Zambia's non-traditional exports have continued to increase

The country’s metals and non-traditional exports have continued to increase.

The increase is for months of march and February, 2011 which surged in value terms from over three billion and seventeen million kwacha (k3,017.7 billion) to slightly over three billion , six hundred million kwacha (k3,670.8 billion).

The overall contribution of metals and their products to the total export earnings in the same months under review averaged about 84 percent.

Of this, the non-traditional exports recorded an average of about 16 percent in revenue earnings.

The major export destination were Switzerland, china, south Africa, democratic republic of Congo and Zimbabwe which accounted for 58.9%, 14.4%, 11.9%,3.7%and 2.1% respectively.

And Zambia imported raw materials, intermediate goods, capital goods and consumer goods which stood at approximately K2, 808,567 billion in March and K2, 372,536 billion in the month of February.

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Zambia continues to make strides in reducing malaria

The World Bank says Zambia has made tremendous progress against malaria with financial and technical support from partners.

However, a 2010 Malaria Indicator Survey showed a resurgence in malaria and anemia in certain provinces, largely driven by reduced coverage of nets and indoor residual spraying in some areas.

In the Northern Province, for example, parasite prevalence among children increased from 12% in 2008 to 23% in 2010.

The World Bank states the share of under-five children who slept under a net increased from 24% to 50%; which resulted in the reduction of malaria incidences and the share of children with severe anemia declined from 14% to 9%.

Meanwhile, over the past decade, 11 African countries have reduced confirmed malaria cases or malaria admissions and deaths by more than 50%.

In all of them—Algeria, Botswana, Cape Verde, Eritrea, Madagascar, Namibia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia—these decreases are linked with intense malaria control interventions.

And Since 2005, the World Bank has committed $762.8 million to the fight against malaria in Africa, more than a ten-fold increase since 2000-2005.

It has financed 73.8 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets and 25.3 million doses of malaria medication over the past five years.

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ZAMBIA'S ANNUAL INFLATION RATE DROPS AND STANDS AT 8.8%

THE ANNUAL INFLATION RATE AS MEASURED BY ALL ITEMS CONSUMER PRICE INDEX HAS REDUCED TO 8.8 PERCENT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL FROM 9.2 PERCENT LAST MONTH.

THE REDUCTION IS ATTRIBUTED TO DECREASES IN FOOD AND SOME NON-FOOD PRICES SUCH AS BEVERAGES, TOBACCO, CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR, HOUSEHOLD FUEL AND LIGHTING AS WELL AS OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES.

THE CENTRAL STATISTICAL OFFICE SAYS OF THE 8.8 PERCENT ANNUAL INFLATION IN APRIL 2011, FOOD PRODUCTS ACCOUNTED FOR 1.6 WHILE NON-FOOD PRODUCTS ACCOUNTED FOR A TOTAL OF 7.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS.

AND THE COUNTRY HAS RECORDED A TRADE SURPLUS  VALUED AT K862.3 BILLION IN MARCH REPRESENTING A NOMINAL GROWTH OF ABOUT 33.6 PERCENT FROM K645.2 BILLION RECORDED IN FEBRUARY, 2011.

THIS IS ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION RELEASED TODAY BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL STATISTICAL OFFICE  JOHN KALUMBI. MR KALUMBI STRESSED THAT AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE PERSISTENT TRADE SURPLUSES, THE COUNTRY HAS RECORDED A MARGINAL GROWTH OF 41.6 PERCENT IN TRADE BALANCE EVEN AT A QUARTERLY LEVEL BETWEEN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2011 AND THAT OF 2011.

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Zambian govt calls for investment into new technologies and skills to produce quality leather products

GOVERNMENT HAS CALLED FOR INVESTMENT INTO NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND SKILLS TO PRODUCE QUALITY LEATHER PRODUCTS FOR THE COUNTRY AND REGIONAL CONSUMPTION.

DEPUTY LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES MINISTER ALBERT MULONGA HAS FURTHER CHALLENGED STAKEHOLDERS IN THE LEATHER SECTOR TO EMBARK ON VALUE ADDITION INITIATIVES IN THE ENTIRE VALUE CHAIN STRESSING THAT LACK OF THIS CAUSES THE COUNTRY TO LOSE MAGNITUDE OF REVENUE.

MR. MULONGA SAYS CURRENTLY, OUT OF THE TOTAL HIDES AND SKIN COLLECTED ABOUT 80% ARE PROCESSED INTO WET GLUE AND EXPORTED FROM ZAMBIA IN THAT FORM STATING THAT FURTHER VALUE ADDITION SHOULD HAVE EARNED THE COUNTRY MORE REVENUE FROM EXPORTS.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCH OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND DISSEMINATION WORKSHOP IN LUSAKA TODAY WHICH HAS DRAWN PARTICIPANTS FROM SIX COMESA MEMBER STATES NAMELY ETHIOPIA, UGANDA, KENYA, SUDAN, ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE.

MR MULONGA ADDED THAT CURRENTLY THE REGION FACES CHALLENGES ESPECIALLY IN THE SMALLHOLDERS FARMING SYSTEM, WHERE FARMERS DO NOT KNOW THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF HIDES AND SKINS.

HE SAYS  THERE IS THEREFORE NEED TO EDUCATE FARMERS ABOUT THE VALUE OF HIDES AND SKIN AND PROVIDE INCENTIVES SO THAT THEY CAN BE ABLE TO PRODUCE QUALITY HIDES AND SKINS.

AND SPEAKING EARLIER COMMON MARKET FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL STEPHEN KARANGIZI EXPLAINED THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP IS TO DEVELOP INTRA-REGIONAL LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS TRADE .

THE WORKSHOP ALSO AIMS AT DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS TRADE BY LINKING SMES TO INDIA AND ITALIAN LEATHER SECTORS AND THEIR IMPORT MARKETS.

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GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ADVISED TO CALL ON THE STAKEHOLDERS AND FIND A LASTING SOLUTION FOR THE NDOLA SCHOOL OF BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCES

GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ADVISED TO CALL ON THE STAKEHOLDERS AND FIND A LASTING SOLUTION FOR THE NDOLA SCHOOL OF BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCES IF THE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY IS TO BE IMPROVED.
IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX ,FORMER HEALTH MINISTER IN THE CHILUBA GOVERNMENT PROFESSOR NKANDU LUO DESCRIBED THE DECISION BY GOVERNMENT TO TRANSFORM THE INSTITUTION INTO A MEDICAL SCHOOL AS UNFORTUNATE.
PROFESSOR LUO SAYS THE COUNTRY’S HEALTH SECTOR NEEDS THE EXPERTISE OF ALL THE HEALTH PERSONNEL IF IT IS TO DELIVER TO THE EXPECTATION OF THE ORDINARY CITIZENS.
SHE SAYS CO-EXISTENCE OF DOCTORS AND THE BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE CAN NEVER BE OVER LOOKED BY ANY WELL MEANING GOVERNMENT.
GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO CONVERT THE NDOLA COLLEGE OF BIO-MEDIAL SCIENCES INTO A MEDICAL SCHOOL AND PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA IS SCHEDULED TO INAUGURATE THE NEW MEDICAL SCHOOL AT NDOLA CENTRAL HOSPITAL ON 28TH APRIL 2011.
BUT SOME CONCERNED CITIZENS HAVE ASKED GOVERNMENT NOT TO TAMPER WITH THE COLLEGE AND INSTEAD FIND ITS OWN MONEY TO BUILD A MEDICAL SCHOOL STRESSING THAT LABORATORIES ARE IMPORTANT TO HEALTH CARE DELIVERY AS THERE IS NO HEALTH FACILITY THAT COULD FUNCTION WITHOUT THE LAB DEPARTMENT.
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fdd president EDITH NAWAKWI HAS URGED ZAMBIAN WOMEN NOT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST EACH OTHER

OPPOSITION FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT PRESIDENT EDITH NAWAKWI HAS URGED ZAMBIAN WOMEN NOT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE FORTH COMING TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS.

SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX ,MS NAWAKWI ALLEGED THAT THE MALE FOLK HAVE FAILED ZAMBIANS.

SHE SAYS  THERE IS THEREFORE NEED FOR THE WOMEN COUNTRYWIDE TO RALLY BEHIND THE WOMAN CANDIDATE SO THAT ZAMBIA CAN EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT FORM OF LEADERSHIP.

MS NAWAKWI ADDED THAT WOMEN NEED TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF THEIR CHILDREN.

AND THE FDD LEADER HAS DESCRIBED THE WRITING OFF OF DEBT ON THE OVER 3000 HOUSES ON THE COPPERBELT AS A POLITICAL GIMMICK.

SHE HAS SINCE CHALLENGED PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA TO TELL THE ZAMBIANS HOW HIS GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO RECAPITALIZE THE MUKUBA PENSION SCHEME.

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PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA URGED TO IMMEDIATELY CALL FOR A STAKEHOLDERS MEETING TO MAP OUT THE TRANSITION PROCESS

THE OPPOSITION FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT PRESIDENT EDITH NAWAKWI HAS URGED PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA TO IMMEDIATELY CALL FOR A STAKEHOLDERS MEETING TO MAP OUT THE TRANSITION PROCESS IN VIEW OF THE FORTH COMING GENERAL ELECTIONS.

MS. NAWAKWI SAID TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR THE PRESIDENT TO JUST SIT AND TAKE THE ZAMBIANS BY SURPRISE IN TERMS OF ANNOUNCING THE ELECTION DATE AND SUBSEQUENT DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT.

SHE SAID JUST LIKE THE FIRST PRESIDENT DR KENNETH KAUNDA HAD A WELL THOUGHT TRANSITION PLAN THE SAME SHOULD HAPPEN TO AVOID AND VIOLENCE IN THE COUNTRY.

THE FDD LEADER WAS SPEAKING ON RADIO PHOENIX LET THE PEOPLE PRAGRAMME TODAY AND THE ADVISED THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT TO SHOW LEADERSHIP ON THE MATTER.

AND MS NAWAKWI WHO IS ALSO FORMER FINANCE MINISTER CONDEMNED THE AIRING OF STAND UP ZAMBIA ON ZNBC A PRODUCTION OF CHANDA CHAMBA STRESSING THAT THAT IS CHEAP PROPAGANDA AND RECIPE FOR ANARCHY IF IT IS NOT CURTAILED.

SHE HAS SINCE CHALLENGED ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA CHAIRPERSON JUSTICE IRENE MAMBILIMA TO COME OUT IN THE OPEN AND BAN THE PROGRAMME STATING THAT STAND UP ZAMBIA IS BEEN USED TO CAMPAIGN FOR THE RULING MMD DISADVANTAGING OTHER POLITICAL PLAYERS.

AND SPEAKING ON THE SAME PROGRAMME PROFESSOR NKANDU LUO WHO IS ALSO FORMER MINISTER OF HEALTH IN THE CHILUBA GOVERNMENT WARNED THAT THE POLARIZATION IN THE POLITICAL SCENE IF NOT WELL HANDLED ARE LIKELY TO COST THE COUNTRY.

PROFESSOR LUO ADDS THAT THERE IS NEED FOR A THINK TANK TO BE CONSTITUTED WHICH WILL INVESTIGATE THE CAUSES OF THE RECENT VIOLENCE ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND SUBSEQUENTLY COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS.

SHE EXPLAINED THAT WOMEN AND CHILDREN ARE THE WASTE AFFECTED IN ANY COUNTRY WERE THERE IS VIOLENCE.

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ONE OF THE 22 ZAMBIAN FISHERMEN WHO WERE SENTENCED FOR FOUR MONTHS IN PRISON IN DRC COMPLAINS OF PHYSICAL TORTURE

ONE OF THE 22 ZAMBIAN FISHERMEN WHO WERE SENTENCED FOR FOUR MONTHS IN PRISON WITH HARD LABOUR IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) FOR ILLEGAL FISHING IN THE CONGOLESE WATERS OF LAKE MWERU LAST YEAR HAS COMPLAINED OF PHYSICAL TORTURE FROM THE CONGOLESE AUTHORITIES.

SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX CHILILAMBOMBWE YESTERDAY JOHN MUSONDA SAID HE  WAS SEVERELY PUNISHED  WITH HIS FELLOW INMATES WHILST IN PRISON .

MR. MUSONDA SAYS   THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 2^ND 2010 WHEN HE WAS FISHING WITH HIS FRIENDS ON LAKE MWERU AND SECURITY OFFICIALS FROM THE CONGO POUNCED ON THEM.

HE NARRATED THAT AFTER THEY WERE ARRESTED THEY LOST TOUCH WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE FAMILIES BUT THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT INTERVENED OVER THE MATTER AND CAME TO THEIR RESCUE.

THE 22 ZAMBIANS WERE JAILED AT KIPUSHI PRISON IN KATANGA PROVINCE OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO WHERE THEIR FELLOW FISHERMAN DIED DUE TO POOR HEALTH AND HE WAS IDENTIFIED AS FRANCIS KATUMBI OF KASHIKISHI DISTRICT OF LUAPULA PROVINCE.

THE FISHERMEN WERE RELEASED YESTERDAY BY KATANGA PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR EVRARD KIBAWA.

THE BODY OF THE LATE MR  KATUMBI WAS TAKEN TO MANSA AFTER CHILILAMBOMBWE TOWN CLERK GODWIN CHINOYA PROVIDED A HEARSE JUST AFTER THE DECEASED WAS HANDED OVER TO THE ZAMBIAN AUTHORITIES.

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human rights commission in Zambia sends a team of investigators to Mansa

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HAS SENT A TEAM OF INVESTIGATORS TO MANSA TO UNCOVER THE CAUSE OF THE KILLINGS OF THREE PEOPLE EARLIER THIS WEEK.

SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX TODAY, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SPOKESPERSON SAMUEL KANSANKA STATED THAT A TEAM OF INVESTIGATORS HAS BEEN SENT TO MANSA TO FIND OUT THE CAUSE OF THE KILLINGS.

TWO ZAMBIANS AND A CONGOLESE NATIONAL HAD CAR TYRES AND PLASTIC BAGS HUNG AROUND THEIR BODIES BEFORE BEING SET ABLAZE BY IRATE MANSA RESIDENTS EARLIER THIS WEEK AFTER RUMOURS WENT ROUND  THAT LOCAL BUSINESS PEOPLE HAD HIRED RITUAL KILLERS TO ABDUCT CHILDREN AND USE THEIR BODY PARTS TO MAKE CHARMS THAT WOULD BOOST THEIR WEALTH.
POLICE HOWEVER REFUTED THE REPORTS BUT RESIDENTS LAUNCHED A MANHUNT TARGETING LOCAL BUSINESSES, SOME OF WHICH WERE BROKEN INTO, LOOTED AND BURNED.

MR. KANSANKA HOWEVER COULD NOT GIVE FULL DETAILS ON THE INVESTIGATIONS BEEN UNDERTAKEN IN MANSA STATING THAT ONLY WHEN THE OFFICERS ARE DONE WITH THE PROBING WILL THEY PROVIDE FULL INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC.

SANAULA IBRAHIM, THE ONLY INDIAN BUSINESSMAN IN MANSA, WAS ALSO IMPLICATED IN THE RITUAL MURDERS AND TARGETED, BUT MANAGED TO ESCAPE BEFORE PROTESTERS BROKE INTO AND LOOTED HIS CHAIN OF FIVE SHOPS, AND SET HIS HOUSE ON FIRE.
FRANCIS KABONDE, INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE, DISMISSED THE RUMOURS OF RITUAL KILLINGS AS UNFOUNDED AND WARNED THAT RIOTERS WOULD BE BROUGHT TO BOOK.

THE POLICE HAVE SINCE PICKED UP OVER 70 SUSPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIOTS.

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AN AVERAGE OF SEVEN ZAMBIANS MOSTLY WOMEN HAVE BEEN ARRESTED IN INDIA IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

AN AVERAGE OF SEVEN ZAMBIANS MOSTLY WOMEN HAVE BEEN ARRESTED IN INDIA IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING.
ACCORDING TO A STATEMENT RELEASED TO RADIO PHOENIX  BY  FIRST SECRETARY FOR PRESS AT THE  ZAMBIAN  HIGH COMMISSION  IN INDIA BWALYA NONDO ,  INDIA HAS  SINCE CALLED FOR INCREASED COLLABORATION WITH ZAMBIA IN EFFORTS AIMED AT CHECKING ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES.
MR  NONDO SAYS THE ZAMBIAN PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS CURRENTLY ON A STUDY TOUR OF INDIA LEARNT FROM THE NARCOTICS CONTROL BUREAU OF INDIA THAT THE ZAMBIANS WERE ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING IN HEROIN AND COCAINE AMONG OTHER DRUGS.
HE SAYS DURING AN INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH THE ZAMBIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS, NARCOTICS DRUG CONTROL OF INDIA DIRECTOR GENERAL O.P.S MALIK CALLED FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA AND ZAMBIA IN SHARING LEGISLATIVE AND ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES THAT WILL ADD IMPETUS TO COMBATING DRUG-TRAFFICKING.
AND COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS CHAIRPERSON DR. PETER MACHUNGWA WHO IS DELEGATION LEADER, SAYS  THE USE OF WOMEN IN DRUG TRAFFICKING IS WORRYING AND ECHOED SENTIMENTS FOR A COORDINATED APPROACH IN TACKLING THE VICE.

DR. MACHUNGWA WHO IS LUAPULA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT STRESSED THE NEED FOR THE AGREEMENT SIGNED IN 1993 BETWEEN ZAMBIA AND INDIA TO FIGHT DRUG TRAFFICKING AND MONEY LAUNDERING  TO REALIZE ITS INTENDED OBJECTIVES.
THE COMMITTEE IS IN INDIA TO GATHER FIRST HAND INFORMATION ON ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY WITH ASIAN COUNTRIES AND HOW ZAMBIA CAN STIMULATE FURTHER DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT.

ANOTHER OBJECTIVE OF THE VISIT IS TO ASSESS THE EXTENT TO WHICH ZAMBIAN WOMEN WERE INVOLVED IN DRUG TRAFFICKING.
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN THE COMMITTEE ARE ELIZABETH CHITIKA,
(KAWAMBWA CENTRAL) CHARLES KAKOMA, (ZAMBEZI WEST) ACKSON SEJANI,
(MAPATIZYA) AND RAISI FORRIE TEMBO (NYIMBA).

OTHERS ARE ELIOT KAMONDO, (MUFUMBWE), MWANSA KAPEYA (MPIKA) CENTRAL AND OBIUS CHISALA (CHILUBI).
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The Zambian government says demands to extend the timeframe of the Africa Growth Opportunity Act CANNOT BE IN PLACE WITHOUT ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF COMPETIVENESS

COMMERCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY MINISTER FELIX MUTATI SAYS DEMANDS FROM VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS TO EXTEND THE TIMEFRAME OF THE AFRICAN GROWTH OPPORTUNITY ACT CANNOT BE REALIZED WITHOUT ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF COMPETIVENESS.

BRIEFING JOURNALISTS IN LUSAKA TODAY, MR MUTATI SAID THE AGOA EXTENSION WILL HAVE TO BE MADE MORE PREDICTABILITY WITH THE SET PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS.

MR MUTATI SAYS PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS WILL HAVE TO BE TIED TO COMPETITIVENESS OF AFRICA IN TERMS OF PENETRATING THE AMERICAN MARKET.

HE STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS INCIDENCES WHERE THE U.S MARKET WAS OPEN BEFORE AFRICA COULD BECOME COMPETITIVE WILL HAVE TO BE AVOIDED IF  MORE AFRICAN COUNTRIES ARE TO BENEFIT FROM AGOA.

THE MINISTER HAS HOWEVER BEMOANED THE LEVELS OF PENETRATION OF ZAMBIAN PRODUCTS ON THE U.S MARKET STATING THAT THERE IS NEED FOR THE COUNTRY TO CAPITALIZE ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

THE MINISTER ALSO SAYS  PREPARATIONS FOR HOSTING THE 10TH AGOA CONFERENCE ARE ON COURSE.

ZAMBIA IS SCHEDULED TO HOST THE TENTH AFRICAN GROWTH OPPORTUNITY ACT IN JUNE AND OVER 300 DELEGATES ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN THE COUNTRY DURING THAT PERIOD.

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The Bulgarian Government has agreed to wipe off about $6.314 million of Zambia's debt to the country

The Bulgarian Government has agreed to wipe off about $6.314 million of Zambia's debt to the country, while the remaining 1.88 million, or 23 per cent of the total, are to be paid by the African state, Bulgarian media has reported.
The agreement was announced after Finance Minister Simeon Dyankov and his Zambian counterpart Situmbeko Mosokotuare signed the documents absolving Zambia of much of its debt to Bulgaria.
The cancellation of the Zambian debt was described as Bulgarian "official development assistance".
Zambia accumulated its debt to Bulgaria during the 1970s and 1980s when both countries had "active bilateral trade relations", the report said.
However, repayments of the debt have all but been suspended since 1987 when the economic situation in Zambia deteriorated sharply.
The statement said the Bulgarian Government assessed this negotiation as favourable for our country, considering the fact that Zambia was included in the list of highly indebted and poor countries (HIPC) since 2005.
The HIPC is a group of 40 developing countries with high levels of poverty and debt overhang which are eligible for special assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The HIPC programme was initiated by the IMF and the World Bank in 1996, following extensive lobbying by NGOs and other bodies.
As of September 2009, the HIPC programme lists 40 countries (29 of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa). Zambia has been a "member" of the group since 2005.

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THREE ZAMBIAN SUPER DIVISION CLASHES WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON SUPERSPORT

THREE ZAMBIAN SUPER DIVISION CLASHES WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON SUPERSPORT THIS EASTER WEEKEND.

POPULAR SIDE NKANA WILL FEATURE TWICE ON SATURDAY AND MONDAY, PROVIDING THE AUDIENCE GREAT ENTERTAINMENT.

ARGUABLY THE MOST SUPPORTED TEAM IN THE LEAGUE, NKANA ARE A DARLING TO WATCH BEFORE THEIR TRADITIONALLY RED AND WHITE-CLAD HOME FANS.

SUPERSPORT WILL BE ON HAND TO BRING MINUTE-BY-MINUTE ACTION IN SATURDAY'S WEEK FOUR MATCH AT WUSAKILE STADIUM IN KITWE.

ON SUNDAY, THE LIVE ACTION WILL BE FROM THE BORDER TOWN OF CHILILABOMBWE WHERE KONKOLA BLADES WELCOME EARLY PACESETTERS POWER DYNAMOS WITH THE NKANA FLAIR BACK ON MONDAY AGAINST DEFENDING CHAMPIONS ZESCO UNITED.

THAT WILL BE 48 HOURS AFTER ZESCO WOULD HAVE DEALT WITH THEIR CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOES IN THE SHAPE EGYPTIAN POWERHOUSE AL AHLY IN A PRE-GROUP STAGE FIRST ROUND MATCH AT ARTHUR DAVIES STADIUM.

HAVING WON ONLY ONCE IN THREE MATCHES, NKANA ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO BETTER FORTUNES - THE RECORD 11-TIME LEAGUE WINNERS ARE ON A MISSION TO IMPROVE THEIR IMAGE AFTER A STUTTERING DISPLAY IN THE LAST DECADE.

BUT THEIR INTENTIONS SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR FROM THIS EARLY IN THE SEASON TO AVOID THE 2011 SEASON TURNING INTO ANOTHER FUTILE JOURNEY.

AND THAT IS WHY COACH LINOS MAKWAZA IS PLOTTING A SIX-POINT HAUL AGAINST RANGERS AND ZESCO THIS WEEKEND.

GETTING MAXIMUM POINTS IN THE EASTER WEEKEND BONANZA WILL CONFIRM NKANA'S CHARACTER TO RETAIN THEIR RESPECTABLE PLACE IN LOCAL FOOTBALL.

VETERAN DOUGLAS CHIWAYA, WILLIAM CHINSE AND GOALKEEPER KENNEDY KALALE FORM THE BACKBONE OF NKANA'S CAMPAIGN.

AND ZESCO’S RESULT AGAINST AL AHLY ON SATURDAY WILL BE IMPORTANT IN LIGHT OF MONDAY’S SHOWPIECE AGAINST NKANA AT TRADE FAIR GROUND.

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MISA ZAMBIA CALLS FOR TRANSFORMATION OF ZAMBIA NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION INTO A PUBLIC MEDIA SO THAT IT CAN BE ACCOUNTABLE

THE MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA-ZAMBIAN CHAPTER CHAIRPERSON DANIEL SIKAZWE HAS CALLED FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF ZAMBIA NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION INTO A PUBLIC MEDIA SO THAT IT CAN BE ACCOUNTABLE TO ALL THE ZAMBIANS AND NOT THE PARTY IN GOVERNMENT ALONE.

MR SIKAZWE EXPLAINS THAT AT THE MOMENT, ZNBC IS NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO THE TAXI PAYERS  AS IT IS A STATE OWNED MEDIA WHICH RUNS THE PROGRAMMES THAT SUIT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY.

SPEAKING ON RADIO PHOENIX SPONSORED PANOS “OUR VOICE” PROGRAMME TODAY, MR SIKAZWE ADDED THAT THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR THE MEDIA TO OPERATE OUTSIDE THEIR ETHICAL PROVISIONS.

AND THE MISA CHAIRPERSON DISCLOSED THAT MEDIA BODIES ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE RESPONSE FROM GOVERNMENT WITH REGARDS TO LAUNCHING OF THE ZAMBIA MEDIA COUNCIL (ZAMEC).

AND SPEAKING ON THE SAME PROGRAMME PRESS FREEDOM DAY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRPERSON ANTHONY MULOWA SAID MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH REGARDS TO PROMOTING MEDIA FREEDOM.

HE ADDS THAT PREPARATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY WILL BE PRECEDED WITH A TWO DAYS CONFERENCE FOR 120 JOURNALISTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

THE MEDIA CROSS THE WORLD ON 3^RD MAY WILL BE CELEBRATING THE PRESS FREEDOM DAY UNDER THE THEME “21^ST CENTURY MEDIA:NEW FRONTIERS, NEW BARRIERS AND ETHICAL REPORTING FOR A FREE AND PEACEFUL ELECTORAL PROCESS”.

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OPPOSITION ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT LEADER CHARLES MILUPI HAS CHARGED THAT CHIEFS IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE ARE BEEN COERCED TO DECLARE THEIR SUPPORT FOR MMD

OPPOSITION ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT LEADER CHARLES MILUPI HAS CHARGED THAT CHIEFS IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE ARE BEEN COERCED TO DECLARE THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE RULING MMD IN THE FORTH COMING GENERAL ELECTIONS.

AND MR. MILUPI HAS DESCRIBED AS FRAUD AND A POLITICAL GIMMICK THE DIRECTIVE BY PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA TO WRITE OFF DEBT FOR TENANTS OCCUPYING PARASTATAL HOUSES ON THE COPPERBELT.

SOUTHERN PROVINCE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT CHAIRMAN CHIEF MUKUNI OF THE TOKALEYA YESTERDAY SAID PRESIDENT BANDA DESERVES STRONG SUPPORT IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS THE COUNTRY HAS MADE SINCE 2008.

BUT SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX TODAY, MR MILUPI SAID CHIEFS WELCOME ALL POLITICAL PARTIES AND THEREFORE IT IS INCORRECT FOR THE MMD TO ASSUME THAT THEY HAVE THE SUPPORT FROM THEM CITING THE VOTING PATTERN IN 2008.

HE ADDS THAT MMD IS USING THE PUBLIC MEDIA TO PAINT THE IMAGE OF WHAT IS NOT ON THE GROUND.

AND MR. MILUPI HAS WARNED OF DIRE CONSEQUENCES OF THE WRITING OFF OF THE DEBT ON THE PARASTATAL HOUSES ON THE COPPERBELT.

HE SAYS  PARLIAMENT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE INVOLVED BEFORE THE PRONOUNCEMENTS WERE MADE AND QUESTIONED THE FATE OF THE PENSIONERS FROM THE AFFECTED PENSION SCHEMES.

THE PARASTATALS INCLUDE THE NATIONAL PENSIONS SCHEME AUTHORITY, MUKUBA PENSION FUND ZAMBIA ,FORESTS AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION AND DEVELOPMENT BANK OF ZAMBIA.

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ZAMBIA EXPECTS TO AGREE ON HIGHER ELECTRICITY PRICES WITH MINING COMPANIES THIS YEAR

ZAMBIA EXPECTS TO AGREE ON HIGHER ELECTRICITY PRICES WITH MINING COMPANIES THIS YEAR IN A MOVE THAT IS LIKELY TO INCREASE COSTS IN AFRICA'S TOP COPPER PRODUCER.

COPPERBELT ENERGY CORPORATIONS(CEC) MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS NEIL CROUCHER, TOLD REUTERS NEWS AGENCY THAT NEGOTIATIONS FOR HIGHER POWER PRICES, WHICH STARTED LAST YEAR, ARE NEARING CONCLUSION.

MR CROUCHER SAYS  STATE-OWNED ZESCO LTD, WHICH GENERATES ALMOST ALL THE ELECTRICITY CEC SUPPLIES TO THE MINES, LAST YEAR REQUESTED THAT POWER PRICES BE RENEGOTIATED AND THAT CEC ALSO STARTED PARALLEL NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE MINING COMPANIES.

MR CROUCHER FURTHER SAYS  THESE TWO PROCESSES ARE RUNNING CONCURRENTLY AND  ARE NOW LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF CONCLUDING AND IMPLEMENTING THE NEW CHARGES LONG BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.

HE SAYS  THE INCREASES WILL AFFECT LONDON-LISTED VEDANTA RESOURCES PLC, GLENCORE INTERNATIONAL AG OF SWITZERLAND , SOUTH AFRICA'S METOREX AND BRAZIL'S VALE.

HE HOWEVER DECLINED TO STATE THE PERCENTAGE PRICES WOULD BE HIKED.

ZAMBIA'S COPPER AND COBALT OUTPUT IS EXPECTED TO RISE STEADILY AS SMELTERS AND MINES RE-START PRODUCTION, AFTER CUTTING BACK OR HALTING OPERATIONS DUE TO THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS, AND MOVE TO FULL OUTPUT.

MR CROUCHER SAYS  THE OPENING OF NEW MINES AND EXPANSION OF EXISTING PROJECTS WILL ALSO BOOST POWER DEMAND.

HE HAS EXPLAINED THAT INVESTMENT IN THE POWER SECTOR REMAINS CRITICAL AS POWER AVAILABILITY WILL EMERGE AS ONE OF THE KEY CONSTRAINTS FOR FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN ZAMBIA.

MEANWHILE, FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS SAYS ITS FIRST-QUARTER COPPER PRODUCTION WAS HIT BY A SHUTDOWN OF OPERATIONS AT ITS FRONTIER MINE IN THE CONGO.

COPPER PRODUCTION FELL 13.5 PER CENT TO 74,900 TONNES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2011, COMPARED WITH 85,062 TONNES IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 2010.

FIRST QUANTUM, WHICH SUSPENDED OPERATIONS AT FRONTIER IN AUGUST AFTER LOSING ITS EXPLOITATION LICENCE IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN NATION, INCREASED PRODUCTION AT ITS KANSANSHI MINE IN ZAMBIA AND AT ITS GUELB MOGHREIN MINE IN MAURITANIA.

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ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT ADVISED TO CHANNEL THE RESOURCES IN THE FROZEN LAP GREEN NETWORK’S 75 PERCENT IN ZAMTEL TO SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECTORS

THE ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA HAS ADVISED GOVERNMENT TO CHANNEL THE RESOURCES IN THE FROZEN LAP GREEN NETWORK’S 75 PERCENT IN ZAMTEL TO SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECTORS OF THE COUNTRY.

ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDER CHILESHE HAS TOLD RADIO PHOENIX THAT THE RESOURCES SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO BE DORMANT AS DOING SO WILL BE HAVE RIPPLE EFFECT ON THE GENERAL ECONOMY IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

MR CHILESHE SAYS  GOVERNMENT SHOULD CHANNEL THE RESOURCES TO OTHER SECTORS LIKE  AGRICULTURE WHICH EMPLOYS A NUMBER OF ZAMBIANS.

HE SAYS  DOING SO WILL  HELP IN ALLEVIATING AND IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOOD OF ZAMBIANS.

LAST WEEK ZAMTEL MANAGING DIRECTOR HANS PAULSEN ANNOUNCED THAT ZAMBIA HAS FROZEN LAP GREEN NETWORK’S 75 PERCENT SHARES IN ZAMTEL IN CONFORMITY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S DECISION TO FREEZE ALL ASSETS BELONGING TO LIBYA FOLLOWING THE UNREST IN THE ARAB COUNTRY.

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS BEEN FREEZING SOME LIBYAN ASSETS DOTTED ACROSS THE GLOBE, HOWEVER MR. PAULSEN SAID ZAMTEL WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW DEVELOPMENT AND THERE IS NO NEED FOR CUSTOMERS TO WORRY.

HE SAYS ZAMTEL WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE NORMALLY AND GOVERNMENT WILL OVERSEE THE AFFAIRS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY.

LAP GREEN HELD 75 PERCENT SHARES IN ZAMTEL WHILE THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT IS A MINORITY SHAREHOLDER WITH 25 PERCENT.

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Zanbians warned not to take lightly the political projects

A SCHOLAR HAS ADVISED ZAMBIANS TO BE WEARY OF THE POLITICAL GESTURES AND POLITICAL PROJECTS AS THE COUNTRY HEADS TOWARDS THIS YEAR’S TRIPARTITE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

PRESIDENT BANDA ON SATURDAY ISSUED A DIRECTIVE THAT ALL OUTSTANDING BALANCES ON 3, 338 HOUSING UNITS ON THE COPPERBELT BE WRITTEN OFF AND SITTING TENANTS GIVE.

N LETTERS OF SALE IMMEDIATELY.

PRESIDENT  BANDA ALSO DIRECTED BOARDS OF ZAMBIA FORESTS AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, NATIONAL PENSIONS SCHEME AUTHORITY, DEVELOPMENT BANK OF ZAMBIA, AND MUKUBA PENSION FUND TO OFFER THEIR HOUSING UNITS COUNTRYWIDE TO SITTING TENANTS FOR PURCHASE.

BUT SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX TODAY, DR ALEX NG’OMA QUESTIONED THE MOTIVE AND THE TIMELINESS OF WRITING OFF THE OUTSTANDING BALANCES ON THE SAID HOUSES AND FURTHER DESCRIBED IT AS A POLITICAL GIMMICK.

DR NG’OMA, WHO IS ALSO FOUNDATION FOR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS PRESIDENT, SAYS SUCH POLITICAL GESTURES SHOULD NOT BE ENTERTAINED BY ALL WELL MEANING ZAMBIANS STATING THAT ANY LEADER DOING SUCH SHOULD NOT WAIT FOR THE VOTE IN RETURN OF SUCH ACTS.

AND DR. NG’OMA HAS EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE BEHAVIOR OF THE MMD LEADERSHIP FOR FAILING TO DISCIPLINE THEIR CADRES IN EASTERN PROVINCE WHO DISRUPTED THE PUBLIC MEETING FOR COLONEL PANJI KAUNDA OVER THE WEEKEND.

HE SAYS THIS IS  UNDEMOCRATIC AND BREECH OF THE ELECTORAL CODE OF CONDUCT.

DR NG’OMA ALLEGES THAT FAILURE BY THE MMD TOP LEADERS TO DISCIPLINE THEIR CADRES FOR PERPETUATING VIOLENCE IS LIKELY TO BE MISINTERPRETED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

AND THE FODEP PRESIDENT HAS DESCRIBED AS UNFORTUNATE THE EXPELLING OF COLONEL PANJI KAUNDA FROM THE OPPOSITION UPND SAYING POLITICIANS SHOULD ENDEAVOUR TO ACCOMMODATE DIVERGENT VIEWS EVEN FROM THEIR OWN MEMBERS.

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ILLOVO SUGAR LIMITED SIGNED A 605BILLION KWACHA SYNDICATED TERM DEBT FACILITY FOR ITS ZAMBIA SUGAR PLC SUBSIDIARY

ILLOVO SUGAR LIMITED SIGNED A 605BILLION KWACHA SYNDICATED TERM DEBT FACILITY FOR ITS ZAMBIA SUGAR PLC SUBSIDIARY.

THE TRANSACTION WAS ARRANGED BY CITIBANK AND THE STANDARD BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA.

THE FINANCING IS REQUIRED BY THE COMPANY AS A PARTIAL REFINANCING OF ITS 5160 MILLION 2007 SYNDICATED FACILITY, WHICH WAS ARRANGED TO FINANCE ZAMBIA SUGER’S MAJOR CAPACITY EXPANSION PROGRAMME UNDERTAKEN BETWEEN 2007 AND 2010.

THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME INCLUDES THE AGRICULTURAL AND FACTORY EXPANSION INVOLVING ZAMBIA SUGAR’S SUPPLYING GROWERS HAS SINCE RESULTED IN ANNUAL SUGAR PRODUCTION CAPACITY INCREASING FROM 200,00 TONS TO 450,000TONS.

AND SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY THIS MORNING COMMERCE , TRADE AND INDUSTRY  DEPUTY MINISTER DR LWIPA PUMA SAID GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE SUGAR SECTOR AS IT CONTRIBUTES IMMENSELY TO THE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND UPLIFTING THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE PEOPLE.

DR PUMA FURTHER IMPLORED ON ZAMBIA SUGAR TO CONTINUE INVESTING IN THE SECTOR DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPORTS THAT SUGAR HAS BOTH REGIONALLY AND ON THE GLOBAL MARKETS.

AND SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY TODAY ZAMBIA SUGAR MANAGING DIRECTOR STEVE LANGTON SAID THE LOAN FACILITY IS AN INDICATION OF THE CONFIDENCE THAT BANKS HAVE IN THE COMPANY.

AND SOUTHERN PROVINCE MINISTER ELIJAH MUCHIMA EXPLAINED THAT THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME IS INDICATION THAT ZAMBIA IS A RISK FREE COUNTRY DESPITE THIS BEING AN ELECTION.

HE ADDED THAT WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE POLITICAL CORRIDORS IS JUST A PASSING PHASE AND WILL NOT HAVE ANY NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMY.

AND BANK OF ZAMBIA ACTING GOVERNOR AUSTIN MWAPE SAID THE BANK RECOGNIZES SYNDICATION OF LOANS AS AN INNOVATIVE AVENUE THROUGH WHICH BANKS CAN FINANCE LARGE AND LONG TERM PROJECTS THEREBY ENHANCING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

A TOTAL OF 8 BANKS AND ONE FUND MANAGER PARTICIPATED IN THE LOCAL SYNDICATION.

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MEDIA LIAISON COMMITTEE POSTPONED THE LAUNCH OF THE ZAMBIA MEDIA COUNCIL

THE MEDIA LIAISON COMMITTEE (MLC) HAS POSTPONED THE LAUNCH OF THE ZAMBIA MEDIA COUNCIL (ZAMEC) FROM THE EARLIER ANNOUNCED 3^RD MAY TO A FUTURE DATE.

MLC SPOKESPERSON DANIEL SIKAZWE SAYS THE LAUNCH OF THE ZAMBIA MEDIA COUNCIL (ZAMEC), WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY (WPFD) HAS BEEN POSTPONED IN ORDER TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT GOVERNMENT’S CONCERNS, EXPRESSED BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES, LT. GEN. RONNIE SHIKAPWASHA ON FRIDAY.

MR SIKAZWE SAYS THE MINISTER EMPHASISED THAT GOVERNMENT WAS A MAJOR STAKEHOLDER IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EFFECTIVE SELF-REGULATORY SYSTEM AND SO ITS VIEWS SHOULD BE TAKEN ON BOARD.

HE HAS HOWEVER ASSURED THAT DIALOGUE WITH THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EFFECTIVE SELF-REGULATORY MECHANISM THAT IS ABLE TO ENFORCE ITS DECISIONS EFFECTIVELY IS ON-GOING.

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UNITED STATES HAS UNDERSCORED THE IMPORTANCE OF SERIOUSLY INVESTIGATING FINANCIAL FRAUD

UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA MARK STORELLA HAS UNDERSCORED THE IMPORTANCE OF SERIOUSLY INVESTIGATING FINANCIAL FRAUD AND RELATED CRIMES BECAUSE OF THEIR NEGATIVE IMPACT ON TODAY’S GLOBAL ECONOMY.

MR. STORELLA SAID CYBER-THEFT, IDENTITY FRAUD, COUNTERFEITING AND MONEY LAUNDERING SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND STOPPED BECAUSE OF THEIR EFFECT ON THE GLOBAL ECONOMY.

HE WAS SPEAKING IN A SPEECH READ FOR HIM BY US EMBASSY REGIONAL SECURITY OFFICER GREGORY GRAY AT THE MINI GRADUATION CEREMONY OF 32 STUDENTS IN FINANCIAL CRIME INVESTIGATIONS HELD AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (NIPA) IN LUSAKA TODAY.

MR. STORELLA SAID ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY AND CONVENIENCES OF MODERN LIFE HAVE PROVEN TO BE PERPETRATORS OF THESE CRIMES.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THESE CRIMES HAVE NO GEOGRAPHICAL OR SOCIO-ECONOMIC BOUNDARIES ADDING THAT MANY FINANCIAL CRIMES WERE USED TO FUND TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM AND TO SUSTAIN EMPIRES OF CRIMINAL ORGANISATIONS GLOBALLY.

MR. STORELLA NOTED THAT THERE WAS SERIOUS NEED FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY TO DEVISE FINANCIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION COURSES IN ORDER TO COMBAT THIS WORLDWIDE VICE.

HE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE TRAINING COURSE WHICH THE STUDENTS UNDERWENT HAD PREPARED THEM TO ASSIST IN COMBATING FINANCIAL CRIMES IN THE COUNTRY.

AND SPEAKING AT THE SAME EVENT, NIPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANSWELL SAKA STATED THAT THE WORLD ECONOMIES WERE BEING DEVASTATED BY FINANCIAL CRIMES WHICH HAVE UNDERMINED MATERIAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AGENDAS OF MANY COUNTRIES.

MR. SAKA ALSO SAID ZAMBIA HAS NEVER BEEN SPARED FROM THE WORLDWIDE EFFECTS OF TRANSNATIONAL ORGANISED FINANCIAL CRIMES STATING THAT IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT AS A NATIONAL AND CENTRALISED MANPOWER TRAINING PROVIDER, NIPA HAD TAKEN THE CHALLENGE ON BEHALF OF GOVERNMENT TO TRAIN FUNDAMENTAL ROLE PLAYERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES.

AND HEAD OF LEGAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT AND COURSE DIRECTOR RAPHAEL MUNGOLE SAID ORGANISED FINANCIAL CRIME GANGS WERE INCREASINGLY OPERATING AS FAMILY CARTELS.

MR. MUNGOLE, WHO IS ALSO FORMER DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION (DEC) COMMISSIONER OBSERVED THAT CHILDREN, WIVES AND CLOSE ASSOCIATES WERE INVOLVED IN PERPETUATING.

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GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA FRANK MEYKE SAYS HE EXPECTS THIS YEAR’S GENERAL ELECTIONS TO BE FREE AND FAIR

GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA FRANK MEYKE SAYS HE EXPECTS THIS YEAR’S PARLIAMENTARY AND PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTIONS TO BE FREE AND FAIR.

HE STATES THAT THE TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS SHOULD BE PEACEFUL AND TRANSPARENT.

AMBASSADOR MEYKE SAID SUCH DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS INCLUDING AN

ISSUE-ORIENTED ELECTION CAMPAIGN WOULD BE A PARTICULARLY POSITIVE SIGNAL FOR GERMAN INVESTORS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS.

SPEAKING AT THE ZAMBIA-BUSINESS INFORMATION CONFERENCES IN BERLIN, MR. MEYKE CALLED ON THE GERMAN AND ZAMBIAN COMPANIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NUMEROUS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SO FAR UNTAPPED DEVELOPING THE BILATERAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL.

HE ADDS THAT IN THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY THIS YEAR, A DELEGATION OF THE GERMAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE CONSISTING OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES WILL VISIT ZAMBIA IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY FIELDS OF COOPERATION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, INCLUDING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.

AMBASSADOR MEYKE SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF BILATERAL COOPERATION OF THE GERMAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE WITH COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE,

PARTICULARLY IN AFRICA, ASIA AND SOUTH AMERICA, IS TO PROVIDE A CONTRIBUTION TO ENSURING FOOD SECURITY.

HE ADDS THAT IN JUNE A DELEGATION OF GERMAN COMPANIES WITH BRANCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA WILL VISIT ZAMBIA TO IDENTIFY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WHILE ANOTHER GERMAN BUSINESS DELEGATION WHICH IS EXPECTED IN NOVEMBER TO ASSESS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.

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THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT CHALLENGED TO EXPEDITIOUSLY BRING TO BOOK INDIVIDUALS THAT MISAPPROPRIATED FUNDS AT MINISTRY OF HEALTH

THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CHALLENGED TO EXPEDITIOUSLY BRING TO BOOK INDIVIDUALS THAT MISAPPROPRIATED FUNDS THAT LED TO SUBSEQUENT FREEZING OF THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO  ZAMBIA’S HEALTH SECTOR.

ON THURSDAY, GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IT HAS TRANSFERRED K9.1 BILLION INTO THE GLOBAL FUND ACCOUNT AS PART OF THE REFUND OF THE MONEY THAT WAS MISAPPROPRIATED BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH.

BUT CARITAS ZAMBIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAM MULAFULAFU HAS TOLD RADIO PHOENIX THAT THE ISSUE OF MAJOR CONCERN IS NOT REPAYING THE FUND BUT BRINGING  TO BOOK THOSE THAT MISAPPROPRIATED THE RESOURCES AT THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH.

MR MULAFULAFU SAYS  GOVERNMENT HAS GROSSLY DELAYED IN BRINGING TO BOOK THOSE THAT MISUSED THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES.

THE COUNTRY HAS GONE THROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GLOBAL FUND SUPPORTED PROGRAMMES FOLLOWING THE DISCOVERY OF THE FRAUD IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH.

THE REPORTS OF MISAPPROPRIATION RESULTED IN DELAYED DISBURSEMENTS TO ZAMBIA BY  THE GLOBAL FUND AS REQUESTS FROM ZAMBIA WERE UNDERGOING SERIOUS SCRUTINY.

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INTERMARKET BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED ON FRIDAY LAUNCHED THE 2011 K100 MILLION VENTURECOMP

INTERMARKET BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED ON FRIDAY LAUNCHED THE 2011 K100 MILLION VENTURECOMP BUSINESS COMPETITION FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING.

INTERMARKET BANK AND ITS PARTNERS HAVE RESERVED K100 MILLION IN PRIZE MONEY TO BE AWARDED TO THE WINNING FINALISTS AND WILL FURTHER PROVIDE ON GOING MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT TO THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS TO GUIDE THEM TOWARDS REALIZING THEIR BUSINESS CONCEPTS IN A REAL WORLD ENVIRONMENT.

THE K100 MILLION VENTURECOMP BUSINESS COMPETITION WHICH STARTED LAST YEAR IS THE SECOND IN RUNNING WITH THE FIRST ONE HAVING BEEN WON BY ZED BIONIC OF NORTHRISE UNIVERSITY.

SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCH IN LUSAKA THIS MORNING, INTERMARKET BANK MANAGING DIRECTOR ACKIM SINKALA EXPLAINED THAT THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED OR UNDERTAKING STUDIES AT HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING THAT ARE REGISTERED WITH TECHNICAL EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING AUTHORITY (TEVETA) UNDER THE TEVET ACT AND UNIVERSITY ACT.

MR SINKALA SAYS  THE EFFORTS BY GOVERNMENT TO BUILD HUMAN CAPITAL IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING NEEDS TO BE AUGMENTED BY THE MATERIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FROM PRIVATE BUSINESS HOUSES.

AND TEVETA DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT  DAVID CHAKONTA EXPRESSED HOPE THAT MORE STUDENTS WILL COME ON BOARD STATING THAT THEY TARGET TO REACH ALL THE NINE PROVINCES OF ZAMBIA.

HE SAYS THE COMPETITION IS THE PLATFORM FOR OPENING AND LINKING THE STUDENTS TO THE REAL BUSINESS WORLD.

AND LUSAKA STOCK EXCHANGE GENERAL MANAGER BEATRICE NKANZA HAS APPEALED TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WITH THE SMALL MEDIUM ENTREPRENEURS’ COMPONENTS TO COME ON BOARD AND HELP IN EQUIPPING THE YOUTHS WITH TECHNICAL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS.

THE VENTURECOMP BUSINESS COMPETITION FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING IS BEING SPEARHEADED BY INTERMARKET BANK WITH OTHER PARTNERS LIKE THE LUSAKA STOCK EXCHANGE, ZAMBEZI AIRLINES AND THE ZAMBIA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY.

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CONSUMER UNITY AND TRUST SOCIETY CALLS FOR REVISION OF THE AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

CONSUMER UNITY AND TRUST SOCIETY (CUTS)HAS CALLED FOR THE REVISION OF THE AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT(AGOA) TO ENSURE MORE INCLUSIVENESS, ACCESSIBLE AND PERMANENT BENEFITS CAN EXTEND BEYOND  FEW COUNTRIES AND THE INITIATIVE CAN BE MORE PREDICTABLE.

CUTS STATES THAT AS ZAMBIA HOSTS THE AGOA CONFERENCE, AFRICA SHOULD BE UNITED AND COORDINATED ITS DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES SO THAT THE ENTIRE CONTINENT GAINS.

BUT CUTS SAYS THE ZAMBIA GOVERNMENT, PRIVATE SECTOR AND CIVIL SOCIETY NEED TO COLLABORATE IN DISSEMINATING COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON AGOA AND ITS POTENTIAL BENEFITS TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN ZAMBIA AND THE SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.

CUTS ACTING CENTRE COORDINATOR SIMON NG’ONA ADDS THAT GOVERNMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CSOS NEED TIME TO RE-EXAMINE THE RULES UNDER MARKET ACCESS SO THAT THEY CAN BE MADE COMMERCIAL VIABLE AND PROVIDE EQUITABLE BENEFITS.

MR NG’ONA SAYS CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS MUST BE EMPOWERED TO SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS WHILE LIMITING THEIR COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES.

ZAMBIA WILL THIS JUNE HOST THE 10^TH AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT(AGOA) FORUM AT WHICH MORE THAN 2000 DELEGATES FROM ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA, THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.

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A NEW STUDY HAS FOUND THAT COUNTRIES WHICH SOUGHT FINANCIAL ARE EXPERIENCING A RETURN TO GROWTH.

A NEW STUDY HAS FOUND THAT COUNTRIES WHICH SOUGHT FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) IN LATE 2008, AFTER THE FAILURE OF THE LEHMAN BROTHERS INVESTMENT BANK, ARE EXPERIENCING A RETURN TO GROWTH.

THE FINANCING PROVIDED BY THE IMF HELPED COUNTRIES STABILIZE THEIR ECONOMIES AT A TIME WHEN THEIR ACCESS TO FINANCIAL MARKETS WAS SERIOUSLY CURTAILED.

BUT RISKS REMAIN, THE STUDY FINDS STATING THAT MANY COUNTRIES NEED FURTHER FISCAL CONSOLIDATION, AS JOB CREATION IS LAGGING BEHIND THE RECOVERY, AND THE POLITICAL WILL TO IMPLEMENT FURTHER DIFFICULT REFORMS IS FLAGGING―AT A TIME WHEN MORE REFORMS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED TO RESTORE COMPETITIVENESS.

A SECOND GROUP OF COUNTRIES APPROACHED THE IMF FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN 2010–11.

IMF SAYS FURTHER FISCAL CONSOLIDATION TO REDUCE HIGH PUBLIC DEBT WILL BE NEEDED FOR YEARS TO COME AND REFORMS TO IMPROVE THE GROWTH POTENTIAL OF THE ECONOMIES WILL REQUIRE STRONG SOCIAL COHESION AND NATIONAL UNITY.

THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY THE IMF’S STRATEGY, POLICY, AND REVIEW DEPARTMENT, ENCOMPASSED 29 COUNTRIES WITH IMF-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS.

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THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION HAS WARNED THAT DRUG RESISTANCE IS BECOMING MORE SEVERE

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) HAS WARNED THAT DRUG RESISTANCE IS BECOMING MORE SEVERE AND MANY INFECTIONS ARE NO LONGER EASILY CURED, LEADING TO PROLONGED AND EXPENSIVE TREATMENT AND GREATER RISK OF DEATH.

SPEAKING ON THE WORLD HEALTH DAY UNDER THE THEME "COMBAT DRUG RESISTANCE", WHO HAS SINCE CALLED FOR URGENT AND CONCERTED ACTION BY GOVERNMENTS, HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, INDUSTRY AND CIVIL SOCIETY AND PATIENTS TO SLOW DOWN THE SPREAD OF DRUG RESISTANCE, LIMIT ITS IMPACT TODAY AND PRESERVE MEDICAL ADVANCES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL DR MARGARET CHAN SAYS  THE ABSENCE OF URGENT CORRECTIVE AND PROTECTIVE ACTIONS, THE WORLD IS HEADING TOWARDS A POST-ANTIBIOTIC ERA, IN WHICH MANY COMMON INFECTIONS WILL NO LONGER HAVE A CURE AND, ONCE AGAIN, KILL UNABATED.

AND TODAY, WHO IS PUBLISHING A POLICY PACKAGE THAT SETS OUT THE MEASURES GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR NATIONAL PARTNERS NEED TO COMBAT DRUG RESISTANCE.

THE POLICY STEPS RECOMMENDED BY WHO INCLUDE: DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING A COMPREHENSIVE FINANCED NATIONAL PLAN,STRENGTHENING SURVEILLANCE AND LABORATORY CAPACITY, ENSURING UNINTERRUPTED ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL MEDICINES OF ASSURED QUALITY, REGULATING AND PROMOTING RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINES, AND ENHANCE INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL AMONG OTHERS.

LAST YEAR, AT LEAST 440,000 NEW CASES OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANT-TUBERCULOSIS WERE DETECTED AND EXTENSIVELY DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN 69 COUNTRIES TO DATE. 

WHO  FURTHER  SAYS SERIOUS INFECTIONS ACQUIRED IN HOSPITALS CAN BECOME FATAL BECAUSE THEY ARE SO DIFFICULT TO TREAT AND DRUG-RESISTANT STRAINS OF MICROORGANISM ARE SPREAD FROM ONE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION TO ANOTHER IN TODAY'S INTERCONNECTED AND GLOBALIZED WORLD.  

RESISTANCE IS ALSO EMERGING TO THE ANTIRETROVIRAL MEDICINES USED TO TREAT PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV.

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Zambia's rally aces, Muna Singh and Mohammed Essa have declared themselves ready for the Sasol Oil (Pty) Limited sponsored 611.53 kilometre-long Sasol Rally South Africa to be held next weekend in Nelspruit.

Zambia's rally aces, Muna Singh and Mohammed Essa have declared themselves ready for the Sasol Oil (Pty) Limited sponsored 611.53 kilometre-long Sasol Rally South Africa to be held next weekend in Nelspruit.

The Team Madison Racing pair said in separate interviews in Lusaka that they had completed preparing their cars and were geared for the rally, which counts as the second round of this season's eight-legged FIA African Rally Championship (ARC).

 Muna said a Tanzania-based Prodrive expert Heiko Grund who serviced for the late Uganda driver Riyaz Kurji was in Lusaka at the weekend to rectify the low power his Subaru Impreza N10 encountered during last month's Toyota Zimbabwe Challenge.
Essa, who cooked his engine during the Toyota Zimbabwe Challenge, said the standard engine was built and fixed on his Subaru N11 at the weekend following the arrival of the cylinder head gasket he had ordered from South Africa.
Essa, who will be making his South Africa debut said they duo are going to South Africa and try as hard as possible to be among the Top 10.
Essa is scheduled to leave for South Africa on Monday while Muna is set to depart at the weekend by road in the company of his service crew.

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Frontier Resources International has been granted a four-year petroleum exploration licence in Zambia

Frontier Resources International has been granted a four-year petroleum exploration licence in Zambia.

The licence is for an initial four year period and commenced on 25 March 2011.

According to the company, the licence is for block 34 which covers 6,000 square kilometres in the Kafue Trough south-west of the capital Lusaka.
This area has had no previous hydrocarbon exploration but may form a part of the south-western extension of the productive East African Rift System.
Frontier - which was awarded the block in February - was granted the licence by the Zambian Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development after completing the application process.

This is the first exploration licence in the southern African region that has been awarded to Frontier where the Company plans to pursue additional opportunities.

The Company has started the initial geological study of the Block prior to undertaking aeromagnetic and aerogravity data in the future.

The Company's existing oil and gas producing properties are onshore Texas.

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Konkola Copper Mines, is planning to invest at least $172 million to build a new leach plant at its Nchanga mine

Zambia's largest copper miner by output, Konkola Copper Mines, is planning to invest at least $172 million to build a new leach plant at its Nchanga mine as it continues to expand operations to boost output.

The plant is expected to produce at least 50,000 metric tonnes of finished copper a year over its 13-year lifespan once it comes on stream by 2013, the company said in a report submitted to the Environmental Council of Zambia.

The plant will treat at least 156 million tonnes of refractory ore materials stockpiled at the mine. At least 700 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs are expected to be created.

KCM, a unit of London-listed Vedanta Resources PLC, is also implementing a deep-mine project at its Chilibombwe Copper Mine, which will enable it access at least 200 million tons of ores, grading at 3.5% copper.

This project will enable KCM to more than triple its annual copper ore output to 7.5 million tons.

The deep mine project and the Nchanga refractory project, together with other expansions at treatment and smelting plants, will enable KCM to double its annual copper output to at least 400,000 tons by 2014, according to company officials.

Vedanta Resources announced that KCM's integrated copper cathode production in the quarter ending December 31 2010, was 34,000 tonnes.

This represents a 21% rise on year due to improvements at the Nchanga operations and higher production at the open pits and at the tailings leach operations.

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