Metro

Zambia: ‘Account for monies received from donors to fight drought,’ EFF leader challenges Hichilema

Published

5 months ago

June 30, 2024

The President of Zambian opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Kasonde Mwenda, has challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to account for the monies raised by the government from international donors since declaring the drought being experienced a national disaster.

Mwenda, who threw the challenge in an interview with Zambia Monitor, also criticized the President’s recent press briefings, denouncing them as mere “talk shows that failed to address Zambia’s pressing economic issues.”

Mwenda lamented that Hichilema missed a crucial opportunity to outline concrete solutions his administration was implementing to tackle the economic crisis.

He expressed his disbelief at Hichilema’s suggestion that individual Zambians should generate and sell electricity to ZESCO amidst the country’s economic challenges.

“He spoke about realigning the budget without even confirming its approval, showing a lack of information. It felt more like a talk show than a serious briefing,” Mwenda said.

The EFF leader further accused Hichilema of pursuing populist policies that have minimal economic impact, such as reversing directives like the one on civil servants driving at night.

He also criticised government’s expenditure on tax holidays for mines and simultaneous electricity imports from neighboring countries.

“He wasted our time. This government needs to take its responsibilities seriously,” Mwenda asserted.

He also drew a comparison to previous administrations accused of misusing COVID-19 relief funds without consequences.

Mwenda went on to challenge Hichilema to disclose the contributions pledged by international partners like King Charles to the drought response programme, emphasizing the demand for transparency and accountability.

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Metro

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

Published

6 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.