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The Southern Africa Development Community –SADC- Truck Drivers Association of Zambia has bemoaned the increase in toll tariffs for heavy duty trucks by about 50 percent from K200 to K300 taking the new payment to K500.

In the 2024 National Budget, Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane announced an increase in toll tariffs for heavy duty trucks with 4 axle and above by K100, and abnormal load vehicles by K300.

SADC Truck Drivers Association President Eugene Njovu however said, the move will affect the truck drivers negatively, especially that transporters are still struggling with the high cost of doing business due to high cost of fuel pump prices.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times –ZBT, Njovu said the association welcomes the initiative of road tolls, with the understanding that they are meant to ensure that the country has very good roads that will enhance smooth trade locally, and regionally.

Njovu however noted that despite this initiative, roads continue to deteriorate. “There is nothing to show that these tolls are working in terms of rehabilitation of the roads, or construction of other economic roads” said Njovu.

He said they expected government to exercise some leniency especially that they indicated they will embark on the Public Private Partnership –PPP-. “So we expected government to give a leverage to our transporters, some kind of reduction, or just maintain the current prevailing fees, so that transporters can have a breathing space in terms of tear and wear” said Njovu.

He said from the time the tolls were introduced, roads keep deteriorating, and are in a deplorable state thereby damaging vehicles extensively. He said the people charged at the end of the day are drivers, as they are the people who drive through the same bad roads. “When they get back to their employers, for purposes of maximization of their profits, they will throw the blame again on the driver” said Njovu.

Njovu said transporters are not happy, as they expected the opposite. He disclosed that there have been high level meetings that focused on discussing SADC trade protocols in terms of best practices across the region. He disclosed that for every one hundred kilometers, the standard fee is supposed to be 10 United States dollars, but has lamented over the increment made in the 2024 budget.

He noted that the abnormal load trucks which have been hiked to pay a toll price of five hundred kwacha, are the trucks that transport equipment needed for the mines to produce what will translate to revenue for the country.

He said there was need for serious consultations before the minister went ahead to make this pronouncement. He said it is unfortunate that whenever key decisions are made in the road and transport sector, it is rare that key stakeholders are consulted starting from the transporters associations, and drivers representatives. “We feel it is never too late. I think by bringing all key stakeholders together, this issue can be revisited, and a decision made that will not cause anarchy” said Njovu.

He said the members of the association expected something that will speak to improved conditions of service going into 2024. He said transporters will use the increment as an excuse, noting that fuel has increased, road tolls have increased, and their rates are still the same, thereby making it hard for drivers to improve conditions of service. He said this will cause a lot of problems in the driving fraternity, and that as long as transporters say they have low business, and they cannot pay to the expectations of the drivers, there is a possibility of protests taking place to seek government intervention.

He has also urged stakeholders in the transport sector, which include the transporters, trade unions, ministry labor and social security, ministry of transport, Zambia federation of employment, as well as mother body unions, ZCTU, and FFTUZ,   the ministry of labor came up with an initiative to conduct an indaba on the 25th of October to discuss issues that are affecting the road subsector in order to harmonize on a number of issues that have been causing a lot of noise. He has called on all parties to approach to this opportunity with an open mind so as to speak to real issues that will enhance change so that government can also collect the right needed revenue, and transporters can also make their right profit, and drivers can make their good monies.

“For us to get to that position, to a win situation, we all need to be honest with each other, and face the issues that re affecting us with sincerity so that we reduce on the amount” said Njovu.                    

The Southern Africa Development Community –SADC- Truck

The bakers’ association of Zambia has lamented that their sales and their customer turnout has reduced due to the high cost of living.
According to the October report of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection – JCTR, the cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka has increased to K9, 294.76 In comparison to the recorded figure of K9, 146.06 in September 2023 which signifies an increase of K148.70.
The report by JCTR contradicts governments efforts of working towards arresting the high cost of living.
The report revealed an increase in food items such as roller mealie meal beans, kapenta, charcoal and a decrease in fruits such as mangoes, oranges and apples.

In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, association chairman Aziz Kapdi revealed that bakeries are finding it very difficult to increase prices of their food items which is making it hard for them to make profit.
Kapdi added that the bakeries are complaining because the prices of raw materials like wheat, flour, yeast, the cost of electricity and fuel has gone up.

“The sales have reduced and the customers are complaining that the cost of bread is high, how will they manage to buy? We are finding it very difficult to increase the prices because if we increase what will the locals eat? If bakeries have to make any profit it means that bread has to be k18 to k20 at the moment they are not even breaking Even, “he said.
“The bakeries are complaining very bitterly because everything has gone up from the wheat, the flour, the yeast, the cost of electricity, fuel and everything has gone up. Import duties on raw materials is heavy, sugar is expensive, “said Kapdi.

Kapdi appealed to the government to look into wheat prices and remove Import duties on raw materials.
“Our appeal to government is that that Government should look into the wheat prices. If wheat prices go down, the flour will go down. If we get some concession on electricity, bakeries will benefit because then the prices will come down. If Government starts removing Import duties on raw materials so that means that the cost will come down, “said Kapdi.

The bakers’ association of Zambia has lamented

The Bankers Association of Zambia – BAZ, says the increase in the minimum statutory reserve ratio will further reduce liquidity available to the commercial banks to lend and make profit noting that money that sits in the statutory reserve ratio does not earn any interest.

On the 6th of November 2023, the Bank of Zambia – BOZ announced through that effective Monday 13th November 2023, the minimum statutory reserve ratio on both local and foreign currency deposits, including government deposits and Vostro accounts deposits, will be increased by 3 percentage points to 14.5 percent from 11.5 percent. it was further stated that the revised statutory reserve ration of 14.5 will be based on the weekly return of selected assets and liabilities as of Wednesday November 8, 2023. The measure is aimed at relieving the persistent foreign exchange market pressure with a view to reining inflation.

Reacting to this, BAZ president Leonard Mwanza noted that if the banks are challenged in terms of having liquidity that they can lend, it will be a disadvantage for businesses that may need money from banks. He said this may further raise the cost of funds in the market. “To a business person, they might not borrow at the rate they were borrowing yesterday because of this decision. The rate may increase, but also the available funds that will be going to the market will reduce because of this statutory requirement to keep money on the statutory reserve ratio” said Mwanza.  

Mwanza however noted that the overall picture is to term inflation and control the depreciation of the kwacha.

In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Mwanza said if the two objectives are attained and inflation starts coming down, it will reduce the cost of doing business. “If the kwacha can stabilize and appreciate because of this measure, it can also help to reduce the import cost for those in businesses, and just generally the price around things” said Mwanza. He said in the immediate sense and /or direct reaction, there will be a possible increase in the cost of funds on the market, and because of the scarcity, the flow of money that perhaps should have gone to support the economy, will be reserved under the statutory reserve ratio requirement.           

Mwanza explained that among the tools the Central deploys to carry out its primary mandate of price stability in the financial markets are tools that help to contain inflation and align the kwacha to some form of stability. He said the statutory reserve ratio is one of the tools the Central Bank has at its disposal to help term inflation.

He mentioned three tools the Central Bank has at its disposal to help contain inflation. He said the Bank can either increase the statutory reserve ratio as has been done which is increasing it by a 3 percent margin. He noted that the last increment was 9 months ago when it was increased to 2.5 percent. “Within the year of 2023, the cumulative increase on the statutory reserve ratio is 5.5 percent. It has increased from 9 when we crossed the year to now 14 and half percent.  It is basically a tool that the central bank can deploy to control the flow of liquidity in the market” said Mwanza. He noted that the action is meant to reduce the amount of liquidity that will be circulating within the market as banks will have to increase the amount of liquidity that they will be keeping in the statutory reserve ratio with Central Bank.

He said the other tool that can be deployed which is being used is on the open market operations to determine the interest rate at which money is borrowed on the interbank. He noted that the interbank rate is around 26 and half percent. The third tool he said is the monetary policy rate which is most common. He noted that there has been a year on year adjustment of 100 basis points on the monetary policy rate noting that it was 0.25 in February, 0.25 in June and 0.5 in August.  “All these are measures which the Central bank can utilize with intent of carrying their primary function of financial sector price stability, but with an overall objective of containing inflation” said Mwanza. He noted that the country is far away from its target band of 6 to percent hence the measures to try and term inflation.

Mwanza noted that when the first increment was done for the statutory reserve ratio this year from 9 to 11.5 percent, inflation began moving to single digits until the second quarter going into the third quarter when it started going upwards. He noted that there was an accelerated increase in inflation for the months September and October which was a matter of concern. He said the measures the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) took in August were meant to try and term inflation from moving away from the target band. “Even this particular measure, the tightening measure around liquidity speaks to the same thing in terms of what we want to achieve” said Mwanza.  

The Bankers Association of Zambia - BAZ,

Economist Yusuf Dodia has emphasized the need for Government through the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings – ZCCM – IH to have a checklist of the commitments made by Vedanta Resources in regards to the operation of Konkola Copper Mines – KCM if the country is to have great benefit economically.

The Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings – ZCCM – IH and Vedanta Resources Limited Company have signed two agreements to revamp the operations at Konkola Copper Mines – KCM with several pledges from Vedanta resources.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Economist Dodia hoped that the agreement signed between ZCCM – IH AND Vedanta resources has in it milestones and targets set accompanied with consequences or penalties if the agreed commitments are not met.

Dodia said with “with agreements, the devil is in the detail” hence depends on what details have been put into the agreement. He mentioned that from experience Zambians sign a lot of agreements and in many cases the investor does not honor the commitments made in the agreement. “But the problem is that there is also no penalty or sanction for not honoring the agreement” said Dodia. He is therefore hopeful that the agreement signed between ZCCM-IH and Vedanta Resources in respect to Vedanta continuing to operate KCM that there are milestones and targets set in the agreement which come with consequences or penalties.

Dodia recalled that in the last relationship between ZCCM-IH and Vedanta Resources, Vedanta was ready to put KCM on care and maintenance because they did not have the resources to recapitalize the business. He is hoping that this has been taken care of, with milestones and targets set, as well as penalties in place. He said this gives the freedom to be able to remove them as operators of KCM if it so happens that they forego their commitments, and find new partners that are more committed and have the resources.

Dodia is of the view that the most important and legal mechanism at hand is for ZCCM-IH to have a checklist of the commitments that Vedanta is making towards the operation of KCM, and follow the checklist to ensure that Vedanta is meeting its obligations. He said if Vedanta fails to meet the set obligations, ZCCM – IH should be quick to take action to remedy the situation.

He further added that it is important for government to look at the capacity of Vedanta resources adding that there are allegations that points to the difficulties Vedanta is going through abroad in terms of meeting its obligations to pay off bonds that they had issued and other financial commitments that is forcing them to look for investor partners to bail them out.

“That should impact on our relationship with them because on the one hand we are noting that they are facing difficulties in running the international operations, and on the other hand making commitments to Zambia which might be in contradiction to what is happening on the international scene” said Dodia.  He said it is important that this should be taken into account following the signed agreement, and in terms of the monetary mechanism they are putting in place.

Economist Yusuf Dodia has emphasized the need

The Zambia medicines regulatory authority (ZAMRA) has admitted that the authority has no capacity to regulate traditional herbal remedies at the moment because they cannot be proven scientifically.

According to the national center for biotechnology information the use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased tremendously over the past three decades with not less than 80% of people worldwide relying on them for some part of primary healthcare. Although therapies involving these agents have shown promising potential with the efficacy of a good number of herbal products clearly established, many of them remain untested and their use are either poorly monitored or not even monitored at all. The consequence of this is an inadequate knowledge of their mode of action, potential adverse reactions, contraindications, and interactions with existing orthodox pharmaceuticals and functional foods to promote both safe and rational use of these agents.

Since safety continues to be a major issue with the use of herbal remedies, it becomes imperative, therefore, that relevant regulatory authorities put in place appropriate measures to protect public health by ensuring that all herbal medicines are safe and of suitable quality.

Sneaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian business times – ZBT, ZAMRA public relations officer Ludovic Mwape explained that ZAMRA is a scientific institution that regulates medicinal products or allied substances such as cosmetics. 

Mwape noted that the selling of unauthorized products is posing a danger to members of the public and therefore advised members of the public to look out for unregistered products.

“Traditional herbal products, we don’t have the capacity to regulate them at the moment because they cannot be proven scientifically. We are a scientific institution, we don’t regulate oils or chemicals, mostly what we regulate are medicinal products or allied substances such as cosmetics. If the product is medicinal then it falls within our mandate to regulate it but if it’s not medicinal, it’s not in our mandate to regulate it,” he said.

“So when you label a product and you claim that it can cure certain diseases, we need to prove it scientifically through our evaluation and our analysis. And also we’ve got guidelines on labelling, manufacturing of products because we need to inspect your facility and so on. Mostly what we are seeing are products that are not authorized being sold. We don’t even know where they are manufacturing them from. So that is posing a danger in terms of use of those products by the members of the public. So we advise members of the public to look out for unregistered products,’’ said mwape.

Mwape said ZAMRA has a challenge in regulating traditional herbal medicines but the authority has been working closely with the traditional healer’s association to give guidance on traditional herbal medicines.

He advised people to make informed decisions on traditional herbal medicines adding that regulating such products is beyond the authority’s regulatory mandate.

Mwape also revealed that the authority has developed guidelines on certain cosmetics such as skin lightening creams which will be implemented soon.

“We have to work closely with the traditional healer’s association. At the moment there is no law. I understand there is a bill which will be in effect to control traditional healers and the products that fall under them. On the traditional ones that is where there is a bit of a challenge. We need to work together and we have been working closely with the traditional healer’s association to give guidance in terms of products that affect the people but we usually come in to advise when it comes to advertising. For products which we can’t prove, it goes on to the conscience of the consumers. It’s up to people to make an informed decision because that is beyond our regulatory mandate because that is now spiritual, it’s not medicinal. So spiritualism cannot be regulated unless with the traditional healers,” he said.

“Maybe we can come in the form of sensitization by making people aware and they should be careful. People should be given a choice to choose whether they want to go in the spiritual route or to the scientific route. We have also developed guidelines and soon, we are implementing those guidelines on controlling certain cosmetics. So there will be certain cosmetics that will be removed from the market because we want a certain percentage of ingredients,’’ said mwape.

The Zambia medicines regulatory authority (ZAMRA) has

The Zambia Sugar, one of the leading sugar producers in Zambia, has reported a significant increase in its revenue for the year ended 31 August 2023.

According to the company’s financial report, its revenue grew by an overwhelming 14% increase to K5.827 billion driven by a number of factors including a 12% improvement in the weighted average selling price for domestic and export sales which contributed heavily to this development.

Sales to the export market increased by 28% driven by strong regional demand, good logistics management and availability of stocks following the slowdown in domestic demand.

Compared to the previous year, domestic sales volume was negatively impacted by the influx of illegal imports, and low disposable income for rural households.

According to the Company’s Financial report availed to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, by the Company Secretary, Harriet Kapekele – Katongo, the company’s management team also implemented several strategic initiatives that helped to drive growth and increase profitability. These initiatives included implementing promotions and increased investment in marketing and sales.

Operating profit for the year under review was K1.248 billion compared to K1.243 billion in the previous year. The improvement in performance is due to improved price realisation and cost management despite significant increases in key input costs (fertilisers, chemicals, electricity, employee costs, packaging and fuel). Overall, costs increased by 10% which was in line with inflation.

Meanwhile, Finance costs for the year ended 31 August 2023 decreased by K35 million to K40 million improving interest cover from 16.7 to 31.5 times. The business closed with a positive cash position after paying the outstanding long-term debt of K42 million.

Profit after-tax for the year ended 31 August 2023 also decreased by K70 million to K935 million due to a 3% increase in effective tax rate.

Headline earnings for the year ended 31 August 2023 decreased to K935 million from K1 005 million for the previous year. Earnings per share decreased by 7% from 317.5 ngwee per share to 295.6 ngwee per share.

The Board has since recommended a total dividend of 349 ngwee per share (2022 – 94.44 ngwee) to be considered for approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 28 November 2023. The total dividend will amount to K1 104 million.

This consists of a base dividend of 191 ngwee and a special dividend of 158 ngwee. The company has a dividend policy of distributing up to 50% of free cash flow and this maximum figure amounting to 191 ngwee is recommended and forms the base dividend.

Recognising the strength of the balance sheet following 3 years of earnings above K1 billion and the repayment of all long-term debt, the directors have also recommended a once off special dividend of 158 ngwee per share.

The strong financial performance of Zambia Sugar is a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and its focus on delivering value to its customers and shareholders.

The Zambia Sugar, one of the leading

There is growing concern over an anthrax outbreak that is posing a threat to meat production. The outbreak, which has been reported in several Continents Europe, sub-sahara, Central and South America with Africa not exception, is believed to have been caused by contaminated animal feed.

The livestock sub sector accounts for almost 50% of the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP and is a key sub sector with high potential for poverty reduction, livelihood security and economic growth. In terms of livestock rearing, the major livestock kept in Zambia are cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry.

Meats are excellent sources of some of the minerals, such as iron, copper, zinc and manganese, and play an important role in the prevention of zinc deficiency, and particularly of iron deficiency which is widespread.

The anthrax outbreak has however had a significant impact on butchery sales as people are avoiding purchasing meat products due to concerns about contamination.

Several Butcheries doted around the country have lamented that the outbreak has negatively affected their customer turnout as most people are now scared.

Health officials are urging farmers to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease and to ensure that their livestock are vaccinated. The outbreak has already led to the culling of thousands of animals and could have a significant impact on the meat industry if it is not contained.

In an interview with the Zambian business times – ZBT, some meat producers confirmed that the anthrax outbreak has affected their productions and the sales which is now threatening their businesses.

There is growing concern over an anthrax

The mine union has urged the government to announce an investor to take over Mopani and provide the necessary funds to recapitalize the Mine.

Copper Production output at Mopani Copper Mines Plc a multi-faceted mining investment with operations in Kitwe and Mufulira districts of the Copperbelt Province, has continued dropping due to operational challenges caused by lack of investment.

According to the consolidated 2023 half-year mineral report obtained by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, copper output at Mopani decreased by about ten percent from about 20, 000 metric tons produced in the first half-year of 2022 to now about 17, 000 in the first half of 2023.

At a time when copper prices are at about $8, 100 per ton, the mine has lost over $12 billion in the first half-year of 2023.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times, NUMAW President Saul Simujika emphasized that the government needs to act fast to avoid any negative impact on production.

With Mopani being a major contributor to Zambia’s copper production, any delays or disruptions could have further ripple effects throughout the country’s economy hence the need for the government to take action to prevent any further delays and secure the mine’s success.

NUMAW president said although so many announcements have been made the union still awaits for the final announcement of the investor to take over the Mine.

“So we are hoping that this will be done as soon as possible as you may be aware that Mopani is still limping just like Konkola Copper Mines – KCM.”

NUMAW notes that even when it is believed that there is a thorough process, there is still need for the Government to expedite the process as further delays may have a ripple effect on the economy. “Our word to Government as they are doing these considerations, time is also of essence so that they don’t lose the mine.”

He said, “As for the workers we are still eagerly waiting for the recapitalizing of the mine which is long overdue. Everybody is affected with the delay to recapitalize the mine and we are hoping that the new investor will be announced before end of this year.”

with only a moth left to conclude the year, Government’s promises to have an investor to take over Mopani have not materialized and NUMAW hoped that the new investor will be announced before end of 2023.

The mine union has urged the government

Economist Trevor Hambayi has called on government to seriously look at factors contributing to the reduction in the export of agricultural products.

According to the Zambia statistics agency (ZAMSTATS) October monthly report, export earnings from agricultural products decreased by 17.5 percent to k2.0 billion in September 2023from k2.4 billion in august 2023. The major export commodities were other raw cane sugar accounting for 14.1 percent, tobacco, partly or wholly stemmed / stripped (12.5%) and other corn seed (10.4%).

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian business times – ZBT, Mr. Hambayi said there are a lot of cash crops that the country should be exporting that support the agriculture sector and that Zambia has the capacity to produce them in qualities needed for the export market.

Hambayi noted that government has not done enough in terms of creating a conducive environment to support all farmers and the private sector to maximize the export potential of the country.

He said that it is so unfortunate that as a country driving at export diversification, we are getting reductions in the export of agriculture products.

“We must look very seriously at what factors are contributing towards the reduction in the export of our agricultural products. But also what we do find is that there are a lot of cash crops that we should be exporting that should be supporting the agriculture sector such as soya beans, sunflower, cotton and tobacco. All these particular products that we have, we have the capacity to be able to be produce them in qualities that need the export market,” he said.

“So essentially I think as a country we have not done enough to be able to create an environment that is strong enough to support all our farmers and the private sector to be able to maximize the export potential of the country. It is very unfortunate that as a country that is driving at export diversification from the mining sector to agriculture, we find that we are getting reductions in the export of agriculture products. The second aspect that we also see is that we’ve also been experiencing a reduction in exports from the mining sector because we have not produced as much cooper during the year,” said Hambayi.

Meanwhile, Hambayi noted that Zambia would have achieved a high export of agricultural products because there was a very high demand of maize a few months ago which should have moved to the export sector.

“Technically speaking, you would have thought that in the last few months Zambia would have achieved a very high export of agricultural products because there was a very high demand of maize which we have excess surplus in terms of production which we then should have moved to the export sector. Even though we are speaking about having to be able to put strategies to be able to increase our non-traditional exports driven by the agricultural sector, the numbers are saying that we are actually progressing in terms of achieving this,” said Hambayi.

Economist Trevor Hambayi has called on government

The residents of Chienge and Nchelenge have been forced to pay exorbitant prices for mealie meal, which has caused great hardship for many families.

The residents of these areas have been denied access to the cheaper mealie meal provided by the Zambia National Service – ZNS – which has failed to reach their communities, leaving them with no affordable options for this staple food.

The ZNS was engaged to provide affordable mealie meal to the people of Zambia, but its efforts have not been seen by all Zambians.

According to the statistics from the Zambian Statistics Agency –ZAMSTATS, for the month of October 2023, Mealie meal in Chienge, and Nchelenge districts in Luapula province is trading at K370 for a 25 kg bag of Breakfast meal, and K305 for a 25 kg bag of Roller meal respectively.

Many believe that the government should provide more support to the ZNS so that it can fulfill its mandate of providing affordable mealie meal to all Zambians. But for now, the people of Chienge and Nchelenge continue to struggle with the high cost of this basic necessity.

The Luapula Chamber of Commerce attributed the high mealie meal prices to the lack of reach by the Zambia National Service –ZNS- Eagle’s Mealing to the affected areas in the province due to the far flung status of their terrain.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times –ZBT, the Chamber president Emmanuel Musanje said ZNS has not yet spread to those areas, hence there is no competition to help cushion the price of mealie meal. “Cheaper mealie meal from the National Service is predominantly around areas where there is ShopRite outlets, but as soon as they roll out to those areas, others will have no option, but to drop” said Musanje. He said one of the factors is that they have not received cheaper mealie meal from ZNS as result of the distance factor.

It has been almost two months since the Zambia National Service –ZNS- began distributing the Eagle’s Mealing to outlets such as Shoprite to help cushion the high prices of mealie meal on the local market, and address the concerns of the people by providing a cheaper alternative. 

Musanje however noted that there is only one ShopRite outlet in Luapula province which is in Mansa, and one ZNS base. He said there is need for more ZNS agencies around the province in order to arrest the rise in mealie meal prices in the affected areas of the province.   

The residents of Chienge and Nchelenge have