Metro

Former Zambian President, Lungu wades into mealie-meal crisis, declines blaming President Hichilema

Published

2 years ago

April 13, 2023

Former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu has called on citizens of the country not to put the entire blame on his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, over ongoing Mealie-Meal crisis which has seen a huge shortage in the staple food item.

The shortage of both mealie-meal and maize has been blamed by top government officials on smuggling, and in a move to avert a nationwide shortage, the government, during the week, suspended export of maize and mealie meal.

The government also directed the security agencies to intensify patrols in the Copperbelt and Northern Circuits where there have been reports of widespread smuggling of mealie-meal.

And while many Zambians have put the blame for the crisis on the president, Mr Lungu has said Hichilema should not be made to carry the entire blame for the shortage being experienced.

Lungu, who spoke to journalists on Thursday, said Hichilema may not even know what caused the shortage of mealie-meal in the country as politicians and people in authority usually take advantage of presidential directives by pushing their own agendas.

Lungu said that Hichilema meant well when he asked the country’s Food Reserve Agency to export maize but the setback came when the executors of the policy took advantage of the presidential directive by exporting more than what was sanctioned.

According to Lungu, “unscrupulous people usually take advantage of the presidency by lying to others that they are well-connected.”

The mealie-meal crisis in Zambia has been a cause of significant concern amongst the population, as it has resulted in high prices, making it difficult for many Zambians to access it.

The government has come under fire for failing to address the issue, with many citizens calling for urgent action to be taken.

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

15 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.