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The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited –ZACL- has disclosed that about K300 million (K288 million) was spent on the construction and rehabilitation of the Kasama Airport in the Northern Province of Zambia.

Kasama Airport in Zambia which serves as a major gateway to the northern part of the country has recently undergone a major rehabilitation project to meet international standards.

Responding to an inquiry by the Zambian Business Times –ZBT-, -ZACL- Communications and Brand Manager Mweembe Sikaulu disclosed that the amount involved included construction of the runway, taxiway, apron, perimeter fence, and rehabilitation of the terminal building and other buildings. “Currently, the airport does not have a cargo handling facility. However, there is adequate land for the provision of cargo facilities should the need arise” said Mweembe.

Mweembe told the Zambian Business Times that following the investment, an average of 9,000 passenger movements is expected in 2024 with the expectation of a steady increase of numbers year on year.

She further disclosed that incentives have been offered such as discounts. “We are also in the process of waiving off some fees to develop the route as well as partnering with the Zambia Tourism Agency to attract tourists in the northern circuit in addition to lower passenger fees,” said Sikaulu.

She also emphasized that Northern Province is endowed with numerous tourist attractions ranging from waterfalls, historical and archaeological sites, and cultural ceremonies and is an upcoming business hub which makes a good business case for the airport to attract more traffic.  She said the airport has been receiving some ad hoc aircraft since it opened in August 2023 adding that airlines such as Proflight Zambia and Zambia Airways are preparing to start flights during the first quarter of 2024. She disclosed that Proflight Zambia has confirmed scheduled operations to start in March 2024.

Sikaulu further mentioned that the corporation anticipates realizing revenue approximating ZMW 745,000.00 in 2024 which will be a combination of income from Air Navigation Services, Airport Services, and Commercial Services. “Furthermore, note that Kasama Airport’s annual revenue contribution will grow from 2025 as the operations at the airport will be more established,” said Sikaulu. She also noted that the upgrade of Provincial Airports including Kasama Airport is being funded through a Government grant6 hence no repayments will be made by ZACL.

The ZACL Communication and Brand Manager explained that the upgrade of infrastructure for all Provincial Aerodromes is part of the Government’s programme that seeks to improve air transport in the country. She said it is also in line with the Government vision of creating Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) as an air transport hub in the SADC region which requires ease of air connectivity within the country and the region.

“One of the main barriers to attracting airlines at these airports is the poor status of infrastructure which compromises aviation safety and security. Once the airport infrastructure is upgraded, the safety and security profile will be heightened and airlines such as Proflight Zambia and Zambia Airways will be attracted to operate, which will in turn improve air connectivity to spur trade, tourism, and other economic activities across the country’ said Sikaulu.

The rehabilitation of the Kasama Airport is a significant milestone for Zambia’s aviation industry. With its modern facilities and efficient operations, the airport is poised to play a major role in the country’s economic development for years to come.

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The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited –ZACL- has

Markets

As Zambians are coping with the burden of rising inflation which stands at 13.2%, Economist Trevor Hambayi has projected that the country may be hit with yet another blow of increased buying price of fuel in February 2024.

Zambians may soon be facing an unwelcome increase in the pump price of fuel, due to the continued depreciation of the Kwacha which is one of the ERB’s key factors in determining the final pricing of the commodity.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times, Hambayi predicted a marginal rise of about one kwacha due to the continued depreciation of the local currency. This may mean that the prices of fuel may be above K30 per liter which is likely to have a domino effect on other essential commodities, inevitably pushing up the cost of living.

This projection comes after two months of unchanged prices for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and Jet A-1, which the Energy Regulation Board attributed to stable international oil prices and exchange rates.

However, with the continued increase in the exchange rate which currently stands above K27 per Dollar, Hambayi is of the view that fuel pump prices are at high risk of increasing by about K1.  

Meanwhile, Hambayi is calling for a long-term solution to address the high volatility of the exchange rate.

He suggests a forward contract that would require the country to purchase crude oil that would last for about six months, ensuring a guaranteed price irrespective of fluctuations in the exchange rate.

“There will be a marginal increase in the price of crude oil for the upcoming pump price review as there have been little positives in the fact that the international crude oil prices have been reducing, but the kwacha has continued depreciating thereby affecting the exchange rate.”

 “So this was what was offsetting the two in the fact that the price remained unchanged for the last two months because there has been a reduction in the international price of crude oil, but the Kwacha has been depreciating,” said Hambayi

He said right now there is a very high volatility rate on the exchange rate which justifies the need for a long-term solution.

Hambayi has therefore suggested a forward contract that will require the country to purchase crude that will last for about six months to ensure that the price is guaranteed irrespective of what is happening with the exchange rate.

“I think that is a very important strategy that we should consider implementing because of the very high volatility that we have in our exchange rate,” said Hambayi.

With concerns about the country’s economic stability and the impact of rising fuel prices on already strained household budgets, any increase is likely to leave citizens reeling with anger and frustration caused by the high cost of leaving.

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As Zambians are coping with the burden

Lifestyle

The Zambia National Services – ZNS – Officer believed to have shot and killed the 15-year-old boy of Kankoyo township of Mufulira District on the Copperbelt last year, seems to have gone scot–free as there has been no official statement and arrest made so far regarding this matter.

On the 20th of November last year 2023, a 15-year-old boy from Kankoyo township in Mufulira District in the Copperbelt province was allegedly shot dead by ZNS officers during an anti-mealie Meal smuggling operation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, Copperbelt police Commissioner Peacewell Mwemba has confirmed that indeed no arrests have so far been made as investigations have not yet concluded even after two solid months since the incident happened.

This has caused panic among family members of the juvenile and some concerned members of the general public who seem to be losing confidence in the investigative wings and wondering whether the investigation findings have truly not yet been concluded and if all the suspects will be arrested.

Asked why the case has taken longer than expected when there is a clue of the suspects, Mwemba denied the case having any clues of the suspects adding that the fact that the suspects are ZNS officers makes it tricky to tell who exactly they are.

“We are almost there, we are almost concluding with the investigations and anytime we shall be able to inform the public. We are working on the same issue. As for Kankoyo, we are almost there. The suspect was not known. ZNS is an institution which makes it a bit tricky to tell who the suspect was. But we are almost there,” said Mwemba.

Meanwhile, an impeccable source who is an official in charge of firearms (armorer) in one of Zambia’s defense forces has revealed to ZBT that all defense forces have records of all officers sent on armed operations and are recorded in a book known as an armory register.

The source also revealed that in the armory register, records such as the names of the officers sent on armed operations, the type of firearms, their serial numbers, and the number of ammunition or bullets each firearm contains are all recorded in the aforementioned register.

The source further revealed that in a situation where an officer is found with missing ammunition in their firearm, a report on where and why the bullets were used is required for submission for such an officer.

“For record purposes what happens is that when officers are sent out on an operation which requires them to be armed, their names are recorded in the armory book by the armorer together with the type of the firearm and its serial number and the number of ammunition or bullets the firearm contains. When officers are back from the operation, they are required to submit the firearms to the armorer who receives the guns and also counter checks if the firearms that officers were issued with are the right firearms they have submitted depending on the firearms serial numbers,” the source revealed.

“The armorer also requests all officers to remove all the acumination from the bag used to carry extra acumination to authenticate whether there are some officers who used some acumination of which when one is found with missing ammunitions, they are required to make an explanation to the armorer on the missing ammunitions. So if an officer used some aminations, then they are required to submit a report on where and why the bullets were used and that report is filled for accountabilities sake,” revealed the source.

It however remains unknown as to why the investigations on the death of the juvenile have dragged on when there are all records of information in place.

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The Zambia National Services – ZNS –

Companies

In a shocking revelation, the Anti-Corruption Commission – ACC – of Zambia has revealed that it has seized assets worth over K700 million due to flourishing corruption in the country last year, despite the Government’s commitment to combating corruption in all its forms.

The staggering amount of assets seized is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted corruption that has plagued Zambia for years and has resulted in a significant loss of public funds.

According to the ACC, the seized assets include motor vehicles among other properties. The Commission stated that these assets are believed to have been acquired through illegal means and are therefore subject to seizure.

ACC Head of Corporate Communication Timothy Moono said, that during the year 2023, the commission received a total of 1,037 reports of suspected corruption. “Out of these cases, a total of 463 were non-corruption-related. While 574 reports contained elements of corruption, only 541 were authorized for investigations.”

“11 reports were referred to relevant authorities for action, 8 were complaints authorized for corruption prevention exercise, 2 were not authorized, and 12 were still under deliberation by the close of the year.”

Meanwhile, Moono said the commission closed a total of 183 investigation cases and recorded only 38 arrests in 2023 adding that the commission also recorded 17 convictions and 5 acquittals in 2023.

He added that the estimated value of assets or properties seized by the commission in the course of investigations stood at K756,452,853 stating that by the close of the year, a total of 19 motor vehicles were forfeited to the state.

Corruption has remained a major challenge in Zambia, despite the government’s efforts to curb it. The ACC’s latest findings reveal the scale of corruption and the need for urgent action to address it.

 Although the Commission has been at the forefront of investigating and prosecuting corruption cases in the country, it is evident that more needs to be done to eradicate this vice as corruption not only undermines the rule of law but also hinders economic development and social progress.

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In a shocking revelation, the Anti-Corruption Commission

Companies

A teller and her branch manager at Zanaco bank have been arrested by police over a reported case of theft of customer deposits.

The teller and her branch manager are said to have colluded to steal money belonging to some of the unsuspecting customers.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Police spokesperson Rea Hamoonga confirmed that on 22 January, 2024, the Police at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) received a report of theft by servant.

The report was filed by a female banker Lubinda Mulele of Salama Park, a branch manager at twin palm, an employee of Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) now transferred to KKIA who reported on behalf of Zambia National Commercial Bank at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

Mulele reported that Kennedy Kaputula of PHI Lusaka, a branch manager and a female teller Banji Nalishebo of Kaunda square, both employees of Zanaco Bank at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport [colluded and] did steal money amounting to about K330, 000.

Police confirmed that this incident is suspected to have occurred during the Christmas and new year period between Tuesday December 26, 2023 and Saturday January 20, 2024 at at KKIA ZANACO Bank branch.

File photo for ZANACO Makeni branch

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A teller and her branch manager at

Markets

The Bureau De Change Association of Zambia has warned that the Zambian Kwacha risks hitting a record high of K30 per dollar within the course of the first quarter of 2024 if the large-scale mines like Konkola Copper Mines – KCM and Mopani Copper Mines – MCM remain ineffective.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Bureau De Change Association, President Paul Kalumba said the delay in the full operations of the two giant mines has caused a deficiency of forex earnings, leading to the depreciation of the local currency against major convertibles.

The Kwacha has already hit K27 per dollar as of 25th of January, 2024, and if the situation persists, it may further depreciate, causing immense hardship for the people of Zambia.

Bureau De Change Association President Paul Kalumba said the government needs to move very quickly to get Konkola Copper Mine –KCM- and Mopani Copper Mine –MCM- running if the situation is to improve.

He said if the two mines begin to operate at full capacity, the country’s tax base will grow and exports will go up.

He did note that Zambia is unfortunately a free market economy meaning that the exchange rate is not a controlled rate, but a free floating rate which is market determined. He emphasized that the delay in operationalizing the mines has been a major contributor to the forex problem the country is currently facing.

Kalumba further added that debt restructuring has been another major issue that has contributed to the prevailing situation.

He noted that this will now be the third year of negotiation, and the sooner it can be concluded positively, the better it will be for the country.

“Unfortunately, the powers are not with Zambia, but the creditors and there is a need to continue pushing the issue of debt relief.” He remarked.

The Association President also noted that the amount of maize produced this year will play a major role in determining additional income for the country.

He mentioned that if the ten million tons production rate being advocated for by the president is achieved, it will mean huge exports for the country to earn more forex.

“So we need those things that will earn us forex. Maize is such one commodity that can earn us good forex” said Kalumba.

He however, noted that none of the mentioned interventions can happen overnight hence the country has to brace itself for some difficult times. He said the kwacha is bound to be under pressure for most of the first quarter and may take the whole of the quarter for the benefits to begin showing.

The Association President added that the implementation of the new Bank of Zambia Regulation which requires all exporters to at least receive the money locally will contribute to the positive interventions of more forex earnings. He noted that the intervention has a 90-day window and that the earliest such deposits can come into the country is in the month of March. Kalumba said this means the country will remain exposed in the first quarter as forex demands will remain far higher than what is being receipted. He said if implemented well, the regulation will make a huge difference. “The biggest problem we have had as a country is that even when we are producing very well, it is meaningless if you are exporting and the money is not coming back here,” said Kalumba. He said having a regulation that makes sure the money comes back to the country also helps the Zambia Revenue Authority –ZRA- in tracking earnings for tax purposes.

He is optimistic that the currency will gain ground in the medium to long term, but said that in the short term, the kwacha will still be under pressure which may lead to worse rates than what is being seen now.

He said the kwacha will lose ground to the dollar even more as most of the interventions are three months away at the minimum of yielding results.

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The Bureau De Change Association of Zambia

Agribusiness

The government’s efforts to bring down the price of mealie meals across the country to make the staple food more affordable for the average citizen, seem to have had little to no effect as mealie meal prices continue to remain stubbornly high in Nakonde and Lukulu Districts of Muchinga Province and Western Province respectively.

A K25 kilogram of roller mealie meal has hit K300 in the Lukulu district of Western Province while the same is going as low as K190 in Monze District of Southern Province.

Meanwhile, the cost of breakfast mealie meals in Nakonde also remains high at K350.

According to the official statistics made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, a 25-kilogram breakfast mealie meal is going at K350 in Nakonde district while the same is going at K230 in Monze district of Southern Province as the lowest.

It appears, however, that more needs to be done to alleviate the financial burden that this essential food item places on the people of Nakonde and Lukulu.

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The government's efforts to bring down the

Tech

The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union (CSAWU) has accused the teaching council of Zambia of using licensure exams to raise funds under the guise of professionalism.

The union has condemned the proposal to introduce teacher licensure exams terming it as a fundraising method rather than a means of promoting professionalism.

The Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ) had proposed the introduction of licensure exams for teachers as a way of employing qualified teachers.

However, CSAWU president Makayi Makayi has stated that regulatory bodies should focus on monitoring and regulating learning institutions, rather than looking for opportunities to make money.

 Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times, Makayi noted that such exams would come with a requirement of money.

He said that teachers are already burdened with other commitments such as PAYE tax, health insurance, and NAPSA, and that introducing licensure exams as a revenue-collecting measure would not be good.

Makayi further emphasized that there is no need for someone who has already graduated to sit for another exam.

He suggested that if there are flaws or weaknesses in the training system for teachers, they should be dealt with at the training institutions themselves.

This would help ensure that qualified teachers are being produced and that quality service is being provided to citizens upon graduation.

The CSAWU president also highlighted the need to monitor and regulate learning institutions, especially in light of the increase in the mushrooming of colleges.

He emphasized that the required education and exams must be given at the learning institutions and that it should not be a trend for every profession to introduce licensure exams.

The proposal to introduce teacher licensure exams has been met with criticism from CSAWU, which sees it as a fundraising method rather than a means of promoting professionalism.

The union has called for regulatory bodies to focus on monitoring and regulating learning institutions, and to ensure that they are producing qualified teachers who can provide quality service to citizens.

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The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union

Sport

As the Chipolopolo team prepares to face Morocco in the upcoming match tonight, many fans and analysts are feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Sports analyst Musonda Chibulu is however confident that the Zambian team has nothing to fear from their opponents if they can die a little harder and play their game.

Although Morocco is considered to be the Powerhouse of African Football, the Congolese demonstrated when they played against Morocco that the team can be vulnerable when attacked. The analyst went on to explain that while Morocco is a strong team, they have their weaknesses which the Zambian Team can take advantage of.

 Chipolopolo was placed in Group F with Congo DR, Tanzania, and Morocco ahead of the 2024 AFCON. The Chipolopolo have already played their first two games which all resulted in a 1 to 1 draw granting the team two points and currently placed third on the table. The team is set to play Morocco today which is considered to be one of the powerhouses in African football.

The Analyst noted that of course, the match won’t be easy adding that both teams have a lot to play for as anything can happen on the field.

The analyst believes that if Zambia can adopt new tactics and play to its strengths, it can emerge victorious.

He did note that on paper Morocco is expected to beat Zambia, but also mentioned that what matters on the pitch is application and hard work that can lead to the next stage. He said from the two games Zambia has played so far, people may or have lost hope of the team proceeding further. Chibulu however said it is important for the players to die a little and play like it is a cup final. He said winning the next game would be important for the Chipolopolo in securing qualification, but noted that pulling off a win would be sort of a miracle.

He said a draw might be enough as there may be a possibility of the team proceeding to the next stage as one of the best 3rd-place finishers. He said it would be a very tough game, but not impossible to get a result that can take the team through.

Chibulu added that it has been a very unpredictable tournament so far also evidenced by the loss of the hosts Ivory Coast who lost their last two group games thereby epitomizing the unpredictability of the tournament.  He noted that the tournament is filled with the best teams and that Zambia is bound to meet such teams if they are to progress. “If you do not meet Morocco in the group stages, you are bound to meet them in the quarter-finals or the semifinals. You are in this tournament to play the best and if you want to progress, you have to beat the best” said Chibulu.         

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As the Chipolopolo team prepares to face

Companies

The Director General of Immigration, Japhet Lishomwa says the Memorandum signed between the Agency and the Engineering Institution of Zambia will help to promote merit in the engineers that are coming to the country. Recently the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) signed a memorandum of understanding MoU with the Department of Immigration which commits the two institutions to work together more closely towards a common goal of ensuring that engineering skills coming into the country are the required skills. Lishomwa explained that as the lead agency in Zambia’s migration management framework, the Department of Immigration is the sole regulator of the entry, stay, and exit of foreign engineering professionals in the country but unfortunately, it is not competent in engineering, and therefore it cannot ascertain whether a person is truly a qualified engineering professional who should be permitted to practice his trade in Zambia or not. Lishomwa added that on the other hand, EIZ is the only institution in Zambia that is mandated to register and license anyone providing engineering services. He said it is from this simplistic delineation of the two institutions’ mandates, that it is contextually clear that the two are indispensable to each other: hence the need to support each other to execute the respective mandates effectively hence the importance of the MoU signed. Lishomwa said for the Department of Immigration, this kind of collaboration is underscored in the national migration policy that calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to effective migration management, leaving no one behind. “While in some professions one can get away with allowing an unqualified or unlicensed individual to engage in the practice of such a profession, we cannot afford to get it wrong in the distinguished engineering profession. This is because the performance of engineering services by unqualified individuals can pose serious dangers to public safety.” Lishomwa further said, “Among other sensitive duties, engineers design, plan, and supervise the construction of buildings and ensure their safety and stability against hazards. Therefore, we shall continue to consult the EIZ on licensing foreign professionals, units, and organizations as part of our permit issuance process.” Speaking during the Signing ceremony EIZ registrar and Chief Executive Officer Eng. David Kamungu said the partnership will help the institution with information on the number of foreign engineering professionals, units, and organizations coming to do engineering work in the country. Kamungu said the MoU will further help EIZ to have a record of engineering professionals coming into the country and what kind of skills they are offering. “EIZ is looking forward to having a long-term relationship with the Department of Immigration to maintain the quality of engineering works by scrutinizing the qualifications of engineering professionals migrating to Zambia to work as engineering professionals.” “This partnership will further allow for effective communication and collaboration between the two institutions. I am confident that through our efforts and commitment, we will be able to achieve more and ensure our engineering professionals continue to benefit through this MoU. Engineer Kamungu also assured that the engineering institution of Zambia will do whatever it can to provide a successful implementation of the MoU.
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The Director General of Immigration, Japhet Lishomwa