1,500 PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPATE AT THE 2025 WORLD SKILLS AFRICA COMPETITION IN LIVINGSTONE

More than 1,500 participants from across Africa are expected to compete in 20 skills at the World Skills Africa Competition which Zambia will host in Livingstone in April 2025.

Zambia will be hosting the World Skills Africa Competition 2025 in Livingstone from 7th to 12th April 2025. This prestigious event aims to showcase the skills and talents of participants across various categories. With support from the Ministry of Technology and Science and the President of Zambia, World Skills Zambia is working closely with World Skills International (WSI) and AUDA-NEPAD to ensure the successful delivery of the competition. Beyond the event, the competition venue at the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES) will serve as a Centre of Excellence for up skilling trainers in Zambia and potentially beyond.

 

The competition will feature a range of skills, including Information Network Cabling, Mechanical Engineering CAD, Welding, Wall and Floor Tiling, Plumbing and Heating, Electrical Installations, Bricklaying, Joinery, Carpentry, Jewellery, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Technology, and more. It’s an exciting opportunity for Zambian students to demonstrate their abilities and contribute to the growth of the hospitality sector and related industries.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science Eng. Dr Brilliant Habeenzu- PS Ministry Of Technology And Science. says the hospitality and transport sectors in the tourist capital are expected to cash in from the five day competition.

Speaking during the commemoration of the United Nations Skills Day and opening of the National Skills Competition in Lusaka, Dr. Habeenzu said Zambian students will compete in all 20 categories.

Dr. Habeenzu said the event will help the hospitality sector and other related industries to provide services for the 1,500 participants who will be competing at LIBES.

He added that skills development is at the core of government agenda as it provides an opportunity for youths to gain knowledge on how they can survive and earn a living.

Dr. Habeenzu urged Zambian participants to exhibit good behavior and compete favourably to make the country proud.

And World Skills Zambia Programme Manager Precious Lisulo said the local secretariat is doing everything possible to ensure that Zambia reaps medals at the World Skills Africa Competition.

Ms. Lisulo, who is also Acting Director of Vocational, Education and Training in the Ministry of Technology and Science, said a lot of work is being put in place to ensure that Zambian students are prepared to compete against their counterparts from across Africa next year.

She said a team of experts has already been identified and trained to mentor Zambian participants as they prepare to take part.

 

 

NAPSA HAS SEALED A $400 MILLION DEAL WITH MAAMBA COLLIERIES LTD

By Daily News Reporter

National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has sealed a US$400 million deal with Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL) to build a new 300MW coal power plant.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka NAPSA Director General Muyangwa Muyangwa said that the investment in the project is a sign of the authority’s confidence in Zambia's future as it realised that power generation affects employment which trickled down to the NAPSA contributions.

“So this is the boost to the power generation and will help increasing manufacturing,create jobs and investment in order to maintain cashflow into the pension scheme.

For this project Maamba Phase II will be financed through a combination of debt (US$ 300 million) and equity (USD 100 million).

Meanwhile NAPSA Board of Trustees chairperson Shipango Mutate said also added that the authority is providing US$ 200 million as debt financing (loan), the remaining US$ 100 million would come from local equity investors.

The loan term is for ten and a half years and there is a moratorium period of two and a half years on principal repayments.

This means NAPSA will only receive interest payments during this initial period, with principal repayments starting after two and a half years.

This debt investment is priced at nine percent net of taxes, meaning they will receive a nine percent return on their investment after accounting for any taxes.

Maamba Phase II is a bold move to tackle the crippling power deficit caused by a severe drought that's choked the country's hydropower plants.

The drought has slashed hydropower generation, leaving the country with a massive 750MW power shortfall resulting in business frustrations for many and more than 12 hours of load shedding for all.

And this is expected to generate around 1,200 jobs during construction and 400 permanent positions once operational.

And that the authority is projected to earn up to, "US$107.6 million in interest income from the project, with US$ 33.7 million interest projected to be received during moratorium period," disclosed Muteto

The project is a crucial step towards diversifying Zambia's energy mix as the country relies heavily on hydropower, leaving it vulnerable to the whims of weather.

Muyangwa said this project was not the first investment in the energy sector as the authority had previously invested in the Kafue Gorge financing a loan of over US$950 million.

 

 

KASENENGWA DISTRICT RECORDS 256 TEEN PREGNANCIES

KASENENGWA District Has recorded a total of 256 teen pregnancies in the first quarter of this year 2024 in the first Quarter.

Kasenengwa district Commissioner Rachael Phiri stated that out of 256, 13 were aged below 15 years while 243 were aged between 15 and 19 years.

She further noted that government is concerned that despite certain measures being put in place, cases of teenage pregnancies are still on the increase.

She said the government will however, continue partnering with traditional and religious leaders among other stakeholders in ensuring that the cases are reduced.

She added that adolescent reproductive health services are cardinal for the district as it affects a crucial transition period that influences the biological changes of puberty.

“Adolescent reproductive health services are cardinal for the district as it affects a crucial transition period that influences the biological changes of puberty and to negotiate key developmental areas such as increasing dependency and experimentation,” she said.

And District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Mathias Chuunga said a total of 71 pregnancies were recorded in some schools in the quarter under review, further explaining that 15 of the 71 girls have been enrolled back in school after giving birth to enable them to continue with their education.

Meanwhile, Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people observed a reduction in the migration of commercial sex workers from Chipata and other towns this year during the crop marketing season.

He attributed the development to the dry spells that were experienced in the last farming season which resulted in low yields as farming is the only source of income for most people in villages.

Chief Madzimawe however, mentioned that traditional leaders will still be on the lookout to ensure that the illegal activity which results in most people being swindled of their monies is curbed.

 

WHAT ROLE CAN MEDIA PLAY IN COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ISSUES

By Daily News Reporter

The media can play a vital role in promoting awareness and understanding of competition and consumer protection.

Let’s dig more details on how can the media play this fight by collaborating with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) first thing you need to know is Informing the Public: The media can disseminate information about consumer rights, anticompetitive practices, and deceptive business behaviors. By reporting on CCPC initiatives, investigations, and enforcement actions, they raise awareness among consumers and businesses.

Coverage of Hearings and Policies: Media outlets can cover CCPC hearings, public consultations, and policy developments. This helps educate the public about changes in competition law, privacy regulations, and consumer protection priorities.

Interviews and Features: Journalists can interview CCPC representatives, legal experts, and affected parties. Feature stories can highlight real-world cases, emphasizing the importance of fair competition and consumer rights.

Educational Content: The media can create educational content, such as articles, videos, and info graphics, explaining complex legal concepts in accessible language. This empowers consumers to recognize unfair practices and make informed choices.

Investigative Reporting: Investigative journalists can delve into specific industries, uncovering anticompetitive behavior or consumer rights violations. Their work can prompt CCPC action and drive positive change.

Remember, collaboration between the media and CCPC contributes to a fairer marketplace and informed consumers.

 

OVERCOMING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH

“False beliefs about mental illness can cause significant problems. Learn what you can do about stigma.”

By Daily News Reporter

Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common.

Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental illness. You may even judge yourself.

What are some of the harmful effects of stigma such as Reluctance to seek help or treatment

Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others,

Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing,

Bullying, physical violence or harassment,

Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment,

The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation

From this how can we deal with this stigma?

First Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don't let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what's wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.

Don't let stigma create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn't just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others who have mental illness can help you gain self-esteem and overcome destructive self-judgment.

Don't isolate yourself. If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Your family, friends, clergy or members of your community can offer you support if they know about your mental illness. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need.

Don't equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," say "I have schizophrenia."

Join a support group. Some local community groups and offer local programs that help reduce stigma by educating people who have mental illness, their families and the general public.

Get help at school. If you or your child has a mental illness that affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. Discrimination against students because of a mental illness is against the law, and educators at primary, secondary and college levels are required to accommodate students as best they can. If a teacher doesn't know about a student's disability, it can lead to discrimination, barriers to learning and poor grades.

 

 ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION IN AFRICA

By Daily News Reporter

Improving access to quality education in Africa is a critical endeavor with far-reaching implications, let us look at the Challenges and Barriers such as Misaligned Policies and Funding Priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa countries faces challenges due to misaligned policy and funding priorities, which hinder the achievement of inclusive, equitable, and quality education.

Also Lack of Access and Inclusion, many children still lack access to education, especially in remote or underserved areas. Gender gaps persist, affecting girls’ education and limiting their opportunities. Infrastructure limitations, such as inadequate school buildings and transportation, hinder access.

Further they are Insufficient teacher training impacts the quality of education.

Why Quality Education Matters:

Education contributes to economic growth. Increasing schooling years positively affects economic outcomes. Africa’s growing population will be the future workforce. Quality education prepares them for global opportunities and Ensuring girls’ secondary education has a significant impact on societies and economies.

Investment Needed:

An additional $77 billion annually is required for African countries to achieve their national education targets and provide quality education for all. However, development aid to education in sub-Saharan Africa has declined3.

They are some foundations such The Merck Foundation, was established in 2017, and serves as the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany. Their mission is to improve health, well-being, and lives through science and technology.

What are some initiative programs Merck Foundation has implementing so far to education in Africa:

Educating Linda Program:

Tailored for each country, this pan-African program aims to empower brilliant but underprivileged young African girls by providing them with access to education. The goal is to help them pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

Science Education:

Merck continues its commitment to science education globally by partnering with nonprofit organizations. Their goal is to increase access to science education for more than 500,000 students in underserved communities worldwide.

To this end Merck Foundation has made efforts focusing on improving access to quality healthcare and education, with a special emphasis on empowering women and youth in STEM fields.

 ZAMRA CAUTIONS CLEARING AGENTS TO SAFE AND EFFICIENT TRADE OF MEDICINES

 

By Daily News Reporter

"LET us ensure that we have safe and efficient trade of medicines and allied substances to meet the internation standards,by following comprehensive guidelines and regulations......................." 

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has recognized the crucial role of customs clearing agents in ensuring the safe and efficient trade of medicines and allied substances. ZAMRA Director General, Mukomani Siyanga, recently emphasized the importance of collaboration and open communication between the authority and the clearing agent community.

During a stakeholder engagement meeting in Lusaka, Siyanga highlighted the vital contributions of clearing agents in protecting public and animal health. Clearing agents play a key role in facilitating the smooth clearance of medicinal products at Zambia’s borders. To ensure high standards, ZAMRA has established comprehensive guidelines and regulations aligned with international best practices. 

Mr. Siyanga also cautioned that inadequate regulation could lead to serious consequences, including the proliferation of substandard, falsified, and counterfeit medicines, which may result in treatment failures, resistance to common medicines, adverse reactions, and even fatalities.

ZAMRA encourages clearing agents to leverage their expertise to comply with these standards, ultimately safeguarding the health of Zambian citizens. Additionally, ZAMRA has developed a Service Delivery Charter in collaboration with the Ministry of Health—a “social contract” committing to consistently and efficiently deliver high-quality services. Siyanga assured clearing agents of ZAMRA’s dedication to providing necessary support and timely transaction processing.

 THEY IS NEED TO HAVE GOOD QAULITY SEED AND SUFFICENT FOR THE FARMERS - Mtolo

By Daily News Reporter

Zambian seed industry such maize is a robust and competitive in Sub-Saharan Africa. It operates within a highly pluralistic system, comprising both formal and informal sectors. The informal sector includes farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS) and NGOs promoting seed exchange. In FMSS, farmers freely share and exchange seeds for various items, including food and labor. This system reflects Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

There’s an ongoing push to transform the seed sector into a commercialized entity owned by a few. However, this transition often remains more theoretical than practical.

Efforts to commercialize seeds sometimes marginalize traditional seed varieties, which are essential for preserving agro-biodiversity and building resilience against climate change.

And Disconnections between policy and law hinder the sector’s ability to address developmental challenges and fulfill human rights related to food security.

While achievements exist, challenges persist. Balancing commercialization with the preservation of traditional seeds is crucial for sustainable agricultural development in Zambia,

To address these advanced seed system in the country, Zambia held its (2) second National Seed Congress in Lusaka under the theme: Repositioning Zambia as a Continental seed Hub in the face of Climate Change”

Speaking on behave of the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, at the conference Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Minister of Agriculture has issued a stern warning against those involved in selling fake seeds and fertilizers.

He emphasized that these counterfeit products hinder economic development in the agriculture sector. Mr. Phiri is committed to putting an end to such practices, deeming them unacceptable.

Also stated that they is need to have sufficient and good quality seed available to farmers to improve the agriculture sector,

“We can’t attain national food and Nutrition security and the sustainable development goal No 2 Zero hunger without good quality seeds,” Mtolo said.

He added that government will continue to support seed industry by aligning the seed certification system to international standards.

Additionally, Marx Mbunji, President of the Zambia Seed Trade Association (ZASTA) has provided reassurance regarding seed stocks.

He affirmed that Zambia has ample seed reserves to cater to local demand, export orders, and business needs.

And that ZASTA will continue to engage in with the Ministry of Agriculture to safeguard these local stocks and prevent any unwarranted speculation. Ensuring a stable seed supply is crucial for sustainable agricultural development and food security in the country.

Collaboration between the government and the seed industry is crucial for enhancing seed systems, especially for resilient crops. They is need of encouraging private sector investment in research and production is essential. By incentivizing companies to invest in developing high-quality seeds, we can improve access to resilient crop varieties.

And ensuring that seeds meet quality standards is vital. The government can establish regulations and certification processes to guarantee seed quality. This benefits both farmers and consumers.

Such as training programs for farmers and seed producers can enhance their knowledge of seed production techniques, storage, and distribution. This empowers them to contribute effectively to the seed system. Highlighting the importance of resilient crops (such as drought-tolerant or disease-resistant varieties) encourages their adoption. These crops contribute to food security and climate resilience.

Additionally Facilitating connections between seed producers and consumers ensures efficient seed distribution. Farmers need access to quality seeds, and consumers benefit from nutritious produce.

By fostering collaboration and implementing supportive policies, we can strengthen seed systems and promote the consumption of resilient crops.

 

CHILD MARRIAGE ITS BONDAGE,

By Daily News Reporter

Despite Zambia being one of the earliest countries to champion efforts to end child marriage, the country still has parents who think Child marriage is the key to success.

Child marriage can be defined as marriage of a person below the age of eighteen.

Shockingly, The State of the World’s Children 2023 report by UNICEF highlights the importance of childhood immunization. It introduces three children—Marwan, Hind, and Iman—who have benefited from vaccination. These stories underscore the child survival revolution. However, the report also reveals that many children, especially in marginalized communities, still lack essential vaccinations. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization efforts, resulting in a loss of progress. We must act urgently to ensure no child is left behind.

Additionally, UNICEF emphasizes the need to end child marriage by 2030. The international community committed to this goal through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report “Towards ending child marriage: Global trends and profiles of progress” analyzes historical trends and focuses on countries that have made significant strides in reducing child marriage prevalence2. Despite progress, crises like conflict, climate shocks, and COVID-19 threaten to reverse gains shows that about 7% of women are married by the age of 15 and 31% are married by 18 years.

In a country where Government is committed to end child early and forced marriage by 2030 in line with target 5.3 of sustainable development goals, people, especially parents should take up a lead role in insuring children are protected from bondage of child marriage.

It is called bondage because it robes the children their freedom to play children games and make them adhere to the programmed set of tradition needed to be observed by a mature married woman.

A divorced 36-year-old woman of Sansamwenji of Isoka district, Natalie Nankamba said she got married at 17 years because of pregnancy and she described her former marriage a bondage and a ring of torcher.

She said when she married at 17, she didn't know what was expected of her from the husband or the in-laws.

Natalie recalls that immediately she was taken to live with her mother in-law, all house chores were assigned to her.

She said she had no time to rest, neither did she had any right to get tired or complain to the In-laws about the bad treatment she received.

“I could go to the farm and cultivate with my six to seven months old pregnancy. “She said.

“My mother in-law used to talk a lot and she will shout at me if I dare to stretch up." She added.

"It was then that I realized that life has become a bondage due to marriage and only I can do something about it." She added.

Natalie endured her abusive marriage for thirteen years until she finally gave up in 2013.

She has five children from the marriage, and she wants them all educated and independent before getting into marriage.

She encouraged parents to rather charge damage and keep the girl that send her into forced marriage citing that child marriage was child bondage in disguise.

Parents should desist from sending their children into marriage and send them to school to acquire formal education which will in future raise the standard of life of the family.

 Airtel Business partners with ZICB to support SMEs with Digital Connectivity  

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Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) has today signed an agreement with Airtel Business to provide digital connectivity via 4G and 5G internet devices to the bank's SME customers.

Speaking at the partnership signing in Lusaka today at Airtel Head Office, Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank Limited (ZICB) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Louis Kabula said the Bank supports the growth of local wealth by offering an innovative digital value proposition to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and corporate clients.

"Through various collaborations and partnerships, ZICB has developed a comprehensive digital banking platform that promotes capital management efficiency and business convenience for our clients. One of our core values is to lower the cost of doing business in Zambia, particularly for SMEs who, by their nature, handle the largest number of low-margin commercial transactions in our economy. Therefore, we are excited to partner with Airtel Business to provide digital connectivity that will allow our customers to conduct their business more efficiently” Dr. Kabula said.

Adding: “We appeal to our customers to take advantage of our partnership with Airtel Business so they can enjoy the full range of ZICB’s digital banking products and services.”

And speaking on behalf of Airtel Networks Zambia Plc, Airtel Business Director, Ms Lindiwe Banda said the World had gone digital more especially after the Covid pandemic where small and medium businesses had to look at other ways to still do their business and still connect with their banks. 

“We are firm believers that when great companies come together, great things happen. And this is testament of our memorandum of understanding that we have signed today with ZICB as this agreement will enable SMEs banking with ZICB to easily access internet banking services in the comfort of their business premises or even home. This is a significant milestone for us as we witness the evolution of technology and how it is now helping us create strategic partnerships.,” Ms Banda said.

Adding: “What is important to note is that the Airtel devices will come at no cost to the SME as they will only need to sign a contract of activating monthly bundles thus empowering the businesses and making it easy for them to do any online invoicing and keep record of their transactions.”

The partnership aims to continuously support the digital transformation of SMEs in Zambia. Airtel and ZICB plan to explore further collaborative opportunities to introduce innovative solutions and drive sustained economic growth.

 VERY FEW TAXPAYERS COMPLYING TO ZRA'SREGULATIONS 

 

By Daily News Reporter

The Smart Invoice system launched by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has shown significant uptake since its inception in March. According to ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda, over 12,000 taxpayers have registered on the system. This registration has facilitated the transmission of more than 100,000 invoices, amounting to a total value of 7.2 billion Kwacha.

From this invoiced amount, ZRA anticipates collecting over 400 million Kwacha in taxes. It's noteworthy that among the registered taxpayers, there are over 21,000 who are registered for Value Added Tax (VAT), out of which more than 8,000 are actively engaged in tax transactions.

During a media briefing, Mr. Banda emphasized that the deadline for mandatory registration on the Smart Invoice system remains July 1, with a grace period extending until September 30, 2024, before penalties are enforced. This timeline underscores the authority's commitment to integrating digital solutions to enhance tax compliance and streamline administrative processes.

Yvonne Mwanza, ZRA's Director of Data Analytics, highlighted the Smart Invoice system as a crucial tool in combating revenue leakages and enhancing overall service delivery in tax administration. This initiative reflects ZRA's proactive approach in leveraging technology to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the tax system.

Overall, the Smart Invoice system represents a significant step forward for ZRA in modernizing tax administration, ensuring compliance, and optimizing revenue collection processes in Zambia.