In a significant milestone for Zambia’s industrial and agricultural development, Sino Great Chemical Limited has launched the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art phosphate plant in Lusaka West.
The plant, which marks a major investment in Zambia’s economy, is expected to play a crucial role in boosting the country’s agricultural productivity and industrial growth.
In his keynote speech, President Hakainde Hichilema, emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it would not only create jobs and stimulate economic growth but also position Zambia as a regional leader in the production of phosphate-based products.
The phosphate plant, which is expected to produce 300,000 metric tons of phosphate-based products annually, will cater to both industrial and agricultural sectors, providing high-quality fertilizers to improve crop yields and sustain food security.
Sino Great Chemical Limited’s investment in Zambia is a testament to the country’s favorable business environment and its commitment to attracting foreign investment.
The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by representatives from Wonderful Group Zambia, who expressed their support for the project and their commitment to contributing to Zambia’s economic development.
As the project breaks ground, Sino Great Chemical Limited is expected to create hundreds of jobs, both during the construction phase and once the plant is operational.
The phosphate plant is expected to be completed within the next two years, and once operational, it will be a significant contributor to Zambia’s economic growth and development.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by high-ranking government officials, dignitaries, and stakeholders, signals the beginning of a new era in Zambia’s economic growth and development.
The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has clarified that Solwezi Airport is not facing closure, contrary to media reports suggesting that a developing gully may disrupt airport operations.
According to the statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, by ZACL Communications and Brand Manager, Mweembe Sikaulu and signed by ZACL Managing Director, Ngoza Matakana, Solwezi Airport, the principal aviation hub in North-Western Province is certified by the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) and remains fully operational.
“While gully erosion has been observed in the vicinity of the airport, this issue is being carefully monitored through regular inspections and mitigation measures. The erosion has not encroached on the runway or impacted flight schedules.” She said.
She explained that in addressing this challenge, ZACL in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MTL) and the ZCAA, engaged key stakeholders including the Geological Survey Department under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, and hydrologists from the Department of Water Affairs. “These experts conducted a thorough assessment of the gully and provided key recommendations.”
“In 2024, these efforts culminated in the completion of a detailed investigation, followed by the development of engineering designs for remedial works. Implementation of these solutions is scheduled to begin in 2025.”
“As part of its long-term strategy, ZACL has also been allocated land in Solwezi for the construction of a new greenfield airport. Preliminary discussions and feasibility studies are currently underway, led by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.”
Matakana said ZACL remains committed to its strategic goal of achieving aviation safety leadership by developing and maintaining airport infrastructure that meets international standards. “We assure the public of our dedication to providing safe, efficient, and reliable air navigation and airport services, ensuring continued connectivity across Zambia, the region, and beyond.”
Summer, what a wonderful time of year…When influencing gets too much When the news cycle gets too much When the endless queues get too much When the shopping chaos gets too much When the unavailable transport gets too muchWhen the holiday work shifts get too muchWhen the lawn mowing gets too much When the loud music gets too much When the traffic gets too much When the relentless schedule gets too much When the heatwaves get too much When the weather warnings get too much When the suntan lines get too much When the ever-growing laundry pile gets too muchWhen the festivities get too much When the 2025 university applications get too muchWhen the guests overstaying their welcome gets too muchWhen the social media mayhem gets too much When the out of sync robots get too muchWhen the New Year resolutions get too muchWhen the humidity gets too much When the travel expenses get too much When reapplying sunscreen gets too much When the packing and unpacking gets too much When the photo-taking gets too much When the flies get too muchWhen the pool maintenance gets too much When the fully booked airlines get too muchWhen the mosquito bites get too muchWhen the fishing trips get too much When the baking gets too muchWhen the road trip stops get too much When the sand in the car gets too much When the picnic ants get too much When the lumanda and nshima get too muchWhen the braai smoke gets too much When the television shows get too much When the homemade cooking gets too much When the hot car seats get too much When the outdoor football games get too much When the outdoor markets get too much When the air-conditioning bills get too much When the nature hikes get too much When the garden-watering gets too much When the hot sidewalks get too much When the bike rides get too much When the late nights get too much When the impromptu trips get too much When the 4×4 rides get too much When the mini-golf games get too much When the ice cube trays get too much When the late-night crickets get too much When the entertaining gets too muchWhen the bumpy boat rides get too much When the white-water rafting gets too much When the public pool crowds get too much When the lack of parking gets too much When the summer internships get too much When all you need is a breatherYou have made it to the end. Take a break from summer with KFC Zambia on Saturday, 21 December, a day to pause, refresh, and savour the start of holiday mode. Swing by KFC for a taste of summer and officially step into the holidays, recharged and ready. See you there!Discover KFC’s Summer Delights!KFC Summer Twisters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVlAX00WROUKFC Summer Krushers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpCn-tFYrlsKFC Summer Buckets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbiOjRR58UA
The holidays are here, and GOtv is ready to make them brighter! Whether you’re a football fanatic, a lover of heartwarming dramas, or a parent looking to keep the kids entertained, our festive Open Windows are here to deliver joy, connection, and plenty of fun for every family.
Here’s how Open Windows work … An Open Window gives GOtv Plus customers access to channels outside your usual package, free for a limited period. What makes Open Windows special? More reasons to gather. More reasons to smile. With GOtv, Open Windows make the holidays brighter, one show at a time.
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Magical moments for the kids Starting Friday 13 December up until Monday 6 January, GOtv Plus subscribers and up can treat the kids to daily adventures filled with laughter and excitement with access to Cartoon Network, Nick Jr, NickToons, Cartoonito and Disney Channel. From Hero Inside on Cartoon Network to Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever on Disney Channel, there’s something special for every little one. It’s the perfect way to keep them entertained while you soak up the festive spirit.
Movies that bring us together Movie marathons take centre stage from Friday 13 December through to Monday 6 January with access to MovieRoom, TNT Africa, Kix, Studio Universal, M-Net Movies 3, AXN Movies, Cinemundo HD and Star Movies. Whether it’s laughing along with Mr. Bean’s Holiday on MM3, reliving the chaos of Problem Child 1 and 2, or tuning in to the Christmas Fun Marathon on TNT, there’s no better way to bond than with a good story.
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With so much to watch and so many reasons to celebrate, GOtv is more than just TV – it’s part of your family. So, come back, stay with us, and join the festive fun! Ready to reconnect? The remote is waiting. Join the family this season. Come back to GOtv and stay for the fun. Download the MyGOtv App today to keep up with your account and enjoy GOtv Stream on the go for endless entertainment. GOtv, love it!
China Non-Ferrous Metal Company (CNMC) says it will spend about US$100 million from the broader commitment of approximately $500 million to dewater shaft 28 at the Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM).
Responding to a Zambian Business Times – ZBT inquiry on the CNMC’s investment pledge of about US$500 million in reviving production at 28 shafts in Luanshya and the breakdown of the key areas of investment by amount, CNMC Manager Administration Corporate Affairs Sydney Chileya explained that the dewatering initiative accounts for 20% of the total investment.
He said the undertaking involves the removal of 170 million cubic meters of water that currently inundates a channel extending over 6 kilometers across four shafts.
“Of the US$500 Million being invested in the reopening of 28 Shaft, about US$100 Million is going towards the dewatering process, this represents 20% of the total amount.”
“This is owing to the huge amount of water (170 million cubic meters) sitting in the channel covering 4 shafts spanning a distance of about 6 kilometers.”
President Hakainde Hichilema this year commissioned the process of de-watering the flooded 28 Shaft at Chinese-owned CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines in Luanshya to pave the way for the commencement of actual copper mining at the site which has been dormant for over 20 years.
The process of pumping out water from the three shafts commenced in April this year and is expected to be completed within the next 11 to 14 months.
Paid subscriptions are the lifeblood of streaming platforms, fueling everything including the acquisition of premium content and production of original content, investment in the technology needed to ensure smooth and secure delivery. However, Piracy undermines and reduces the companies’ ability to acquire content, and revenue and recoup investments.
There are many effects of piracy on streaming services. Today, revenue loss is one major problem that all online entertainment businesses are struggling with. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Showmax rely heavily on paid subscriptions, but piracy siphons off a significant portion of their audience, with users opting for illegal platforms that provide free access to copyrighted content. This leads to a reduction in legitimate subscribers, cutting into companies’ potential earnings. According to GO-Globe, a market leader in Corporate Web Applications, it notes that more than 141 billion visits globally were made to piracy websites in 2023-2024.
“Piracy leads to increased costs for businesses because they will have to invest for them to protect their content,” notes Owas Ray Mwape, Filmmaker and Actor. In most cases, streaming companies are forced to invest heavily in anti-piracy technologies and efforts to protect their intellectual property. The problem with this is that these expenses meant to safeguard their content, eat into their profit margins.
The other challenge created by piracy is content devaluation. Piracy devalues exclusive content. Platforms invest millions in producing original shows and films, banking on the fact that they can attract and retain subscribers. However, content becomes readily available on pirate sites and loses its exclusivity, weakening the value proposition for paying customers. “Piracy affects the competitive advantage of online streaming businesses, making it harder to justify premium prices and attract new subscribers,” said Chibwe Katembe, a stand-up Comedian and Actor.
As piracy continues to bite into profits, online companies may struggle to justify spending large sums on content creation. The streaming wars, characterized by fierce competition among platforms to acquire or produce high-quality content, will depend on a continuous stream of investment.
Piracy undercuts the return on these investments, potentially leading to scaled-back budgets, which in turn impacts the variety and quality of offerings available to subscribers.
Mwiche Chikungu, Assistant Director, of Performing and Literary Arts at National Arts Council National Arts Council (NAC) believes piracy has affected streaming companies’ brands and damaged trust and Integrity. “Piracy has affected the reputations of companies because the prevalence of pirated content has led to inconsistent user experiences, diminishing the overall value of content creation in the public eye,” says Mwiche.
Streaming companies such as MultiChoice, with its Showmax platform, continue to emphasize the need for heightened public awareness of the dangers of piracy, including the loss it creates for the industry and the jobs it threatens.
Today, initiatives like Partners Against Piracy (PAP), continue to educate consumers and tackle piracy through coordinated efforts with governments and regulators. PAP has taken initiatives as a means of mitigating the effects of piracy. However, without much involvement by other players especially in the creative space to fight piracy, the negative impact on online streaming companies might persist.
In a move that is being hailed as a major boost to Zambia’s environmental efforts, COMACO has donated two vehicles worth $102,000 to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, a move which is expected to enhance the ministry’s operations, particularly in the areas of forest protection and conservation.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha expressed gratitude to COMACO, stating that the vehicles (2 Toyota Hilux) will go a long way in ensuring that the forest is protected and that the ministry’s operations are enhanced.
Mposha recognized COMACO as a valuable partner in the effort to sustainably manage and conserve our natural resources. He also praised COMACO’s commitment to supporting colleagues in need and boosting worker morale and mobility.
He emphasized the importance of responsible vehicle use, encouraging officers to take good care of the gifts to inspire more partnerships.
“As a Ministry, one of the significant challenges we’ve faced has been the lack of proper working tools, particularly vehicles. The support we’ve received will greatly enhance our capability to protect our forests and improve mobility for our officers.” He remarked.
Mposha who is also member of Parliament for Munali constituency added that it would be disappointing to see the generous contributions received being misused. “If we want to encourage more partnerships like the one with COMACO, we need to demonstrate responsibility in managing what has been given to us.”
“Thank you very much, COMACO, for this incredible gesture. It exemplifies what a strong partnership looks like, stepping in to support colleagues who are struggling. This assistance will not only boost the morale of our workforce but also improve our overall operations as a Ministry, particularly within the forestry department and beyond.” He added. “Please we convey our heartfelt thanks to the management team. We truly value this partnership and appreciate your support.”
Speaking at the same event the Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Green Economy & Environment, Sitwala Wamunyima noted that the donation is a symbol of COMACO’s commitment to supporting forestry management in Zambia.
“The receiving of these vehicles by the Minister signifies yet another milestone which will require us to put in more efforts in ensuring that illegal activities that are taking place such as illegal charcoal production, illegal timber production and encroachment in our forest reserves are brought to a halt so it’s a very good gesture by COMACO.”
Meanwhile, COMACO’s Chief Operations Officer, Richard Mumba, emphasized the importance of complementing government efforts to ensure that communities comply with environmental regulations.
He stressed that the organization’s role is to work collectively with the government to address the needs of small-scale farmers and promote sustainable forestry practices.
“As Zambia faces ongoing environmental challenges, our mission is to complement government efforts in ensuring communities adhere to essential environmental standards. By doing so, we aim to showcase a greener environment, which is crucial for addressing the climate issues we currently encounter.”
Mumba said COMACO is committed to working together with the government to address the needs of small-scale farmers, emphasizing the importance of protecting local resources, especially forestry.
He said the two vehicles that have been handed over are valued at over $102, 000 adding that this donation strengthens COMACO’s collaboration with the government. “
COMACO has been working with small-scale farmers in collaboration with the Government to promote sustainable agriculture practices and reduce deforestation and this donation is just the latest example of COMACO’s commitment to environmental conservation in Zambia.
The Mines Safety Department (MSD) has acknowledged its inability to adequately inspect mining activities across the country, highlighting a significant gap in operational capacity.
This is a major grave concern, as it compromises the department’s ability to ensure that mining activities are being conducted safely and in accordance with regulations.
The MSD is responsible for ensuring that mining activities in Zambia are conducted in a safe and responsible manner. However, the department’s inability to conduct regular inspections means that many mining operations are going unmonitored, potentially putting miners’ lives at risk.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), MSD Director Fred Banda noted that originally established to focus primarily on operations within the Copperbelt and parts of North-Western Province, the department is now faced with the challenge of monitoring an expanding mining landscape that spans nearly the entire nation.
He said the MSD’s current constraints are attributed to insufficient financial resources, particularly in areas such as transportation, which are critical for conducting thorough inspections.
Banda however said the Department is actively engaging with the Ministry of Finance to secure increased funding, aiming to bolster its ability to carry out inspections nationwide.
“In light of these challenges, plans are underway to transition the MSD to the Minerals Regulatory Commission. A bill has been proposed in Parliament that, if passed, would facilitate this move, enabling the MSD to extend its presence to at least six provinces to start with.”
He said this restructuring is expected to transform regional mining bureaus into effective regional offices for the Minerals Regulatory Commission, greatly enhancing accessibility and oversight.
“The expansion of our regional footprint will allow us to cover a larger portion of the country, ensuring that mining activities are conducted safely and responsibly,” he said.
He said the department anticipates that additional funding will empower inspectors to deploy to mining sites more efficiently.
The MSD Director emphasized that the department is doing its best with the limited resources available, but acknowledged that more needs to be done to address the safety concerns in the mining industry.”
We are working closely with stakeholders, including mining companies and government agencies, to find solutions to these challenges,” the MSD Director said.
“However, we urgently need more resources to enable us to conduct regular inspections and ensure that mining activities are being conducted safely and responsibly.”
The revelation has sparked concerns among mining industry stakeholders, who are calling for urgent action to address the safety concerns and prevent mining accidents which are becoming rampant.
As the mining industry continues to grow and expand in Zambia, the need for effective regulation and oversight has never been more critical.
The government has been called upon to provide funding to the MSD to enable the department to conduct regular inspections and ensure that mining activities country wide are being conducted safely and responsibly.