DGA FORUM TO FOSTER DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN AFRICA….

By Daily News Reporter

This year’s 2^nd Digital Government Africa (DGA)Forum 2024 is scheduled to take place from October 2-4, which has attracted over 550 delegates from 33 African countries.

The 2^nd DGA is the follow up of the 1^st summit of 2023 to implement the E-government system to benefit the Zambia citizens and Africa at large.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator Mr. Percy Chinyama stated that the conference is aligned with the presidential directive to leverage technology and collaboration for digital solutions in government agencies across Zambia and Africa, adding that the three-day event aims to foster digital transformation in Africa.

Mr. Percy added that through this summit it discuss challenges and opportunities faced in the digital space.

And Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Hon. Jack Mwiimbu stated that government's commitment is to have  digital transformation in Zambia.

Mr. Mwiimbu also stated that the Digital Government Africa Summit  will facilitate African government to have collaboration, cross-border payment systems, and professional interactions in cyberspace, ultimately enhancing service delivery.

Meanwhile Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati stated that digital transformation is high on the government's agenda, and for this reason, it has suspended taxes on the importation of digital equipment, such as towers and fiber, among others. He noted significant progress

in Zambia's digital space since last year's inaugural summit, adding that this year it showcases Zambia's advancements in its digital security and transformation agenda.

And Speaking at the same event African-Brains Chief Executive Officer John Glassey said this year’s summit will focus on the implementation of E-Government systems, which will positively benefit Zambian citizens to have a digital nation.

 

ORGANIC FARMING TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE

“organic farming is the best way to go and mitigate drought crisis Zambia is facing……..

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia has faced challenges especially in agriculture which has been impacted so much due to drought in most part of the country 2023-24 farming seasons. Organic Farming is the way to go and find ways to mitigate this climate change Zambia is facing.

Organic Farming is a way that keeps soils, ecosystems and it uses natural processes and products to produce food in a way that provides people with the nutrients they need for a healthy life.

And the way to mitigate it is by going agroecology Method way , through PELUM  Association in collaboration with the knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in Southern Africa in promoting  agroecology to the farmers it engaged farmers affected by drought within Zambia and one of the farmers involved in agroecology farming Mrs.Kanangwa Hamuyamba Newlove a Manager at Loctaguna Organics Fam in Chongwe district highlighted the benefits of organic farming stated that organic farming it builds soil health, provides cost benefits and builds resilience to climate change.

Mrs Kanangwa stated that these benefits they play a significant role in producing plants rich in nutrients that are more resistant to drought, pests and diseases,

“organic agriculture it also helps builds resilience through more consistent yields in the face of changing climate change and production of a diversity of nutrients foods,” Kanangwa stated.

Mrs Kanangwa also said that organic farming is the technology which has not been proven unequivocally safe for long term use and some of the accompanying inputs may have negative effects on the otherenvironment and human health.

Mrs Kanangwa urged farmers to make use of the land available and water,

“let farmers use water sustainably because organically managed soils retain more water and for a long time. From this process there are no chemicals used and it doesn’t damage the water bodies,”Kanangwa said.

Meanwhile Patson Ncube a Soil Health expert at Loctaguna Organics Farm add that Soils build healthy plants and it also boost it’s ability to retain water and support effective in nutrients cycle.

“if you build soil with natural soils it will produce plants  rich in nutrients that are more resistant to drought,” Ncube said.

Ncube also stated that organic farmers should not use synthetic fertilizer and animal drugs but work with health of soils and animal dung.

“Zambia has rich soils but how do we use it? So they is need to build soil for all plants to be healthy.”Ncube said.

 

 

 

 INVEST / ALLOCATE MORE RESOURCES IN THE AGRICULTURE AND ENERGY SECTORS

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia Institute for Policy and Research (ZIPAR) has projected  the 2025 National Budget in the agriculture sector to address agricultural policy with the aspiration to make it a major driver of growth through market-based mechanisms, including the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATSP) and Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), aiming at increasing productivity in agriculture. Speaking to the Media in Lusaka, ZIPAR  Interim Executive Director Zali Chikuba stated that such reforms are critical to ensure a clearer framework for evaluating government accountability in agriculture.

Mr Chikuba also stated that this will show commitment to reduce reliance on the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) as a measure to improve productivity in the agricultural sector due to the underlying inefficiencies associated with the framework.

“ this FISP need to be maintained for the 2025 National Budget with commitments made to improve efficiency, particularly in targeting the poor and vulnerable, and in the use of electronic vouchers to streamline distribution,”Chikuba said.

Mr. Chikuba further urged the Minister of Finance to allocate resources to recruit more extension officers to support the implementation of the stated agricultural reforms. Also by scaling down of FISP allocations with resources redirected to more critical areas such as irrigation and mechanization.

And ZIPAR also expects the 2025 National Budget to increase investment in irrigation and mechanization to boost agricultural productivity and build resilience against climate challenges, particularly droughts and floods.

So far the Government has continued commitment to constructing 38 dams, supported by the K598.4 million allocated in the 2024 Budget for key farm blocks, which is expected to continue in 2025.

And Mr. Chikuba has also urged the Government under ministry of finance to allocate and invest more in the               Energy Sector, In 2023 and 2024 Zambia has not been spared of drought  across the country especially in the agriculture and energy sectors,

The 2025 National Budget is expected to fast-track the licensing of energy projects, with a focus on facilitating increased investment in renewable energy such as solar, while expanding existing thermal and hydropower projects. The government is anticipated to streamline licensing processes further to enhance efficiency and attract investment by operationalizing a one-stop shop for energy project development. Additionally, the fast-tracking of licensing and implementation of renewable energy projects is expected to include non-tax incentives for independent power producers, both local and international, to invest in Zambia’s energy sector.

 And Mr. chikuba stated that they is need to support the introduction of on-bill financing, where ZESCO and the financial sector collaborate to provide solar systems to both domestic and commercial consumers. “The cost of these systems would be recovered through electricity bills. This program is expected to reduce dependency on the national grid and lessen load-shedding, while also ensuring consumer protection through regulation of solar systems to prevent the use of counterfeits,” Mr. Chikuba stated

 

 

 MORE CLAIMS PAYS OUT,

By Daily News Reporter

The 2024 Insurance Week in Zambia is scheduled to take place from September 23rd to 28th. This annual event aims to raise public awareness about the importance and benefits of insurance services. It’s a great opportunity for people to learn more about how insurance can protect them and their assets.

To this vein the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA) has disclosed that over K2.2 billion was paid out in insurance claims in 2023, up from K1.8 billion in 2022.

And speaking during the official opening of the 2024 insurance week in Lusaka, PIA Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Namakau Ntini stated that K891 million was paid by general insurers, while long-term insurers was disbursed K1.4 billion in claims.

Mrs Ntini also highlighted the resilience of the insurance industry, and revealed that the gross written premiums reached K7.8 billion, a 29.48% growth from K6 billion in 2022, compared to a 12.89% growth rate in the previous year.

She says regarding industry participation, the PIA licensed 550 insurance entities this year, up from 382 in 2022, enabling more Zambians to enter the insurance business and contributing to job creation.

And meanwhile Insurers Association of Zambia (IAZ) president, Irene Muyenga, added that this year's insurance week, under the theme "Insurance: a solution in uncertain times," that it plays a big a role in the insurance sector which will mitigate the risks, such as climate change-related challenges currently affecting the country.

Mrs. Muyenga, noted that the Agriculture sector was impacted due to drought which led the insurance sector to be affected.

 ENACT TOBACCO BILL TO REDUCE DEATHS - ZAMNAT

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia Media Network Against Tobacco (ZAMNAT) has called on the government to speed up the enactment of the Tobacco Control Bill to reduce the death among the youths.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily News, ZAMNAT Chairperson Paxina Phiri stated that by enacting the bill the economy of this country it will gain more and it will reduce spending funding on tobacco related diseases.

Ms. Phiri noted that during the official opening of parliament last Friday the president did not at all addressed the issues of tobacco which is killing more citizens due to consumption of tobacco.  

Tobacco kills more than 7,000 tobacco related deaths yearly with youths and adolescents being the most risks and Zambia losses more revenues because of delaying of enacting the bill, the delay is directly attributed to tobacco industry’s interference. Multinational tobacco companies are powerful organizations that blocking the bill by alleging it will kill the industry and the country’s economy.

Tobacco industry contribute approximately 1 % to the GDP and spends over K2.800, 000 on treating diseases. And its economic threats in Zambia tobacco costs 2.8 billion every year equivalent to 1.2% of GDP in 2016 and it contributes 0.04% of Zambia GDP compared to maize 1.5% and cotton 0.7%.

And Ms. Phiri further urged the ministry of health and the Government to prioritize addressing pressing issues that directly impact citizens’ well-being not over spending time on certain legislative bills. This could include focusing on healthcare services against tobacco, social protection programs, and other essential services that improve the quality of life for people in the country.

She added that the bill has not been proposed to kill the Tobacco Industry but to regulate the Tobacco use and reduce risks among the citizens of this country.

 

 

EMPOWER CREATIVE INDUSTIRES TO BENEFIT FROM THEIR WORKS-CHAMA

By Daily News Reporter

PACRA and ARIPO engaged players in Zambia’s Creative Industry as they celebrated Africa Copyright and Collective Management Day under the theme “Empowering Creative Industries stakeholders building a sustainable Future for Copyright and Related Rights.”

Speaking at meeting engagement, PACRA Registrar and CEO Benson Mpalo stated that the Agency is working toward amending the Copyright and Performance Rights Act in order to create an enabling legal environment for the utilization of Copyrights in the Digital space.

Mr. Mpalo further noted that most of musicians in Zambia and across Africa remain unaware of their rights to be compensated for their music being played on Radio and TV.

“they is need to have a Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) to play a vital role in ensuring that funds for musicians are collected and distributed,” Mr.  Mpalo said.

And officiating the same meeting in Lusaka Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts Permanent Secretary Mr. Fumba Chama also added that government wants the creative sector to be an economic sector and not a social sector.

Mr. Chama on PACRA and ARIPO to work with stakeholders in the creative industry to ensure that players reap maximum benefits.

Meanwhile ARIPO Director Intellectual Property David Njugua added that Globalization of the internet has provided challenges for the creative industry and some challenges can be used as an opportunity for the creative industry to grow because it supports entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation.

 

We seriously need to invest in mental health amidst economic hardships"

 

Monday 2nd September, 2024 - Lusaka, Zambia.

By Daily News Repoter

The current economic hardships being experienced in Zambia calls for a serious investment in mental health in order to help citizens cope with the state of affairs.

 

Fellow countrymen and women, it is a well known fact that a number of Zambians are currently undergoing hardships financially as a result of the tough economy and because of this, we have continued seeing reports of people commiting suicide due to failure to handle this stress. A day rare passes by without us having a report (s) of suspected suicide. This is worrying and requires urgent interventions.

 

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is integral to our well-being.

 

At any one time, a diverse set of individual, family, community and structural factors may combine to protect or undermine mental health. Although most people are resilient, people who are exposed to adverse circumstances – including poverty, violence, disability and inequality – are at higher risk of developing a mental health condition.

 

Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems remain significantly under-resourced and treatment gaps are wide all over the world.

 

Mental health care is often poor in quality when delivered. Sadly, people with mental health conditions often also experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.

 

I am aware that we have one or two public Institutions offering mental health services but that is not adequate looking at current trends and human resource specifically trained to handle mental health services is inadequate. 

 

Secondly, we need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and institutions in the country by investing in public awareness campaigns starting from a community level. We need to establish community - based mental health centers that provide care and support options for people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities in the community (e.g. day care centers, rehabilitation centers). Family support system also need to be encouraged.

 

Above all, Zambia should seriously invest in mental health like yesterday and as a matter of priority. We have seen a surge in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases, alcohol abuse among young people continues being a source of concern and now we have the infamous "junkies" who are abusing drugs and in the end attack innocent citizens. All these are mental - related behaviors.

 

In an effort to tackle this matter head-on, I am calling upon government, CSOs, the church, community based organizations, politicians and the general citizenry to join me in this campaign.

 

Remember, a health people means a wealthy and productive nation. Together we can achieve this.

 

OVER 400,000 PAYSLIPS TO BE ARCHIVED AND DIGITIZED

By Daily News Reporter

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning, in collaboration with the Electronic Government Division (SMART Zambia Institute), has initiated a groundbreaking project to archive and digitize over 400,000 paper-based payslips spanning five decades.

This ambitious endeavor covers payslips from 1972 to 1995 and from 1995 to the time the e-payslip was introduced, ensuring the preservation of crucial financial records for future reference.

And Director of ICT in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Mr. Beaton Sibulowa, stated that the payslips are not in the SMART Zambia e-payslip or the integrated Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) systems.

Meanwhile SMARTT Zambia Assistant Director of Service Management, Mr. Valentine Chitambala, add that the year 1995 was chosen because it is the year when many employees joined the civil service and are about to retire.

“By archiving and digitizing these payslips, the government aims to enhance record-keeping efficiency, promote transparency, and support informed decision-making. This project is a testament to the government’s commitment to embracing digital solutions to drive the innovation.

TIZ WORRIES ON THE INCREASE OF STRs

By Daily News Reporter

The Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has noted more suspicious transaction reports (STRs) in 2023 as compared to 2022 and attributed the 78.97% increase to heightened supervision activities under the FIC’s Reports. Further, it is evident that the increase in value of reports received in 2023 can be attributed to the increase in the number of STRs and may not necessarily entail that the situation has worsened.

Speaking to the Media in Lusaka TIZ Chapter President Mrs. Priscilla Chikonde Chansa stated that for the very first time in 2023, the FIC analyzed more STRs than they received due to a special exercise undertaken to reduce the backlog of STRs.

Mrs. Chansa said that the banking sector has also continued to be the highest reporting sector and contributing the most to the increase in STRs, other sectors accounted for less than 3% of all the STRs received in 2023.

“This situation demands urgent corrective action. One of the most alarming trends identified in the 2023 report is the continued high use of cash in illicit transactions, which facilitates anonymity and makes tracking illegal activities more challenging,” Mrs. Chansa said.

And according to the report highlights the involvement of Prominent Influential Persons (PIPs) in corruption, particularly in public procurement processes, where overpricing, non-delivery, and conflicts of interest have remained prevalent.

The FIC disseminated 923 reports to Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in 2023 as compared to 129 in 2022, the value attributed to these disseminations also increased from K5.83 billion in 2022 to K13.58billion in 2023.

Further, TI-Z also noted that the number of cases of suspected fraud and corruption disseminated by the FIC has been on the rise from 2021 to 2022.

Mrs. Chansa has urged the Government to provide sufficient financial support to the FIC to enable the Centre to continue the new trend of analyzing all the STRs received as this would allow for deeper assessments and credible multi-year comparatives.

“The FIC should urgently address the persistent skewed distribution of STRs through capacity enhancement, sensitization and the use of punitive sanctions,” Mrs. Chansa added.

Mrs. Chansa also noted that the Zambian government was not transparent concerning the state of public debt, despite calls from stakeholders challenging the escalated debt accumulation.

That they is lack of proactive action in allocating funds to the sinking fund amidst increased external debt unsustainability contributed to the external debt default in 2020.

This has led the Zambian people suffer loss in form of wasteful expenditure; including interest and penalties on unutilized public debt.

 HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS TO IMPROVE SERVICES DELIVERY

  

By Daily News Reporter

We need to build a new system for the higher education that can convert ideas into novel goods and services to help double the economy by 2031…………

The Director-General of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and key stakeholders in the higher education sector, including Vice-Chancellors of universities, Principals of university colleges, and industry stakeholders engaged.

This gathering aimed to foster collaboration between higher education institutions and industry, ensuring that education and training are aligned with the current and future needs of the job market.

Speaking the engagement meeting in Lusaka for Vice Chancellors of Universities, Principals of University Colleges and Industry Stakeholders, Higher Education Authority (HEA) Director General Professor Kazhila Chinsembu emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between universities, university colleges, and industry stakeholders to enhance the relevance of academic programs.

That they is need to focus on aligning curriculum development with industry demands to produce graduates with the necessary skills for the job market.

Professor Chinsembu highlighted the need for maintaining high standards of education and research within universities and university colleges, they is need for continuous improvement in teaching methods, research output, and the overall quality of higher education institutions.

And Industry stakeholders shared insights on the current skills gaps in the workforce and how universities can tailor their programs to address these deficiencies.

The meeting explored strategies for implementing more practical and experiential learning opportunities within academic programs.

The discussions included ways to encourage research and innovation within higher education institutions that are directly relevant to industry needs.

Partnerships between academia and industry for research funding and collaborative projects were considered essential for advancing technological and scientific innovation.

Professor Chinsembu urged the participates to build strong networks with industry players to facilitate student placements and employment.

He added that the authority wants funding to public universities to be defined by a set of performance indicators and outcomes, adding that criteria based on quality , relevance viability, course of degree completion and graduate employability shall play a significant role in determining the funding to public universities

The meeting also addressed various challenges faced by higher education institutions, including funding limitations, infrastructure needs, and faculty development. Opportunities for digital transformation, including the integration of online learning and digital tools, were discussed as means to enhance educational delivery and access.

There was a consensus on the need for a robust regulatory framework that encourages innovation while ensuring compliance with educational standards. Development of action plans to strengthen partnerships between universities, university colleges, and industry stakeholders.

Commitments from all parties to work collaboratively towards enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education. Agreement to hold regular follow-up meetings to review progress and address ongoing challenges in the higher education sector.

The meeting was a crucial step towards fostering a more integrated approach to higher education and industry collaboration, aiming to create a workforce that is better equipped to meet the needs of the country's economy and development goals.

 

 ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

By Daily News Reporter

Are there challenges and opportunities for enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms within public institutions?

Let us look in full details in enhancing transparency and accountability in public institutions, Enhancing transparency and accountability within public institutions is essential for good governance, fostering trust between citizens and government, and ensuring effective service delivery. However, achieving this goal involves navigating various challenges and opportunities.

Many public institutions have deeply ingrained practices that resist change, making the adoption of transparency and accountability measures difficult. Where that they is that Fear of Repercussions among the employees who might fear exposure of mistakes or corruption, leading to reluctance in supporting transparency initiatives.

From the government they has been lack of Political Will and it shows that elected officials or political leaders might resist transparency measures if they believe these could expose their malpractices or reduce their control over institutions.

From Daily News its Investigation shows that they are has been some resource Constraints in Implementing and maintaining transparency and accountability systems which is too costly, and which requires investments in technology, training, and personnel.

And further our research shows that in many regions, the lack of access to technology or inadequate digital infrastructure can limit the effectiveness of transparency initiatives. Increased use of digital platforms for transparency can expose institutions to cyber threats, requiring robust security measures.

Public Awareness and Engagement is also the key without active public engagement, transparency measures may not be fully utilized or may fail to hold institutions accountable. The spread of misinformation can also undermine transparency efforts, particularly if citizens are unable to discern between accurate and false information.

To this end what are the opportunities, Digital Platforms also play a big role on the rise of digital platforms which offers new ways to enhance transparency, such as through open data initiatives, online portals for public access to information, and e-governance tools.

International frameworks like the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) provide guidelines for implementing effective transparency and accountability measures.

Civil Society and Media they add value to these issues by playing a crucial roles in monitoring government actions, exposing corruption, and advocating for greater transparency and Collaborations between public institutions, private companies, and non-governmental organizations can enhance transparency initiatives.

Lastly they is need of Strengthening and effectively implementing freedom of information laws which can significantly boost transparency. Robust anti-corruption laws, coupled with independent oversight bodies, can also enhance accountability and Growing public demand for transparency, often driven by social movements and protests, can push governments to adopt more open practices.

Investing in the training of public officials, particularly in ethics, governance, and the use of technology, can improve the effectiveness of transparency and accountability measures and developing strong institutions with clear mandates and accountability mechanisms is crucial for sustaining transparency efforts.

Enhancing transparency and accountability in public institutions is both challenging and necessary. By addressing the challenges—such as resistance to change, political interference, and resource constraints—while leveraging opportunities like technological advancements, international standards, and increased public demand, governments can build more open, accountable, and effective institutions.