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.