The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Zambia for Bell 412 helicopters at an estimated cost of US$100 million. Zambia has asked to buy the medium-lift transport helicopter primarily to conduct peacekeeping, regional security, humanitarian aid and disaster response missions over long distances and in all weather conditions. The contract also includes requests for qualification and transition training for pilots and maintainers, ground support equipment and contractor field support. The purchase of the helicopters would be facilitated by a combination of foreign military funds and Zambian national funds, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). Bell will be the principal contract for the sale, based in Fort Worth, Texas. The sale will also, according to the DSCA, help to “improve the security
Author Archives: Chief Editor
Jan
Government will continue importing electricity and speed up the completion of electricity power generation projects that were planned to be established countrywide. Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says the government is also closely monitoring the water levels for hydropower generation at all power stations following the improved rains in some parts of the country. Speaking when he delivered cabinet resolutions during a press briefing today, Mr. Mweetwa said the government is working to address all logistical challenges and ensure a constant supply of fuel across the country and at filling stations. And Mr. Mweetwa said to address cholera, measures have been taken, which include pre-positioning medical and non-medical logistics and stocks to all cholera high-risk districts and at all the provincial capitals. The Minister also disclosed the approval by Cabinet
To enhance domestic revenue mobilisation in 2025, Government has re-introduced a 15 percent export duty on precious gemstones. This follows the revocation of 2019 suspension of a 15 percent export duty on precious gemstones new statutory instrument dated December 30, 2024 (a (S.I. No. 88 of 2024, the Customs and Excise (Precious Stones) (Export Duty) (Suspension) (Revocation) Order, 2024)) and came into effect on January 1, 2025. And Gemfields, which owns 75 percent of the Zambian emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited and 25 percent by the Zambian Government’s Industrial Development Corporation, says it faces an effective tax on revenues of 21 percent (in addition to corporation tax of 30 percent). Gemfields says in 2023 when no export duty was in place, Kagem paid an effective 31 percent of its
This morning, President Hakainde Hichilema signed the Book of Condolences for President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, marking a solemn moment of reflection for Zambia and its people. On behalf of the nation, President Hichilema extended heartfelt condolences to the Carter family and the American people, honoring President Carter as an extraordinary leader whose legacy resonates across the globe. “We remember President Carter’s remarkable legacy, marked by his unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, good governance, human rights, justice, and equality,” President Hichilema stated. During his presidency from 1977 to 1981, President Carter formed a strong bond with Zambia, particularly during the country’s critical period of transition. His influence extended beyond his time in office. In 1991, the Jimmy Carter Center played a pivotal role in Zambia’s
Media Statement from the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, wishes to address the pressing issues currently facing our commerce and industry sectors, particularly considering the ongoing energy crisis, rising exchange rates, rising cost of doing business,shortage of liquidity and the severe threat to food security posed by recent drought conditions. The energy crisis has had a profound impact on our industrial output and the broader economic landscape. Many businesses are grappling with inconsistent power supply, which disrupts production processes, increases operational costs, and ultimately threatens the sustainability of our enterprises. Coupled with the escalating exchange rates, limited and expensive capital, over regulation and licence requirements and multiple police check points with protracted procedures. These challenges have made it increasingly difficult for local
Citizens have a duty to respect decisions of the duly constituted courts of law: LAZ reaction to the constitutional court Judgement in the Eligibitlity case of Michelo Chizombe v Edgar Chagwa Lungu and others 2023/CCZ/0021 The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has closely monitored the developments surrounding the eligibility case of Michelo Chizombe vs. Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Others -2023/CCZ/0021 before the Constitutional Court. We acknowledge the significant public interest generated by this case,including the Judgment delivered today by the Court. By its Judgment, the Constitutional Court determined that Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the 1st Respondent is ineligible to contest any future elections having served two terms as President. This decision marks a departure from the Court’s earlier decision on the matter, specifically in the cases of Daniel Pule and
As a fellow born and bred on the Copperbelt in the mining town of Luanshya, I am grossly perturbed and disturbed by the astronomical levels of illegal mining in the country. Copper cartels established by high profile criminals who are veritable Mafias with the wicked schemes akin to the Sicilian criminal barons are now taking hostage of many Copperbelt towns. In the evening we see truckloads of rowdy, insolent and brutal youths loaded on trucks in hundreds of numbers packed like sardines in tins heading for the mines. In the colonial days just as the Kaunda days, there was no illegal mining which is now rampant and almost uncontrollable in the whole Zambia. The founding fathers of Zambia among them Kenneth Kaunda, Simon Kapwepwe, Justin Chimba, Munukayumbwa Sipalo, Nalumino Mundia
President Hakainde Hichilema officiated the launch of The Art of War and Peace today at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Lusaka. The book, co-authored by Greg Mills and Dr. David Kilcullen, delves into strategies for achieving not only military victory but also sustainable peace. The DSCSC, renowned for its focus on strategy and operational art, served as an ideal venue for the book’s debut. The institution carries historical significance, having played a central role during Southern Africa’s liberation struggles. Notably, it was a base of operations for figures like former South African President Thabo Mbeki during the fight for independence. In his speech, President Hichilema highlighted the book’s relevance in addressing Africa’s contemporary security challenges, emphasizing the importance of planning for peace with the same rigor