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Agribusiness

The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) says the ongoing heat waves are expected to have a significant impact on agricultural crops, noting that with temperatures soaring above average levels, the crops are likely to suffer from dehydration and reduced yield.

The situation has since raised concerns among farmers and agricultural experts, who fear that the heat waves could lead to food shortages and economic losses. According to ZMD, the heat waves are expected to increase and persist for some days.

The impact of the heat waves on the agricultural sector is likely to have a ripple effect on the economy, given that agriculture is a key driver of Zambia’s economy.

The country heavily relies on agriculture for food security, employment, and export earnings and a decline in crop yields could lead to higher food prices, reduced incomes for farmers, and lower foreign exchange earnings for the country.

According to the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD), during the period 5th to 11th December, an increase in temperature is anticipated with Valley areas likely to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, ZMD Senior meteorologist Peggy Thole noted that there is currently a delay in farmers planting their crops due to the heat which is making the soil hard even for those that have already planted their crops as the soil is losing moisture causing plants to dehydrate.

“There is that delay in planting and because of too much heat, you find that the soil is becoming harder and more of the moisture is being lost so with this heat, we need some good rain for the moisture to remain in the soil but if we have a bit of rain and the heat continues, it means that that moisture will just evaporate off and it may not be very useful to the crops.”

“The current heat wave is not just being experienced in Lusaka it’s almost the whole country. Where it is getting better is in areas where they are experiencing rains otherwise it’s very hot in the valley areas like Mfuwe, Chirundu and Siavonga. Valley areas are much hotter. People should avoid being dehydrated by taking water because once one gets dehydrated, other diseases come in,” said Thole.

The ongoing heat waves pose a significant threat to Zambia’s agricultural sector, and urgent measures need to be taken to mitigate the impact.

The government and other stakeholders have been challenged to invest in climate-smart agriculture research and development to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns.

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The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) says the

Markets

Zambia’s annual inflation rate has continued shooting up with the year on year inflation for the month of November 2023 reaching 12.9 percent (about 13 percent) from 12.6 percent in October 2023.

Earlier prominent Lusaka based Economist had challenged the Zambia Statistical Agency – ZAMSTATS, to start releasing inflation statistics relevant to the general Zambian citizenry as the 12.6 percent inflation rate as of October 2023 which has now increased to 13%, does not reflect the true picture of what is on the ground adding that the Zambia’s inflation is hovering around 20 -30 percent if the key consumer products are considered.

According to the Zambia Statistics Agency –ZAMSTATS- report, the 12.9 percent increase for November 2023 has been attributed to price increases in food and non-food items. The annual food inflation is reported to have increased to 13.7 from 13.6 percent in October 2023.

The continued acceleration of Zambia’s inflation rate to have had several negative effects on the already struggling economy. This will likely lead to a decrease in purchasing power as prices of goods and services increase which would in turn lead to a decrease in consumer spending and a slowdown in economic activity. This will be particularly challenging for especially low-income households who are already struggling to afford basic necessities.

The 12.6 percent is against the central banks 6 – 8 percent target for this year.

ZAMSTAT Statistician-General Mulenga Musepa further indicated that the overall monthly inflation was recorded at 0.9 percent from 0.8 percent in October 2023, and food inflation increased to 0.9 percent from 0.7 percent.

Musepa stated that monthly non-food inflation has remained at 0.9 percent as recorded in October whereas the annual non-food inflation increased to 11.8 percent from 11.3 percent in October.   

He said the provincial inflation increased with Western province having contributed the highest percentage of 14.7 percent which is a reduction from the previous 14.9 percent last month.  

Western Province was followed by Lusaka Province which contributed 14.1 percent from 14.5 percent, Central Province 13.7 percent from 12.p percent, Luapula Province 13.6 percent from 13.9 percent, North Western Province 13.0 percent from 11.9 percent, Northern Province 12.8 percent from 13.1 percent, Southern Province 12.3 percent from 10.9 percent, and Eastern Province which contributed 10.2 percent from 10.5 percent respectively.

Musepa also revealed a reduction in trade for the month of October 2023 by 7.0 percent to K36.6 billion from K34.09 billion in September 2023. A trade deficit of K1.0 billion has also been recorded for the month of October 2023 compared to a deficit of K0.8 billion recorded in September 2023.

In regards to exports, Musepa revealed that exports decreased by 8.0 percent from K15.8 billion in October 2023 to K17.2 billion in September 2023.

Export earnings decreased from refined copper in October 2023 by 14.8 percent to K9.2 billion from K10.8 billion in September 2023.

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Zambia's annual inflation rate has continued shooting

Mining

The Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited (ZCCM-IH) has announced Dubai-based United Arab Emirates’ International Resources Holdings (UAE ‘s IRH) as the new strategic equity partner in Mopani Copper Mines – MCM.

The move comes after earlier queries by the Zambian Business Times –  ZBT regarding the Ministry of Mines’ failure to meet its production targets.

Mopani is considered a critical asset for the Zambian economy and is considered to be one of Zambia’s largest mining firms but its current state has made the mine remain weak with a negative impact on economic growth and tax revenues as it is unable to double its production.

Mopani needs about $300 million capital injection to make the mine fully productive and enable the company to complete its expansion project in a bid to double production the delay to recapitalize the mine has hurt the economy as it has affected the country’s copper production which has continued dropping year in and year out.  

Plans by the Zambian government through the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to search for an investor to take over Mopani’s operations had dragged on after the government took over the asset from Glenco in 2021.

The details of the deal, however, have not yet been made public.

Details to follow…..

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The Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited (ZCCM-IH) has

Tech

The Fourth Mobile Operator Beeline has yet again for the third running year shifted the dates for the commencement of operations to 2024 after about 3 failed attempts to commence operations.

In February 2021, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority – ZICTA announced that it had granted Beeline Telecom Limited a 4TH license to commence mobile phone operations in the country and it was required that the Company commence operation within the next six months failure to which, the license would be revoked.

Concerned stakeholders have however questioned the decision-making process after several failed attempts to commence operations suggesting that it may be an indicator of deeper issues within the organization.

Ministry of Science and Technology Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu confirmed that Zambia’s fourth mobile network operator Beeline which will be trading as Zedmobile will only be able to make its first call in January 2024 following an extension granted after they failed to commence operations in July 2023. This is however still debatable looking at several extensions given without action.

ZICTA extended Beeline’s deadline for launch from 30th June 2022, to 31st January 2023 and and latter on the dates where moved to July 2023 and now extended to 2024.

There have also been allegations indicating that the Company has failed to commence operations as they do not have the muscle to fund the project looking at several extensions that have been made so far without having the operator on Board. Others have also questioned why ZICTA has failed to cancel the license as it is clear that the Company has failed to bring the 4th Mobile Network.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, Dr. Habeenzu    disclosed that Beeline anticipated that they would not meet the conditions earlier given to them in terms of the deadline for them to make the first call. He disclosed that they wrote to the board seeking for an extension of which when considered, the board was convinced that the reasons given were valid hence gave them an extension to make their first call in January 2024. “We are only looking at December, and when we get into January we should also begin to ask the very same questions if they will not have made their call at that time” said Habeenzu.

He explained that by January Beeline should have installed their equipment, and people should be able to make a phone call and the company should begin to grow through the coming on board of customers and expanding their network.

Habeenzu said many people are looking to Beeline coming on board because it will create employment. He said the coming of Beeline will also bring in healthy competition noting that citizens will benefit from competition in the market.  “We also hope that they will be able to penetrate other markets especially the under saved and unsaved areas where other existing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) may not have gone to” said Habeenzu.  He said this will help expand and answer to one of the goals of the 8th National Development Plan which is to ensure that the country provides network coverage by population to the tune of 96 percent. “If they come and they begin to roll out, and get to other areas that have not been touched or reached, then they are helping us answer that call” said Habeenzu.

Habeenzu further mentioned that if Beeline fails to make their first call by January 2024, there are rules provided on how the regulator must handle the matter. He said part of the rules may include the cancellation of the whole license, or another extension which is dependent on what they have already done. He explained that if they have already invested quite a lot, the regulator will be able to see and determine also depending on how convincing other reasons may be. He said assuming that they do not make their first call in January, and the regulator who in this case is ZICTA goes to inspect their investment and realizes that it is too much to let them leave it on the way in addition to other issues that may be considered, another extension may probably be given. “But from where I seat as government, I want them to make the first call so that citizens can begin to enjoy” said Habeenzu.

He said Beeline must be able to give the Zambian market a first call in January 2024 according to the conditions they have been given by the regulator. He said if they do not meet the conditions, the regulator is without any interference mandated to do what they have to and treat Beeline in accordance with the set guidelines. “If it means cancelling the license, they will do it, if it means giving another extension, they will do it.

He has therefore encouraged Beeline to ensure that the first call is made by January next year according to what they had agreed with the regulator. He said government wants Beeline to make a difference in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector.     

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The Fourth Mobile Operator Beeline has yet

Companies

Airtel Mobile Commerce Zambia has announced the initiation of Bill Muster services on mobile money an innovative service designed to make the lives of students, parents, and guardians easier by allowing them to pay their school fees seamlessly through the Airtel mobile money.

The service is expected to benefit millions of people who previously had to rely on cash or in-person transactions to pay their bills as they will no longer need to visit a physical payment center or bank. All they need is a mobile phone and an Airtel mobile money account.

Speaking during the unveiling partnership with ZANACO for the Bill Muster service, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Administration, Noriana Muneku commended Airtel and the other Companies for coming up with an easier way to transact calling the bill muster on Airtel money a revolutionary new service that allows customers to pay school bills quickly and easily using a mobile phone.

“With bill muster on Airtel money, students, parents and guardians can now say goodbye to long queues and the hassle of paying bills in person. The Government of Zambia is always pleased to support initiatives that are aimed at making lives for our communities easier,” Muneku said.

She said “In this day and age where digital transformation has accelerated, it is fundamental that organizations move with the times.  it is encouraging to see that this event is true to promoting the use of technology as a solution for schools, universities, and colleges.”

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc, Interim Managing Director, Hussam Baday, said it was a delight to see the evolution of technology and the creation of strategic partnerships.

“We are firm believers that when great companies come together, great things happen. Coming from the telecommunication industry we are living proof that technology enhances services therefore the collaboration we see today will positively benefit many Zambians,” Baday said.

Speaking at the same event, Airtel Mobile Commerce Country Director, Andrew Chuma said the partnership unveiling was a testament to what happens when a big strong, and reliable brand partners with an Instant secure and borderless payments brand. 

“What has happened now is that Airtel Money has come on board to simplify the Bill Muster product even further. Now, anyone, be it a parent, guardian, student, or pupil with an active Airtel Mobile Money wallet can make a payment for fees to their respective institution using Zanaco Bill Muster,” Chuma said.

Meanwhile, ZANACO Managing Director, Mukwandi Chibesakunda said in recognizing that like Zanaco, Airtel money had a wide reach, the partnership meant the service would now be more widely available.

“Zanaco considers the bill muster solution as a pioneering customer-focused product. the addition of this service on Airtel mobile money is in line with our digital agenda and a further enhancement of our customer experience. we will continue to innovate through strategic partnerships such as these to give the Zambian people efficient payment methods and ease of payments,” Chibesakunda said.

According to Airtel Zambia Corporate Communications Manager Yuyo Nachali Kambi-Kambi, the new service on the Airtel Mobile Money platform can be accessed through *115# – Select 4 – Make Payments – Option 7 (school fees)- Select your University, College, or School, enter student number, enter the amount, and then Enter the pin.

Kambi-Kambi said the service is limited to student payments concerning their school fees payments and is only available to Airtel Zambia subscribers and with payments to learning institutions in Zambia.

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Airtel Mobile Commerce Zambia has announced the

Agribusiness

The United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited has launched its listed $500 Million ($0.5 billion) Bond on the Botswana Stock Exchange. The event marks a significant step in the company’s journey toward sustained growth and strategic expansion.

Speaking during the launch in Gaborone attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, United Capital Fertilizer Chairman, Huang Yaochi highlighted the importance of the strategic move to list the Bond in Botswana, emphasizing the nation’s stable economy and vibrant financial markets.

Yaochi expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are particularly excited about the impact our bond program will have on the economies of the SADC countries, including Botswana, which are the primary markets for our products.”

The Chairman’s speech unveiled United Capital Fertilizer’s commitment to not only financial success but also to being a force for positive change. He stated, “Our commitment to corporate social responsibility extends beyond rhetoric; we are dedicated to creating a positive impact on the lives of people in the regions where we operate.”

The bond program, launched with the goal of being recognized as the premier producer and supplier of high-quality and affordable fertilizer products in Southern Africa, is an invitation for investors to join in the success story of United Capital Fertilizer. Yaochi emphasized, “We believe in creating a positive impact, not only through business success but also through meaningful engagement with local communities.”

Botswana Minister of Entrepreneurship Karabo Gare, praised the strategic collaboration between United Capital Fertilizer and Botswana. “This move is not only a boost for our agricultural sector but a testament to the conducive business environment that Botswana offers to international investors.”

“The Ministry of Entrepreneurship stands ready to facilitate and support this partnership, working hand in hand to shape a future where agriculture is not just a sector but a cornerstone of national prosperity.”

The launch event, attended by captains of industry, media practitioners, and distinguished guests, showcased not only an economic milestone but also a celebration of innovation in the field of agriculture.

As United Capital Fertilizer paves the way for increased production capacity and regional economic growth, the bond listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange is poised to create enduring partnerships, foster innovation, and contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

The company’s vision goes beyond business success, aiming to be a catalyst for positive change in the communities it serves.

The United Capital Fertilizer bond program invites investors to be a part of this exciting phase in the company’s history, contributing to the economic prosperity of the SADC region.

As the agricultural sector undergoes transformation, this collaboration between Zambia and Botswana stands as a testament to the potential for mutual growth and prosperity through international partnerships.

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The United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited

Companies

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, says the feasibility studies for establishing an electric car battery manufacturing facility plant in the country are nearing completion, with the final results expected to be out in December 2023.

Mulenga said the studies have so far shown that Zambia has enough facilities to set up the plant, adding that the progress made in the first three-quarters of the studies has been very positive.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Mulenga disclosed that the studies are being undertaken by ARISE which is being financed by The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and UNECA.

The electric vehicle market is rapidly growing, and many countries are investing in the production of electric car batteries, Mulenga said Zambia is on its way to becoming a significant player in the electric vehicle battery manufacturing industry.

Mulenga said the progress made by Zambia in the feasibility studies is a positive step towards the country’s economic growth and sustainable development.

“The feasibility studies are coming to an end next month of December 2023 and I will give a ministerial statement in Parliament to update the nation on how far we have gone. Right now we are 3 quarters done and the results so far are very positive that Zambia has enough facilities to set up that electric car battery manufacturing facility plant.”

Mulenga could however not disclose at what amount is the feasibility study being undertaken at by ARISE and UNECA. He however said the road map on the construction of the plant in Ndola will be given after the completion of the feasibility studies.

In 2022 last year, the Zambian Government and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a historical cooperation agreement to facilitate the development of the value chain in the electric battery and clean energy sector. Copper Belt Province Minister confirmed to ZBT that the plant will be set in Ndola.

The Cooperation Agreement was aimed at providing a framework for bilateral cooperation on the initiative to develop the battery value chain as well as strengthen collaboration between Zambia and DRC. 

If the establishment of the plant is successful, it will create job opportunities and boost the two country’s economic growth. This will be a significant milestone especially for Zambia as it seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on copper mining.  

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The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry

Agribusiness

The demand for the Anthrax vaccine in Zambia has exceeded the amount that is locally produced, according to the Central Veterinary Research Institute.

A source at the Balmoral Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) has exclusively disclosed to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that the institute is experiencing a lot of challenges as far as the production of the anthrax vaccine.

CVRI is a research institute under the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock established to conduct animal health research and diagnostics.

The research institute is also mandated to undertake joint research projects in animal health, animal disease Diagnostics, detection of drug residues in livestock and livestock products, food safety, animal vaccines development, and production, conduct short-term and long-term training courses, seminars, and lectures as well as scientific and technical meetings.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, a source who asked for their names to be withheld for security reasons revealed that CVRI is unable to meet the demand for the vaccine on the market following the anthrax outbreak.

“The current production of anthrax has a lot of challenges. We are unable to meet the demands. The capacity to keep the vaccine is there but there are some challenges in terms of production and meeting up with the high demand,” revealed the source.

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The demand for the Anthrax vaccine in

Tech

The Walvis Bay – Ndola Lubumbashi Development Corridor and the Lobito Corridor Transit Transportation Facilitation Agreement have recently been the subject of scrutiny by the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants – ZICA Taxation Committee (TC).

During their submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Works and Supply, the ZICA TC Chairperson, Nathan Mutale, along with the Director of Standards and Regulation, Mwelwa Mwaba, and Membership and Technical Manager, Samuel Olaniyan, said this is a welcome development as it will increase tourism, trade, investment, and employment among the three (3) countries (Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia), leading to increased exports and economic growth.

ZICA believes that if the Walvis Bay – Ndola Lubumbashi Development and the Lobito Corridor are actualized, it will help provide the shortest route between Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Namibia. The Institute believes that the Corridor will also help reduce transport costs and make the region more attractive for investments from international players.

“It comes at a good time when the Africa Free Trade Area is about to become a reality (The AfCFTA agreement aims to provide broader and deeper economic integration across the continent as well as attract investment, boost trade, provide better jobs, reduce poverty and increase shared prosperity in Africa). This means the potential for an increase in trade is very high with developed infrastructure.”

The Walvis Bay – Ndola Lubumbashi Development Corridor aims to provide a more efficient and cost-effective route for transporting goods between the port of Walvis Bay in Namibia and the Copperbelt region in Zambia and the Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The objectives of the corridor are to reduce transportation costs, increase trade and investment, and improve regional integration.

Meanwhile, the Lobito Corridor Transit Transportation Facilitation Agreement aims to facilitate the transit of goods between the port of Lobito in Angola and the Copperbelt region in Zambia and the Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

ZICA is however of the view that a competitive process should be considered noting that Political appointments are normally biased hence the need to develop good objective criteria for selecting the private sector representatives to ensure that the best candidates are selected and we get value from them.

“Article 7 Section b-Executive Committee: we welcome the deliberate move to include a private sector representative in the Governance structure of the Executive Committee because the main players in the corridor will be from the private sector. This will ensure we have realistic and practical policies and oversight in place.” “It is important to develop good objective criteria for selecting the private sector representatives to ensure that the best candidates are selected and we get value from them.”

While the Walvis Bay – Ndola Lubumbashi Development Corridor and the Lobito Corridor Transit Transportation Facilitation Agreement are important for the economic development of the region, it is important that they are managed in a fair and transparent manner to ensure that they benefit all parties involved.

Both corridors are crucial for the economic development of the region, as they provide a more efficient and cost-effective means of transporting goods. However, have raised concerns regarding the tax implications of these corridors. The stakeholders have also called for a comprehensive review of the tax regimes in the countries involved in these corridors to ensure that they are not negatively impacted. They have also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the corridors to ensure that they are not used for illicit activities such as smuggling.

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The Walvis Bay – Ndola Lubumbashi Development

Lifestyle

Eastern Province Police Commanding officer Limpo Liywalii has revealed that a 32 year old teacher who commited suicide over betting was using one of the most popular sports betting Companies – Betway.

Levy Bili committed suicide after succumbing to debts he was owing to his numerous creditors as a result of his involvement in betting activities with one of the most popular sports betting Company in Zambia.

According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Limpo Liywali, the deceased hanged himself using a piece of chitenge material (wrapper) from the roof of his house in his bedroom, resulting to his death.

The incident happened in Mtendere compound of Lundazi District of Eastern Province. The police officer explained that earlier before the deceased met his fate, he confided in his wife about his debt burden and intentions to end his life of which the wife counselled him and he promised her that he had changed his mind.

Liywali said in the turn of events, the wife received shocking news that her husband had hanged himself and passed away after she had left for the market while her husband was left home alone.

Recently a mental health expert and cognitive behavioral therapist Victoria Mupinde warned that the levels of uncontrolled betting in Zambia are worrying as betting is an addictive venture and a danger to people’s mental health.

Mupinde also noted that betting in Zambia has become a “get-rich-quick scheme,” for desperate low and middle-income earners and a major cause of acute stress and depression.

See link below for earlier ZBT article on the dangers of betting https://zambianbusinesstimes.com/betting-a-danger-to…/…#.

Despite warnings by experts on dancers of wanton betting, reports of a 32-year-old teacher of Lundazi, Eastern province identified as Levy Bili who committed suicide after succumbing to debts he owed to his numerous creditors as a result of his involvement in betting activities confirms the dangers of the vice.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT,   Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Limpo Liywalii revealed that the betting company the deceased was using was betway.

 “So the name of the betting company that was being used by the deceased teacher is Betway,’’ said Liywalii.

Meanwhile efforts to get a comment on this matter from Betway betting company proved futile by press time as their phones were unreachable.

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Eastern Province Police Commanding officer Limpo Liywalii