Zambian state-owned electricity company ZESCO is in negotiations with its counterpart Electricity of Mozambique (EDM) to increase the electricity it buys from the neighbouring country to 120 MegaWatts (MW), said Zambian Energy Minister Peter Kapala. “ZESCO is actively engaged with Mozambique’s EDM for an increase in firm power imports to a further 120 MW,” said the Zambian energy minister, quoted in the country’s press on Friday. He added that Zambia currently imports 50 to 90 MW of energy from Mozambique, which it now intends to increase in order to meet demand while also moving ahead with the gradual withdrawal of 120 MW of energy from its export market, which it sells through bilateral contracts, a plan to be implemented by December 2024. “It is important to note that this plan will translate into a loss of revenue of $110 million [€101 million],” said Kapala. Read more: Club of Mozambique
Zambia on Monday launched the 2024 Financial Literacy Week aimed at sensitizing citizens on financial matters, with the government urging citizens to be wary of risks associated with digital platforms where financial scams are on the rise. The event, which runs from March 18 to 24, is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills essential for navigating the intricate landscape of personal finance. The launch of the event, held under the theme “Protect your money, secure your Future,” was preceded by a march that brought together various stakeholders in the financial sector. Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said it is important for citizens to adopt a responsible and informed approach to personal finances to safeguard their money. Read more: The Star
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has spent over 9 million United States Dollars to improve food security in the country. USAID Deputy assistant administrator Ann Vaughan says through the USAID Africa Trade and Investment, USAID Zambia is working hand-in-hand with the regional African Fertilizer Agribusiness Partnership to propel the country’s agricultural markets and drive economic transformation. ZANIS reports that Ms Vaughan said this when she led a team from the USAID who were touring fields in Mpongwe District on the Copperbelt to see how farmers are benefiting from the Food Security Programme. She noted that the USAID government is determined to improve for food security in Zambia and over 1.5 million Zambians participated in the food security programme. Read more: Lusaka Times
Government says the Ministry of Agriculture has forecast to harvest over 1. 7m metric tonnes of Maize from the 2023-2024 farming season. The harvest is from the five provinces that were not affected by the drought in the country. And Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa says the country currently has 4-hundred and 50-thousand metric tonnes of maize, which is sufficient for the next 3 months. Read more: ZNBC
The United States government, through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), yesterday announced $367 million (9.2 billion Kwacha) of new support toward Zambia’s national HIV response over the next year. PEPFAR’s two-year Country Operational Plan (COP) was developed in April 2023, and this year, a midterm review was conducted to evaluate the plan and adjust it based on HIV program results. This collaborative process involved multiple ministries within the Zambian government along with Global Fund, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization, Zambian civil society organizations, and other stakeholders and demonstrates the collective commitment of all partners to transparency and accountability as we work together to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030 for Zambians of every age, geographical location, and social group. Read more: US Embassy
President Hakainde Hichilema has fired Accountant-General, Kennedy Musonda, and Controller of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Nerbet Mulonda. Hichilema also terminated the contract of Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary, Green Mbozi, together with his counterpart at the Ministry of Justice, Thandiwe Oteng. State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday. Hamasaka said the President thanked everyone who had been dismissed from employment for their service rendered and wished them well in their future endeavours. Read more: Zambia Monitor
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