Domestic
Zambia will pay off all outstanding legitimate VAT refunds, but plans to press ahead with a new non-refundable sales tax despite criticism from some businesses as it strives to cut debt, Margaret Mwanakatwe said on Friday. Read more: Mining
Various stakeholders have welcomed Governments decision to suspend the tariff review application made by ZESCO to the Energy Regulation Board ERB. Read more: ZNBC
Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba says UZI Zambia – the fourth mobile network will start operations in October this year. Read more: ZNBC
Government has engaged three mining companies to persuade them to release copper slag dumps as one way of empowering communities in the Copperbelt Province. Read more: Zambia Daily Mail
International
South African telecoms firm MTN has applied with Nigeria’s securities regulator to list shares in its local unit on the country’s bourse, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday. Read more: Africa News
China may back out of trade talks scheduled for this week with U.S. officials after President Donald Trump threatened Beijing with increased tariffs. Read more: CNBC
Vice President Mike Pence believes the Federal Reserve should look to cut its benchmark interest rate due to the continued growth of the U.S. economy. Read more: CNBC