By Nawa Mutumweno – Zambia’s predicted 6.8% growth this year reflects the performance of the economy, stability in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, the resurgence of local industries through SMEs and threefold growth in the non-traditional sector. According to the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) director general Andrew Chipwende, job creation, FDI inflows and diversification of exports were benefits from the reforms that were upheld by the country’s democratic institutions. Outlining the promotion of the SME sector as one of the priorities of the ZDA, Mr Chipwende said the sector contributes significantly to the country’s gross domestic product 9GDP) “Our success... Continue Reading
Publish Date: Tuesday, October 26th 2010 |
By Nawa Mutumweno – The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional window of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a UA 63.369 million (USSD 95.6 million) loan to fund the Nacala Corridor Phase II Road Project (NCRP) in Zambia. The NCRP aims at promoting economic growth and regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through a reliable and efficient transport infrastructure to improve sub-regional trade and the region’s overall competitiveness. The NCRP covers approximately 1 033 km of roads in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique and two border posts. The project involves... Continue Reading
Publish Date: Monday, October 25th 2010 |
By Nawa Mutumweno – The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) has through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) with Protea Hotels Zambia worth $90.3 million to facilitate for the expansion and construction of 15 hotels in Zambia. This ambitious investment programme will create a projected direct employment of 885 permanent jobs and a further 800 supported jobs of which 98% will be for Zambians. According to Protea Hotels Zambia chairperson Mark O’Donnell, the investment plan outlined in the IPPA include the establishment of a new hotel in Chipata (Eastern Province)and... Continue Reading
Publish Date: Sunday, October 24th 2010 |
By Nawa Mutumweno – The country’s honey sector has developed substantially since the establishment of an umbrella body – the Zambia Honey Council (ZHC) – in 2003. From humble beginnings as the Zambia National Beekeepers Association (ZNBA), the industry has become vibrant and focused with an innovative business touch. ZHC has injected a growth dose into the mainstream of the industry which is now more organised, coordinated, result-oriented and business-inclined. From its traditional focus a few years ago, today beekeeping and trade in honey has blossomed into a source of livelihood for many and is being recognized as a viable... Continue Reading
Publish Date: Monday, October 18th 2010 |
By Nawa Mutumweno – From its humble and traditional focus a few years ago, beekeeping and trade in honey products has blossomed into a sustainable source of livelihoods for many. Apart from speaking with one voice and exuding a distinct personality, the honey industry is now more organized, thanks to the Zambia Honey Partnership (ZHP). ZHP was established three years ago as a coordination framework that is providing a rational approach, by both the public institutions and the private sector involved in promoting sustainable social and economic growth of the honey sector. It has emerged through a series of stakeholder... Continue Reading
Publish Date: Saturday, October 16th 2010 |
