Metro

Zambian coalition challenges President Hichilema to test popularity with early election

Published

7 months ago

April 8, 2024

Zambian coalition, the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), has challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to test his popularity by conducting presidential elections earlier this year.

The coalition, which threw down the gauntlet after the police declined its request to organise a public rally citing security concerns, said if Hichilema thought he was popular with the masses, he should test such popularity by calling for an early election.

The UKA coalition was smarting from the rejection of its request on April 2, when it wrote to the Zambia Police asking for permission to hold a public rally at Matanda Zambia compound grounds in Kafue on April 13, between 10:00 hours and 18:00 hours, but the request was turned down by the police.

“I wish to advise that due to some security concerns, you are advised not to proceed with the intended rally,” the police, in declining the Alliance’s request, had written back:

While reacting to the denial, Chairman of UKA, Sakwiba Sikota, said in a statement:

“As the Alliance, we are not surprised at the response of the UPND Zambia Police force.

“UKA will not relent in liberating the Zambian people from this repressive UPND regime,” Sikota said.

He further alleged that “President Hichilema and his group would do anything to violate the rights of the Zambian people who don’t support their ineffective and short-lived government,” while assuring that the UPND government could not stop the people’s movement.

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Metro

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

Published

5 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

1 day 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.