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Tech

•           Showmax will relaunch in February 2024 in partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky

•           First look at the new Showmax logo

•           The new app will be powered by the Peacock platform.

•           Three plans at relaunch: a game-changing Showmax Premier League for mobile, Showmax Entertainment, and Showmax Entertainment Mobile

•           “We have all the ingredients in place to become the number one streaming service for Africa” – Marc Jury, Showmax CEO

Eight years after entering the streaming market in South Africa, Showmax is gearing up for its biggest year yet. The African streaming service is relaunching in February 2024 with a brand-new look, a new app, and an entirely new product suite. This comes after the announcement of the partnership between Showmax and international media heavyweight Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky earlier this year.

The new Showmax will have three plans: Showmax Entertainment, Showmax Entertainment Mobile, and the exciting Showmax Premier League. Powered by SuperSport and made for mobile users, Showmax Premier League is the first standalone Premier League mobile streaming service ever to launch in Africa and will take every single match of the world’s most popular football league to every corner of sub-Saharan Africa.

As it prepares for relaunch, Showmax released a first look at a completely refreshed logo and brand identity. “We can’t wait to share the new Showmax,” says Showmax CEO Marc Jury. “We have an incredibly powerful new technology platform, a bold brand that truly represents our driving spirit and an unmatched content slate. No other streaming service in Africa can offer what Showmax is bringing to the table in the new year.”

Showmax’s migration onto the global Peacock streaming platform means it’s ready to scale and scale fast. The robust platform is used across the globe and is a leader in sports streaming, having successfully live-streamed the Super Bowl to more than six million users simultaneously.

Known for its track record of setting trends with Showmax Originals, Showmax will be ramping up its content slate across the continent in December in preparation for the relaunch. The diverse lineup includes its first 2D animation, Twende, about an adorable boda-boda driving pangolin, as well as second seasons of record-breaking bromance Adulting, smash hit reality series Kwa Mam’Mkhize and Nigerian hit Wura, not to mention the reunion of The Mommy Club. And that’s not all, with launches on the way for Convict Conman, a new true-crime series (from the producers of Devilsdorp, Rosemary’s Hitlist, and Steinheist); Trompoppies, a murder mystery series set in the competitive world of high school drum majorettes; Nigerian legal drama Agu; and reality series Sports Wives.

For fans of international content, the new Comcast partnership guarantees Showmax an ongoing supply of hit content, as the media giant owns the likes of Universal Pictures, NBC, Peacock, Sky, DreamWorks Animation, and Telemundo.

Viewers can expect international titles on Showmax to radically increase in the new year, with December’s lineup already including The Super Mario Bros. Movie (the biggest animated opening of all-time, and the biggest global opening of 2023), Fast X (which was the #1 international opening of 2023), Emmy®-nominated Poker Face and King Arthur epic The Winter King. Already home to the three most nominated shows at this year’s Emmys®, Showmax will continue to draw content from Banijay, BBC, eOne Fremantle, HBO, ITV, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros, among others.

Showmax continues to go from strength to strength. It was recently named one of the RoW40 (40 Trailblazing Companies that are beating the West) by the New York-based global non-profit Rest of World who said, “These emerging market pioneers are outmaneuvering Silicon Valley.” Nigeria’s 2023 BrandCom Awards also recognized Showmax as ‘The Most Innovative On-demand Video Streaming Platform’, noting that, “The video streaming service has demonstrated exceptional creativity, originality, and innovation within the on-demand streaming industry”.

“Streaming in Africa is about to take off and we’re ready to change the game,” says Jury. “We have all the ingredients in place to become the number one streaming service for Africa.”

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•           Showmax will relaunch in February 2024

Markets

The Luapula Chamber of Commerce has attributed the rising inflation in Luapula province to the high cost of fuel.

Chamber’s president, Emmanuel Musanje, explained that the province is located near the border, and people have to use expensive modes of transport like vehicles to travel to places like Nakonde, Lusaka, and Livingstone to buy goods and services which in turn, leads to high prices for these goods and services thereby increasing inflation.

The provincial inflation for Luapula has been increasing for the last four months and currently stands at 13.9% in October, up from 12.4% in September, 11.4% in August, and 10.7% in July.

Munsanje explained in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times –ZBT that the cost of transport is then passed on to customers, thus contributing to the high inflation.

“For example, traveling by bus from Luapula to Lusaka costs about K400 for an individual, and if one has a consignment of goods, it is charged separately. When people unpack their goods, they consider the cost of transport, goods, and accommodation, which leads to higher prices of goods and services.”

 Musanje further added that the shrinking number of people in business due to the high cost of doing business is also contributing to the increase in inflation in the province.

“A reduced number means there are very few suppliers who can dictate the price, leading to a monopoly that raises profits. However, if fuel prices start coming down, inflation will follow, though traditionally people are good at increasing, but not good at reducing when things are okay.”

He said a very small number of people in the market tend to monopolize the market to raise their profits. “But if there is way off the fuel prices to start coming down, even the inflation will follow, though traditionally people are good at increasing, but not good at reducing when things are okay,” said Musanje. In regards to this, Musanje said inflation may be hung on for quite some time up until there is that very strong indicator of stability in terms of fuel prices.

Musanje further disclosed that people in Luapula are self-sustained, though at a subsistence level as almost every household has something to eat such as Cassava, and Maize among others. He however noted that these food commodities are moved from the fields to town and other outlets which require fuel for transportation. “So despite production being within, and despite having every household almost self-sustained in food, the movements, hiring of trucks to go down in the field, those truckers will need fuel, and the increase will be justified,” said Musanje.  He said it all comes down to the issue of fuel as everything is done, be it moving oneself as a human being to provide services, or vehicles are used thus the fuel component is factored into the services and goods provided.

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The Luapula Chamber of Commerce has attributed

Companies

The First National Bank (FNB) Zambia has emerged as the main partner in the implementation of the Inaugural Manufacturers Month that is running from 23rd October 2023 to 24th November 2023.

The series of events in this Manufacturers Month have been called under the theme “Catalyzing Value Chains for Sustainable Growth: Leaving No One Behind” to demonstrate the backward and forward linkages that the manufacturing sector uniquely promotes.

Speaking on the strategic partnership with the Zambia Association of Manufacturers – ZAM, FNB Zambia Head – Business and Commercial, Kabanda Lilanda reiterated the Bank’s commitment to enabling sustainable growth for businesses of different scales through robust initiatives.

“At FNB Zambia, we are focused on being the bank of choice for businesses and we provide different solutions to help organizations start, run, and grow. FNB Zambia has committed ZMW500,000 towards the Manufacturers Month to ensure that we create linkages, provide opportunities for information sharing, and build awareness on the finance solutions available for SMEs and other businesses”, Mr. Lilanda said.

He added, “From July 2022 to September 2023, FNB Zambia has disbursed about K200 million in loans to SMEs and we remain open to stretching this assistance to qualifying firms. Our SME value propositions include Scored Credit, Trade Facilities such as Invoice Discounting, and Vehicle and asset financing for machinery, equipment, and other assets or capital requirements. This is an innovation born from taking time to understand our customers and their unique needs. Furthermore, we do support businesses in the Agro-processing value chain with facilities tailored to their business needs. As a Bank, we continue to assess opportunities for collaboration as part of the Government’s focus to drive Public Private Partnerships and deliberate interactions with organizations like the Zambia Association of Manufacturers.”

Meanwhile, ZAM Chief Executive Officer, Muntanga Lindunda said the partnership between ZAM and FNB Zambia signifies a robust commitment to fostering synergy between the financial sector and the manufacturing industry, recognizing the pivotal role each plays in driving prosperity.

He noted that the manufacturing sector continues to be faced with several challenges hindering the growth of the industry. Notably, financial constraints are among the main challenges coupled with others such as the high cost of production, unfair competition, lack of manufacturing skills, and many more.

Lindunda said the partnership is founded on the shared belief that by working hand-in-hand, both sectors can unlock new avenues for innovation, much-needed job creation, and overall economic advancement.

“ZAM is excited to partner with FNB Zambia to strengthen the ties between the financial and manufacturing sectors. We particularly look forward to a fruitful manufacturing sector by showcasing the performance of the domestic industry. The Manufacturers Month is the first of the many engagements that ZAM and FNB Zambia have planned in this partnership. The first activity taking place on the 23rd of November 2023 is the Trade Facilitation Conference which will provide an opportunity for dialogue between the manufacturers with relevant stakeholders such as the policymakers, financiers, and supply chain players to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities in trading in the SADC and COMESA regions.” He remarked.

“Other activities from this partnership will include access to tailored financial solutions for the manufacturers, knowledge sharing and capacity building to enhance financial literacy within the manufacturing community, and integration of cutting-edge financial technologies into the manufacturing processes, streamlining transactions, optimizing supply chains, and fostering a culture of innovation within the industry.”

 ZAM and FNB Zambia further called on all stakeholders that have not yet registered to participate in the Manufacturers Month to do so, so that they do not miss out on the various events put in place to ensure maximum benefits to and from the manufacturing sector

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The First National Bank (FNB) Zambia has

Tech

As the education sector continues to grapple with challenges such as inadequate funding and infrastructure, alumni associations are stepping up to lend their support. The Chassa Alumni Association is urging the government to institutionalize alumni associations to provide sustainable support to the education sector.

According to the Association president Mathews Ngulube, alumni associations have a unique understanding of the challenges facing the education sector, having been through the system themselves stating that the ins institutionalizing of the alumni associations will make it very easy for the alumni to support the education sector.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, Chassa Association president Mathews Ngulube said, “The act of People wanting to give back to their former learning institutions is becoming more and more popular. Speaking on behalf of Chassa Alumni, I can say that there is a lot of zeal and passion among former students.”

The Association is calling on the government to recognize the important role that alumni associations can play in supporting the education sector. This may include providing funding, resources, and expertise to schools and universities, as well as mentoring and career guidance for students.

“At the end of the day, you can’t have everything coming from government. You need to see how you can complement what the government is doing. So it’s a very good thing and if properly coordinated, it’s something that can help the Government, “noted Ngulube.

He advised those not supporting their former learning institutions to do so adding that giving back to former institutions is part of cooperate social responsibility.

“If there are those that do not want to give back to their former learning institutions, at the end of the day it’s them to lose out. I think even religiously you are told to give and it shall come back to you. We believe that at a personal level giving back to former institutions is part of cooperate social responsibility, “said Ngulube.

Institutionalization of the alumni associations is a powerful reminder of the important role that these associations can play in shaping the future of education in the country.

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As the education sector continues to grapple

Uncategorized

A mental health expert and cognitive behavioural therapist Victoria Mupinde has 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 has 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. She has called on policymakers to not wait until it’s too late.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of gambling disorders among adults varies between 0·1% and 5·8%, but the problem health issue is often overlooked and under-prioritized by health policymakers.

The secondary effects of poor mental health can be chronic diseases such as increased risk of cardiovascular events. Coping mechanisms for mental ill-health stemming from problem gambling include alcohol and substance misuse and in some cases drug abuse.

Mupinde explained that one-way Betting affects users is in the form of loss or grief that happens after losing a bet. “This usually occurs when the investment hasn’t been realized after betting which poses a danger to one’s mental health. Betting also causes other mental health issues such as acute stress and depression”.

Another challenge of betting on one’s mental health is that “it’s an addictive venture. The more you bet, the more you get addicted and the more you are convinced on believing that betting is the easiest and the quickest way to make little money in such a short space of time.”

She noted that when betting reaches an addiction stage, individuals resort to theft, entering into debt, and selling their personal belongings to satisfy their addiction.

“When betting becomes addictive, individuals no longer bet because they want extra money but they now begin to bet because they want to feed their urge. So when it reaches a stage where an individual now wants to satisfy their urge, the individual does anything and everything to satisfy their urge”.

One of the things that we see individuals do to satisfy their urge for betting is resorting to theft, entering into debt, selling personal belongings and it may consume a lot of their productivity time because all they want to do is to bet,” said Mupinde.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Bussines Times – ZBT, Mupinde said this is made possible as the more people bet, the more they feel that betting is the easiest and the quickest way to make little money in a short space of time when the consequences are dire that the benefits.

Mupinde added that with the coming in of digital error, betting like any other financial scheme has come with a lot of challenges because now, one doesn’t need to go to a betting center but can download a betting application on their phone and begin betting, which makes it easier for users to bet at any given time of the day.

She warned that anything that becomes a danger or affects one’s productivity, performance, or relationships is a danger to one’s mental health.

Mupinde has since called on the government to regulate the betting industry and increase financial literacy awareness on the dangers of the “get rich quick schemes,” such as betting to save lives, especially the young ones.

“We would love to call on major stakeholders in this industry, the government, ZICTA, and mobile money companies to bring some form of regulation to this industry and also we call for the increase in financial literacy awareness which should mainly focus on the dangers of get rich quick schemes which is what betting is. We also want to call on stakeholders, and individuals to particularly care for their mental health” said Mupinde.

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A mental health expert and cognitive behavioural

Markets

Lusaka Economist Yusuf Dodia has challenged the Zambia Statistical Agency – ZAMSTATS, to start releasing inflation statistics relevant to the general Zambian citizenry.

Dodia said the current 12.6 percent ZAMSTATS inflation rate as of October 2023 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.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, the Economist explained that, “When you look at our society what are the key consumer products? we are looking at mealie meal prices, minibus and taxi fares, the price of vegetables, meat, commodities such as clothing and so when you take these and decide to use these as parameters for calculating inflation, you find that inflation rate is running at about 20 to 30 %. So the question is which one of these inflation rates reflects what the people on the ground are actually facing? Consumer pricing index is the one that hits the nail on the head. So I am of the opinion that ZAMSTATS is not using the consumer pricing index as their mechanism in calculating inflation. The inflation rate they are giving us is not wrong but it might not be relevant to our general Zambian citizens, “ Dodia said.

“We are being informed through the ZAMSTATS office that inflation rates for October went up to 12.6%, but one wonders if this is reflecting the true picture on the ground. Inflation rate is very much a subjective mechanism and depending on the one who is calculating the inflation rate, they choose the parameters that they want to use when calculating it and that is where the subjectiveness comes in, “ said Dodia.

Dodia explained that Consumer pricing index is the one that hits the nail on the head and is of the view that ZAMSTATS is not using the consumer pricing index as their mechanism in calculating inflation.

“If we were looking at Zambia and wanting to select three criteria for calculating inflation which would be the cost of primary and secondary education in Zambia, the cost of medical care in Zambia and the cost of commercial retail premises in terms of rentals. If we use those as our parameters to calculate inflation, we would see an inflation rate of 1% or 2% because we all know that education is free from grade 1 to 12 in Zambia unless you choose to go to a private school. We all know that under NHIMA the cost of medical services is almost free, children are not paying anything, retiree’s are not paying anything and those that are working are paying a token of k30 to k60 which is almost free. So that gives you a low inflation rate, “

“And when you look at commercial retail premises such as shopping malls you will that many shopping malls are under subscribed in terms of customers renting, rental prices are falling down and when you do a calculation on these three parameters you get a very low inflation rate. So one asks a question that how then do you calculate inflation? The most useful mechanism for calculating inflation that the public can appreciate is the consumer pricing index where you look at consumer prices. What are the most important consumer prices which impact on the people in a given society, “ said Dodia.

Dodia emphasized that if we have low inflation rate that has not improved the lives of the people, then that inflation is simply an academic discussion and is meaningless to the average Zambians.

“if you get an inflation rate that is based on parameters that have very little influence on the day to day economy for every Zambian, you can hit the target of 6% by the end of next year and you prove to the people of Zambia that you have achieved that inflation rate but has it improved the lives of the people? If it hasn’t then it’s an academic discussion and it’s meaningless to the average Zambians. So for me the most important thing to do is to get the inflation rate calculation correct. In other words, use the formula for consumer pricing index to calculate the inflation rate for Zambian people and from there find out how expensive it is to do business in Zambia, what markets do we have in Zambia that we can exploit for the Zambian economy to grow, find out how we can support our small and medium enterprises to become the largest enterprises of tomorrow.

“These are the mechanisms that will grow the economy and bring down inflation rate but if you start with an inflation rate which is calculated from an academic angle, it becomes impossible to improve the economy, ” said Dodia.

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Lusaka Economist Yusuf Dodia has challenged the Zambia

Tech

Questions have arisen as to who is collecting taxes at Zambia’s dry port at Walvis Bay in Namibia as the Zambia Revenue Authority – ZRA whose mandate is to collect tax has denied being responsible for the collection of tax at the port.

The government early this year through the State-owned Company Zambian Cargo – ZAMCARGO, seized Zambia’s Walvis Bay dry port from a South African-based Zambian-born millionaire and promoter of “My Home Town” and owner of Africa Union Cargo, James Ndambo. Government said the move had been necessitated following the expiration of the six months’ notice period following the termination of the concession. due to poor performance and under utilization of the facility.

ZRA has been unable to state the tax revenue collection impact from prior collection to post-takeover collections at the Zambian Dry Port at Walvis Bay which is the busiest regional terminal situated in Namibia.

Months after the government took over the operations of the port, the Zambia Revenue Authority has confirmed that it does not operate the port thereby failing to disclose the taxes that have so far been collected since the takeover.

Questions have however arisen and people are asking who is now collecting taxes when the ZRA has denied doing so.

Efforts to however get a comment from the Minister of Transport and Logistics and the Zambian Cargo – ZAMCARGO on who is collecting tax and how much has been collected after the takeover, are underway.

The Zambia Dry Port aids in the import and export of goods to and from Zambia and other SADC countries via the Port of Walvis Bay. Cargo is transported between Namibia and other SADC countries via road. Cargo typically includes machinery and cars, chemicals, ore, bulk produce, and building materials.

Walvis Bay, with its large bay and sand dunes, is also an important center of tourism activity in Namibia.

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Questions have arisen as to who is

Mining

 The mining industry in Zambia has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for a considerable portion of the country’s GDP. 

However, recent events have raised concerns about the government’s role in the industry. The Zambian Government, which owns a 20% stake in KCM through ZCCM-IH, recently signed an agreement that restores the Indian company’s ownership as the majority shareholder of Konkola Copper Mines – KCM.

Mining Expert however has questioned the government’s failure to increase its shareholding in Konkola Copper Mines – KCM, one of the country’s largest copper mines, which is questionable about its commitment to the industry. 

KCM is still majority-owned by Vedanta Resources, a multinational mining company based in India while the Zambian Government though the state-owned ZCCM-IH is a minority shareholder in KCM with only about 20 Percent.  

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mining Expert Edward Simukonda said the Government could have at least renegotiated for a better sharing ratio from 20 percent to even up to 50 percent before even allowing Vedanta to come back.

He remarked that this has come at a time when the government has been actively seeking to increase its participation in the mining sector. 

Simukonda has also criticized the government’s decision to hand over KCM back to Vedanta expressing disappointment at the Government’s decision adding that history is repeating itself knowing exactly the people that the government is dealing with.

Simukonda stated that this is treachery and the people have been let down stating that if they had not found anybody suitable to take over the mine they could have at least negotiated for a better sharing ratio from 20 percent to even up to 50 percent.

“It is very disappointing and sad because there is nothing that has happened because it’s like we have just gone back to square zero and knowing Vedanta with the treacherous behavior they have, I don’t see them implementing the promises they have. and I don’t think they will deliver what they have promised and if they do am sure there will be strings attached.”

KCM runs Konkola Mine in Chililabombwe, Nchanga Mine in Chingola, Nampundwe Mine in Shibuyunji District and Nkana Smelter in Kitwe.

Simukonda said, “The only exciting thing about it, is that people will start getting their salaries now on the Copperbelt. But otherwise, the money they want to boss about it is the people’s money so why even talk about it because they were supposed to pay it in the first place.” Remarked Simukonda.

He said, “I am very disappointed because I expected more especially where shareholding is concerned, I was expecting the Government to push for an increase.”

“This is a betrayal and people expected more and I can guarantee you only those with political reasons are celebrating but otherwise the fact is bringing back Vedanta is very disappointing.”

“History is likely to repeat itself on KCM because you know the MMD made a mistake they gave that mine for a song, now we have come here when we had an opportunity when these people were asked to leave we had an opportunity to renegotiate the bad deal that was there and nobody now talks about it.” He said.

Simukonda added that, “If this negotiation was done with people who understand the mining sector very well we could have had a better deal today.”

The government has further been challenged to take steps to ensure that its citizens benefit from the sector’s growth. This includes increasing its shareholding in key mines such as KCM and addressing the challenges facing the industry as failure to do so could have significant long-term consequences for the country’s economic development.

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 The mining industry in Zambia has been

Markets

Eastern province has of the month of October 2023 recorded a reduction of about 2.5 percent in inflation to 10.5 percent from 12.8 percent recorded in September 2023.

This has been attributed to reduced smuggling of mealie meal into neighboring countries, and the government’s intervention through the Zambia National Service –ZNS- by distributing cheaper mealie meal. 

Eastern Province Deputy Secretary Beauty Phiri explained that the major drivers of inflation in the province were the issues of smuggling mealie and maize into Malawi thereby causing a lot of havoc in the province. She said with government ensuring that mealie meal is just within Eastern Province, and not allowing anyone to take any maize meal, and maize to Malawi, the situation has quite improved. She said all measures have been put in place to ensure that maize, and mealie meal is not exported out of Chipata into the neighboring countries, in addition to the mealie meal prices that have been stabilized which was one of the major factors affecting inflation in the Province.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times –ZBT, Phiri disclosed that there is currently mealie meal that is being brought in by the Zambia National Service ZNS which has helped to cushion and stabilize the prices within the province. “Government has managed to stabilize the prices of mealie meal, so you see that the inflation rate has quite gone down because no one is moving back and forth to go and either access mealie meal, or sell mealie meal at a very high rate so that it advantages their pockets, and not the people” said Phiri.

Phiri reemphasized that Eastern province is bordering on two countries, and the main business is agricultural produce, which is as well taken to the other countries, and other countries bringing in to the province as well. “The fact that we are sitting at the border line of Zambia, the other side of Eastern province, clearly tells us that our main activity is trading, and we trade with these agricultural products that we produce every year” said Phiri.

Phiri disclosed that recently, Eastern province has been a second contributor to the Gross Domestic Product –GDP- when it comes to agricultural products in the country, though it did not do well last year, only producing about 17, 000 metric tons.

She added that the maize produced in the province is the major trading point between Zambia its two neighboring countries on the eastern side. She said this is what brings in most people as it is their core business.  She said it is due to the reasons of reduced smuggling, and intervention by government through ZNS that inflation in the province has reduced.

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Eastern province has of the month of

Agribusiness

Government through the ministry of agriculture has projected to produce 10 million tons of maize by 2027 from the current from the current about 3.5 metric tons of maize production.

The 10 million metric tons maize production target by the said year is however questionable as Governmnet has not yet fully dealt with key issues that are affecting the country’s maize production as the sector still needs more funding.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Green Mbozi however said that the 10 million metric tons projection of maize production by 2027 will be a gradual process because to increase production, government will have to first deal with the issues that are currently affecting productivity.

Mbozi said that to hit the projected 10 million target by 2027, government will have to hit 5 million target this year.

“The projection for 10 million metric tons of maize is up to 2027. We would want to reach probably between 4 to 6 million this year, then by 2026, we go to 7, 8 million and then by 2027 we reach 10 million. It’s a gradual process because to increase production, you have to deal with issues of productivity that is how many metric tons you produce per hector, you have to enhance farmers knowledge of agronomic issues such as taking adherence to agronomic practices, weeding early planting and applying the right quantities of fertilizers, that type of thing. If we have to reach 10 million metric tons by 2027, we have to hit probably the 5 million mark this year. So for us to increase, maybe we need to start supplementing the rainfall with irrigation among small scale farmers because it’s becoming erratic because of climate change and because we get most of our production from small scale farmers,” he said.

“We also have to start bringing in the commercial farmers whose yields are higher than the small scale farmers. We can also get a lot of yields from the commercial farmers. Already that is being addressed by making the producer price attractive. So we will have the commercial farmers who will be able to produce up to 10, metric tons or even more per hector. So that will be a process, it cannot be achieved in a year,” said Mbozi.

Mbozi noted that should the country have the conditions that prevailed last year such as prolonged droughts and floods, it is possible that projections will be affected because at the moment, government is still relying on rain fed production than irrigation.

He added that projections will become more realistic if government starts investing more in irrigation.

He therefore encouraged Individuals who have the capacity to start water harvesting to do so by putting up dams in their farms.

“From the past 3.2 million metric tons produced las year. It could have been higher but again if you remember there were prolonged droughts and floods. We could have reached 4 million. So those are the issues. We can make a projection but I think, the projections are based on assumptions that we will have a relatively normal rainfall. Should we have conditions that prevailed last year such as prolonged droughts and floods, It is possible that again that our projections will be affected because at the moment we are relying on rain fed production than irrigation. So as we move forward if we start investing more in irrigation, our projections will become more realistic because we will have most of these predictions in our hands than relying on the rainfall,’’ he said.

“Well for rain harvesting first of all we have to have the rains? Where are the rains? We can only harvest if it’s raining and to harvest rain you need to have to create water bodies such as dams, so that when it rains, that water collects in those dams which you can then use after the rains. So the water harvesting is easier to talk about and we are talking about it but we still require a lot of things for us to start the process. We encourage Individuals who have the capacity to start water harvesting by putting up dams in their farms.   but going forward that the way we are looking at it. Currently there is water harvesting but not at a larger scale. For it to make an impact we need to do quite a lot in terms of making investments n both private and public investment. At the moment we are focusing on mechanization so that people within the shortest possible time when it rains, they can cultivate as much land as possible as a way of improving production and productivity,” said Mbozi.

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Government through the ministry of agriculture has