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The First National Bank – FNB – Zambia hosted an Environmental, Social and Governance – ESG – workshop aimed at educating and engaging customers on how ESG applies to various businesses.

This is the first of many workshops that will bring attention to the ways in which companies can align themselves with the ESG agenda by making use of the bank’s products and services, ensuring that they run sustainable enterprises.

The workshop also sought to enhance potential for synergies and collaboration with partners such as the Ministry of Green Economy & Environment, Zambia Association of Manufacturers and WWF.

FNB Zambia, has embarked on an ESG journey that will see the bank offer ESG advice, products and services. The bank will continuously engage and educate customers on the options available to them within the ESG framework.

FNB Zambia Head – Treasury and ESG Sponsor Ignatius Kashoka said the goal is to positively drive socioeconomic development through ESG, and social impact.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Kashoka said this will include creating opportunities for green financing, CSR, female empowerment through employment and the Helping Everywoman (H.E.R) customer value proposition. ESG will also be embedded in the bank’s activities like paperless operations, use of digital banking channels, the “Plant a Tree” initiative which has now become a movement and FNB stood a pioneer.

He said the bank is also keen on enhancing efforts to collaborate with the Ministry of Green Economy & Environment, including other cooperating partners. He said the bank is keen to work with the Ministry of Green Economy in achieving its objectives, understanding the immediate needs of the Ministry and the opportunities for collaboration and support. “We are also looking for opportunities towards consented efforts for a cleaner, greener Zambia and keen to provide banking solutions that enhance the Ministry’s day-to-day operations.”

The workshop also covered among other topics, ascertaining short to long-term projects and evaluation needs for support, in relation to COP 28 participation; fostering multilateral collaboration with the Ministry of Green Economy, key partnerships such as the Zambia Association of Manufactures and World Wildlife Fund.

FNB Zambia Head – Treasury said FNB remains committed to being an industry leader in ESG by championing initiatives aimed at creating a better world.

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The First National Bank - FNB -

Tech

The distortions in the fuel sector has now reached a new twist which has resulted in a litre of Petrol and Diesel becoming more expensive than a litre of aviation fuel (Jet A- 1) used in aeroplanes.

After the April 2023 month end Energy Regulation Board – ERB fuel review, Petrol is now about 20% more expensive than aviation fuel while diesel is now about 10% more expensive than aviation fuel.

While prices of petrol prices remained unchanged at K27.99 and diesel reduced by 6.24% to K24.64 from K26.28, ERB conspicuously adjusted downwards Jet A-1 prices to now K22.60 from K25.34.

Members of the public have questioned this imbalance which sees the more affluent individuals and businesses who take flights getting some relief from this adjustment while Commuters and self-drivers cost of fuel remains at a relatively higher cost. It seems as though that it has now become cheaper to run an aircraft than passenger carrying buses as the cost of both Diesel and Petrol is now higher than that of aviation per litter.

ERB has been accused of lowering the price of aviation fuel due to strong negotiating influence and lobbying from powerful Aircraft companies, while ordinary consumers are left to fend for themselves.

The Energy Regulatory Board –ERB however says it is outside their mandate to determine which should be cheaper between aviation fuel and motor vehicle fuels.

Responding to an enquiry by the Zambian Business Times –ZBT, Energy Regulation Board – ERB Public Relations Manager Namukolo Kasumpa said the prices of all petroleum products are determined by the key drivers which may change, meaning they will either rise or reduce on the basis of the movements on the price drivers.

She restated that all petroleum products consumed in Zambia are imported and therefore, the prices are mainly influenced by the movement in the international oil prices and the exchange rate of the Kwacha against the United States Dollar (US$) which is the currency used for fuel trade on the international markets.

Kasumpa stated that, “Other factors that influence the domestic price of fuel include changes in fees, charges and taxes/levies, which may vary depending on the product. For each fuel price review, the ERB considers the movements in these two factors and adjusts fuel prices every month in tandem with their movements.”

She said ERB also considers a wholesale trigger band threshold of +/-2.5% within which the prices are adjusted, in order to ensure price stability.

ERB has insisted to continue with its monthly price reviews despite a public outcry, a situation that has led to cost planning challenges for businesses and I predictable retail prices for consumers fuelling perceptions of in increased cost of goods and services.

“For the recent May, 2023 fuel price review, both the price of petrol and Jet A-1 were adjusted in tandem with the movement in the price of the product on the international market and in line with the movement in the exchange rate of the Kwacha to the United States Dollar during the period under review.” She added.

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The distortions in the fuel sector has

Tech

Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, has launched a new brand campaign focused on building a deeper emotional connection with Africa’s youth.

The campaign includes a new strapline for Airtel Africa: ‘A Reason to Imagine’.  It is driven by the insight that in Africa, imagination is the only qualification that matters and showcases Airtel Africa’s role in harnessing this potential by delivering relevant solutions to consumers that enhance digital and financial inclusion.

The ‘Reason to Imagine’ campaign highlights Airtel’s status as an enabler of young people’s dreams and ambitions, whatever these might be. To this end, the campaign seeks to celebrate the energy, creativity, and innovation of Africa’s young people.

Speaking at a media breakfast this morning to unveil the new tagline in Zambia that replaces ‘the smartphone network’, Airtel Networks Zambia Plc Chief Commercial Officer, Hussam Baday said, “It is a well-known fact that the youth are central to achieving not just Zambia’s potential but the whole of Africa. More than 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25 and empowering this new generation could be transformative for the future of the continent.

“Through this campaign, we are reaffirming Airtel’s commitment to advancing the progress of young people by providing the connectivity to turn every situation into an opportunity,” Baday said.

The ‘Reason to Imagine’ brand campaign is Airtel Africa’s most ambitious yet. It comprises a series of television commercials and a combination of market-specific print, online, outdoor and mobile creative executions.

The campaign builds on Airtel Africa’s recent title sponsorship of The Voice Africa, which showcases exceptional African musical talent in a show that also features a high-profile panel of coaches and TV hosts.

One of the 100 selected talents will eventually be crowned ‘The Voice Africa’ in a live show that is currently airing on free to air TV stations across the continent and Airtel TV.

This is one of the initiatives that Airtel Africa has invested in to promote youthful talents and expertise in education, sports, and the innovation sectors.

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Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications

Markets

The Zambia institute of chartered accountants – ZICA has challenged Government through the ministry of Finance and National Planning to consider having a plan B in case the debt restructuring process takes longer than planned stating the country may lose gains achieved so far.

ZICA says another option the Zambian authorities could consider is to arrange a one- on-one meeting with the Chinese authorities since China has been singled as delaying the process. She noted that Zambia already enjoys a cordial relationship with China and a visit would be worthwhile to strengthen our relationships and speed up the debt restructuring process.

Speaking during the ZICA media briefing for the first quarter of 2023 on matters that affect the Accountancy profession and the nation at large and attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, ZICA President Cecilia Zimba said the Institute takes keen interest in the ongoing discussions and developments on the country’s debt restructuring process and join all the concerned parties and partners who have expressed deep concern about the debt restructuring stalemate.

Zimba said as devoted citizens, ZICA would like the country to come out of the negative tag attributed to its default status since 2020, so that the Government can properly execute its economic recovery plan.

“Much as the Debt issue is a big matter concerning the country’s economy and a lot hinges on it, the budget for 2023 is dependent on a restructured loan facilities from our creditors and we know how detrimental it will be if this debt restructuring does not happen and that is why we are saying let’s put in place measures that will boost our revenue collection and start to address some of the areas of the economy that need urgent attention.”

“We, therefore, urge the Minister of Finance to keep pushing and start considering having a PLAN B in case the debt restructuring process takes longer than planned. We believe that the Economic Recovery Plan has many other facets and key areas apart from debt restructuring and debt sustainability. It would be good to heighten efforts and focus on other areas of the plan that would give us quick wins so that the economic recovery is not derailed.” She remarked.

The media briefing also reflected on other developments related to other key matters that include, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approval of ZESCO’s application to increase electricity tariffs, financial stability versus price stability, Unemployment in the country as well as Governance and corruption. Others were Reaction to 1st Quarter of 2023 Budget and Economic Performance presented by Minister of Finance and National Planning, Utilisation of CDF Funds, Government engagements with Professional Bodies and Training of Accountants and employing accountants not registered with ZICA.

On the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approval of ZESCO’s application to increase electricity tariff, Zimba said in spite of the positives put forward to justify the increments, inadvertently, a higher tariff is likely to be passed on to the consumers by producers of goods and services thus increasing inflationary pressures and thereby negatively affecting welfare of the citizens.

She explained that controlling inflation, which is the core focus of the Bank of Zambia will also become a difficult task and may lead to further tightening of the monetary policy which will eventually negatively impact businesses.

She further implored the government to review the two-tier electricity tariff system where electricity tariffs are in general regulated and approved by the ERB on one hand and the mining tariffs on the other hand being implemented under the so called “Power Service Agreements” between the mines and government as a result, mining tariffs have been low and below cost of supply an arrangement that continues to be a source of grief for non-mining consumers who feel the tariff regime is unfair.

On financial stability versus price stability Zimba said the recent MPC statement reversed some of its earlier inflation projections of attaining a single digit, to a new forecast where it is projected that inflation will persist on an upward trend for the rest on 2023.

She said this is of concern and will have the effect of eroding some of the past economic gains note and may dampen growth, lead to increase in unemployment and raise the cost of borrowing further which is already at high sticky rates.

“We note that while the Central Bank is keen to execute its mandate to control inflation, we would like to implore them to exercise caution and ensure that they strike a balance to 9 ensure that there’s financial stability as well as economic stability during the implementation of their monetary policy actions.”

“We are further of the view that government still has a greater role to play when it comes to matters of job creation and therefore, government should be concerned with the rate at which unemployment is rising. If no practical policy actions are taken to tackle this problem, it will negate the good efforts of providing free education and high quality education to end up producing graduates that will find themselves on the streets and cannot start businesses due to the sticky lending rates and lack of start-up capital.”

She said ZICA, as a partner to government and a key stakeholder in promoting tenets of good governance and fighting all forms of corruption will take a keen interest in following up the implementation of the IMF recommendations in the areas highlighted in the report.

On the arrest of ZICA members at Ministry of Finance and Auditor General’s Office, Zimba said, “As ZICA we are closely following press reports on the matter concerning our Members at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and Office of the Auditor General. As you may be aware, this is an active matter now under law enforcement Agencies for which the Institute awaits a final verdict. Once the outcomes of these cases are known and legally concluded, the Institute may issue a statement to that effect.”

Zimba also called upon the Government to continue promoting transparency, accountability and continued strengthening of internal controls in the utilisation of CDF funds as constituencies now have a lot of funds to manage starting this year which is a big risk.

“I further wish to commend Government for giving professional Institutions like ZICA an opportunity to give professional advice on economic and national matters. We further urge the government to strengthen its ties with professional bodies in order to foster economic development through dialogue. We are of the view that constructive relationships between professional bodies and the institutions of government are not only desirable, but necessary and viable as it is likely to lead to more equitable, sustainable public decisions and improve the lives of the local communities.”

She added that, “ZICA continues to work with approved Tuition Providers in the development of work-ready Accountants, Taxation specialists, Public Sector Financial Management specialists, Business and finance leaders. We would like to implore the public to employ these graduates in finance roles as they are trained to uphold public interest by being gatekeepers of public and private assets.”

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The Zambia institute of chartered accountants –

Markets

The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants – ZICA – President Cecilia Zimba has warned that there is need for a deliberate financial literacy programme that would help those that redeem their National Pension Scheme Authority – NAPSA – pre-retirement benefits to invest the resources wisely.

On the 17th of April 2023, President Hakainde Hichilema signed into law the National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Bill of 2023, which allows for the partial withdraw of pensions.

President HH signed off with his special assistant for legal affairs Christopher Mundia Junior, a pre-retirement benefit which is now accessible by all National Pension Scheme Authority – NAPSA contributors which has over 800k formally employed contributors.

Scores of people in some parts of the country have been seen lining up at National Pension Scheme Authority – NAPSA – offices in a bid to access the partial pension withdrawal since this came into effect.

ZICA – President Cecilia Zimba, however warns that there is need for a deliberate financial literacy programme that would help those that redeem to invest the resources wisely and that ZICA was ready to work with the Government in this regard.  

Speaking at the 1st Quarter Budget and Economic Performance Symposium organised by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning held in Lusaka on 2nd May 2023, Zimba thanked the Government for the initiative to allow for the partial withdraw of the pre-retirement benefits from the National Pension Scheme Authority – NAPSA.

The key requirements to qualify for this pre-retirement lump sum benefit withdrawal, is that the contributor is below pensionable age (55 years for early retirement) and has made a minimum of sixty monthly contributions or 5 years of contributions or has attained the age of forty-five (45 years).

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The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants –

Opinion

By Donald Mumba

After much talk about pivoting to the west, the reality on the ground, the substance over form is that Zambia is still tapping China for major infrastructure projects. Whenever there is a major infrastructure financing need, it seems no western companies are capable of competing with their Chinese or Eastern bloc counterparts.

While the West seem to have won the minds of many in the ideological support for a semblance of democratic governance system that is practiced in Zambia, when it comes to economic realities on hard core infrastructure investments and financing, the Chinese have so far won the bids to do the three largest projects even under the new dawn administration.

It was initially thought that the western firms would come into Zambia in droves after the change of government in 2021, from the Patriotic Front – PF which was seen to be more leaning to the East and China to the United Party for National Development – UPND which was seen as leaning more to the West, alas, the situation on the ground seems like a continuation of the status quo as far as infrastructure financing and construction is concerned.

Take for instance the top three infrastructure projects so far confirmed in Zambia from the time the new dawn administration took over, we have seen a Chinese consortia winning the bid to do the Chingola – Kasumbalesa dual road project worth about USD32 million, we also saw the Chinese consortia again being awarded the tender to do the much awaited USD650 million Lusaka – Ndola dual carriage way road.

Another major economic project that has seen even President Hakainde Hichilema launch, was the USD600 million United Capital Fertilizer project to make Zambia self-sufficient in UREA fertilizers production and cut imports that should see the Kwacha end its November to March annual depreciation streak experienced when importing large quantities of fertilizers.  

These are real tangible projects which even the most Sino skeptical locals can see, with their impact on the national economy clear for everyone who cares to see. Of course, what seems to have changed is the reduced skepticism of corruption in contract awards, overpricing accusations and China bashing by foreign diplomats in Zambia and western financed non-governmental organizations plying their trade in the country.

The bottom line is that the Chinese and the Eastern bloc have retained their reputation for execution, financial ability and technical know-how on executing projects at acceptable terms to ordinary folks in developing country like Zambia. Now, contrast this with the western support and economic support pledges.

The largest project that was expected after the takeover by the new dawn administration was on electric batteries manufacturing industry, it was taunted to worth in excess of USD15 billion for just the initial phase, but it is still on paper, not even land has been secured, no construction has started and no top ranking official seems to be able to give a proper update on when exactly this project will commence.

Most skeptics are now saying that this project was only made to hoodwink members of the public to look away from a leaning to the East based economic partnerships. Projections to increase copper production to over 3 million tons from the current about 800,000 tons by 2031 have still not been broken down to actual milestones or mines projected production figures that can be independently tracked, making the whole episode feel like an excuse for justifying the award of unjustified tax incentives.

The only tangible project from the western based companies we have seen is the launch of the USD30 million Mimbula mine. The other was the USD100 million enterprise Nickle mine which was projected to start earning about USD800 million per annum, but it’s difficult to confirm if these revenues ever touch the Zambian banking industry or forex market.

Yes, we do get announcements from Western countries of hundreds of millions of US dollars investments in the health sector but are these investments tangible, how much of that support actually comes into the Zambian economy? How much of it has ever been invested in local medicine and medical equipment manufacturing so that future self-sufficiency can be attained?

For Zambia, we need to be allowed to engage both the East and the West, tap the countries with the most efficient system in specific areas of economic and socio-cultural endeavor. Today, Zambia needs infrastructure to open up the country for full exploitation of its massive natural resources.

One important and urgent need for the new dawn government to not only outside for foreign direct investments, but how to avail local investment by having a local financial system that can provide affordable and competitive financing. Even most of these mines and projects that politicians think can only be done by foreign investors, can be done by local investors if a proper and working financial system is put in place.

The stock exchange – LuSE needs to start working for local investors and SMEs, banks and micro financiers need regulatory guidance and support to back local businesses. Only then will the demographic dividend and youth unemployment be tackled. There is no country that has ever successfully outsourced its development agenda. Only Zambians and local businesses can meaningfully and sustainably develop Zambia.

About the Author; Donald Mumba is the Managing Editor and Director of the Zambian Business Times – ZBT. For comments and contributions email: donald.mumba@zambianbusinesstimes.com

Picture below is Zambia’s President HH and Zhang Jinyue, Vice President for Wuhuan Engineering Company during the launch of the construction of United Capital Fertiliser plant.

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By Donald Mumba After much talk about pivoting

Tech

The 32 kilometers Chingola-Kasumbalesa road which is the first deal that the New Dawn UPND administration has clinched after taking over government will not deliver the cost savings that were anticipated as the final cost per kilometer will also cost about US$1 million per kilometer.

The Ministry of Infrastructure development has disclosed following a concession agreement singed to design, finance, build and maintain the Chingola to Kasumbalesa road through a Public Private Partnership – PPP model will be done at a total cost of about US$31 million.

The total cost of US$31 million for 32km roads works out to about US$1 million per kilometer, a rate that was thought to have been exhorbitant. The Zambian government on 31st October signed ab 18 years concession agreement with a Chinese consortium Turbo Investment Consortia –TIC to design, finance, build and maintain the Chingola to Kasumbalesa road.

Mininister of infrastructure Charles Milupi said,  the “government on 14 February 2022 received a proposal from private partnership for the design financing building operation maintenance and transfer of the 35 kilometeres of the T3 mining transportation channel of the Chingola Kasumbalesa on the Copperbelt province.”

“Following evaluation of the proposal and negotiations in line with the provisions of the private public partnership, act NO. 14 of 2009 and as amended, government agreed to enter into a concession agreement with the preferred bidder for execution on the design finance build maintain operate and transferee basis.” Milupi said.

He explained to the Zambian Business Times -ZBT – that the construction cost of the 3 kilometres concrete dual courage way leading into Kasumbalesa and the rehabilitation of approximately 32 kilometers of the Chingola Kasumbalesa road has been agreed at US$31,037,030.96 without taxes.

Milupi said the scope of works and notable features to be done on the project include rehabilitation and widening of 32km of the existing road with the cross section to be adopted shall comprise a 3.5 meter lane with a 2.5 shoulder 2 meters of which are paved and the point 5 meters is unpaved on the both side of the courage way affecting 12 meters.

He said the project also comprise the Construction of 3 kilometres concrete dual courage way in Kasumbalesa town and construction of 2 trucking areas and laybys for both north and south bound trucks.

“Others include the construction of lanes that will allow for accommodation of traffic during construction, repaving of the bridge, construction of 1 toll plaza and construction 1 type 2 weigh bridge with in motion weighing station in accordance to the SADC standards specifications which costs will be shared with government.” He said.

Milupi said the parties have agreed to a 18 year concession period with the construction period of 1 year but could not disclose when the concessionaire will begin to collect tolls or if the current toll rates would be maintained.

He however said Public infrastructure shall be at the right price quality and timeline adding that this was on the understanding that all the risks associated with funding mechanisms are to be bon by the concessionaire and could also not make mention of the quality.

He said the scope of work include, “a 32 kilometres from the section to be rehabilitee and 6 kilometers that’s the dual the last 3 kilometers to be dualised from the section in kasumbalesa. 14 kilometers worked out from the widening cross section is usually 6.8 meters comprising of 3.4 meter lanes. The adopted cross section for the project is 11 meters with 3.5 meters lane and 2 meters sealed shoulders which alone works out to be 21 kilometers compared to an ordinary road.”

Milupi mentioned that the 32 km is an asphalt road and the last 3 kilometres which will be dual courage way will be concrete. When averaged over 35km, the cost per kilometer comes to about US$885k. When in opposition, the UPND promised to negotiate roads contract cost to below US$500k per km.

“The agreement is on the understanding that all the risks associated with funding mechanisms will be bon by the concessionaire itself with no assistance from the government of the republic of Zambia.” He said.

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The 32 kilometers Chingola-Kasumbalesa road which is

Agribusiness

Katete District Commissioner has disclosed that the date for commissioning of the much anticipated Eastern Tropical Fruit processing plant has not yet been set despite the factory being ready for commissioning.

Katete District Commissioner – DC – Malan Zimba exclusively told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – in an interview that the plant which is expected to employee about 300 workers was set with about 40 people so far employed.

The K160 million, Industrial Development Cooperation (IDC)’s Eastern Tropical Fruit processing plant in Katete District of Eastern Province was set for commissioning in October 2020 and later postponed to May 2021, due to delays in the arrival of factory equipment as well as the COVID-19 restrictions that were instituted in various countries. The plant was latter set for commissioning in the third quarter of 2022 and since then no clear explanation has been made towards the same.

Efforts to however get a comment from the Industrial Development Cooperation IDC on why the commissioning has delayed proved futile by press time.

When asked why the plant has delayed to be commissioned despite all works being completed, Zimba said, “I think the only challenge had been logistical challenges and the IDC concentrated much on the Mwinilunga plant as they wanted it to be on a full scale operation before they could concentrate on the one in katete.” The DC assured that the plant will be commissioned soon.

The fruit process plant is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between governments through the IDC with 70 percent shares while Vitaplus Foods Limited, a Zambian company holds 30 percent shares.

Zimba said once operational, the Eastern Fruit processing plant is expected to improve the economy of Katete District of Eastern Province as the farmers will also be empowered and will no longer be waiting for the rain season to grow fruits and other things they can supply to the plant adding that this will indeed bring a lot of revenue to the district.

Zimbia added that over 300 people are likely to be employed a situation he said will reduce the high number of unemployment in the District.

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Katete District Commissioner has disclosed that the

Mining

The National Union of Miners and Allied Workers -NUMAW- has maintained that the situation at both Mopani copper Mines MCM and Konkola Copper Mines KCM is desperate as the mines are surviving on imports.

NUMAW National President Saul Simujika said KCM is only surviving on the Copper ore and concentrate imports from Congo as it is failing to meet in-house production. Government had taken over KCM from Vedanta through a liquidation route after a row over vedanta relations with key stakeholders over delays in paying local suppliers and accusations of tax dodging.

Earlier the MineWorkers Union of Zambia – MUZ – had described as shocking that KCM had denied their statement that the mine is failing to meet production targets and planning requirements when everything could be seen from their operations and output.

KCM provisional liquidator Celine Nair had earlier denied claims by three unions representing workers at the company and its subsidiaries that the mine was not meeting production and planning requirements.

This was after the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), the National Union of Mining and Allied Workers (NUMAW), and the United Mine Workers of Zambia (UMUZ) issued a joint statement suggesting that employees of KCM subsidiaries, the Konkola Mineral Resources Limited (KMRL) and KCM SmelterCo Limited, were reporting for work without being assigned tasks.

Simujika has reiterated that there is no serious mining activities taking place at KCM adding that the mine is only surviving on concentrates from DRC and other regions.

NUMAW National President Saul Simujika has since appealed to government to stabilize the mining industry on the Copperbelt to revive the region’s economy.

The delay in finding a lasting solution for both KCM and Mopani Copper Mines has led to desperation with even some suppliers and union officials who are very much aware of the vedanta indiscretions making a U-turn to even call for the return of both Vedanta for KCM and Glencore for Mopani.

The continued failure by government to come up with short, medium and long term plans for the two Mines to continue operations with a potential of 500,000 tonnes in annual production has paralyzed business on the entire compperbelt. The two Mines have four locations in Kitwe, Mufulira, Chingola and Chililabombwe.

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The National Union of Miners and Allied

Tech

Airtel Africa Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, has reaffirmed the joint commitment by Airtel Africa and UNICEF to accelerate access to quality education to millions of children in Africa, through digital learning.

Ogunsanya, who was speaking during a visit to Kitende Secondary School, Entebbe, one of the schools connected to the internet by the mobile telecommunications operator, stated that “Airtel Africa is cognizant of the great value education contributes to our nations across the continent, which is why we are very deliberate in promoting education and empowering our people.

This is according to a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times by Airtel Zambia’s Head Corporate Communications Yuyo Nachali Kambikambi.

“Airtel Africa will continue to support the shared efforts of the Government of Uganda, by identifying and collaborating with strategic partners like UNICEF to transform the way our children learn. We commit to do this in Uganda and across the 13 other countries where Airtel Africa operates,” Ogunsanya pledged.

While commending the government of Uganda for showing high level of commitment to the digitization of education, Ogunsanya also recognized the pivotal role being played by UNICEF in supporting African children. He charged the students to take good advantage of the resources through the partnership between Airtel Africa and UNICEF to further their academic pursuits in order to realize their dreams in life.

Also speaking on the occasion, the state minister for Primary Education, Dr. Moriku Kaducu, acknowledged the positive contribution by Airtel Uganda and UNICEF in the transformation of educational opportunities for children. She pledged government to support the partnership in the form of a conducive policy framework and continuous engagements to drive down the tax rates on end-user devices and data for educational purposes.

The UNICEF Representative to Uganda, Dr. Munir Safieldin, had explained that “through the Kolibri digital learning platform, the partnership will reach 54,000 students with USSD/SMS based content optimized for mobile. Currently, Kolibri is available in over 100 secondary schools with computer labs and 15 youth-friendly ICT centers in refugee settlements. An estimated 16,000 learners and 350 teachers in secondary schools have interacted with the Kolibri initiative. More than 1,080 adolescents and 200 trained volunteers are involved in the out of school Kolibri initiative implementation. To-date over 7,500 registered users with over 200,000 content interactions.”

Airtel Africa and UNICEF launched the $57m 5-year partnership in 2021, to accelerate the roll-out of digital learning for children by connecting schools to the internet and ensuring free access to learning platforms in Uganda and other Airtel Operating Countries, to ensure that every child reaches their full potential.

In Uganda 100 schools will be connected in the first 2 years, with the objective of reaching 54,750 students and teachers in primary and secondary schools across the country, with a particular focus on rural schools in the West Nile and Karamoja regions.

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Airtel Africa Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, has