Metro

Zambia to import 100,000 tonnes of wheat to meet shortfalls

Published

2 months ago

March 24, 2024

The Zambian government has announced plans to import 100,000 metric tonnes of wheat by the end of August to make up for shortfalls due to the drought that has ravaged the country.

The approval for the implementation of the product was given by the Cabinet following a projected deficit of the crop during the year.

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture had also given a ‘no objection’ to the importation so as to meet the shortfall, the Cabinet said during a plenary session.

A statement by Chief Government spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, also indicated that the “Cabinet had approved the issuance of a Statutory Instrument namely, the Customs and Excise Regulations, 2024, that provides for the suspension of duty on the importation of 100,000 metric tonnes of wheat.”

In the statement issued in Lusaka, Mweetwa said a ban on wheat importations in 2015 was introduced in order to protect the local producers of wheat and wheat products.

“Occasionally, the Ministry of Agriculture issues permits to allow importation of specific quantities of wheat to meet domestic supply shortfall,” Mweetwa stated.

He, however, said the current exemption was necessary in order to allow the millers to meet the shortfall in the supply of wheat on the local market.

The Minister stated the measure would allow millers to continue production in the face of low supply of the commodity before commencement of the harvesting season when national wheat stocks are expected to be sufficient.

“Cabinet also approved the ratification of the revised Nåcala Development Corridor (NDC) Agreement between Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia,” Mweetwa also revealed.

He said this was to ensure safe, cost-effective and efficient movement of goods and persons within the length of the Nacala Development Corridor.

Mweetwa added that the Nacala Development Corridor was a multi-modal transport and logistics infrastructure network within and through the Republics of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

“It is one of the important trade corridors in Southern Africa and its development is critical to enhancing regional and international trade competitiveness, particularly for the landlocked countries of Zambia and Malawi,” he stated.

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Metro

‘Rights must go with responsibilities,’ traditional leader cautions on use of social media

Published

17 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Mansa, Luapula Province: Annette Katema, the Head Woman of Chitumbi Village in Mansa District, voices concerns about the detrimental effects of irresponsible social media usage.

In a recent interview with Zambia Monitor, Katema argued that social media platforms were contributing to delinquency among the youth, particularly platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Children are being exposed to inappropriate content on WhatsApp, which is harmful to their upbringing. Social media platforms are fostering moral decay,” remarked Head Woman Chitumbi.

She stated that this trend undermined the cultural values that were essential for societal cohesion.

Katema expressed reservations about the prevalence of nudity and offensive language on social media, calling for stricter moderation.

She advocated for proactive measures to steer young people away from harmful online content, suggesting the revitalization of traditional recreational activities like playhouses and sports.

“Instead of solely relying on punitive measures, let’s invest in creating positive alternatives to counter the allure of social media,” Katema proposed.

She urged the youth to uphold traditional values alongside their digital rights, stating the importance of responsible behavior online.

“We should not lose respect in the name of digital rights because rights should go with responsibilities,” the traditional leader said.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

Metro

President Tinubu finally returns to Nigeria amid speculations over his absence

Published

21 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

After spending the last two weeks out of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has finally returned to the country.

Tinubu, who returned to Nigeria on Wednesday morning, had departed the country two weeks ago, on April 23, for The Netherlands for a three-day official visit, honouring an invitation from the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte.

While in the European country, Tinubu participated in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum, which brought together heads of conglomerates and organisations in both countries.

After his engagements in The Netherlands, Tinubu, according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, proceeded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend a World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development which held between April 28–29.

However, after the summit, the president did not return to the country as he was said to have proceeded to London for a private visit which gave room to speculations over his health.

The Nigerian Presidency did not also help matters as there was no official statement on the President’s engagements, nor were they willing to douse the tension created by his absence, leading to Nigerians raising posers with the hashtag #WhereisTinubu.

In a tweet on Tuesday evening, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had revealed that Tinubu would be back in the country on Wednesday.

“President Bola Tinubu, along with his aides, will return to Nigeria tomorrow from Europe,” he had written.

The recent foreign trip was Tinubu’s 20th since assuming office on May 29, 2023, effectively logging 96 days abroad, which has made him one of Africa’s most globe-trotting leaders.

In his less than one year in office, President Tinubu has visited Paris, France (thrice); London, the United Kingdom (twice); Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Norvo, Benin Republic, New Delhi, India.

He has also taken a trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (twice); Berlin, Germany; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal; Doha, Qatar; and The Hague, The Netherlands.