Favourite K. Chisi

The Ministry of Agriculture has called on the private sector and citizens to take advantage of investment opportunities in the agricultural sector, particularly storage infrastructure, to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Balewa Zyuulu says government has set ambitious production targets under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, with the country aiming to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize and one million metric tonnes each of wheat and soybeans annually by 2031. Mr. Zyuulu said achieving the targets requires a coordinated approach involving all stakeholders, including increased investment in storage facilities to safeguard harvests and minimise losses. He emphasised that while efforts to increase production are being scaled up, inadequate storage capacity remains a critical gap that must be addressed alongside production to strengthen food security and preserve the value of agricultural produce. ...

Some small-scale miners under the Federation of Small-Scale Mining Associations of Zambia have expressed frustration over recent developments in the mining sector, particularly the announcement of 3,000 exploration small-scale mining (ESM) licences and fees imposed by the Minerals Regulation Commission, which they describe as punitive. Luapula Small-Scale Miners Association (LUSMA) Secretary and federation committee member Nathan Ngandwe says the developments have unsettled operators and risk damaging Zambia’s image as a mining destination. Mr. Ngandwe says the matter could have been handled administratively instead of being publicised in a manner that portrays small-scale miners as defaulters. He has warned that such actions could undermine investor confidence and the credibility of the mining sector. Mr. Ngandwe says the federation is seeking to resolve the impasse with the Minerals Regulation Commission and has reiterated calls for a meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema...