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Government’s efforts to address the high cost of living has faced hurdles as the cost of living continues accelerating.

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.

This contradicts governments efforts of working towards arresting the high cost of living.

According to the JCTR report made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, 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.

Last month, Zambia witnessed its annual inflation rate increase for the fourth consecutive month, reaching 12.6% which marked the highest inflation rate recorded since March 2022, surpassing the 12% rate observed in September 2023. This will have negative effects on a number of households who are already struggling with transport and other essential commodities that have gone up.

“The persistent issue of the cost of living in Zambia has been a recurring concern for the nation. Citizens have grappled with the challenges of affording basic necessities including mealie meal, and this longstanding problem continues to be a focal point of public discourse and policy considerations. It is essential to closely monitor factors such as inflation, fluctuating commodity prices, and overall economic conditions. In October 2023, Zambia witnessed its annual inflation rate increase for the fourth consecutive month, reaching 12.6%. This marked the highest inflation rate recorded since March 2022, surpassing the 12% rate observed in September 2023. The primary driving factor behind this inflation surge has been the continued depreciation of the Zambian kwacha, which has impacted the overall pricing dynamics within the country,” revealed the report. 

JCTR noted that despite the ongoing endeavours by the government to alleviate the high cost-of-living, pressures continue to encounter formidable challenges.

“Economic instability, external shocks affecting prices of essential commodities such as fuel, and increased vulnerabilities have combined to create a complex landscape. These hurdles necessitate a comprehensive and adaptable strategy to safeguard the well-being of the populace and set the stage for enduring solutions. In light of this, JCTR recommends implementing the following measures, in addition to those already in effect, to tackle the high cost of living: Government should proceed with its plans to distribute maize grain directly through the reserve agency to communities as a short-term measure to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of mealie meal. It is key that the most vulnerable communities across urban, peril-urban and rural areas are targeted. However, it is crucial that this effort is accompanied by a long-term strategy to enhance domestic maize production and food security, as sustained and affordable access to staple foods should be a fundamental goal for ensuring the well-being of all Zambians,” JCTR suggested.

“However, it’s worth noting that the proposed 2024 national budget lacks measures to scale up the cash transfer value. Government working through the Energy Regulation Board, should take immediate action to address the high fuel prices, as it is crucial for economic stability. Despite having implemented cost-reflective tariffs in the energy sector, it would be beneficial for the board to explore innovative solutions and run simulations to assess the impact of reverting to a 90-day fuel price adjustment mechanism. The JCTR’s Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket Surveys consistently highlight how fuel price volatility significantly affects commodity and service prices in the market. Achieving stability and predictability in fuel prices is essential to prevent these costs from being passed on to consumers,” suggested JCTR.

JCTR therefore encouraged the government to expedite its process in addressing the high cost of living.

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Government’s efforts to address the high cost

Opinion

 Editorial

 One of the biggest hurdles that ruling parties face after securing victory in especially countries like ours where poverty is widespread and opportunities are hard to come by, is to keep the support base intact.

 If you deeply look at Zambia’s ruling parties from UNIP, to MMD, to PF and now UPND, the history behind their eventual loss of power or erosion of their support base all boils down to internal dissatisfaction and betrayals.

 You see, in a country of fewer and in-between opportunities in private enterprise, or availability of jobs awarded on merit, discontentment starts to build and eventually consumes the ruling party. All party functionaries who previously worked as volunteers want to become full-time paid employees.

 Today, this internal disillusionment and dissatisfaction is perhaps the biggest risk that the ruling UPND faces. Because of limited local enterprise opportunities, the high cost of living, and other productivity challenges, almost all UPND die-hard supporters end up looking for government jobs, government contracts, and government favors, some of which border on seeking appointments on tribal lines, nepotism and all sorts of justifications.

 There are so many people today who were ardent UPND supporters who feel entitled to living a good life even if they don’t engage in productive activities, even if they were appointed and have lost their jobs out of their wrongdoing. Somehow, they still believe they contributed to the victory of the UPND in wrestling power from the PF and that sense of entitlement continues for as long as the party remains in power.

 This is the reason why it’s advisable for a ruling party in Zambia to seek broad-based national development, to get a better share from Mining exports, grow Zambia’s Agro exports and stabilize the Kwacha, to give jobs and business opportunities on merit rather than tribal or political party lines. It’s the only way out.

 People need to understand that winning an election in Africa and in particular in Zambia, is more complex than meets an uninitiated eye. Most supporters of political parties end up with an illusion that they contributed heavily to the victory, but the reality is that the contribution weights or scales that the eventual winner president finds on ascending to the highest office are far more different.

 Moreover, Zambia like most developing nations has income generation challenges, and weak systems to ensure maximum collection of both tax and nontax revenues. Its economic and financial management systems are basic, with huge skills and exposure deficiencies. The country therefore ends up with no money for investments as most of the revenues collected are paid out as salaries, emoluments, and other consumption needs.

 The other big challenge is the ownership structure of the Zambian economy. The fact that there are no major citizen-owned businesses and financiers entails that most citizens’ contribution to winning an election is reduced to merely lining up and casting a single ballot or making the loudest noise at political rallies or social media.

 The real question is who will have more sway post elections between financiers and political party carders? How about the ones who pay for the political party campaign activities? How about the intelligence support that political parties receive both locally and from outside Zambia?

 How about the work of social engineers and social media tactics and strategies which today are key determinants in electoral outcomes? How about direct and indirect support from foreign governments through embassies and their contacts in Zambia?

 This matrix of elements used to influence voter turnout and ultimate electoral results all need serious funding. And if we as Zambians continue to think that we can have our own government free of external financiers’ influence, to have a Government that acts in the best interest of the majority of Zambians and its collective long-term interests, we need to first own the various sectors society and command economic power.

 The current high levels of poverty in the country if left unchecked, as you know which also leads to intellectual bankruptcy, will continue to lead to senseless politics that we are witnessing today. Even so-called educated people, our judiciary, and the legislature will continue to make decisions that are not in the interest of the nation but for securing the jobs of the appointees.

 All in all, what is needed is a locally owned and controlled Zambian economy. Zambian ownership of key and strategic sectors needs to be supported and remain a strategic goal for the government. Otherwise, Zambians should brace for the election of one puppet after another, to endorsement of either Western or Eastern bloc-sponsored frontmen disguised as national leaders.

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 Editorial  One of the biggest hurdles that ruling

Markets

Association for Micro Finance Institutions in Zambia –AMIZ- has underscored the need for government to interrogate the private Banks regarding the high interest rates, and examine what can be done to reduce the costs.

Interest rates have been increasing, and current ranging at about 25%, making it difficult for people to access capital.

AMIZ Executive Director Webster Mate noted that when asked, Micro Finance Associations will say the operating costs are high, noting that the interest rate is a factor of the operating cost, cost of funding, and other economic variables such as the inflation rate. He said there is need to investigate how high the operating costs are, and the areas. “When you look at the break down of operating costs, you also need to identify which particular ones are a problem and maybe look at ways of trying to address those issues” said Mate.

In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times –ZBT, Mate said Zambian banks are charging much higher as compared to banks in other markets. “A good comparison is East Africa. You would be shocked that banks there would be charging in the region of 13%, Micro Finance are the ones charging in the region of 25%, 30%” said Mate. He said when compared with Zambian banks, it is double of what East Africa is charging, and worse for Micro Finance Institutions.

Mate has therefore underscored the need for government to interrogate the private sector , and find out why the rates are high, and which particular operating costs are high, as well as what can be done. He noted that with the coming of digital banking services such as mobile money, and digital finance, the expectation was that some of the costs would be lowered as a result of digitalisation, but noted that the reduction is very insignificant. “There is need to have a more robust and candid discussions with the private sector on why these rates are like this” said Mate.

Mate further emphasised that the major thing government can do is to stabilise the macroeconomic environment by having stability in inflation, interest rates, and the exchange rate. He said if there is stability in the variables, interest rates would also be relatively stable.

He however noted that this is an age old problem in Zambia. Mate referred to a period between 2013 and 2015 when the Patriotic Front PF regime decided to cut interest rates with the intention of lowering the rates, but noted that the policy did not work. Mate explained that when interest rates are cut, lenders stop lending to people, and start investing in other areas where they will make money as opposed to giving their money to people they consider a risk. “So if the interest rate cap did not work, the question should be, what other measures can be used? And that is why I am saying an engagement with the private sector to find out whether their claim that the operating costs are high is true or not, and which particular expenses are those” said Mate. 

He is of the view that such kind of discussion would be more logical, and would help everyone, particularly government to understand whether they are telling the truth, and if so examine what needs to done. Mate noted that the interest rate is a price for money, and may be a case of people wanting to keep their rates of profit at a certain level, and can use the pricing to do that. He said it is a discussion that it is important, and urgent.        

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Association for Micro Finance Institutions in Zambia

Companies

The First National Bank – FNB Zambia has announced a strategic partnership with two other entities aimed at reducing the use of charcoal in urban areas and promoting Low Carbon Emissions Alternative Technologies and Fuels (ATFs).  

The initiative which looks to curb deforestation caused by charcoal production is aligned to the multispectral commitment to drive sustainable green energy solutions and the Bank’s vision of creating a better world.

Speaking on the partnership, FNB Zambia Head- Retail Banking Mwamba Musambo said, the FNB Clean Cooking Solution Loan Product will enable public and private sector employees to access affordable loans for the acquisition of clean cooking technologies and fuels from Radian Stores.

“We are excited to partner with like-minded organizations that share our vision driving climate-smart solutions which in turn benefits the environment,” she said.

Musambo said despite the many benefits of clean cooking solutions, there are still significant barriers to their adoption and use, such as high upfront costs, lack of awareness, limited availability, and low consumer trust.

She added that “Customers will enjoy interest rates as low as 15% for purchases of green products from Radian Stores. To us, this is reimagining help for the customers we serve”.

USAID Alternatives to Charcoal A2C Project, Technical Director, Lloyd Archer said, “It is gratifying that the engagements with the Zambian Government to deliver on its energy, environment, and climate priorities have yielded positive and tangible results demonstrated by the tripartite partnership we are witnessing today with USAID, FNB Zambia, and Radian Stores.

Archer said the Alternatives to the Charcoal program was designed to respond to energy and environmental challenges by reducing household charcoal consumption by 25% and increasing the use of alternative technologies and fuels by 38%, with the overall aim of reducing deforestation and Green House Green emissions in Zambia”.

Meanwhile, Radian Stores Director and Chief Operations Officer, Abhilash Bajpai said, “We are very confident that the initiative by FNB to offer affordable financing to the customers for purchase of clean cooking products will encourage many households to make a shift to cleaner cooking.

“We have agreed with FNB Zambia and USAID Alternatives to Charcoal Product to offer a 5% discount to all their customers who will be accessing loans to buy such clean cooking products, so that these products become even more affordable and accessible”.

Customers applying for FNB Zambia’s Green Loan Product will be required to make applications with the Bank who will facilitate purchase from Radian Stores.

FNB Zambia, USAID alternatives to charcoal project and Radian Stores are committed to helping customers and communities make a positive impact on the planet while saving money and energy

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The First National Bank – FNB Zambia

Lifestyle

The World Youth and Leadership Foundation – WYLF, says lecturers are to blame for the increasing sex for grades cases in higher learning institutions because as parent figures, they are supposed to be guiding students in learning institutions.

There has been growing sexual harassment cases in higher learning institutions of which the common one have been prominent lecturers from some of the biggest higher learning institution like CBU demanding sex in exchange for grades.

According to a case study by the University of Zambia on the University Students’ Perspective of Sexual Harassment, there were significantly more female students who perceived a lot of sexual harassment to be occurring at UNZA.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, WYLF organization Director Nalishebo Nyambe, however, said When a student offers themselves or themselves for sex in exchange for grades, lecturers are supposed to exercise their professionalism by recognizing that the child is getting out of hand.

Nyambe said there is a serious need for lecturers to be disciplined and understand their roles and responsibilities in learning institutions.

He said It is unacceptable when a student offers themselves for sex, and the lecturer accepts.

“When a student offers herself or himself for sex in exchange for grades, as a parent you first have to recognize that the child is getting out of hand and quickly be able to control yourself and help the child by not accepting the offer. The lecturers need to be disciplined and understand their roles and responsibilities as parents in learning institutions. When you are offered something you have to remind yourself of the principles,” he said.

“It will be very unfair if a student offers themselves for sex in exchange for grades and the lecturer accepts. We stand with the students because when parents send their children to school, lecturers are supposed to behave as parents. They are the ones to guide the students on the right path. I’m blaming the lecturers because they are parents who are supposed to be guiding students in learning institutions. Lecturers are supposed to be disciplined to understand that they are the parents in learning institutions,” said Nyambe.

Nyambe however noted that students also need to understand that they go to school for self-development and not for sexual and illicit activities.

He therefore encouraged students to be disciplined and focused on education and advised lecturers to embrace professionalism.

He noted that most students do not disclose sexual harassment cases to relevant authorities for fear of being victimized by their peers or their partners which makes it hard for institutions to punish offenders.

He said in cases where harassment issues are brought out, Learning institutions must be willing to dismiss offenders involved in offering grades for sex and vice versa.

He noted that if offenders found wanting are not dismissed and punished according to the law, it escalates more of related offenses.

Nyambe also urged the government to implement stiff punishments to deter would-be offenders.

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The World Youth and Leadership Foundation -

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