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Tech

As Zambia is facing an energy crisis due to a deficit in electricity supply, an Energy Engineer has urged the Zambian government to urgently develop provincial research centers as one way of diversifying the energy sector.  

The government has been struggling to meet the growing demand for energy as the country’s population continues to rise.

In response to this Engineer Bornface Zulu has urged the Zambian government to establish a network of provincial Research and Development (R&D) centers dedicated to the diversification of energy resources. Engineer Zulu said with careful planning and investment, Zambia can create a resilient and diverse energy portfolio that supports economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Zulu believes that establishing provincial R&D centers for energy diversification is a strategic move that will empower each province to contribute to Zambia’s energy independence and sustainability. With careful planning and investment, Zambia can create a resilient and diverse energy portfolio that supports economic growth and environmental stewardship.

According to Zulu, these centers will play a crucial role in assessing and harnessing local energy potentials, tailored to the unique environmental and geographical characteristics of each province. “To achieve this, the centers will need to focus on five key areas, including morphology, topography, hydrology, ecology, and meteorology.”

Zulu suggested that the Zambian government should explore several avenues to finance these R&D centers.

He said these include local funding, international funding, and development banks adding that if Zambia considers nuclear energy, it is imperative to invest in education.

He said as the energy crisis continues to affect Zambia, it is essential to take action and develop a sustainable energy plan for the future.

The establishment of provincial R&D centers for energy diversification will not only address the current energy deficit but also ensure a stable energy supply for the country’s growing population.

For comments and whistleblowing email: editor@zambianbusinesstimes.com

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As Zambia is facing an energy crisis

Tech

The prices for gas, oil, and electricity are still high. This hurts your wallet, because: Heating accounts for around 75 percent of a household’s energy consumption. Correct heating is therefore the ideal way to save costs and reduce CO2 emissions.

We don’t yet know how cold it will get in the coming winter months or how long the energy price brakes will remain in force. But we do know one thing: Space heating accounts for around three-quarters of total energy consumption in households, so in times of still high energy prices, it also accounts for three-quarters of your energy costs! Correct heating can therefore help you save a lot of money. And this money you can use for https://22bet.co.mz/en_mz/live

Even simple measures can help to heat properly: lower the blinds, seal the windows, insulate the radiators, ventilate the room, and set the heating correctly … This can save a lot of energy and money when heating – and ensure a healthy indoor climate at the same time. Here are all the tips in detail.

OUR TIPS

  1. Conserve heating energy at night
    Windows do not have the same insulating effect as walls. You can therefore heat properly and save money simply by allowing as little heat as possible to escape – especially in winter.
    It therefore makes sense to lower shutters and blinds completely after dark (or even during the day if rooms are not in use). This can reduce heat loss at the windows by up to 20 percent and save you heating costs.

By the way: Drawing the curtains will also save a few percent!

And the same applies vice versa in summer: closed shutters help to keep rooms cool.

  1. Heating correctly means heating more consciously
    Heating properly and saving money often just means heating less and using the heating more consciously. No home needs to be 25 degrees in winter. Every degree less saves heating energy and therefore costs. According to estimates, you save around six percent of energy and money per degree.

The optimum room temperature in the living room is around 20 degrees.
In the bathroom, it should be 22 degrees. A floor mat helps against cold feet.
In the kitchen, the oven and fridge give off heat, so you often don’t need to heat the room at all.
In the bedroom, 17 to 18 degrees ensures a good night’s sleep, some prefer even less.
Important: It’s not about freezing within your own four walls! But often you don’t feel cold despite the heating, but because of it. If you wear T-shirts in winter, you are doing something wrong. The body adapts to the higher temperature in the room and no longer notices that the room has long been overheated.
Incidentally, unused rooms need little or no heating. But: It should not get much colder than 15 degrees in winter when the outside temperature is below zero. Otherwise there is a risk of mold. This applies above all to sources of moisture in the room (shower, kitchen) and especially in cool rooms.

  1. Shock ventilation instead of permanent airing
    Correct heating is only possible with correct ventilation: Permanently tilted windows hardly provide any air exchange, but only cool down the walls. Correct airing, on the other hand, saves a lot of energy and is also good for your health.

Too little humidity in the room dries out the mucous membranes, and too much encourages mold, especially on cold walls. So open the windows fully for a few minutes several times a day to ensure a complete exchange of air – but turn down the thermostat valve on the heating first.

  1. Expose radiators
    Make sure that your radiators are not covered, for example by furniture or curtains. Thermostats should also not be covered. Otherwise, the heat cannot be distributed properly in the room and your heating will have to work harder than necessary – this only wastes energy and costs money.
  2. Turn the heating off earlier
    When you go to bed, you like to turn the heating off (or turn it down) beforehand. However, the heating continues to heat for a while – unfortunately, this heat is no longer of any use to the occupants.

So it’s smarter to turn the heating down half an hour before you go to bed. This also saves energy.

6 When to heat – only in the depths of winter?
Many people ask themselves the question of when proper heating makes sense at all or when heating by landlords must be made possible in principle.

Typically, heating doesn’t start until October at the earliest.
From the middle/end of April, heating is usually no longer necessary. Of course, this also depends on your region and the local temperatures.
The following applies to landlords: heating is permitted from October 1 until April 30. If the temperature in rented rooms drops below 16 degrees or below 18 degrees for a longer period, it must also be possible to heat outside the heating period. If landlords do not ensure this, there is a material defect and tenants can reduce the rent.
The majority of our heating energy consumption occurs between December and March: heating properly and saving money also means: if possible, start heating later and stop earlier.

Incidentally, heating is one of the things that has the greatest impact on the climate. Reducing the floor area of your home is therefore one of the most effective (but also one of the most difficult) things you can do to protect the climate and save money.

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The prices for gas, oil, and electricity

Mining

GoviEx Uranium Company says its Muntanga Uranium Project in Zambia is progressing as planned and the Company will publish the feasibility study in the second half of 2024.

With an anticipated annual production capacity of 2.5 million pounds of U3O8, the project is expected to be a significant contributor to the global uranium market. According to GoviEx production will be marketed to utilities, off-takers, and potentially the spot market.

Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, GoviEx Uranium Inc. Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Isabel Vilela, said the company is on schedule to publish the Feasibility Study in the second half of this year, as anticipated.

Vilela said the Muntanga Uranium Project is a cornerstone of GoviEx’s strategy to become a major uranium supplier, alongside its Madaouela project in Niger.

She said GoviEx has also taken steps to ensure the safety of workers and the local community during the mining process.

She said the bullish market outlook for uranium prices in 2023 further bolsters GoviEx’s enthusiasm for the Muntanga project. “Uranium prices have shown remarkable performance, being the best-performing commodity in 2023. This positive market outlook and its implications for GoviEx’s success make the Muntanga project a highly promising venture.”

Asked about the projected timelines for the completion of the project and the start of production, Vilela said, “with the Feasibility Study on the horizon, we will gear up for debt finance planning in 2025, followed by a two-year construction phase. It’s a bit early to set these dates in stone, but that’s the roadmap we’re working with for now.”

“We anticipate an annual production capacity of 2.5 million pounds of U3O8 (this is called yellowcake and it’s one of the forms in which uranium is traded on the market) per year, although this will have to be confirmed in the Feasibility Study. Our production will be marketed to utilities, off-takers, and potentially the spot market. Specific strategies remain adaptable to best serve the project’s interests.”

Asked about the measures being taken to ensure the safety of workers and the local community during the mining process, Vilela said “Our company not only adheres to Zambian health and safety standards but follows best practice international standards, having robust health and safety policies in place.We have a solid stakeholder engagement plan and are committed to community welfare and development through substantial initiatives, including the construction of schools and health clinics in the project area. We are also promoting local employment through our Back to School Project where we partnered up with the District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) for the Siavonga and Chirundu Districts to fund an adult education plan, aiming to bring adults back to school so they can potentially work in the project, once they reach grade four and the project is up and running. At the moment we have nearly 500 students enrolled in this project. We also have a junior trainee program and are funding the tuition, boarding, and upkeep of an initial six students from three communities in the areas around the Muntanga Project.”

asked about the role does the Zambian government play in the project, and what is their level of support for the project, Vilela said, “they are fully supportive of the project and their backing is invaluable to our project’s success. We maintain a continued and fulsome communication with many levels of the Zambian Government.”

“As with any new venture, we face certain risks that could impact our timelines. These can vary from the supply chain, labor, environment, etc but our approach to mitigating these risks is proactive and focused on minimizing delays and other potential challenges.”

“Uranium prices have shown remarkable performance, being the best-performing commodity in 2023. This bullish trend bolsters our enthusiasm for the Muntanga project, and we remain optimistic about the positive market outlook and its implications for our success.” She added.

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GoviEx Uranium Company says its Muntanga Uranium

Uncategorized

Economist Trevor Hambayi has projected that Zambia is likely to continue experiencing the high cost of living which currently stands at over K10, 600 noting that there are no economic fundamentals that seem to be driving a reduction in the cost of living this year.

Aaccording to the Jesuit Center for theological Reflection (JCTR), the cost of living for a family of 5 is currently standing at K10, 603.40 as of March, 2024 from K 10, 307.01 recorded in February.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, Economist Trevor Hambayi said it is unlikely that the cost of living will come down in 2024 as there seems to be not intervention measures being put in place.

Hambayi said the high cost of living will continue until the country reaches a greater degree of productivity to grow the gross domestic product (GDP).

He noted that the growth of the GDP will create macro stability in the exchange rate which will see a consistency in the prices of goods and services which will in turn reduce the cost of living.

He further attributed the high cost of living amid the current appreciation of the Kwacha to the prices of goods and services remaining constant.

“If you look at the economic fundamentals, we do not see any economic fundamentals that are speaking to be able to drive a reduction in the cost of living in 2024.So essentially in 2024, it is unlikely that the cost of living is going to be coming down,” he said.

“This general trend is going to continue until we can see a situation where the country is reaching a greater degree of productivity. This productivity is going to be measured by the GDP. So the GDP needs to grow before we can start to see the cost of living coming down. When the GDP grows, it will also create macro stability in the exchange rate and when there is that stability in the exchange rate, we will see a consistency in the prices of goods and services and that is what is going to create a level of reduction in the cost of living.”

“In terms of the cost of living is that the Zambian cost of living is being driven by the depreciation of the Kwacha. In the last month we saw that the kwacha had depreciated to K27 and what resulted from this was that the prices of goods and services were also increased. But in the last two weeks we have seen an appreciation of the Kwacha but what we do see is that the prices of goods and services have not reduced and that is why we continue to see an increase in the cost of living,” said Hambayi.

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Economist Trevor Hambayi has projected that Zambia

Uncategorized

The Zambia Consumers Association (ZACA) has charged that the Government’s decision to ban the issuance of permits for the Production of charcoal amid load shedding is a good decision that has come at a wrong time when people are desperately looking for other sources of energy.

Recently, the Government through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment banned the issuance of permits for Cord- Wood used for the production of charcoal in Mumbwa Itezhi Tezhi and Shibuyunji Districts of Central Province, until further notice due to the unprecedented levels of deforestation in the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, ZACA Executive Secretary Zuba Sakala said that the government could have imposed the ban some years back unlike imposing it when the Country is grappling with load shedding where most people are depending on charcoal as one of the easiest and most affordable sources of energy.

Sakala said that unlike being proactive, the Government is rather being reactive to the current situation.

He noted that if the government had applied proactivity some years back, people could have found other alternative sources of energy.

He further emphasized that the ban of import permits for the production of charcoal amid load shedding will increase the cost of charcoal in that charcoal production will go down while it’s demand will go up.

“The problem we have as a Country is that we are reactive. This ban would have come 3 to 4 years ago but we have decided to impose it now when we have another problem of load shedding where we know that people will run for charcoal as one of the easiest sources of energy. So being reactive is another problem,” he said.

“The government could have been proactive 4 years ago and people could have already found another alternative but as the situation stands now it looks bad but it’s a good decision coming at a wrong time when people are desperately looking for other sources of energy. On the issue of charcoal being expensive following the ban of import permits on charcoal production the possibility is there because the charcoal that will be coming will be coming in a few,” said Sakala.

Meanwhile, According to the Zambian Living Conditions Monitoring Survey, the major sources of energy consumed at the household level in Zambia are firewood, charcoal, and electricity.

Over half (54.3%) of all households in Zambia use firewood as their main fuel for cooking, while 28.7% use charcoal and 16.8% use electricity.

This means with the onset of load shedding households that relied on the use of electricity for cooking will now now have to rely on either firewood or charcoal.

And with the ban of the issuance permits for the production of charcoal in Mumbwa Itezhi Tezhi and Shibuyunji Districts of Central Province amid load shedding, it is anticipated that the production of charcoal will go down while the demand will go up.

And when this happens, the cost of charcoal will also go up meaning that people will have to spend more money to buy charcoal at household level amid load shedding or find other alternative sources of energy that are in most cases more expensive.

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The Zambia Consumers Association (ZACA) has

Mining

The ruling United Party for National Development – UPND Mwinilunga Member of Parliament has accused the Zambia Consolidate Copper Mines Investments Holding – ZCCM IH of playing games on the Kasenseli gold mine reopening.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mwinilunga Member of Parliament Newton Samakayi expressed displeasure at the ZCCM IH that is handling the matter adding that they are the ones that are causing delays to reopening the gold mine.

Government had announced its intentions to partially re-open the Kasenseli Gold Mine at Mwinilunga District of Northwestern Province. Reports indicate that the Government through the Zambia Gold Company, a subsidiary of ZCCM-IH had set aside $2.6 million towards the compensation of Kampoko Resources so as for the firm to surrender its mining license to the government.

Mwinilunga MP stated that “while the government is desirous of having the mine open, I think the officials at ZCCM-IH are playing games with me because I have been wanting to find out why the mine is not re-opening and they referred me somewhere where I was told that it is actually them that are delaying the reopening of this mine. So am going there and they need to tell me why they have this problem”

“You see this is a green field mine not like well it was operational for a few years under very suspicious circumstances so the potential and the impact of that mine is not known not until there is transparency and it opens so we can only speculate about the impact and we are positive that once the mine reopens our people will have business.”

Meanwhile, Samakayi said the issues of illegal gold mining on site cannot be ruled out as not everyone can be trusted.
“Obviously I can tell you that where there are good seeds and people are put there, where there are 20 people 5, would be good the rest may not be good. And everyone is corrupt by nature and once an opportunity avails itself anybody can be corrupt. And corruption is in many ways and in some cases the scale is high while in some cases the scale is low so basically all of us are corrupt if you like. But once some when they are exposed to situations they would want to get it in a big way.”
“So you can’t rule out that the people who are keeping the gold mine cannot get something that’s being naïve.”
“I want the government to move in quickly so that the mine begins operations so that those who will be running the mine can put up measures to ensure that no one is stealing the gold and also that people around Kasenseli and Mwinilunga are benefiting from those resources.” He said.

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The ruling United Party for National Development

Lifestyle

The University Teaching Hospital – UTH has revealed that the 2012 Afcon winner and Chipolopolo star Rainford Kalaba’s condition has continued improving as he is now able to respond to sound and touch.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, UTH Public Relations Officer Nzeba Chanda said that as of today, the 15th of April, 2024, Kalaba is responding well to treatment and is better than yesterday and the day that he was admitted to UTH.

Chanda noted that Doctors are doing everything possible to save Kalaba’s life.

She further advised members of the general public to keep calm and not worry about the ex- Chipolopolo’s condition.

“Kalaba is improving. He’s improved very well and he’s responding to treatment and he is able to respond to sound and touch. Doctors are doing the best that they can. As at today, Kalaba’s situation is stable and he’s responding well to treatment. He’s better than yesterday and better than the day that he came in. People should not worry because the Doctors are doing the best that they can,” said Chanda.

Meanwhile the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) Public Health Board Chairperson Dr. Gabriel Sialubono also clarified to the Zambian Business Times -ZBT in an exclusive interview that the medical term

“critical but stable,” UTH is using to describe Kalaba’s current condition can mean that the hospital has stabilized Kalaba’s condition and it’s unlikely that he will get worse in the near future.

Dr. Sialubono further affirmed that UTH has adequate equipment and specialists that are be able to take care of most of the health conditions that the Country grapples with. “The term critical but stable can mean that the hospital could have stabilized him and it’s unlikely that he will get worse in the near future. UTH has adequate equipment and specialists to be able to take care of most of the conditions that we have in this Country,” Dr. Sialubon told ZBT

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The University Teaching Hospital – UTH has

Uncategorized

Economist Trevor Hambayi has charged that the debt restructuring process will not provide direct benefits to the current high cost of living being experienced countrywide.

The cost of living for a family of 5 currently stands at over K10, 600 as of March, 2024 as measured by the Jesuit Center for theological Reflection (JCTR).

And with the government striking a deal with external bondholders of about 75% and the government’s revelations that it’s in talks with private creditors to restructure $3.3 billion of Zambia’s commercial debt, questions have been raised on whether the debt restructuring process will have direct benefits on the high cost of living.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, Economist Trevor Hambayi said that unlike providing direct benefits on the cost of living, the debt restructuring process will provide the country an opportunity to grow economically.

He noted that It’s the growth of the economy that will give the country direct benefits on the cost of living.

“Debt restructuring itself is not exactly supposed to provide direct benefits on the cost of living but it has to provide us an opportunity to be able to start to grow our economy. It’s the economy that will grow that will give us direct benefits on the cost of living. At the moment we have not yet completed the debt restructuring process,” he said.

“There is still a component of around $3 billion that needs to be restructured from the private creditors before that process is complete. Only when it’s complete can we then say what basic leverage can we use this to be able to speak to driving our economy,” said Hambayi.

It can therefore be noted that Zambia is still in talks to restructure $3.3 billion of commercial debt, after reaching a 75% deal with overseas external bondholders of its sovereign bonds critical for economic growth.

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Economist Trevor Hambayi has charged that the

Markets

The Bank of Zambia (BOZ) has confirmed that there is only one Bank in Zambia that is wholly owned by local Zambians following the takeover of Investrust Bank due to insolvency.

Responding to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT query on whether there is any bank remaining that is locally owned after the repossession of the Investrust Bank which was locally owned, BOZ Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya explained that the Country only has one locally owned Bank, the Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank – ZICB as others are a mixture of institutions that are partly owned by local Zambians and foreign-owned.

“Yes, we have Zambia Industrial Commercial Banks which is totally locally owned at the moment. Now with that what we have is a mixture of institutions that are partly locally owned and others that are not. We take Zanaco for instance with such a significant local shareholding, we also take Indo Zambia Bank which also has significant local sharing.” Said Dr. Kalyalya during the question and answer time after giving an update on the Investrust Bank Plc Repossessed.

“Remember that even the ZICB also arose out of a situation like this but that was rescued by depositors because we went to them to say it either we go for liquidation in which case you lose almost completely or you can convert your deposits into equity and indeed they responded to that and that’s how come you have NAPSA which almost all of you who are employed are subscribing to meaning you are part owners of Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank in which the other shareholder is Industrial Development Corporation which is another local entity and the third shareholding is the Workers Compassion Fund Board, making the bank a wholly locally owned.”

Dr. Kalyalya noted that “it hurts us obviously as Zambians not to see any of our people being in this space but that is what we have. We have to deal with what we have until people step forward. The central Bank is a regulator which does not run these institutions so we only follow the rules which are applicable to everyone.”

He said it is however important to bear in mind that when BoZ as a regulator is applying these Prudential rules they apply across the board which means that does not exempt the indigenous from the same. “The moment you step in the space of saying you are a Bank there are rules and procedures that apply that’s why in the vetting process you ask people if they are familiar with the provision of the law and with the business of Banking, so we look at the business model.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Kalyalya said Investrust Bank was possessed because it was insolvent  adding that the institution’s assets were not enough to meet its liabilities. “Insolvency simply means that the capital position of Investrust was below zero (negative) and its liabilities exceeded its assets.”

Kalyalya said at the point of taking possession, it was estimated that the amount of capital required for the bank to be compliant was in the order of K850 million which is a preliminary position that will only be confirmed once the preparation of the Statement of Affairs concludes in six weeks and the Bank will provide clarity on what this means.

He added that in addition, the bank had pre-existing liquidity challenges that became serious in recent months, which compelled it to resort to expensive short-term funding sources, which clearly indicated that the operations of the bank were unsustainable thereby prompting the Bank of Zambia to step in and protect the depositors.

“May I now take this opportunity to assure the depositors that their deposits are safe as the Government has been asked to provide support of K1 billion to bridge the gap between the assets and liabilities of Investrust (In Possession). We are currently working hard to have the statement of affairs prepared within six weeks from now and to have options prepared for how we will resolve Investrust (In Possession). During this period, some payments will be made to depositors and we expect all depositors to have full access to their funds, on the basis of the statement of affairs as of April 2, 2024, once the Bank of Zambia Board has decided on the resolution option,” said Dr. Kalyalya.

Meanwhile, Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor – Operations, Dr. Francis Chipimo noted that the first payment to depositors at the Investrust Bank will be made on April 26, 2024 adding that the first payment will represent 90% of all deposits from about 57,000 deposit accounts.

“As you all know, the Bank of Zambia took possession of Investrust on April 2, 2024, and it is now designated as Investrust (In Possession). This involved us sending staff to each of the 20 branches (including the head office), located in six provinces. Over a period of five to six days, Staff verified monies held by the branches and secured important documents and assets. Investrust Bank (In Possession) staff at the branches were addressed by Bank of Zambia staff as we took possession and they have been requested to remain at home, whilst the possession proceeds. Where needed selected Investrust staff are assisting the Bank of Zambia officials in their activities and further guidance will be provided to all staff as the possession proceeds.”

He said the Bank of Zambia will facilitate the first payment to all depositors up to a maximum of K500,000 (Kwacha Five Hundred Thousand). This payment will cover over 90.0 percent of the total deposit accounts. For clarity, this means that those who have deposits at or below K500,000 will get payments that fully cover their deposits during this first payment.

Dr. Chipimo however added that customers with outstanding loans will still need to remain current on their loans and will be advised where to make their loan repayments. “We hereby request all borrowers to continue servicing their obligations to Investrust Bank Plc (In Possession) once the information is shared.”

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The Bank of Zambia (BOZ) has confirmed

Tech

Madison Life Insurance Company Zambia Limited(MLife) is a specialist Life insurance company and Vitality Health International a globally recognized, science-based wellness program that provides the tools and support to help people know their health, have announced the launch of new health insurance offerings in Zambia, aimed at enhancing the quality of life of Zambian citizens.

As part of the partnership, Vitality Health International will provide a unique insurance product that focuses on well-being and aims to positively impact people’s health outcomes while improving and protecting their lives. The product includes exciting enhancements customized for Employees in Zambia to provide their employees, such as the Vitality Malaria Benefit and funeral cover benefits.

MLife is a highly trusted brand that pioneered the introduction of health insurance in Zambia, while Vitality Health International is an innovative healthcare insurer owned by multi-award-winning South African insurer Discovery, which pioneered the Vitality Shared-value Insurance model in South Africa, changing the insurance landscape with a health insurance model that rewards people for living healthier lives.  

Speaking during the Launch of the new product, Managing Director of Madison Financial Services, Agnes Chakonta, said for more than 30 years, Madison Life Insurance has had an expansive presence in Zambia. “As one of Zambia’s leading insurers, we take pride in our innovative services and dedication to our clients. We believe that working in partnership with Vitality Health International, we will enhance the quality of life for our clients and their loved ones.”

Chikonta said the partnership aligns with MLife’s promise to the people of Zambia “Protecting you all the way.” The specialist insurance company’s products, with wellness at their core, put customers first and protect them physically, mentally, financially, and emotionally.

“The Vitality Health International health insurance offering is unique as it combines data analytics with rewards and incentives that directly encourage people to make healthier choices. Employers are rewarded with a cashback of up to 10% for encouraging their employees to get healthy, while employees can earn exciting weekly rewards with Vitality Health International’s range of rewards partners, including MTN, where vouchers can be redeemed for achieving their goals, or employees can choose to donate towards a life-changing vaccine. The shared-value approach enables employees, employers, and Vitality Health International to share in the value and benefits of healthy behavior by lowering healthcare costs for employers and employees, while decreasing the claims risks for Vitality Health International.”

Vitality Health International Africa Chief Executive Officer, Emma Knox highlighted that Vitality Health International model is highly relevant for the African market, considering three key consumer trends that are impacting the healthcare landscape.

She explained that Firstly, healthcare in Africa is ready for disruption, and the industry is ready for innovation. Secondly, Africa is going through a disease profile shift, with lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease emerging as the main cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. “Lastly, Africa’s young population is adopting digital technology and connection at a rapid rate, making the app-based Vitality program ideal for the market.”

She said MLife and Vitality Health International’s partnership is a significant step towards achieving the goal of positively impacting people’s health outcomes while improving and protecting their lives. “By partnering with Goodbye Malaria, the social benefit organization, Vitality Health International aims to accelerate the fight against malaria, a disease that is still taking an unrelenting toll on human health in Africa. The partnership will have a strategic focus on the fight against malaria, with the aim of potentially eradicating this deadly, yet preventable, disease in years to come.”

“Added to this there is an estimated 100 million people in Africa suffering from clinical depression. Employers are looking for more holistic screening and well-being solutions,” says Knox.

The Vitality programme also enables Vitality Health International to provide an on-site wellness experience for employers. Vitality Health Checks, conducted by experienced healthcare wellness specialists, are an essential aspect of the Vitality programme because employees get to understand their current health status and lifestyle risks, which is the first step towards changing behaviour and then starting to get rewarded for healthier choices.

Knox says: “As a data-driven organization, Discovery Health tracks trends emerging from 3.7 million medical scheme members of 19 administered medical schemes in South Africa. This data shows an increase in screening rates with clients who have signed up for Vitality. A number of studies have also found that the overall impact of Vitality on mortality rates is significant. Very engaged members who are on Gold and Diamond status with Vitality are estimated to have reduced mortality risk as a result of healthier lifestyles, increasing their life expectancy to 87 compared to 67 for the insured population in South Africa.”

After each on-site Vitality wellness day, comprehensive reports with metrics and unique insights are shared with employers to help them improve health outcomes for their employees. Knox adds: “The Vitality wellness days that we have conducted in other African markets have been extremely impactful in helping employees understand their health and these events will continue to evolve and improve over time.”

Tailored to the unique needs of each market it operates in, Vitality Health International offers a comprehensive range of benefit plans including in-country, Africa Roaming and Worldwide (excluding USA) coverage, structured according to each employer’s area coverage needs and budgets. While the health insurance offering caters for employers looking for in-country benefit plans to cover staff who stay permanently in Zambia and don’t travel for business, it is also particularly attractive to new -generation expatriates (Zambians returning home after studying abroad) and employees who travel and want to be covered both inside and outside the borders of Zambia.

Vitality Health International offers five health insurance options, with comprehensive cover across all benefits. Employers have the option for their employees to access the Vitality program, available on all benefit options.

Vitality Health International has pioneered the first-to-market Vitality Malaria Benefit, available across all Vitality Health International plans. It includes a rapid diagnostic test for employers to make available for their employees. Over-the-counter medication will also be made available where a positive result is picked up. The Vitality Malaria Benefit dovetails perfectly with Vitality Health International’s partnership with Goodbye Malaria, with the aim of achieving zero malaria in our lifetime.

Vitality Health International also offers a life-changing supportive benefit, Vitality Standby-U cover. This cover offers a holistic return to wellness following the loss of a loved one. The benefit provides financial support in the form of a lump-sum payment and a data and voice bundle in partnership with MTN. Emotional and physical health support is offered through.

Commenting on emerging healthcare trends during the roadshow, Knox said: “We are bringing a completely new type of health insurance to the rest of Africa. One that focuses on mental and physical wellness. Our offering has been specifically developed for the African market. It is an innovative, digitally-enabled solution that promotes preventive screening and offers incentivized healthy behaviors through our exciting new cross-continental rewards partners. All three emerging trends offer a unique opportunity for Vitality Health International to make a significant impact in these markets.”

She added that last year, Vitality Health International, announced a partnership with the social benefit organization, Goodbye Malaria, to accelerate the fight against malaria, a disease that is still taking an unrelenting toll on human health in Africa.

“Vitality Health International’s health insurance offering is aimed at positively impacting people’s health outcomes while improving and protecting their lives. By partnering with Goodbye Malaria, we are taking a significant step towards achieving this goal. We believe that by working together, we can reduce the negative impact of malaria and save many lives on the continent” says Emma Knox, CEO of Vitality Health International: Africa. “Malaria remains the most prevalent disease in Africa with a major impact on the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable with $12 billion lost in productivity every year.”

This partnership will have a strategic focus in the fight against malaria with the aim to potentially eradicate this deadly, yet preventable, disease in years to come.

“Our health insurance model, with the Vitality program at its core, is highly relevant in the context of the changing landscape. Vitality Health International’s unique healthcare solutions that reward healthy living can assist employer groups in managing employee health for the best business and individual outcomes. The shared-value model also brings down the insurance risk and improves performance as an insurer. At the same time, Vitality Health International is contributing towards a healthier society over time,” Knox concludes.

Meanwhile, Deputy Registrar-Insurance of the Pensions and Insurance Authority of Zambia, Dr Brian Manchishi, welcomed this partnership adding that the initiative will help to grow the insurance sector in Zambia.  

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