Business

Zambezi Free Economic Zone to provide revenue to Zambia’s treasury – Hichilema

Published

1 month ago

December 17, 2024

106 Views

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema on Saturday launched the first ever 17,000 hectare Zambezi Free Economic Zone, a transformative initiative by United Arab Emirates (UAE) investors which he said would contribute significantly to the country’s treasury.
He said this will ensure that free education, the health sector and other significant sectors are well funded.
The Zone is strategically located in Chief Sekute’s chiefdom of Kazungula district in Southern province to stimulate economic growth and create over 1,000 direct jobs.
Unveiling the groundbreaking Zone in Kazungula, President Hichilema revealed that the innovative economic zone is poised to attract significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Livingstone, Kazungula and Zambia as a whole.
He disclosed that the initiative aims to also position Zambia as a hub for global investment and innovation while delivering tangible benefits to local communities and all Zambians.
“The guidelines we gave to the promoters here is that when investors come here, the initial ticket, the amounts of money, some of that money will go directly to the Zambian treasury so we can fund free education, so we fund the health sector and energy development, this is how strategic this location is here. This development will benefit every Zambian. The revenue generation here will help us sustain CDF across the country. This project will contribute towards buying a desk for a kid who’s been sitting on the floor,” explained the Head of State.
He added that the benefits of having this free zone include skills development, technological advancements and substantial improvements in infrastructure, among other positive outcomes.
“The Zambezi Economic Free Zone will prioritise key service sectors such as housing, healthcare, education, convention centers, and corporate headquarters.”
“This project is designed to attract investors, retirees and workers from around the world, including Zambian investors, encouraging their participation and contribution to this unique model of economic development,” said President Hichilema.
The President shared that the free economic zone is part of the agenda to further develop the Public Private Projects (PPP).
He urged both the public and private sectors to put the needs of the Zambian economy first before theirs.
“The previous government borrowed excessively…if you are in public service, think about how to make this country better and the private sector should do the same,” he urged.
President Hichilema stated that economic free zones are globally recognised as catalysts for economic growth which offer various incentives, simplified regulations and enhanced infrastructure.
“These zones create an environment conducive to investment, job creation, and the transfer of skills and technology, ultimately driving sustainable economic development,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of State pointed out that the zone will also venture into artificial intelligence to promote agriculture, mining, skills training and agriculture.
“Training facilities will be part of this facility, first class medical services will be part of this facility, technology businesses will be located here. In this location, we will promote artificial intelligence to exploit our resource endowments beyond this area in mining and agriculture so that artificial intelligence capabilities will be located here. This will grow the economy in mining agriculture and tourism,” said President Hichilema.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 16, 2024
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Business

Ministry of Agriculture urges farmers to report army worm infestations

Published

3 weeks ago

January 5, 2025

an24afri

131 Views

THE Ministry of Agriculture has encouraged farmers across the country to report any army worm infestations to their camp extension officers.
Agriculture minister Reuben Mtolo stated the ministry procured and distributed 55,000 litres of low risk Fall Army Worm chemicals to all the 10 Provinces of the country for strategic purposes which will be given out to every affected farmer for free.
Mtolo said the rapid intervention is essential to suppress pest populations, protect crops and mitigate further damage.
The minister urged state holders at every level to work together to ensure a coordinated, efficient and effective response.
He assured the public of government’s unwavering commitment to mitigating the threat of army worms by providing resources to all the affected farmers.
“The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to inform the nation and farmers that it has initiated urgent and decisive measures aimed at combating the widespread infestation of Fall Army Worms that is threatening Zambia’s food security,” stated Mtolo.
“As a Ministry mandated to facilitate the development of a sustainable and diversified agricultural sector for enhanced food and nutrition security, and income generation, we are aware that the Fall Army Worm infestations which have been reported in all the provinces, can have a devastating effect on the national food security.”
“To safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and ensure the nation’s food security, the Ministry is rolling out a comprehensive Response Plan designed for effective and rapid action.”
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, January 4, 2025
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Business

Ministry of Labour urges employers to submit labour statistics

Published

3 weeks ago

January 3, 2025

an24afri

179 Views

THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has called on all employers to submit employment relationship statistics, warning that failure to comply will attract penalties.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Labour Principle Public Relations Officer, Mwaka Ndawa, Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa emphasised that it is a legal obligation for employers to provide labour statistics under the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
Muntengwa stated that the labour statistics are important in improving employment conditions as they can enable the ministry to track labour market trends and make informed policy interventions.
He said the labour laws require employers to submit and maintain accurate statistics on employment relationships.
Meanwhile, Muntengwa expressed concern that some employers have failed to comply with these requirements, impeding the Ministry’s ability to maintain an updated administrative database.
This, he noted, impends the ministry’s efforts to address key labour market challenges effectively.
“Employers who fail to comply with the legal requirements risk facing sanctions under Sections 12(3), 133(1), and 135 of the Act,” Muntengwa explained.
However, to meet their obligations, employers are required to submit hard copies of employment statistics to the Labour Commissioner’s office or via post.
“Soft copies by email to [email protected] and copied to Assistant Labour Commissioner Mrs. Mukamasole M. Kasanda at [email protected],” he stated.
Muntengwa also reiterated the requirement for wages to be paid in Zambian Kwacha, in line with Section 67(1) of the Employment Code Act.
“While employees may choose their preferred mode of payment such as postal order, money order, cheque, or electronic payment, wages must be denominated in the national currency.”
“The law is clear wages shall be paid in Kwacha. Non-compliance will attract necessary sanctions,” added Muntengwa.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba January 3, 2025
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Business

99 percent of verified farmers have redeemed their inputs – Mtolo

Published

4 weeks ago

December 30, 2024

an24afri

43 Views

AGRICULTURE Minister Reuben Mtolo has highlighted the success of input distribution under both the Electronic Voucher (e-voucher) and Direct Input Supply (DIS) modalities.
Mtolo said nationwide, more than 99 percent of verified farmers have redeemed their inputs.
“As of December 26, 2024, 1,023,988 farmers had deposited their contributions, amounting to K409,595,200.00, with 1,016,054 of them successfully redeeming their inputs,” Phiri disclosed.
Phiri also noted that the 2024/25 farming season e-Voucher rollout was a resounding success.
“As of 26th December, 2024, out of the 739,266 farmer beneficiaries, 738,816 representing 99.9 percent had deposited for their inputs and of which, 731,010 representing 98.9 percent successfully redeemed their inputs,” he said.
“A total of 631 agro input suppliers were engaged to supply inputs to farmers. These included 25 seed companies, 30 fertilizer and agrochemicals companies, and 576 agro dealers. These operated 1,056 branch outlets across the 74 participating districts under the e-Voucher.”
Mtolo said the system has not only streamlined input distribution but also allowed farmers to select inputs tailored to their needs, boosting productivity.
He said the system has also created opportunities for agro-SMEs and rural youth while improving liquidity through timely supplier payments.
“The input distribution under the Direct Input System (DIS) across 42 districts was highly successful, with 42,775.20 Metric Tons (MT) representing 100 percent of Compound D and 100 percent of Urea fertilizers distributed, along with all contracted seeds.”
“As of 26th December, 2024, out of the 285,168 targeted farmers, a total of 285,044 beneficiaries representing 99.96 percent had successfully redeemed their farming inputs,” said Mtolo.
Local fertilizer producers, including United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) and Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) Limited, played a key role in ensuring timely delivery of the inputs and the minister could not hide his pride in Government’s efforts of positive segregation to support the companies producing fertiliser in the country.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba December 30, ,2024
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