The Spinner

HH to grace Diaspora Conference

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, ON THE PARTICIPATION OF THE PRESIDENT IN THE ZAMBIAN DIASPORA CONFERENCE IN LIVINGSTONE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the Nation that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia will grace the occasion of the Zambian Diaspora Conference scheduled to take place in Livingstone from 6th to 8th July, 2022.
The conference will be convened by the Zambian Diaspora, with support of the Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, under the theme: Shifting Mindsets to Ignite Growth.
President Hichilema is scheduled to officially open the conference on 6th July, 2022 at Avani Victoria Falls Resort Hotel.
The conference is expected to bring together various stakeholders, including speakers from multilateral institutions, the corporate world, academia and entrepreneurs.
During his interaction with the nationals living abroad during his international engagements, President Hichilema has continued to underscore the significance of their active participation in the country’s development agenda.
President Hichilema is of the firm belief that the country should tap into the enormous potential of the Zambian Diaspora, which includes entrepreneurial, professional and technical skills, and innovations, among others. The President has also emphasised the need to ensure that Government responds effectively to the needs of the Zambian Diaspora.
Therefore, this conference will present an excellent opportunity for further engagement between the Government and the Zambian Diaspora, and is expected to chart a new path for collaboration for the greater good of the country.
(Original signed)
Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, M.P
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
LUSAKA
4th July, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON HON. CHUSHI KASANDA, MP ON ZAMBIA’S ATTAINMENT OF A SINGLE DIGIT INFLATION RATE

Zambia’s attainment of a single digit inflation rate for the first time in three years is credence that the UPND Government has set the country on a clear path of economic growth.

Yesterday, Zambia’s inflation rate dropped below 10% for the first time since 2019 in the face of a global trend of record consumer-price growth.

Despite major economies in the world experiencing increasing inflationary levels, the Zambian inflation rate dropped from 10.2% in May to 9.7% in June.

Subsequently, the Zambian Kwacha is the second-best performing currency after the Russian rubble.

This is as a result of our currency growing by over 30% against the dollar in the last nine months.

What is key to note is that this economic growth is premised on the UPND Government’s sound economic policies which are being marshalled by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Government is convinced, beyond any reasonable doubt, that it is just a matter of time before the positive impacts of this growth indicator start trickling down to the general populace.

Once this growth is sustained, we shall witness cheaper prices being accessed by the Zambian masses in all sectors of our economy.

This is an indication that our economic revival, as a country, has been set in motion and Zambians will reap the benefits of our efforts much sooner than later.

When we took over the reigns of power we knew that it was going to be a tedious task to rebuild this country.

We are not there yet but we are very happy to reach this milestone.

The signs are on the wall. We shall fix it.

Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

1st July, 2022

IMF's DMD Antoinette M. Sayeh: I had good meetings with President Hakainde Hichilema and Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane in Lusaka 🇿🇲.

Zambia's implementation to date of its homegrown economic program is impressive, including the authorities’ focus on education & social welfare.

We are encouraged by the upcoming meeting of the official creditor committee and urge rapid financing assurances. https://bit.ly/3HoYzFH

State House writes......

The President and the new administration is eager to deliver lower, stable inflation as a way of delivering steady, private-sector-led economic growth for the creation of jobs and catalysing better living conditions for citizens.

Lower inflation is key in ensuring lower and stable investment and production costs, a much needed catalyst for not only the creation of jobs but also maintaining the economic competitiveness of our economy.

Ultimately, this is about growth, jobs, economic stability and better, predictable living conditions for citizens.

I HAVE NOT ISSUED ANY STATEMENT- FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU
OFFICE OF THE 6th REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT, HIS EXCELLENCY EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU
Tuesday 7th June, 2022
The office of the Sixth Republican President, His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu is dismayed with continued attempts to put his name in disrepute by use of false and alarming statements attributed to him in the media.
This is in response to a recent post trending on social media platforms, suggesting that Dr. Lungu is contemplating making a return to active politics.
However, the former Head of State has requested well meaning Zambians to be critical of every statement alleged to have been issued by him before reacting to it.
In the same article making rounds, it is said that the former President made the remarks in an interview he gave to the writer/ Reporter but with no clear details of the same interaction.
He has stated that neither himself nor his office has given any exclusive interviews to either local or international journalists.
Dr. Lungu has further reminded Zambians to play a role in uniting the nation and put aside politics in matters that may injure the nation irrevocably.
He has expressed concern over smear politics that has gone on for too long which he says has continued to divide the nation at the expense of building a better Zambia.
And the former Head of state has appealed to the media, especially social media platforms to desist from being used as tools for political propaganda if they are to maintain public confidence in their works.
[6/7, 3:14 PM] Mourinho I Phone: OFFICE OF THE 6th REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT, HIS EXCELLENCY EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU
Tuesday 7th June, 2022
The office of the Sixth Republican President, His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu is dismayed with continued attempts to put his name in disrepute by use of false and alarming statements attributed to him in the media.
This is in response to a recent post trending on social media platforms, suggesting that Dr. Lungu is contemplating making a return to active politics.
However, the former Head of State has requested well meaning Zambians to be critical of every statement alleged to have been issued by him before reacting to it.
In the same article making rounds, it is said that the former President made the remarks in an interview he gave to the writer/ Reporter but with no clear details of the same interaction.
He has stated that neither himself nor his office has given any exclusive interviews to either local or international journalists.
Dr. Lungu has further reminded Zambians to play a role in uniting the nation and put aside politics in matters that may injure the nation irrevocably.
He has expressed concern over smear politics that has gone on for too long which he says has continued to divide the nation at the expense of building a better Zambia.
And the former Head of state has appealed to the media, especially social media platforms to desist from being used as tools for political propaganda if they are to maintain public confidence in their works.
Issued by
Daniel Siwo
Administrative Assistant

GBM Arreted, Chrged
Statement by Zambia Police on the arrest of Mr. Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba.
June 7, 2022
We wish to confirm that the Joint Investigations Team has today charged and arrested Mr. Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba aged 63 of plot number 2623 Leopards Hill Road in Lusaka’s New Kasama area for Eight Counts of Conflict of Interest contrary to section 28 (2) as read with subsection (3) of the Anti Corruption Act number 3 of 2012 of the laws of Zambia.
This is in a matter where Mr. Mwamba, when he was Minister of Defence between 2012 and 2013 failed to disclose his interest in writing on Three Zambia Army contracts and Five Zambia Air Force contracts that were awarded to Curzon Global Limited by the Ministry of Defence.
It is alleged that the said Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba had interest in the same company.
Mr. Mwamba has also been charged and arrested for one count of money laundering contrary to section Seven of Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act number 14 of 2001 as read with Amendment Act number 44 of 2010.
The allegation involves a sum of USD 632,000. Further, the suspect has also been charged and arrested for 15 counts of being in possession of Property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime contrary to section 71 subsection (1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act number 19 of 2010 involving a total sum of USD 2, 149, 170 and K20, 000, 000.00.
In the same case, Mr. Adolphus Mubanga aged 58 of plot number 11438 Makeni in Lusaka has been charged and arrested for Three counts of being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime involving a sum of K5, 555, 954.
Both suspects are detained in Police custody awaiting court appearance.
Danny Mwale
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer

GBM NABBED. GETS 24 CHARGES

TAMBATAMBA APPLAUDS ILO
Lusaka, June 02, 2022… The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba has applauded the International Labour Organization (ILO), on the development of employment policies that are underpinned by effective social dialogue which are derived on empirical and credible data.
Speaking during the 110th session committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, Honorable Tambatamba disclosed that ILO remains a valuable and consistent resource, both technically and financially in facilitating the Labour Force Surveys and the development of a Labour Market Information System that serve as a progressive monitoring tool to collate and digitalize information labour market statistics.
She said that the Zambian labour market has not been spared from the tumultuous and transformation changes occurring in the world of work.
The Minister added that the incidence of informality and insidious non-standard forms of work are a constant threat towards the attainment of the decent work agenda in Zambia.
Honourable Tambatamba highlighted that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the ILO’s sustained use of e-learning platforms were an effective and re-assuring intermediary towards capacity building efforts.
She disclosed that Zambia is fortified that ILO will support her development of a new National Employment and Labour Market Policy and a bill that seeks to regulate quality apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning.
Ms. Tambatamba revealed that ILO remains the common chaperon in sustaining and escalating the drive towards the attainment of universal lasting peace through sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security is leading a Zambian delegation in Geneva, Switzerland attending the 110th International Labour Conference on employment and globalization which commenced on 29th May 2022 and ends on 11th June 2022.
Issued by
Joseph Chinyama
Acting Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security

STATEMENT ON THE OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI BY MR. HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the Nation that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia will undertake an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, at the invitation of His Majesty King Mswati III, from 3rd to 5th June, 2022.
President Hichilema and King Mswati III are scheduled to hold bilateral talks where discussions will focus on matters of mutual interest at bilateral, regional and international levels.
During the visit, the two leaders are expected to preside over the signing of the joint Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the area of Tourism as well as the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism between Zambia and Eswatini. The MoUs will further strengthen cooperation and contribute to the development of various sectors of the economies in the two countries.
Zambia and Eswatini share cordial bilateral relations anchored on historical ties and mutual respect. The two countries have continued to strengthen bilateral relations through the exchange of high-level visits as well as the establishment of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation.
President Hichilema has emphasized the importance of promoting intra African trade and collaboration for beneficial economic and social development among countries on the continent. Zambia remains committed to fulfilling the agenda of common development aspirations by maintaining open and cordial relations through pragmatic cooperation with Eswatini, for mutual benefit.
The Kingdom of Eswatini presents itself as a viable partner in various fields of economic and social interests such as Tourism, Culture, Trade and Agriculture. This visit by the President will, therefore, provide an opportunity to share best practices in areas earmarked for progress, and it is in line with the Government’s approach to placing great value on working openly and collaboratively with a range of partners to unlock new opportunities for the country and its citizens.
The President is expected to return to Zambia immediately after his engagements.
Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, M.P
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
LUSAKA🇿🇲

2nd June, 2022

Bally writes ..

It was a pleasure to speak this morning with His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, about the array of opportunities on the horizon for our two nations. Zambia and The People's Republic of China share a deep and longstanding relationship, and we are committed to building on these strong foundations to create a brighter future for our people.

We discussed the potential for greater cooperation and win-win partnerships, the abundant investment opportunities that Zambia offers, and our shared commitment to working together to address and resolve the debt issue.

As our two nations take bold steps together in the spirit of genuine partnership, we look ahead to a new chapter of enhanced bilateral relations, which will improve the lives of our citizens for generations to come.

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia