child Development for the support and guidance provided to ensure that a truly memorable and professional sporting event is held.

A local organising committee comprising UN staff and representatives from the Government and private sector has since been constituted to prepare all components of the games required for the country to successfully host the games.

The hosting of sports and business meetings has notable economic benefits for Zambia as the visiting teams will boost air and road transport, hotel and accommodation facilities and forex spend into the market. Zambia’s ministry of tourism has been urged to rather focus on hosting events kind of tourism attractions as an alternative to ministry and the Zambia Tourism Agency concentrating on investing in travel to endless international expos whose value addition is at most times questionable.

August 20, 2019

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Zambia will from 10 to 12 October

Lifestyle

Orca Deco to launch new Copperbelt store on 29 August

Orca Deco Zambia has announced that it will be opening a new store on the Copperbelt, Zambia’s Mining and Industrial hub, to be centrally located at the city of Kitwe on August 29 2019 at Edgar Chagwa Lungu – ECL Mall.

Announcing the development, Orca Deco Marketing Manager Emma de Ricquebourg told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that in a bid to compliment the lifestyle of the Zambian Community, the store has decided to open a new branch in Kitwe to enable its Copperbelt based customers and the other nearer region have access to Orca Deco products.

She expressed confidence that the opening of the new store will grow is customer base as it has been receiving overwhelming response on the quality, durable and affordable products that the store currently offers.

Emma added that having created a good rapport with its Customers in Lusaka, they are optimist that the new store on the Copperbelt will receive support from many people adding that it had received positive response after the announcement of opening the Copperbelt branch.

With the fast growing customer base in Zambia, Orca Deco has a team of over 150 employees for its Lusaka store, and has pledged its commitment to continue playing a key role in the development of homes and businesses in Zambia.

Emma added that in commitment to contribute to the national development, the store has provided an opportunity for job creation stating that its new store will attract about 40 new employees, hence promoting local participation.

“As Orca Deco, we have received a great response from many people on our products and that is what prompted us open another store on the Copperbelt because we would have people travel from there just to come to Lusaka to buy our products hence the move of taking our products to our customers and we appreciate their support,” she said.

She further stated that investing in Zambia has boosted its business through support from people, business partners and the competition on the market, which she said has been fair and helpful to the growth of the company.

Emma has also announced plans by the store to extend its business to other provinces in the country by 2022 to enable Zambians across the country have access to its durable goods.

Orca Deco began operations in Zambia 2013 as one of the leading furnisher and home accessory stores in Africa. Originated in Senegal, the store has presence in 18 countries furnishing over one million homes and offices across the continent. Orca Deco prides itself on offering products at competitive prices for its customers.

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Millers distance themselves from accusations of driving mealie meal price hikes

The Millers Association of Zambia – MAZ has distanced itself from the increase of mealie meal prices on the market stating that the situation is as a result of the high maize prices obtaining on the market and not the millers.

The Association President Andrew Chintala has noted that the high prices of maize has not only lead to the increase in mealie meal but all buy-products of maize hence starving the market.

Chintala has told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an interview that aside consumers struggling to purchase the commodity, the association has equally struggled to purchase maize as the economic at play has affected its responsibility of offloading affordable mealie meal to its consumers.

He has since called for correct measures and policies by government towards the escalating prices of mealie meal and production of maize if the crop is to transform the agriculture sector and contribute significantly to the economy of the country.

“Every time mealie meal goes up, the blame is put on millers when actually we are not responsible for hiking the prices but the increase of the input maize prices, at the same time the consumer wants to buy mealie meal at a cheaper price. This however requires urgent action and we hope that government will provide us with information and solutions that will assist the problem in the sector,”

Chintala has further bemoaned policy inconsistency stating that despite conducive policies that government has put in place, it has still failed to implement them. He has reiterated the association’s call to address policy issues and has appealed for more investments in the agriculture sector adding that the release of funds to the industry is important in growing the economy.

The association is concerned with the rate at which government is recruiting extension officers who are key in assisting and increasing production at small-scale level. Small scale farmers were last year reported to have contributed 90% to total national maize production.

Apparently, maize is Zambia’s staple food and the current situation has affected many Zambians especially those on the outskirts of the city. The high prices of maize has somehow made farmers comfortable because of profit while on the other end, pushing millers to increase the price of mealie meal at the same time consumers expecting to purchase the commodity at a cheaper price.

The equation however requires critical analysis and solutions by key stakeholders in the industry because despite government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, challenges still seem to rise. People complained when the prices hit K67 last year and now prices have doubled and now are over K130 per 25 kg bag for breakfast.

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The Millers Association of Zambia - MAZ

Sport

Yatu media in K60million football streaming deal with FAZ

The Football Association of Zambia – FAZ and Yatu Media have signed a five year K61 million (about US$5million) deal that will see matches involving under-17 and 20 matches streamed live.

Speaking during the launch of the partnership on August 13, 2019 at Football house in Lusaka, FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala said the deal is a direct response to the cries of the fans to watch as many games as possible involving national teams live.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Time – ZBT, Kashala said fans were always querying FAZ about the broadcast of matches each time any of the national teams was in action.

“This development is particularly great as it directly responds to one of the constant cries of the Zambian football fans. Each time we have an international game, we are always flooded with queries about whether fans can access live broadcasts of matches involving various national teams or not,” Kashala said.

He added that the house is mindful of the many limitations regarding broadcast rights for various competitions under Cosafa, CAF and FIFA, and is determined to open as much space as possible for the followers of the game.

Kashala further thanked Yatu Media for taking the challenge to support football. “The initiative we are launching today with Yatu Media testifies how open we are to bringing as many partners on board as possible. While we are starting with the Under-17 and Under-20 games, we remain open to expanding this initiative to other teams and activities,” he said.

And Yatu Media Chief Executive Officer Charles Nkandu said the deal which will run from 2020 to 2025 would see high tech equipment used to broadcast the matches live online. Nkandu said Yatu Media would partner with Skyrink Studios of South Africa in meeting the Zambian market’s needs.

He also said the initiative would also create employment opportunities for Zambians. Nkandu further added that users would find the application user friendly and easy to download. The Yatu application will provide various options of paying for access making it easier for fans to watch their preferred matches.

Nkandu further said Zambia had six million smart phone users who will provide a huge platform for the streaming of matches. Yatu Media is targeting to beam 20 matches every year.

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The Football Association of Zambia - FAZ

Escalating mealie meal prices to be addressed within 3 weeks

Government has commenced the process of addressing the issue of escalating mealie meal prices which has currently been an issue of great concern on the Zambian market. Agriculture minister Michael Katambo has since pledged to the public that the process will not take more than three weeks. Mealie meal is Zambia’s staple food and considered the most toxic political issue.

Some outlets in Lusaka spot-checked by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT have shown that a 25 Kilograms breakfast bag is now going at a range from K130, K135 and K140 while reports from Southern Province indicate that a bag of 25Kg is going at K144.

Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo says government has noted the extreme increase in mealie meal prices on the market which has made it unaffordable for most Zambians.

Speaking during the Maize industry stakeholder meeting at Lusaka’s Mulungushi Conference Center on 15 August 2019, Katambo said maize is an important crop in Zambia as it affects the lives of many Zambians and has the ability transform the agriculture sector and contribute to the economy of this country if correct measure and policies are in put place.

He said government has decided to transform the agriculture sector including the maize industry with regard to increasing maize production and making maize an export crop which will also lead to mealie meal prices finding an equilibrium price on the market.

And to increase production, the Agro minister stated that “we have to address the issue of climate change and be consistent in our policies and take advantage of the huge export markets in our neighboring countries and as government , we are working hard to tackle the issues that have affected maize production,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Maize Industry Stakeholder discussion was meant to resolve and agree on implementing measures that can be put in place to ensure mealie meal prices are affordable to all but the way forward is not known as the plenary session was held in a closed door meeting, in secret.

And efforts by ZBT to find out the agreed resolutions to this matter, Agriculture Minister stated in a statement that there are a number of reasons causing the rise in mealie meal prices and that government will soon announce to the public on the way forward.

He said technocrats in the ministry are interrogating the proposed measures in collaboration with private sector stakeholders and that measures will be announced as soon as the process is completed.
The minister has since assured the public that the process will not take more than three weeks and has advised Zambians and all players in the industry to stay calm and wait for the final way forward pertaining to the escalating mealie meal prices.

Government and the various stakeholders in the industry have concluded with an action plan that has detailed measure that will boost and transform the maize industry. If we are to double maize production, tough decisions have to be made now.