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Lafarge Zambia has announced that the 6th cycle of the international competition for LafargeHolcim awards is now open for entries until February 2020. The awards recognize leading projects by professionals and bold ideas from the next generation that combine sustainable construction solutions with architectural excellence.

The awards offer a total of US$2 million in prize money and foreground projects funding for concepts from architecture, engineering, urban planning, materials and construction technology, and related fields.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by Lafarge Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager Glenda Kamalata, Lafarge stated that the competition promotes circular thinking and the reduction of carbon dioxide – CO2 emissions across all disciplines.

The awards also seek to it identify ideas with the highest potential to tackle today’s challenges to increasing urbanization and improving the quality of life. The awards next generation category seeks visionary design concepts and bold ideas at a preliminary stage of design, including design studio and research work.

The statement issued to ZBT stated that submissions in the LafargeHolcim awards main category include sustainable construction projects at an advanced stage of design with a high probability of realization.

For one to qualify to participate in the different categories available, authors need not be older than 30 years, however students and young professionals are invited to enter the awards main category with projects that have reached an advanced stage of design.

Since 2003, the LafargeHolcim Foundation advances the discourse on sustainable construction mainly through its wards, the world’s most significant competition for sustainable design.

The foundation is an initiative of LafargeHolcim, the global leader in building materials and solutions. It operates four business segments which are Cement, Aggregates, Ready-Mix Concrete and Solutions & Products, which includes precast concrete, asphalt, mortar and building solutions affordable housing.

LafargeHolcim is listed on the Swiss Exchange and on Euronext Paris and is a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) European Index.

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Lafarge Zambia has announced that the 6th

Agribusiness

Finance minister Margerate Mwanakatwe has stated that the new sales tax regime will encourage local production of goods and services. She said that the differentiated sales tax have been adopted at 16% on imported finished products and 9% on locally manufactured products in order to support the local industry.

And the Zambia National Farmers Union – ZNFU has called on government through the ministry of finance and its agency the Zambia Revenue Authority – ZRA to consider challenges the agriculture sector is facing before the goods and services tax – GST (also referred to as simply sales tax) comes into effect.

ZNFU president Jervis Zimba said the agriculture sector performance has generally gone down with 30 % of the commercial farming sector credit facilities cited as non-performing by the regulators of the banking sector, the bank of Zambia – BOZ.

Speaking during a sales tax consultative meeting with Minister of Finance Margret Mwanakatwe in Lusaka on June 7, 2019, Zimba said that there is need for the government to approach GST implementation with great caution to avoid introducing new costs on a sector that is already struggling.

And Minister of Finance Margret Mwanakatwe said the decision by government to abolish the Value Added Tax – VAT and replace it with Sales Tax is necessary to stop the refunds debt escalation, create fiscal space, pay the outstanding VAT refunds and increase revenue collection to support government’s socio-economic development.

“The agriculture sector can rest be assured that all the exemptions that you received under VAT will be carried over to the sales tax regime and reconciliations will be undertaken to close off VAT and a plan will be put in place of how to liquidate the verified refunds,” she said.

Speaking at the same event Zambia Revenue Authority – ZRA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Moses Shuko said the performance of VAT has not grown as expected as there is little value addition in the Zambian economy adding that the large part of Zambia’s economy is informal hence it can only work better in economies with a large formal sector.

Shuko also stated that sales tax is easier to administer as it does not require complicated techniques for record keeping and accounting for the businesses. He added that sales tax does not lead to tax refunds and resources for businesses do not get locked up in refunds as government does not collect money which does not belong to it.

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Finance minister Margerate Mwanakatwe has stated that

Tech

The Drug Enforcement Commission – DEC is calling for the review of operations of the Financial Intelligence Center – FIC if alleged financial crimes can conclusively be executed.

DEC commissioner Alita Mbawe is concerned that the publication of raw intelligence data by FIC to the general public jeopardizes investigations by law enforcement agencies as perpetrators are “tipped off” and begin to destroy vital evidence while suspected foreign nationals exit from the country.

Mbawe is hopeful that the FIC will review how it conducts its operations to avoid compromising investigation as well as creating a false impressions.

“The intelligence reports disseminated to law enforcement agencies such as DEC sometimes turn out to be false on enquiry leading to closure of cases, a situation which is always misconstrued as inaction by investigative wings. It is, therefore, important that information is disseminated to the rightful audience in line with a well thought out communication strategy to avoid speculation and under pressure on Investigative Wings, she said

Meanwhile, Mbawe has disclosed that the commission received 16 cases involving K22 million out of those disseminated by FIC to Law enforcement agencies but that those cases are not part of the 308 that the commission received between January to December 2018.

She said that what was indicated in the FIC report was not what was on the ground hence the commission has closed some cases on false inquiry.

She added that there are 16 cases that are currently under investigation at various stages and that the commission will update members of the public on the action taken at an opportune and appropriate time in order to avoid jeopardizing the legal prospects of the cases.

She further stated that DEC will remain committed to the fight against money laundering and other related financial crimes which negatively affect the nation’s economic development and that it also remain open to collaborate with all stakeholders in order to effectively enforce the law for the betterment of the nation.

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The Drug Enforcement Commission – DEC is

Markets

Minister of Trade Christopher Yaluma says Government will not rush into signing the African Continental Free Trade Area – AfCFTA until stakeholder consultation is complete.

Speaking upon arrival in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, Yaluma stated that Zambia will not rush to ratify the AfCTA agreement to be done before the forthcoming July African Union Heads of States Summit.

He said the wide consultation is meant to ensure that the country instituted mechanisms to ensure that Zambia does not become a dumping site for substandard products.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by Press Secretary Inutu Mwanza, Yaluma said the consultative process with relevant stakeholders is still on-going and has not been exhausted to warrant ratification during the operationalization of the AfCTA at next month’s summit.

He said government wants to obtain full endorsement from the private sector as they will be the major drivers of the programme.

The Minister added that the signing of the AfCFTA framework by President Lungu in March was testimony that Zambia was committed to being part of the single largest market in Africa.

The Minister who is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for a consultative meeting on the AfCFTA however said that there is a possibility that Government could table the AfCFTA for ratification before Parliament in August.

He said Zambia understands the importance of being part of the single largest market and wants the private sector in the country to drive the process. Zambia’s Trade Minister was received in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Emmanuel Mwamba.

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Minister of Trade Christopher Yaluma says Government

Markets

Barclay’s Bank Zambia Limited has invested US$ 25 million into the construction of its new head office and its brand transitioning to Absa Bank, a project to be undertaken within 18-24 months.

Barclays Bank Zambia Board Chairperson Chishala Kateka says the bank will continue to support key sectors of the economy that support the country’s growth development agenda even as it transitions into Absa group.

Speaking during the commissioning of the construction of the new Absa head office in Lusaka at the former Barclay’s Sports Complex attended by the Zambian Times – ZBT, Kateka said the construction of the new head office for Barclays Bank plc to be rebranded as Absa Bank Zambia is a demonstration of the efforts and commitment to become a Pan-Africa organization that is interested in the sustainable development of the financial sector.

She added that the Bank will further continues to invest in technology and provide services that bridge the financial gap and impart skills that will elevate the lives of many Zambians.

At the same event, Barclays Bank Zambia Managing Director, Mizinga Melu stated that the bank  has demonstrated its long term commitment to Zambia.

Officiating the event, Bank of Zambia – BOZ Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya said the investment of US$ 25 million by the bank in the new head office complex demonstrates that the local economy is ready for major investments.

Dr Kalyalya however challenged Barclays Bank Zambia and Absa Group to explore ways in which the bank can partner with Zambia in addressing some of the challenges facing the country such as load shedding, saying it has potential to negatively impact the country’s economic growth.

“It is our expectation that Barclays Bank Zambia and Absa group will come up with products and services that will contribute to the enhancement of alternative energy sources to mitigate the threat on economic growth and indeed financial stability arising from load shedding,” Kalyalya stated.

He added that Barclays bank is also expected to continue supporting SME’s in the country as the sector is key to sustainable development and economic growth.

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Barclay’s Bank Zambia Limited has invested US$

Tech

The Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation – NEPIO says the coming of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology – CNST and Nuclear Power Plant – NPP will help contribute to the diversification Zambia’s economy.

Last year, the Zambian Government and Russia’s Rosatom signed a contract for the construction of a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology – CNST to be located in Chongwe. Head of NEPIO Dr. Roland Msiska said the establishment of the Nuclear Research Centre in Chongwe would add value to gemstones through enhanced coloration for local and export markets.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by NEPIO head of Public Awareness Chisha Mutale, Dr. Msiska said the Research Reactor Facility at the Centre would also be used for neutron activation analysis, mineral characterization of various ore and detection of undeclared minerals thereby increasing mineral taxation.

He said the establishment of the nuclear centre in Zambia would enhance the capability to export products into the European market adding that most of the European countries have set standards that require agricultural product coming into their markets to be gamma irradiated that eliminates insects.

“You do recall that at one time, the South African Government had banned our honey products from entering their country. The reason behind their decision was because our honey was not gamma irradiated. However, with the coming of this Centre, such bans will not affect us anymore, “he said.

He added that the Centre would also be used for the treatment of cancer patients and easy detection of leaking pipes using isotope techniques and production of chips for computers and cell phones.

Dr. Msiska also noted that the decision by government to include nuclear energy in the country’s energy mix came as a result of the severe drought the country had experienced during the 2015/2016 rain season. He said the drought resulted in a reduction of the country’s economic growth by 40%, prompting Government to explore other power sources such as nuclear energy, which is not adversely affected by weather. He further said Nuclear energy is not here to replace other renewable energies such as solar and hydro power but will be part of the energy mix of the country.

On the 21st of December 2018 ROSATOM handed over the final report on the assessment of nuclear infrastructure in the Republic of Zambia to Minister of Higher Education of the country, Professor Nkandu Luo and then Secretary to the Cabinet and now NEPIO Director Roland Msiska. The report was handed over under the contract for assessment and development of nuclear infrastructure in the country.
Nkandu Luo noted: nuclear power is the key factor in improvement of the wellbeing of the country while the pivotal role in the development of nuclear power sector is played by three elements: development of nuclear infrastructure, highly qualified human resources of the country and inter-university cooperation between Russia and Zambia.
The report includes results of expert missions conducted in September 2018. The expert missions were held by more than 30 experts of different enterprises of ROSATOM as meetings and interviews with representatives of 30 Zambian ministries and organizations: representatives of stakeholders, i.e. potential participants of nuclear power program development.
The implemented approaches helped Russian experts identify the level of development of nuclear infrastructure in Zambia as well as give corresponding recommendations for creation of sufficient and effective nuclear infrastructure to build and safely operate the Nuclear Science and Technology Center (NSTC).
Zambia is reported to have sizeable uranium deposits though official statistics remain scarce. The country has however attracted big players in the global high tech and high stakes nuclear space. The Zambian Government opted to sign and partner with Russia’s Rosatom to develop its nuclear ambitions.ROSATOM holds first place in terms of the number of simultaneously implemented nuclear reactor construction projects (6 in Russia and 36 outside Russia).
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The Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation –

Tech

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has donated text books worth K10,000 to St Edmund’s Secondary School situated in Katuba area 50 kilometers away from Zambia’s capital city Lusaka in an effort to continue with its educational support.

Recognizing that education is a key driver to higher productivity which is a prerequisite for national development, Fr Jim who received the books on behalf of the school said the school was in need of a lot of help and the mathematics books donated would go a long way in helping the pupils.

“We are truly grateful for this. We do not take it for granted and I know that the current crop of students will appreciate these books,” he said.

“It is always nice to see corporate entities help out the communities in improving the quality of education of learners. We do realise government cannot do this alone hence the need for partnerships to be created,” he added

And Airtel’s Enterprise Business Director Muyunda Munyinda in handing over the books said Airtel will continue being relevant in the Education sector as promoting equity in accessing education is paramount to national development.

St Edmund’s Secondary School is situated 20 kilometers from Chieftainess Mungule’s palace. The school started operations in 2016 and has more than 100 students from around Chieftainess Mungule’s village.

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Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has donated text

Tech

Airtel Money says it has introduced third party deposits confirmation service for its customers. This means that Airtel money customers sending money using Agents will now be able to receive an SMS notifications as confirmation of deposits.

The new feature will allow customers to deposit money through an Agent into another customer’s number with the recipient receiving the depositor’s details on the notification message instead of the agent details, Airtel Money Director James Chona announced the development in Lusaka.

“This revolutionary service which is only available on Airtel Money is aimed at giving depositors and recipient’s immediate notifications on all third party deposits. What this entails is that instead of a customer wondering whether the money has been sent or not, they will have sms notification of where their money has been sent to while the receiver will also get a message informing them that they have received money and where it is from,” he said.

Chona emphasized that the feature is meant to eliminate any doubt thus having both the depositor and the recipient receiving sms notification of money sent. The new feature will not only ensure that there is transparency in the service but also help tackle the issues of fraud and prevent risks of sending money to unintended recipients.

The new feature does not attract any additional fees to the customer other than the usual customer transaction charges. Airtel had earlier pledged through its corporate affairs manager Yuyo Kambikambi told ZBT that the company was working round the clock with other key stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies, regulators and IT security experts to stem the reported increase in mobile money frauds that had affected the entire mobile money industry.

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Airtel Money says it has introduced third

Markets

The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry – ZACCI Business Confidence Index – BCI survey shows a decrease to 137.8 points in business activities for the first quarter of 2019 compared to 161.4 points in the fourth quarter in 2018.

The BCI measures the level of confidence of business executives in the business environment and predicts short term business trends. Addressing the media in Lusaka on May 17, 2019, ZACCI president Michael Nyirenda attributed the decrease in business activities to the depreciation of the Kwacha, low sales due to reduced demand and delayed payments by government.

Nyirenda said other factors are poor liquidity and increased competition from foreign goods, policy inconsistency with the most recent being the reversal of maize export, lost contracts to supply mines and unpredictable climatic conditions which have caused lower Agro yields.

He said the survey revealed that the performance of business has worsened in the first quarter of the year and that businesses experienced decreased demand for their products thereby contributing to the high cost of doing business.

He disclosed that businesses expect the overall performance of the economy to deteriorate in the short term. He however recommended that government should pay suppliers of goods and services to avoid shocking businesses in the economy and ensure consistency in policy to have a predictable business environment.

“Of the 6 study provinces, only 2 provinces, that is North western (105.9 points) and Southern (102 points) recorded positive sentiments in the business environment and this was mainly due to respondents’ expectations that their business performance would improve in the first quarter of 2019,” he said.

He further disclosed that in the 10 BCI study sectors, mining and quarrying recorded 102 points in the first quarter of 2019 while Transport and Communication recorded 103.3 and the rest recorded negative sentiments and expectations.

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The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Sport

The Castle Africa 5s social tournament has this year attracted over 90 participant teams in the country who will this weekend battle for tickets to Tanzania to participate at the continental level.

The Zambian breweries team says the tournament has proven to be very competitive with some 48 teams participating in the Lusaka regional while 44 teams participation in Ndola for the Copperbelt  region.

Zambia soccer legend and Castle 5s ambassador Christopher Katongo said the Zambian Breweries has this season stepped up the Castle Africa 5s social football tournament by extending participation to other cities and encouraging more women participation.

“I am very happy that with the sport is heading in the right direction with the inclusion of women who are competing to win their tickets to Tanzania to participate at the continental level and the extension for the participating of other cities in the tournament. This is not just a mare tournament but also an opportunity to sensitising the young ones on the dangers of underage drinking. I am happy and grateful to Castle Lager for still recognising me as one of the football legends who has done something extraordinary for Zambia,” he said

“We are happy to be a part of this year’s tournament, the atmosphere is exciting and every team here is eager to win and travel to Tanzania for the continental finals. Last year we had the Continental championships right here in Lusaka, Zambia, and we missed the trophy by just a whisker as our colleagues from South Africa managed to win. This year we are going geared as you can see the efforts from the participating teams,” he said.

The play-offs will be held on May 25 at the Futsal Sports Complex in Lusaka. Zambian Breweries Castle Africa 5s social football is championing talent in sports through strengthening friendships and bringing people together to promote physical fitness.

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The Castle Africa 5s social tournament has