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African Development Bank approves $1.4m grant to improve food security in Zambia
The African Development Bank approved a $1.4 million grant from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program to reduce malnutrition among the Southern African nation’s most vulnerable households.
Eight COMESA countries sign the Air Transport Market agreement
These are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This initiative is led by the African Union through the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).
WHO: Nine in 10 African countries set to miss urgent COVID-19 vaccination goal
As COVID-19 cases in Africa rise for the third week running and vaccines are increasingly scarce, 47 of Africa’s 54 countries nearly 90%, are set to miss the September target of vaccinating 10% of their people unless Africa receives 225 million more doses.
Kazungula Bridge Project to expand regional integration and trade across southern Africa
The opening of the Kazungula Bridge, linking Botswana and Zambia over the Zambezi River, means travelers no longer need to rely on pontoon boats to cross at this location.
Zambia’s e-commerce firms stay the course amid pandemic
Despite the opportunities, the pandemic also brought many challenges and unforeseen costs for e-commerce firms. Operational costs also increased due to measures taken to protect staff.
Liquid Telecom unveils new identity in Zambia
The rebrand reflects the organisation's extensive business transformation from being a telecommunications and digital services provider to a full one-stop-shop technology group for local businesses.
Angola and Zambia enter $5b oil pipelines deal
OPEC member Angola has signed a $5-billion memorandum of understanding with its neighbor to the east, Zambia, to study the construction of oil products and gas pipelines between the two countries.
Ghana fintech company Zeepay acquires Mangwee Mobile Money in Zambia
In a private placement Zeepay and Mangwee agreed to a sale of 51 percent of Mangwee shares to Zeepay. The deal makes Zeepay Ghana the majority shareholder of the entity.
Sweden and TechnoServe launch $4 million partnership to support Zambia's food processors
The FED program will support the growth of foundational, small and medium-sized food processing enterprises in Zambia.
Airtel Money included on Zamportal, Zambia’s e-govt services portal
Airtel Money has now been included on Zambia's Government Services Bus (Zamportal), a platform for public electronic services provided by the Government.
SolarWorX raises seven-digit series A funding to electrify sub-Saharan Africa
Berlin-based off-grid solar firm SolarWorX has raised a seven-digit series A funding round from Canadian Solar Inc. to expand its product portfolio and sales activities.
Zambia, Zimbabwe to implement the joint industrialization strategy
Zambia and Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement a joint industrialization project spearheaded by COMESA Secretariat.
AfDB provides $1 million for AI-based national customer management systems in Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia
The grant resources are from the special fund of the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI), a financing vehicle to accelerate digital financial inclusion across Africa.
Africa Digital Inclusion Facility approves $1.3m grants for research efforts to enhance women’s digital access to loans and micro-insurance
The African Development Bank has approved two grants for research that will increase African women’s access to a range of digital financial services including loans and micro-insurance.
Enygma Ventures targets Southern Africa women entrepreneurs with funding opportunities
Enygma Ventures, is looking for passionate women entrepreneurs to invest in. The venture capital fund was established by two successful women entrepreneurs who now invest in women entrepreneurs in Southern Africa.
FAO, AFD launch project to boost sustainable wildlife management, food security in southern Africa
FAO and the French Development Agency (AFD), launched a new €3.5 million project to improve sustainable wildlife management and food security in the world's largest terrestrial transfrontier conservation area.
[Zambia] Tetra tech wins $25 million USAID renewable energy and climate change contract
Tetra Tech, Inc., a provider of high-end consulting and engineering services, announced today that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded the Company a five-year, $25 million single-award contract to increase renewable energy consumption and reduce deforestation in Zambia.
Regulators approve merger between Access Bank Zambia and Cavmont Bank
Access Bank Zambia announced the completion of the acquisition of Cavmont Bank, following conclusion of the key conditions precedent including regulatory approvals.
[Zambia] Glencore signs contract to sell 73% of underlying stake in Mopani for $1.5b
Glencore announced that its subsidiary Carlisa Investments, in which Glencore holds 81.2% of the shares, has signed an agreement with ZCCM Investments to transfer its 90% interest in Mopani Copper Mines.
Zambia ratifies and deposits instruments of TFTA Agreement
Zambia has become the latest country to deposit its instruments of ratification for the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement with the COMESA Secretariat.
Enel, Qatar Investment Authority join forces to develop renewables in Sub-Saharan Africa
Enel Green Power (EGP), signed an agreement with a subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) for a joint venture partnership aimed at financing, building and operating renewable projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.
[Zambia] FirstWave Group partners with Xelect to develop a breeding program for local tilapia
FirstWave Group, Africa's largest tilapia fish producer recently signed a partnership agreement with Xelect, specialists in aquaculture genetics and breeding programmes, to develop local high-performance tilapia breeds.
Xylem acquires 72.05 per cent stake in Madison Financial Services Zambia for $35 million
MFS is now poised to become an even bigger financial services Group following a transaction with XYLEM Trading (Pty) Limited in which Xylem will acquire 72.05% shares in MFS.
[Zambia] Eni adopts forest conservation projects to compensate for CO2 emissions
Through the enhancement of forest conservation projects in Africa, Eni has achieved the first carbon credits generation for offsetting GHG emissions equivalent to 1.5 million tonnes of CO2.
Zambian Leather Cluster certified
Chingola Leather Cluster in Zambia has been awarded a Standards certificate by the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS).
World Bank sanctions two Chinese engineering companies for fraudulent practices in Zambia
The World Bank announced the 18-month sanctions of China National Electric Engineering Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, China Electric Design and Research Institute Company, in connection with fraudulent practices in Zambia.
Sweden, UNCDF partner to improve financing for MSMEs in Zambia
UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) launched a new partnership to address the challenges Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face in Zambia.
Zambia launches export diversification strategy in gold and gemstone mining
Zambia launched its Export Diversification Strategy in Gold and Gemstone Mining, to guide the formalization of the sector and stop illegal trading of the commodities in the country.
Airtel Zambia, Ericsson partner to drive responsible e-waste disposal and recycling
Airtel Networks Zambia has partnered with Ericsson on a ‘Product Take-Back’ program to minimize the potential environmental impact associated with the disposal of decommissioned electrical equipment.
Econet Group and subsidiaries unveil network of internet hotspots to boost connectivity
Econet, through its subsidiaries Liquid Telecom Group (LTG) and Cassava Fintech International (CFI) has launched a network of #SasaiWiFiFinder hotspots providing locals with most affordable internet access.
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program donors announce $300m to end hunger and malnutrition
During the launch of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program Replenishment Period 2020-25, donors increased their contributions to achieve sustainable Development Goal 2 - a world with zero hunger.
MTN Zambia signs network upgrade partnership with ZTE
ZTE Corporation has signed a partnership with MTN Zambia to construct a cross-border Optical Transmission Network backbone in Zambia.
Mukuru, WorldRemit partner to further expand remittance service into Southern Africa
Mukuru and WorldRemit announced a deepening of their existing partnership, with the aim to expand their collaboration for cash remittances into Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi and Botswana.
[Zambia] Good Nature Agro secures $2.1 million funding to scale production in legume value chains
Good Nature Agro, a Zambian company working from end-to-end within the specialised legume value chains, has closed Series A equity funding totaling $2.1 million.
Climate change and COVID-19 have amplified food insecurity in Southern Africa, report
According to World Food Program officials, about 45 million people in Southern Africa are facing food insecurity and the worst affected country is Zimbabwe.
Zambian airline Proflight launches cargo flight services between Lusaka and Johannesburg
Proflight Zambia has expanded its cargo capacity by designating some of its fleet to operate dedicated cargo flights between Lusaka and Johannesburg.
Zambia sets global benchmark for community forest conservation
Twelve communities in the Luangwa Valley are benefitting from direct cash payments of K50 million ($2.3 million) thanks to a partnership with forest conservation business BCP.
Mary Beth Powers joins CMMB as President and CEO
Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), announced the appointment of Mary Beth Powers as President and CEO.
NAPSA pumps $3.2 into IDC fruit processing factories in Zambia
The National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has invested a total $3.2 into three fruit processing factories through a short-term loan financing facility to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Zambia.
WCFCB prepares to cover domestic workers in Zambia
In an effort to cover the informal sector in Zambia, Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) has embarked on a programme to extend social protection to the informal economy and domestic workers will be given priority this year.
Jubilee Metals signs copper project JV Agreement to expand operations in Zambia
Jubilee Metals announced that in line with its stated strategy to expand operations in Zambia, it has signed a Joint Venture Agreement with a private Zambian company securing the rights to process 2 million tonnes copper Run-Of-Mine material.
Access Bank Zambia to merge with Cavmont Bank
Access Bank Zambia and Cavmont Capital Holdings Zambia have signed a definitive agreement regarding a proposed merger of Access Bank Zambia and Cavmont Bank, a subsidiary of CCHZ.
Stepping up rural finance to support smallholder farmers in Zambia
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage around the world, creating disruption wherever it goes. But it can also offer opportunities to put forward innovative solutions.
Agriculture project helps Zambian youth turn away from copper, live off the land
In Zambia’s Serenje district, young Zambians are being offered a ray of hope in the form of an agriculture project that is both an alternative to copper mining as a path out of poverty.
Germany contributes $10m to support smallholder farmers affected by climate change in Zambia
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a donation of $10 million from Germany to assist over 104,000 smallholder farmers impacted by drought in Zambia.
Finland supports digitalisation of higher education in developing countries
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has granted €11.2 million to 4-year higher education partnerships to develop the capacity of distance learning at higher education institutions.
Portable solar power system boosts COVID-19 testing in Zambia
First Aid Africa and Renovagen Ltd have announced the success of a rapid response project to support testing operations in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia.
African Green Resources and African Fertilizer Agribusiness partner to boost crop yields in Zambia
An initiative, which involves a $40 million fertilizer-revolving facility and another $170 million for value addition is to be implemented in the Eastern, Northern, Western, Central, Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces.
Zambia has good foundation to use digital tools for economic transformation, World Bank report
The Zambia Digital Economy Diagnostic, a new report developed by the World Bank, finds that Zambia is making significant strides towards the use of digital tools to achieve the social and economic transformation goals set forth in its Vision 2030.
African women champion agricultural transformation across the region
From Sudan to Mali, Senegal to Mozambique, and Zambia to Mauritania, women are changing the face of agriculture, adapting and innovating to tackle the challenges of climate change, and feeding the continent’s growing population.
Malawi, Zambia records drop in trade flows, report
Malawi and Zambia recorded reduced trade flows in March and April according to the latest report from the COMESA Statistics on COVID 19 Impacts on Trade.
[Zambia] ZESCO, Power China sign $548 million solar power plant contracts
ZESCO and Power China have signed three contracts worth $548 million to develop 600MW (AC) grid connected Solar PV Power Plants to be located in Chibombo, Chirundu, and Siavonga Districts.
Convergence Partners acquires Vodacom Business Africa’s operations in 4 regions
Convergence Partners announced that it has completed the 100 per cent acquisition of Vodacom Business Africa’s operations in Nigeria, Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire.
[Zambia] World Bank debars Liaoning-EFACEC Electrical Equipment Company for 20 months
The World Bank announced 20-month debarment of China-based Liaoning-EFACEC Electrical Equipment Company in connection with fraudulent practices as part of the Lusaka Transmission and Distribution Rehabilitation Project in Zambia.
Liquid Telecom installs free Wifi at COVID-19 quarantine centres in Zambia
Liquid Telecom Zambia is supporting the Ministry of Health with free internet connectivity at COVID-19 quarantine centres.
Liquid Telecom appoints Mark Townsend CEO of Zambia
Liquid Telecom has appointed Mark Townsend as CEO of Liquid Telecom Zambia.
COMESA, UNV revives partnership on youth employment
The United Nations Volunteer Programme (UNV) and COMESA Secretariat have revived the partnership to operationalize the Youth Internship and Volunteer Project.
MusicTime grows its African footprint to six countries
MusicTime®, the world’s first time based music streaming application has revealed its new corporate identity.
AgriPay introduces digital banking to thousands of Zambian farmers
The average rural farmer in Zambia lives several kilometres from areas where services, such as agency banking and mobile money booths, would be located.
[Zambia] MTN unveils new digital products and services
MTN Zambia has introduced a wide range of new and digital products and services for its customers in Zambia.
ENGIE Africa brings off-grid power to millions in East Africa
ENGIE Africa has successfully accelerated the Access to Energy (A2E) strategy that it launched in 2018 through the development of its three A2E off-grid energy solution companies: Fenix International, ENGIE Mobisol, and ENGIE PowerCorner.
Facebook and nine partners across Africa work together for a better Internet
Facebook is partnering with nine non-profit organizations and government agencies throughout sub-Saharan Africa to raise awareness about Internet safety and security.
Absa Group completes renaming its African subsidiaries
Absa Group Limited’s Barclays-branded subsidiaries in seven African countries - Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania and Zambia were renamed ‘Absa’, completing the name change across the continent.
Airtel Zambia enters video streaming market with launch of TV
Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has redefined video streaming experience for its subscribers by launching Airtel TV.
Zambia Cooperative Federation acquires 70 per cent stake in Kasama Milling
The Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF) has entered into an equity partnership with Kasama Milling to own 70 per cent shares in the milling company in bid to reduce the mealie meal prices.
[Zambia] Mobe Sugar set to open $166 million sugar refinery plant
Mobe Sugar Company has initiated talks with Luanshya Municipal Council, North-Central Zambia on opening a sugar refinery and auxiliary factories in the district worth over $166 million.
Improving digital access offers investors opportunity to achieve SDGs in Africa, Standard Chartered
Opportunity2030: The Standard Chartered SDG Investment Map reveals a $197 billion opportunity for private-sector investors in five high-growth markets in Africa.
Zambia, Zimbabwe on a joint industrialization programme plan
The Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe with support from the COMESA Secretariat are planning a joint industrialization programme which will build on the experiences and lessons learned from the existing joint ventures.
Nestle appoints Eunice Magwali MD for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi
Nestlé Zimbabwe has appointed Eunice Ganyawu-Magwali as its new Managing Director for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
UK exports boost infrastructure projects in Africa
The International Trade Secretary announced at the UK-Africa Investment Summit that UK Export Finance (UKEF) has provided financing worth £620 million to support UK exports to Ghana, Zambia, Gabon and Uganda.
MTN Zambia launches non expiry data bundles
MTN Zambia has launched a new range of non-expiry mobile data bundles dubbed Freedom bundles.
Southern Africa in throes of climate emergency, 45 million people facing hunger across the region, WFP
A record 45 million people, mostly women and children in the 16-nation Southern African Development Community are gravely food insecure following repeated drought, widespread flooding and economic disarray.
WFP, USAID partner to combat immediate food needs in Zambia
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a US$3.39 million contribution from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to help meet the immediate food needs of drought-affected people in Zambia.
EU boosts pan-African Internet connectivity with €30 million
The EU has announced additional €30 million for the project “AfricaConnect”, that will provide affordable, high-capacity Internet for research and education networks across Africa.
Oikocredit exits its investment in Zambian fish farm Yalelo
Dutch headquartered social impact investor Oikocredit has exited its investment in Zambian fish farm, Yalelo Limited.
Zambia, Uganda farmers grow yields three fold with drought tolerant maize
Zambia’s vice-president has recently called to reduce maize dominance and increase crop and diet diversification in his country.
Paratus extends its coverage across Africa
Paratus, a leading telecoms operator with operational offices in six African countries, has now implemented additional routes for redundancy and is in the process of an aggressive rollout plan.
Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe farmers nurture soils, grow incomes with conservation agriculture
Kassim Massi and Joyce Makawa have learned how conservation agriculture nurtures the soil of their 2.5-acres farm in Lemu, Malawi, and helps them to better cope with regular dry spells and storm rains.
[Zambia] COMESA provides IT equipment to boost cross border trade data collection
COMESA has provided $13,000 worth of assorted state of the art Information Technology (IT) equipment to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS) to support data collection for small scale cross border traders.
[Zambia] COMESA, EU sign €8.8 million to support private sector competitiveness
The European Union and COMESA signed 8.8 million Euros Contribution Agreement to increase private sector participation in sustainable regional and global value chains.
AgDevCo expands agri investment portfolio in Zambia to develop the egg industry
AgDevCo has announced its latest investment in Zambia's agribusiness sector.
Absa CIB named best Investment Banker in Africa at the EMEA awards
Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) claimed top honours at the 12th EMEA Finance African Banking Awards, 2019 where it was awarded Best Investment Bank in Africa.
Informal food markets offer diverse food products and crucial livelihood opportunities in Zambia, study
A new study by IIED shows that informal markets play a critical role in providing affordable, accessible and diverse food for the urban poor, while at the same time supporting the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers, traders and vendors.
Green Climate Fund, AfDB partner to increase renewable power in Zambia
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are working together to support a USD 154.0 million renewable energy financing framework in Zambia.
South African Airways reinstates flights to six destinations in Africa
South African Airways (SAA) announces its intention to resume flights to six destinations on the African continent, namely Accra, Lagos, Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek and Harare, with effect from Tuesday, 19 November 2019.
[Interview] David Mbuta, CEO, Ubuntu Meal Delivery Services, Zambia
David Mbuta is the founder of Ubuntu Meal Delivery Services Ltd, a Zambian startup that is riding on a burgeoning working class conscious about their health and looking for convenience.
NEPAD pledges support for Zambia’s Occupational Health and Safety Regional Centre of Excellence
African Union Development Agency-NEPAD is supporting the Government of Zambia to fully operationalise the Centre of Excellence at the Institute for Occupational Health.
UN food agencies urge more support for southern Africa's hungry people
A record 45 million people across the 16-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) will be severely food insecure in the next six months, United Nations food agencies have warned.
Increased cost of inputs, competition from contrabands take a toll on Zambia’s agriculture, report
The agricultural sector contributed only 6.7% to Zambia's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017, but it is the most important to the country from a socio-economic point of view.
[Zambia] Paratus refurbishes computer lab at local community school
Paratus Zambia has agreed to refurbish the computer lab at Musonda Community School in Kitwe. This project will be done in partnership with Partners for Life Advancement and Education Promotion.
AfDB, UN Nutrition Network partner to lead nutrition commitments in Zambia
The African Development Bank (AfDB) country office in Zambia and the UN Nutrition Network have agreed to lead multi-agency commitments aimed at effective implementation of the country’s national food and nutrition agenda.
Corteva Agriscience leads fight against fall armyworm with insect control solutions for African maize farmers
Corteva Agriscience has been introducing insect control solutions to Africa’s maize farmers to in maize in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Wood-saving cookstoves help Zambia cut forest loss
A UNDP-GEF partnership is promoting energy-saving stoves in rural communities in support of the government’s efforts to cut forest loss, clean up cooking, save lives and curb climate change.
South Africa, Zambia deepen relations to bolster economic opportunities
The South African Acting High Commissioner to Zambia, Mr Marx Cameron said that South Africa and Zambia have tried and tested relations that boasts economic opportunities for the future of both countries.
The expanded Walvis Bay Port to net more tourists in Namibia
With its sand dunes and abundant birdlife, Walvis Bay is already an important centre of tourism activity in Namibia.
SDG Africa sub-regional centre launched in Zambia
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGC/A) Sub-Regional Center for Africa has been launched in Zambia.
IFC partners with Protea Hotels to develop tourism sector in Zambia
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a loan to Protea Hotels Zambia, a subsidiary of conglomerate Union Gold Zambia, to build and operate a hotel and conference center in the outskirts of Lusaka.
IFC invests in Stanbic to support SME growth in Zambia
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, announced a 200 million Zambian Kwacha (approximately $15 million) loan to Stanbic Bank Zambia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Bank Group.
African Development Fund improving and impacting lives of millions in Africa, beneficiaries
Established to provide concessional buffer to needy economies on the continent, ADF is not only facilitating rapid roll-out of development projects, but its investments continue to transform and sustain lives, beneficiaries say.
Equity Bank enters Ethiopia, set to commence operations in July
Kenyan headquartered Equity Bank has set up a Commercial Representative Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as it prepares to commence operations come July this year.
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COLUMNS.
[Column] Brian Muguto: Is informal retail the real driver of Africa’s e-commerce future?
Africa’s policymakers need to ensure that the momentum behind the African Continental Free-trade Area (AfCFTA) is not lost following the trading bloc’s launch in January ...read full column here
[Column] Duncan Mochama: Automating financial services easily with Incentro and Agile
Together with the teams from Financial Access and Incentro, we started with an alignment session, making sure everyone is on the same page with a shared vision for the product ...read full column here
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Kenya tax policies need an overhaul
Good tax systems and citizen participation in governance ultimately lead to the achievement of economic development goals. A good tax system promotes a country’s competitiveness and productivity, by creating an enabling environment for doing business ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Victoria Epelle, Founder, Market Forward, Nigeria
Victoria Epelle founded Market Forward about a year ago and the company has been a fully operational entity since 2020. Located in the commercial hub of Lagos, Nigeria, Market Forward has executed projects both local and international and is making a name for itself in the field of Consulting and Project Management ...read full interview here
[Interview] Mahesh Doorgakant, Chairman, Mauritius Finance
The Chairperson of Mauritius Finance, Mahesh Doorgakant, shares his views on the future of the financial sector on the island and how Mauritius Finance has an integral role to play in supporting innovation, promotion and training to propel the jurisdiction to even greater heights ...read full interview here
[Interview] Nick Treurnicht, Customer Engineer for Google Workspace, DigiCloud Africa, South Africa
Nick Treurnicht is the Customer Engineer for Google Workspace at DigiCloud Africa, Africa's Google Cloud Brokerage, specialising in Google Cloud products - including Google Cloud Platform, G Suite, Google Maps and Chrome ...read full interview herew here