Connect with us

Business

ZEMA serves Coco Foods a bitter sip, arrest manager for defying shutdown

Published

on

150 Views

THE Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has clamped down on Coco Manufacturing Foods, arresting the company’s manager, Tang Xiao Pin, for refusing to halt operations after being ordered to stop production.
Acting on a tip-off, ZEMA enforcement officers found the factory still running at full capacity despite a previous shutdown notice issued for operating without the necessary environmental clearance under the Environmental Management Act of 2011.
Upon inspection, officers impounded a large consignment of products, among them include thousands of cases of soft drinks, bottled water, juice and biscuits produced after the ban was imposed.
The agency also seized four production lines and sealed off the plant.
According to ZEMA corporate affairs manager Ruth Kamwi, the company had earlier been fined K100,000 for operating without a decision letter and another K80,000 for continuing without a license, bringing the total penalty to K180,000.
“Coco Foods ignored every directive given to them. This arrest is meant to remind other firms that ZEMA regulations must be respected,” Kamwi said.
“The agency will not hesitate to take firm measures against institutions that endanger public safety and the environment through unlawful operations.”
ZEMA has since sealed off the factory and taken control of the seized products, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the violations.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba October 30, 2025
INFORMATION and Media permanent secretary Thabo Kawana has praised Kalemba for being a credible and authentic source of news in the country. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17DkHXgqhj Kawana also […]
THE National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) has collected K1.6 billion from toll gates between January and May 2025, putting it on pace to surpass its […]
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that during his time in the opposition, he and officials from First Quantum Minerals (FQM) resorted to holding discreet meetings […]

source

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

ZMA to launch bi-annual verification of fuel pumps and meters

Published

on

33 Views

The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) is set to commence its first bi-annual statutory verification exercise of 2026, targeting all measuring instruments within the petroleum sub-sector to ensure trade accuracy and consumer protection.
The announcement follows a high-level virtual preparatory meeting held yesterday, chaired by ZMA Director for Legal Metrology, engineer Michael Nsefu.
The meeting brought together key industry stakeholders, including Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), technical service providers, and ZMA metrologists to coordinate the upcoming nationwide inspections.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr Eng Nsefu stated that the Agency was ready to commence the exercise and called on all stakeholders to fully cooperate to ensure its successful implementation.
The exercise, mandated under the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017, requires the mandatory testing of fuel dispensers and bulk flow meters twice a year.
“The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) today held a virtual preparatory meeting ahead of the kick-off of the bi-annual verification exercise of all measuring instruments used in the petroleum sub-sector. These instruments include bulk flow meters and fuel dispensers,” the agency wrote.
“The verification exercise is conducted twice a year to ensure that all measuring instruments used in the petroleum industry are accurate and compliant. This helps prevent over-dispensing or under-dispensing of petroleum products, thereby protecting both consumers and businesses.”
Upon successful verification, a ZMA verification sticker indicating the validity period is affixed to each instrument.
The agency stated that this sticker serves as official confirmation that the instrument has been verified and meets the required accuracy standards within the stated validity period.
Kalemba January 7, 2025
GOVERNMENT has injected K22.9 billion into the economy in June, with a significant portion dedicated to debt servicing and public sector salaries, as it continues […]
PRIVATELY-owned television station, Prime TV has found itself in hot legal soup that was distastefully boiled by the lies of Professor Nkandu Luo, a high-ranking […]
ENERGY minister Makozo Chikote has refuted claims that Zesco is either selling power to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or engaging in third party […]

source

Continue Reading

Business

CEC upbeat of maintaining high share price

Published

on

44 Views

THE Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc says it expects its share price on the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) to remain high in view of continued efforts to scale up investments in the renewable sector, among other factors.
Market data availed by the LuSE revealed that the power utility’s share price soared to K25.96 per share by September 1, 2025, compared to K13.50 per share 12 months prior, representing nearly 100% increment.
However, CEC’s share price declined slightly by the end of 2025, ending last year trading at K19.28 per share, the lowest since June 9, 2025.
CEC posted increased Profit After Tax (PAT) of US $61.5 million in its half-year period ending June 30, 2025, up from US $43.2 million in the prior period, driven by strong performance in all its business segments.
The improved financial performance was mainly driven by strong performance in all its business segments, including local, regional power sales and wheeling.
Increased PAT was also boosted by higher gross revenues of US $360 million in the half-year period ending June 30, 2025, as well as a write-back of US $10.4 million, a portion of the Konkola Copper Mines’ Plc impaired amount.
This represents the third successive half-year where the power utility recorded sustained growth in PAT after it posted profits of around US $30 million, US $113 million and US $43.2 million in the half-year periods of 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Commenting on the share price performance, CEC Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Mutale Mukuka, expressed confidence that the company would maintain a high share price on the local bourse on account of its continued investments across its business segments.
“We want to believe that the key takeaway is that the market buys into the strategy that the business is following. Some of the risks that we had on our balance sheet are slowly being addressed: the impaired debt has been written back; the investments in the renewable subsector has also contributed [to a high share price]. We also have very specific investments in transmission, as well our prominence in the regional SAPP [Southern African Power Pool] – whether it’s trade, investments and partnerships – which are all filtering through what we see are the earnings,” Mr. Mukuka said in an interview.
“But I don’t think we can overlook some of the soft areas. The quality of the reporting has also played a role: we have moved from annual reporting into integrated reporting. We are now embedding other things, such as the IRFS 1 and S2, which allows us to have an integrated report where we comment on non-financial issues, risks and the governance more openly. We think that all of that go a long way in investors’ assessment of the risks and opportunity that lie ahead of the business. So, this is something that we think we need to continue to do, and hopefully, the market can continue to look at us positively.”
Data from the company’s share chart shows that its share price peaked to an all-time high of K25.96 per share by September 1, last year, since going public on the local bourse back in January, 2008, opening at K0.45 per share.
Over the last two years, the CEC Green Bond successfully raised US $150 million for the development of 230MW of solar power.
At company-level, CEC has been consistent in rewarding dividends to its shareholders, a development that has positively impacted on investor sentiment in the company.
The Kitwe-based power utility is widely expected to declare a dividend to its shareholders, collectively 10,816 in total, in view of its consistently strong financial performance in recent years.
Kalemba January 6, 2026
THE Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has revealed how two employees of a government institution allegedly stole over K20 million meant for public use by diverting […]
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that he is personally financing the master’s degrees for his two youngest sons through the sale of cattle, aiming to […]
BORN identical in body but carrying different dreams, Kitwe-based twins Esau and Jacob Valende have walked the same path from a humble childhood in Kamatipa […]

source

Continue Reading

Business

ZAMBEEF slashes prices as Government urges firms to pass economic gains to consumers

Published

on

61 Views

GOVERNMENT says the reduction of prices on selected products by ZAMBEEF must be emulated by other companies to ease the cost of living for Zambians.
The price cuts come against the backdrop of a stabilising exchange rate, easing inflation and lower commodity prices, which the company says have created room to pass on savings to consumers.
Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Chipoka Mulenga has praised ZAMBEEF for taking the lead, saying the move demonstrates how Government reforms are beginning to yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
The reductions include a 10 percent cut on Zamshu leather shoes, a three to five percent reduction on poultry and chicken feed and a five percent cut on day-old chicks, with the latter two set to take effect tomorrow.
Speaking during the announcement, Mulenga challenged other companies to follow ZAMBEEF’s example by translating improved macroeconomic conditions into lower prices for consumers, particularly as the country heads into the new year.
“Today’s announcement shows what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together,” Mulenga said.
The Minister described the price cuts as timely, noting that inflation has dropped to about 10.5 percent and the exchange rate has stabilised, signs that Government interventions are beginning to pay off.
He said the reductions will particularly benefit parents preparing for the school year and families planning festivities such as Valentine’s Day, adding that the move supports rural livelihoods and value addition.
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary in charge of Commerce and Trade, Lillian Bwalya, said the growing collaboration between Government and the private sector is bearing fruit, with increased investment flowing into the manufacturing sector.
She said Government remains committed to improving the business environment and supporting private sector initiatives aimed at promoting value addition, economic growth and national development.
Announcing the price cuts, ZAMBEEF Products PLC chief executive officer Faith Mukutu said the decision was driven by the company’s desire to pass economic benefits to consumers while supporting market growth and cost optimisation.
Mukutu said ZAMBEEF will continue to engage Government and trade associations to promote sustainable socio-economic growth, adding that the company is awaiting further policy clarity on Statutory Instrument No. 110 before reviewing prices of synthetic shoes.
Zambia Association of Manufacturers president Muhammed Umar described ZAMBEEF’s move as a clear sign of progress in the manufacturing sector, made possible by improved macroeconomic fundamentals such as stable fuel prices and a more reliable power supply.
Umar urged other manufacturers to review their cost structures and consider price adjustments that support consumer welfare while ensuring business sustainability.
Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry acting chief executive officer Emmanuel Mumba said 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Zambia’s economy, marked by exchange rate stability, easing inflation and increased private sector investment, especially in the energy sector.
Mumba said the positive trends signal renewed confidence in Zambia’s economic prospects and reflect the impact of sound policy decisions and reforms, adding that ZACCI remains ready to support Government efforts to enhance the business environment, promote value addition and strengthen local enterprise participation.
This is according to a statement issued by the Ministry’s principal public relations officer Everness Nankala.
By George Musonda
Kalemba December 31, 2025
THE Supreme Court of Zambia has ordered food giant Nestlé Zambia to settle a tax bill of close to K14 million owed to the Zambia […]
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that he is personally financing the master’s degrees for his two youngest sons through the sale of cattle, aiming to […]
ZESCO has announced that residential areas will now receive only five hours of electricity per day, following an emergency shutdown of a generator at Maamba […]

source

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 an24.africa