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Mining

The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has disclosed that the construction of two Gold Marketing Centres located in Mumbwa and Rufunsa is expected to be completed before the end of 2025.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul C. Kabuswe said the total investment for this initiative amounts to K19,207,312.13, with the construction scheduled for completion in 2025. Kabuswe said these centers have been strategically identified as pilot sites due to the high incidence of gold mining activities in both districts.

He said this initiative is aimed at facilitating market access for local miners, thus enhancing their operational capabilities and economic viability. He added that the Ministry has procured a range of essential equipment, including washing plants and gold detectors, amounting to K12,794,784.00.

This investment will directly support 85 cooperatives in Mumbwa and Rufunsa, enabling them to ramp up their mining operations and increase production levels. “To ensure the successful operationalization of the Gold Marketing Centres, the Zambia Gold Company has been appointed as the official aggregator. This partnership will allow the company to purchase gold from formalized mining cooperatives at competitive rates, providing a stable market for local miners.” He said

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The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development

Lifestyle, Markets

In 2006, the Zambian Government declared the Zambian standard for used textile products compulsory through Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 120 of 2006. This compulsory standard prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments such as pajamas, night gowns, underwear, bras, camisoles, vests.

Meanwhile, speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT , Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Communication and Public Relations Manager Brian Hatyoka disclosed that, ZCSA has not seized or destroyed any used undergarments from January 2025 to-date.

Hatyoka further stated that, Consumers are urged to buy only new undergarments which are available on the market, to safeguard their health. “Traders and other offenders are warned to desist from selling used undergarments as they may face sanctions such as seizure and destruction of the products as well as prosecution through the courts of law.” Furthermore, when asked about the used undergarments which we still see around,

Hatyoka stated that when seizing these used textile products do not target individual traders but instead go for the real importers for normally bring these products in form of bales.

“What we do normally is, we look at the real importers, we don’t just go on the market and get from those that are just selling , because that’s just part of the problem the bigger problem is the importer who brings into the country , importers usually bring in bales which can have over a hundred clothes in there of used undergarments , so in most of our enforcement efforts we seize the bale’s but we know that even if we seize bale’s, they are still those bale’s that still sneak themselves into the market, so what you see basically on the market are products from the bales.” Hatyoka explained.

He further stated that they normally target the importers as they are the root of the problem. “When you hear that we have seized these used undergarments, we mainly seize the bale’s so that we reduce on those quantities on the market as they are not supposed to be on the market, they are banned products so for us to stop, we look for those who import, then the bales we get them, destroy and penalize the suppliers or importers.”He explained.

Hatyoka further warned importers to desist from importing products that have been banned. “If they continue they should know that one day we’ll catch up with them and seize those products and we’ll destroy, and when we destroy we don’t compensate, we just destroy making it your loss as the importer or trader.” He explained Hatyoka further appealed to the public to become whistle blowers and alert their officers on any suspicious, substandard and banned products so that enforcement actions can be taken.

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In 2006, the Zambian Government declared the

Markets

Recently the Malawian Government through its Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Vitumbiko Augearns Zasamula Mumba passed an order stating that,“A person shall not import into Malawi any of the good listed in the schedule.”


Meanwhile the prohibited imported goods that were listed were, fruits and vegetables except the ones that don’t grow in Malawi, maize flour, fresh milk, rice, peanut butter , honey, popcorn, meat products such as sausage, bacon and cold meat, tooth picks, matches, bottled water, plastic utensils, wooden furniture, table eggs, mops, Irish potatoes, garlic, ginger, onions and security boots The prohibition order further indicated that , any person who contravenes the provision of this order , commits an offence and shall , upon conviction ,be liable to penalties specified under Malawi’s control of goods Act (import and export) commerce prohibition order) specified under section 14 of the act.


It further showed that the order will expire on the 12th day of March, 2027.Meanwhile in an exclusive interview with Zambia’s Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association (SACBTA), Secretary General Jacob Makambwe said, this will affect the trade between Zambia and Malawi especially for small scale traders because most of the goods listed on that particular prohibition order are also on the simplified trade regime on the common list that Zambia and Malawi had actually agreed on the simplified trade regime agreement. “So this is some kind of non-tariff barrier imposed by a country that is abrogating regional agreement that they signed, because
Zambia and Malawi have got bilateral agreement.”

 Makambwe further stated that the ban wasn’t made in good faith as it will affect most of the traders operating within that area.“Most of those that will be operating around there are going to encounter problems and it is going to encourage smuggling thereby increasing illicit trade in that area.

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Recently the Malawian Government through its Minister

Agribusiness, Markets

The newly opened $35 million Bayer Itaba Seed Plant in Kabwe is expected to create jobs, increase seed exports, and support Zambia’s economic growth. According to the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ) National Secretary, Dr. Nicholas Mainza said, the plant will expand Zambia’s seed exports to regional markets such as SADC, East Africa, and North Africa, as
well as to Europe.

“The Bayer Seed Plant will create more opportunities for Zambia to export seed to various regions and expand our seed market,” said Dr. Mainza. He added that, while enhancing economic activities in the district, the plant will provide job opportunities for locals in Kabwe, especially to young people and women.


“The plant will open up jobs for people in Kabwe, and locals should take advantage of this,” said Mainza. He further noted that the plant’s presence would help boost Kabwe’s economy alongside other key projects, such as the ongoing rehabilitation of  Mulungushi Textiles. “This investment is a big step toward improving economic activity in Central Province. It will address seed challenges experienced in the past and support the growth of the agriculture sector,” Mainza explained.


He further highlighted that the plant will increase seed exports, which will automatically bring in more foreign currency which is an important factor in strengthening Zambia’s economy.“The more seed we export, the more forex we earn. This investment will help increase seed exports and support our economic recovery,” He said.


Dr. Mainza further urged the government to promote similar investments across different sectors so as to boost production and expand Zambia’s export market

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The newly opened $35 million Bayer Itaba

Agribusiness

Riverside Farm Institute Director says poor scheduling practices by Zesco has negatively impacted the farms production especially banana production. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Riverside Farm Institute Director Craig Harding said, production cost has gone up looking at it that they have incorporated alternative Energy resources like Gen sets as they have to keep the fruits refrigerated.

“The toughest year I have ever had to deal with was late year for sure, I would say we lost at least 40% of our production yields both on the wheat and bananas due to the water issues related to ZESCO.” Hardings added that apart from growing bananas, they are also into Avocado production, citrus (on a smaller scale) as well as soybeans and wheat.

“We have 63 hectares of bananas, and we lost 40% of our yields last year so we are currently dealing with around 40 tons per hectare instead of closer to 70tons per hectare.”

He further disclosed to ZBT, that when it comes to market access they have an already established

market for their produce. “We have an already established market as we have one of the premium fruits on the market so demand for us is very high and we fail to disappoint the customers when you can’t provide consistently because your yields are below what it should be because of challenges with irrigation.”He stated.

Hardings further stated that they normally supply to the local market. “Lastly I think if we are going to have load shedding, there is need to have serious strong measures put in to ensure that the load shedding schedule is followed strictly.” He said.

He further raised concern that they had many issues where “We were given load shedding schedules, power cuts and then we send the guys home then 2hrs later power comes back, now what do we do ? We call the guys back and power cuts again, so like that it becomes very hard to manage production with inconsistent power cuts.” Hardings further alluded that if this is worked on it would be a massive improvement. “Navigating difficult times is something we all have to do but we can make it at least manageable by being accurately scheduled and not totally erratic where it constantly changes.”

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Riverside Farm Institute Director says poor scheduling

Mining

Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena has emphasized the district’s potential to emerge as a significant player in gold production, provided that robust security measures and regulatory frameworks are put in place.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mabena asserts that with the implementation of robust security measures and effective regulatory frameworks,Rufunsa can significantly enhance its role in gold mining. As the construction of the Rufunsa Gold Marketing Centre, a key initiative aimed at formalizing the gold mining sector in the Rufunsa District of Lusaka province gears up, Mabena has warned that the lack of well-defined operational protocols could undermine its long-term viability.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mabena highlighted the significance of the new gold marketing center being constructed in the district, asserting that without clear operational measures, its potential impact may be undermined.

He said the center has the potential to address longstanding issues faced by local miners, who have often been short changed by external buyers who exploit their vulnerability, compelling them to sell their gold at significantly lower prices than market value.

Mabena emphasized the positive implications of the gold marketing center if well utilized, which will not only facilitate the direct deposit of locally mined gold into Zambia’s national reserves through the Bank of Zambia but will also enhance the district’s economic empowerment. He noted that local gold is often bought by external traders who transport it to other regions for resale at higher prices, depriving Rufunsa’s economy of rightful revenue. He said the implementation of structured sales processes is critical to effectively monitor gold extraction and its economic contributions.

Despite the anticipated benefits, Mabena said illegal mining remains a pressing concern adding that unchecked mining activities lead to environmental degradation and safety risks for artisanal miners who are often exploited by opportunistic buyers. He suggested the importance of establishing rigorous mining and safety protocols as well as empowering local miners through equitable selling practices. Determining the full extent of gold reserves in Rufunsa poses challenges, as miners typically refrain from disclosing their yields, resulting in uncontrolled sales and significant revenue losses for the district. He however said a survey conducted by the Ministry of Mines has providedsome insights, particularly into areas like the historic Kabombo mine, operational since 1938.

Mabena called for a collaborative approach involving the Ministry of Mines, the Cadastre Department, traditional leaders, and local authorities, underscoring the necessity for cohesive efforts to tighten regulations, ensure proper declarations of mined resources, and secure corporate social responsibilities from mining companies that operate within the area.

This is after the Ministry of Mines announced that the construction of the two new Gold Marketing Centers in Mumbwa and Rufunsa is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The initiative represents an investment of K19,207,312.13, with current construction progress reported at 40 percent according to Rufunsa DC. March Construction, based in Lusaka and contracted by Zambia Gold Company, is tasked with the project in Rufunsa. Mabena reiterated that with the right security measures and regulatory frameworks, Rufunsa has the potential to emerge as a significant player in gold production, ultimately benefiting both local miners and the national economy.

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Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena has emphasized

Agribusiness, Markets

Zambia Coffee Growers Association General Manager, Joseph Taguma has urged small holder farmers to venture into coffee growing based on its value on the international market, with the recent Zamstats report that indicated that the commodity contributed 7 percent to the country’s export earnings in the
month of January.


“If we were able to get our small holders into growing coffee and even these emergent farmers as long as they are able to irrigate it, they will be able to produce good quality coffee which will be acceptable on the international market. We have the market as well as technical expertise in terms of agronomists who can assist in ensuring that we’re able to produce good quality coffee and take advantage of the
international market,” echoed Taguma in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business
Times (ZBT). “If 4,200 Metric tons can be able to contribute 7% in terms of export earnings then there
is more to earn if we produce 40,000MT.”
He expressed delight at the feat and called on the farmers to participate in the growth and increase the percentage contribution, revealing that currently the country only relies on company known as Northern Coffee Corporation, which is based in Kasama.


Taguma further stated that currently that target is to amass a total export production of about 4,200 metric tons of Coffee. “As a country today for example if we had about 40,000 of coffee, we would sell it all because the market is available.”
He however bemoaned the lack of financing “unfortunately the position now is that the country doesn’t have long term finance for people to be able to go into tree crop agriculture.”
Taguma further alluded that Tree Crop Agriculture has been neglected for many years “It is not
the right crop politically” as it takes at least three years before one can start to get results from
it.
“Countries like Rwanda, Burundi here which are not even the size of Northern Province are able to produce respectively 24,000- 25,000MT on average per year what more we, with the quality weather conditions at our disposal.”

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Zambia Coffee Growers Association General Manager, Joseph

Markets

The February 2025 Zamstats Report has revealed that the total value of exports for all modes of transport for the month of January was K26.0 billion. With Road Transport accounting for the highest value of K25.7 billion representing 99.0% share. Seconded by Air transport with K0.14 billion (0.6 percent)
and rail transport was third with a value of K 0.13 billion( 0.5 percent).
Financial expert Trevor Hambayi has attributed the dominance of road transport in the total value of export due to Zambia’s heavy reliance on road transport for exports and the country’s landlocked position.


Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambia Business Times- ZBT Hambayi, explained that Zambia’s
major export is copper, with most shipments heading to South Africa and The Democratic Republic of Congo DRC via Road transport clearly indicating why Road transport recorded 99% of the total export.
“The reason why we’ve got such a high road transport export base is because we are a landlocked country, and we need to move commodities that we export to a seaport and this is normally done through road transport,” echoed Hambayi.

He added that aside from copper, Zambia’s other key
exports include fast-moving consumer goods intended for regional markets. These products are generally low-value and shipped in bulk, making road transport the most affordable and accessible option.
Hambayi pointed out that while rail transport should ideally provide a cheaper and more efficient alternative for moving bulk goods, Zambia’s rail system remains unreliable due to poor infrastructure.
“Unfortunately our rail system is not in a position to create efficiency, If you send goods by rail, it will take you a very long time before they arrive and that has disadvantaged rail transport”, said Hambayi.


However, Hambayi stressed the need for Zambia to invest in modernizing its rail network and Air transport to improve efficiency and reduce costs especially for air services.
He also noted that Zambia’s low use of air services is largely due to the country’s limited production of lightweight, high-value goods that would justify the high costs. “We need to focus on producing goods that are light in weight but of high value to justify the cost of air transport,” he suggested.
Hambayi further emphasized the need for Zambia to diversify its exports, reducing
overreliance on copper and invest in value addition for locally produced goods to improve their competitiveness in international markets.” Developing an export strategy that encourages value
addition and expands our product range will help us retain hard currency within the country,” said Hambayi

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The February 2025 Zamstats Report has revealed

Mining

Export earnings from refined copper in Zambia dipped by 5.8%, declining from K19.8 billion in December 2024 to K18.7 billion in January 2025, as revealed by the recent official statistics obtained by the Zambian Business Times (ZBT).

According to official statistics, in January 2024, refined copper export volumes saw a reduction of 7.4%, dropping from 80 thousand metric tons in December to 74.1 thousand metric tons. Notably, during the same period, the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices experienced a slight increase of 0.7%, rising from US$8,919.5 per metric ton to US$8,977.6 per metric ton.
However, the volume of refined copper exported in January 2025 surpassed the previous year’s figures, with 74.1 thousand metric tons compared to 65.5 thousand metric tons in January 2024, reflecting a significant 13% increase yearon-year.

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Export earnings from refined copper in Zambia

Agribusiness, Markets

Nyimba Farmers Association extension officer has disclosed that the inadequate supply of sunflower has adversely affected their production of cooking oil, resulting in a production drop of 50 percent.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times- ZBT, Nyimba farmers association Extension Officer, Edward Lungu said the plummet in production is due to the suppliers failing to meet the required quantities that the association needs, due to the drought which occurred last season.“Our suppliers of Sunflower didn’t have enough produce to supply us with adequate sunflower to process into cooking oil, so that has been a challenge to our production this year. Previously we used to do very well, the only problem we have is a reduction in the quantities
of sunflower that we bought.”


He revealed. Lungu revealed that after this significant setback, the association veered to the production
of sunflower in bid to mitigate the shortage. “We came up with an idea that, aside from us buying
from farmers we should also start producing the raw materials ourselves, so this farming season we planted close 50 hectares or so of sunflower so that we can try to address the
challenge that we had.” Lungu explained.


He further told ZBT that the association has plans of expanding their production, so that they can cater for other districts as well. “Our production dropped from 1,030 litres to 520 litres.” He stated.
“We actually intend to work with the suppliers that were giving us sunflower and also utilize the one that we’ve planted, so what we’ll be happening is that we shall be getting from our farm as well as
buying from our suppliers, this obviously will lead to a massive change in quantities of
cooking oil.”


He further explained that market price fluctuations have also hindered the business prospects of the association. “We’ve been having challenges in terms of the market price fluctuations, where today the
price is at this level, and tomorrow it fluctuates, so we have instabilities in terms of market price, and ironically the society here where we operate from, want to dictate the pricing saying “Banzanu bagulisa
ati K250 why should you sell it at that price”, forgetting the amount of investment.” He disclosed.
Furthermore, Lungu stated that there is need to orient the consumers on the origination of the price of the finished product so that they understand the production cost attached to producing cooking oil so that both party’s benefit.

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Nyimba Farmers Association extension officer has disclosed