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Zambia’s one of the largest cement producers Mpande Limestone Ltd – Sinoma – is set to increase cement prices by K4 claiming high cost of doing business as the reason behind.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mpande Limestone Ltd – Sinoma Officials confirmed that effective Monday 30th October 2023 all prices are to increase by K4 due to high cost of doing business.

Cement prices are now an economically sensitive matter as the country is undertaking massive infrastructure projects of which cement is a key overall cost determinant.

Although other major cement producers are yet to confirm the percentage increase, the revelation from the two cement producers (Chilanga Cement who earlier confirmed a 10% increase) and now Mpande Limestone Ltd – Sinoma increase of K4, has great potential to negatively affect the construction sector.

The officials argued that, “we are increasing because when bringing in most of the products that we use, the cost of fuel has gone up and then everything that we purchase be it locally we do it in dollar and then we resell cement in Kwacha.”

“So after calculations it was discovered that the company is running at a loss so we are just trying to recover from that.”

The officials who asked for their names to be withheld said the biggest contributor to this is fuel, “because all transporters that we use to bring in the raw product have actually also hiked their prices for us.”

Increasing the prices of cement can have various impacts which may also lead to high inflation and have an overall impact on the economy.

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Zambia’s one of the largest cement producers

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The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), has revealed that it has summoned a number of social media influencers in the last few days for going live on their social media platforms while driving.

according to reports cases of Road traffic accidents are on the rise due to in most case scenario driver negligence.

Speaking in an an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, RTSA public relations officer Mukela Mangolwa said offenders are not going to be fined but will be taken through a fast-track court of which it will be up to the magistrate to decide what fine will be paid by the offenders.

Mangolwa has warned that RTSA is summoning everyone abrogating road traffic laws regardless of their status in society and that in the next few days, information will be availed to the public on what actions will be taken on influencers who have been summoned.

“I wouldn’t want to share the names but a number of them have been summoned in the last few days. One of them was supposed to have reported on Monday to answer to charges. These are not going to be fined but will be taken through fast-track court and it will be up to the magistrate to decide what fine will be paid by the offenders. So we are summoning everyone regardless of what status they hold in society. In the next few days, I’m sure we will have information on what actions will be taken on some of these people who have been summoned,” he said.

Mangolwa reiterated that it is an offense for someone to use a phone while driving and that the dangers extend to live streaming while driving a motor vehicle on a public road as the end results are dire.

“In recent times we’ve seen a common trend, especially among public figures or influencers in the country and we are treating every case the same. For us, we don’t look at the status of an individual in the community. The law is very clear on that one. It is an offense for someone to use a phone while driving. The dangers also extend to live streaming while someone is driving a motor vehicle on a public road,” said Mangolwa.

Meanwhile asked to reveal the names of the social media influencers summoned, Mangolwa withheld the names and assured that the names would be availed to the public as soon as the offenders answer to their charges.

He said the agency expects people to use their status in the community to help disseminate road safety information instead of using their status to abrogate the law.

He added that the agency wants to work with everyone to promote road safety because a lot of lives are being lost as a result of road traffic accidents.

“We want to allow the concerned parties to answer the charges before we publicize their names. As an agency we expect people to use their status in the community to help disseminate road safety information instead of using their status wrongly by breaking the law. As an agency, we want to work with everyone when it comes to issues with road safety because we are losing a lot of people as a result of road traffic accidents. The statistics are so alarming so everyone has to come on board and make their contributions, people should use whatever power, platform, or following on social media to work with us to save lives,” he said.

He therefore revealed that just a few days ago, a pedestrian was hit by a train because they were listening to music using headsets while walking along a rail line.

“I was talking about losing lives, just a few days we lost a pedestrian who was hit by a train because they were listening to music on headsets and walking along a rail line. That just highlights the importance of people adhering to the law because this is something we have been talking about,” said Mangolwa.

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The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA),

Tech

Airtel Africa’s Group Chief Executive Officer – CEO, Segun Ogunsanya has challenged the telecommunications industry in Africa to leverage emerging technologies to enable all people in the continent to connect, engage, and transact with the rest of the world.

Speaking at the just concluded Mobile World Congress in Kigali, Dr Ogunsanya noted that through these technologies, telecom players have an opportunity to step up efforts to bridge the digital divide, drive financial inclusion, and deepen the availability of affordable smart devices.

He cited Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) as a powerful tool for predicting customer behavior and deepening insights about customer needs and preferences. “Opportunity also exists in intelligent connectivity, a concept that foresees the combination of 5G, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence to accelerate technological development and enable new disruptive digital services.”

Dr Ogunsanya said, “The telecom industry is in a unique position to make it easier for people to enter the digital world by deploying these technologies. This is through significant investments in building digital highways across the continent while creating a vibrant mobile money ecosystem. Through collaborations with equipment manufacturers and other key stakeholders, we can put smart devices in the hands of every African.”

The Airtel Africa Group argued that a significant proportion of Africa’s young population still remains unreached with 59% smartphone penetration and only two out of ten Africans have a mobile money wallet.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Emerging technologies can also be used in AI-aided e-learning to design the best curriculum based on students’ learning abilities; e-health to improve patient monitoring and more efficient health facilities; Agritech that uses AI and connectivity in crop disease detection tools; and financial inclusion, by triangulating the digital highway, unified payment system, and intelligent mobile wallets.

The technologies can be used in smart cities for safe communities and efficient public utilities; development planning to predict population movements and help governments in designing urban and rural development; and smart metering for accurate measurement of usage, enhanced sustainability, and improved customer experience. Biometric technology can be used for authentication, privacy, access control, and non-repudiation.

Airtel Africa is currently rolling out a 5G network across its 14 markets in Africa Zambia included with the aim of facilitating a digitally connected world and unlocking a broad range of opportunities.

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Airtel Africa’s Group Chief Executive Officer -

Markets

Official statistics have revealed that the annual inflation for Western Province has jumped from 11.9 percent in August 2023 to 15.2 percent a month-on-month average price or inflation jump of about 30 percent.

A month-on-month increase of 30% in average annual prices of commodities and non-food items in the national basket is tantamount to an economic shock for most local businesses and households, a situation that needs urgent attention as incomes or salaries of the residents of this region have not risen by that quantum within subsequent months.

According to the report, the western province contributed the highest percentage of 15.2 percent provincial inflation for the period of September 2023. In the last report, Western province was the third highest contributing 11.9 percent only behind Eastern province which contributed 12.2 percent, and Lusaka which led with 12.5 percent.

Reacting to the report by the government’s own statistics, The Western Province Chamber of Commerce has attributed this to the poor economic indicators in the province.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, the Chamber, Vice Secretary Samuel Litebele said the poverty levels in the province stand at 78.6 percent.

Litebele disclosed that unemployment levels in the province are high stating that the province is one of the provinces with a high unemployment rate of 13.9 percent, with a population of about 1.2 million. He said most of the people are involved in very scant economic activities or small-scale business businesses selling items such as. Vegetables, Rice, Timber, Fish, and Trading, while the other group of people are Civil Servants. “We do not have industries that are employing a good number of people, and this is related to unemployment,” said Litebele.

Litebele also mentioned that most of the goods come from either Lusaka or Mumbwa, including food, and that the road network is in a very deplorable state.

He said some of the causes include the depreciation of the kwacha, as well as the rise in fuel leading to an increase in transport cost, energy, and electricity, which have an influence on inflation.

Litebele further noted that there is a deficit of maize, which is causing high mealie meal prices, ranging at about K290 which is on the higher side, especially for most people who are not employed.

Litebele further mentioned that an increase in money supply though debatable can fuel inflation. “We have seen a lot of money coming from CDF, a lot of money coming from FISP, a lot of money coming from social cash transfer in the community, so that could fuel inflation because if you have more money, but you do not have the goods and services, then the prices go up,” said Litebele. He added that low agricultural produce is one of the key contributing factors, noting that food items such as cabbage, tomato, beans, and kapenta, are imported into the province. Litebele said there is also a shortage of drugs in the hospitals, causing people to purchase from the private sector which is expensive.

Litebele said with such issues, the money loses purchasing power, hence people buy less. He said some of the interventions that can be done, is to reduce the cost of capital, and that people should be able to access the –CDF- loans which are cheaper, as well as from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission –CEEC- , and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise –SMEs-. “We have not seen much coming into the community, especially from CDF, and CEEC” said Litebele. He said government should be able to control the inflation rate through the Monetary Policy rate to discourage borrowing, noting that interest rates at the bank are high. “This is what they should be doing to discourage people from borrowing, even though that could have a rippling effect again on production, but people should be kind of discouraged from borrowing expensive money, and borrow cheap money from CDF and CEEC” said Litebele. He said the government should put in more money in CDF, and CEEC.

Litebele mentioned that from the consumer’s side, there is need to grow more of the foods being imported, and eat more from what is produced locally. He said there is also need to increase household incomes by engaging in activities such as poultry, sewing, gardening, and perhaps village banking, which can be some of the things that can be helpful to the people.

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Official statistics have revealed that the annual

Tech

The Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia – OMCAZ has questioned the Energy Regulation Board on why diesel transportation cost is still the same as petrol despite the use of the pipeline to transport diesel which is believed to be much cheaper than the road.

According to the ERB Price build-up for September 2023, obtained by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, revealed that diesel transportation cost is still the same as petrol despite use of the pipeline.   

The UNIFORM PUMP PRICE BUILD-UP for SEPTEMBER 2023 PRICE ADJUSTMENT obtained from the ERB indicated that the Transportation cost for both petrol and diesel is still ZMW/M3 520.

OMCAZ President Dr. Kafula Mubanga has however questioned why the status quo has not changed when the essence of transporting the commodity via the pipeline was to reduce the transportation cost which could in turn further reduce the oil pump price.

“Those are some of the issues that must be raised as far as proper price range structures are concerned. We do not expect to have the same price as petrol because we now have the pipeline whose costs must be lower than the road transportation.” Remarked Mubanga.

Mubanga noted that the essence of the convention of the pipeline was to reduce the cost of transport which should in turn push the cost of pump price product to much more lowly.

“ERB must clearly explain why the position is still as such so we are appealing to ERB to explain to the nation why the status quo has not changed when we have the reflective costs on their costings has not changed when there is the pipeline which more cheaper.”

“We did mention that it would be very important that there is an SI to compel all importers that use the pipeline to avoid leeway of such costings aspects where others would say we still bring in the product using the road. So when you increase competition on the pipeline, everybody will migrate to the pipeline but also it should be political way and this can come out through an SI to compel all OMCs to use the pipeline to bring in the product as a way in which the government intends to reduce the cost of pump prices.”

Dr Mubanga also urged government to put up a compelling instruments so that only petrol should be transported via the road while diesel should strictly use the pipeline.

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The Oil Marketing Companies Association of Zambia

Markets

Zambia has posted a trade surplus in September 2023. This is a positive sign for the country’s economy and could potentially lead to growth and development in the future if this trend continues in the coming months and years.

According to recent reports, the country recorded a trade surplus of K2.31 billion in August 2023 compared to a surplus of K2.33 billion in July 2023.

Exports mainly comprising domestically produced goods, increased by 9.1 percent to K19.1 billion in August 2023 from K17.5 billion in July 2023.

This was mainly on account of 7.9, 17.2, 16.2, and 13.1 percent increases in export earnings from Intermediate goods, Raw materials, Capital goods, and Consumer goods, respectively.

Imports, on the other hand, increased by 10.7 percent to K16.8 billion in August 2023 from K15.1 billion in July 2023.

This was mainly as a result of 12.4, 19.8, 5.0, and 6.7 percent increases in import bills of Consumer goods Capital goods, Intermediate goods, and Raw materials, respectively.

Meanwhile, Traditional Exports (TE’s) earnings increased by 4.6 percent to K11.8 billion in August 2023 from K11.3 billion in July 2023. In terms of share in total exports, TEs accounted for 62.0 percent during the month under review.

Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) earnings increased by 17.3 percent to K7.2 billion in August 2023 from K6.2 billion in July 2023. In terms of share in total exports, NTEs accounted for 38.0 percent in August 2023.

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Zambia has posted a trade surplus in

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Zambia’s gold reserve build-up has dragged following the Government’s indecision to reopen the Kasenseli gold mine and some Challenges to purchasing gold from the Kansanshi mines.

Zambia’s cumulative refined gold reserves in monetary form as of July 2023, stood at United States Dollars USD $114 million when it is expected to be above $200 by this time.

The Central Bank, the Bank of Zambia – BoZ which holds Zambia’s Gold reserves, disclosed to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – that the bank has this year bought only about US$25 million up to July 2023.

Deputy Governor for Operations Dr. Francis Chipimo noted that regarding gold, there is a need to diversify sources of reserves. “The bank has been buying gold and has this year bought about US$25 million up to July and are around US$114 million in terms of the cost.

He said the gold prices have improved since then so the market value is a little higher. “This also I think has been recognized across governments, so I know that on the government side, they are looking at, how can we better organize critical minerals which are there, and how can we set up a system in which we can bring in the small scale producers in an organized way,” said Chipimo.

He re-emphasized that hat for the central bank to hold gold, it must be a bullion standard, and must demonstrate that it was mined in the right way.

He said this is important purely on the liquidity side because the gold bought now is stored in London and can be traded, and is a strong asset in the country’s reserve.

 “So how we mine it, the way that we can show that it has been mined properly will be important, but the government is certainly working on that, we are part of those efforts that have been going on, and hopefully we will be able to structure a way in which can purchase gold.” He remarked.

The Central Bank Deputy Governor was speaking when responding to a question by the Zambian Business Times on what the Central Bank is doing to revive the alternative gold reserve following the recent gold scandal at the KKIA Airport.

The Bank of Zambia BoZ act, BoZ is permitted to hold Gold as part of the country’s international services. In this regard, the Bank purchases Gold to help to build the level of international reserves.

Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya had earlier been challenged to use the current opportunity of locally existing gold to stockpile gold reserves to a size-able value of over $1 billion to have an alternative lever to fall back on in the event of a steep drop in global commodity prices with Zambia still dependent on copper exports accounting for over 70% of total exports.

The Central Bank purchases gold from First Quantum Minerals – FQM’s Kansanshi Mine where the highest amount of gold is expected to be purchased as Kasenseli gold mine remains closed.

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Zambia’s gold reserve build-up has dragged following

Mining

The Government’s failure to timely source for an investor for Mopani has caused delay in recapitalizing the mine, resulting in a significant impact on the income and a loss of over $12.9 million.

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 latest consolidated 2023 half-year mineral report obtained by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, copper output at Mopani has 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, 300 per ton, the mine has lost over $12.9 billion in the first half-year of 2023.

This is troubling for the local economy and the workers who depend on the mine for their livelihoods. Stakeholders are however hopeful that the mine will find a way to turn things around and continue providing valuable resources to the world while supporting its employees and the communities they operate in.

The decrease in Mopani copper output has been a cause for concern in the copper mining industry. Many experts attribute the decline to a combination of factors, including delay in recapitalizing the mine, and labor disputes.

The hope is that with suitable investments and strategies, Mopani copper output can once again reach its former levels and contribute to the growth of the Zambian economy.

It has been reported that Mopani Copper Mines needs $300 million to recapitalize the company. This news has caused concern among employees and stakeholders alike, as the future of the mine remains uncertain. It is hoped that a solution can be found quickly to ensure the stability and success of Mopani going forward.

Although so many pledges have been made by the current Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe to timely source for an investor who will take over operations of Mopani and boost the current productions, no conclusive statement has been made with regards to the way forward of the Mine.

Although the Minister’s promises to find an investor have been welcomed by many in the community and the country, who see Mopani as a vital source of jobs and economic growth, stakeholders have been eagerly waiting for such promises to be implemented which they feel has taken longer than expected.   

The delay to recapitalize the mine has also led to a decrease in government revenue, which has further strained the already struggling economy. It is a difficult situation, and many are hoping that a solution can be found soon to help alleviate the economic challenges facing the communities and the country at large. An urgent solution is however needed to alleviate these economic challenges.

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The Government's failure to timely source for

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Concerns have been raised following the recent appointments and reshuffles by President Hakainde Hichilema – HH, specifically on that of the Auditor General – AG.

In a press release dated 25th September 2023, State House through the office of the president appointed Dr. Ron Mwambwa as Auditor General of the Republic of Zambia Subject to ratification by the National Assembly.

This however raised eyebrows by some members of the public who view his appointment as unconstitutional based on the retirement age prescribed for that office.

One such challenge over the constitutional breach came from prominent opposition politician Chishimba Kambwili who called out the appointment of Dr. Ron Mwambwa as an abrogation of the Zambian constitution, alleging that he does not meet the age requirement to occupy the office of Auditor General as Mwambwa is above 60 years of age.

In his Facebook live feed, Kambwili said Dr. Mwambwa is 63 years old, as opposed to the instruction given by the constitution that the Auditor General should retire at 60 years of age, which means no one above 60 years of age can be appointed to the office.

Kambwili quoted article 152 of the Zambian constitution saying “Subject to this article, the Auditor General shall retire office on attaining the age of 60 years” noted Kambwili.

When contacted by the Zambian Business Times –ZBT, Statehouse Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said he could not comment on the matter as he did not want to get involved in issues to do with Kambwili, and said it is up to parliament to ratify.

  Questions have however been asked about the quality of the vetting process. If this is true, how then was his name brought to the table for selection or appointment? When names are being recommended to the President for an appointment, a careful analysis, background, and qualifications check is to be conducted so as to present people who in all areas will qualify for the said office.

The Law Association of Zambia has promised to give a comprehensive statement on the matter but it remains to be seen how this appointment will pan on to ensure that Zambia upholds the constitution.

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Concerns have been raised following the recent

Agribusiness

The Corteva Agriscience Zambia Limited has launched the season 2 Limani Muwine sales Promotion for Farmers in a bid to help them improve their farming practices, and add value to their lives.

Speaking during the launch of the 2023 Limani Muwine sales promotion attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Corteva Agriscience Zambia Limited Managing Director Samson Nyendwa said the projected total number of winners this year has jumped from 58 last year to 14,500. He said the promotion will be run in 119 shops with instant prizes, unlike last year when winners would only be known at the Month’s end.

He noted that around 95% of Maize production in Zambia both for National food security and export is produced by small-scale/subsistence farmers, Yet the majority of these farmers remain in abject poverty, as they cannot afford roofing sheets on their houses, solar lighting. He said farming is hard labor, and mechanization is key to increasing productivity, but noted that the majority of farmers cannot afford mechanization and lack critical information on the best farming practices, thereby impacting productivity.

Nyendwa said that farming is business, and farmers must make profits but questioned as to how farmers can make profits if they cannot produce efficiently and profitably. He said it is saddening to see the low yields the country keeps recording season in season out. “There is an urgent need to bridge the yield gap between actual, which averages 1.8mt/ha, and potential of averaging 10mt/ha. We need to, collectively with all key stakeholders, help farmers improve productivity by initiatives such as we are launching today and offering our farmers agronomy services and adoption of best agricultural practices” said Nyendwa. He said having seen how successful the first Limani Muwine! The promotion was to help farmers improve their farming practices, and add value to their livelihood, Corteva decided to roll out a second round of Limani Muwine Sales promotion.

He noted that in the 2022/23 sales promotion, the total number of participating agro-dealers was 70 drawn from across the country and the number of those who benefited, winning different prizes, was 58. He said this year the promotion is bigger and better with well-thought-out prizes that will significantly enrich the farmers. “The intention of this Corporate Social Responsibility alias sales promotion dubbed Limani Muwine Nafuti Nafuti has been to enrich all our farmers across the country. However, in line with the fundamentals of economics, we needed to apply scarce resources evenly so that all farmers across the country could benefit. We never wanted to select one district or region because farmers are spread across the country. This is the reason why we came up with a strategy for Farmers buying 2x10kg of either Pannar or Pioneer maize hybrids from any of our participating agro dealers dotted across the country, will have an opportunity to get a scratch card which when scratched will reveal instant prizes ranging from bicycles ox carts, complete house solar lighting and many more” said Nyendwa. 

“This year we are projecting a total number of winners to be 14,500 and promotion to be run in 119 shops. Instant prizes, unlike last year when winners would only be known at the Month’s end.” He added.

Nyendwa said this promotion will enable Corteva to create a database of real farmers in addition to what was collected last season, through which ongoing agronomy support and Agricultural best practices will be tailored in an effort to close the yield gap

Nyendwa further disclosed that all participating farmers will be pooled for a grand draw for a grand prize of a brand-new tractor.

“This is part of our continued CSR aimed at helping boost Zambia’s crop productivity, narrowing the yield gap, enriching farmers, and promoting farming as a business and enabler of Zambia’s economic development and food security,” said Nyendwa.

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The Corteva Agriscience Zambia Limited has launched