African champions Zambia on the rise

By John Chola Lusaka, Zambia, February 15, 2012 The Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, which closed last Sunday, has clearly left its mark on the current edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, as Zambia, the newly crowned African champions, secured their first-ever title and have thus climbed to 43rd position. This is the first time since February 2001 that the team, coached by French man Hervé Renard (below, have made it into the top 50. Despite their extremely narrow defeat in the final, Côte d’Ivoire (15th, up 3) remains Africa’s highest-ranked team. Aside from the two finalists, third-placed Mali (44th, up 25) as well as host nations Gabon (45th, up 46) and Equatorial Guinea (110th, up 41) have clearly gained considerable ground. Changes are also to be seen in the top ten, with Germany (2nd, up 1) bumping the Netherlands out of second place to take up position behind Spain, and Portugal (6th, up 1) and Italy (8th, up 1) also making some headway. Denmark have moved into the top ten (10th, up 1), pushing Argentina down to 11th position. All of these changes in ranking are due to the devaluation of matches from previous years as no top-ten team has played a match in the last month. The balance of power between the confederations remains relatively unchanged: UEFA has 27 teams in the top 50 (down 1), CONMEBOL has 9, CAF 6, CONCACAF 4 (up 1), the AFC 4 and the OFC 0. The results of 51 international matches have been taken into account in compiling the current edition of the ranking, of which 32 took place as part of the Africa Cup of Nations and 19 were friendly matches. Management summary • Leader Spain (uchanged) • Moves into top ten Denmark (10th, up 1) • Moves out of top ten Argentina (11th, down 1) • Matches played in total 51 • Most matches played Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia (8 matches each) • Biggest move by points Gabon (up 230 points) • Biggest move by ranks Gabon (up 46 ranks) • Biggest drop by points Egypt (down 153 points) • Biggest drop by ranks Egypt, Senegal (down 25 ranks each) • Newly ranked teams none • Teams that are no longer ranked none • Inactive teams (not ranked) none The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Ranking will be published on 7 March 2012, one week earlier than originally planned. Ranking as of 15 February 2012 according to FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Division: Rank Team +/- Ranks Points +/- Points Jan-Feb 12 Feb 12 Jan-Feb 12 1 Spain 0 1566 +2 2 Germany +1 1369 +24 3 Netherlands -1 1359 -6 4 Uruguay 0 1317 +8 5 England 0 1179 +6 6 Portugal +1 1155 +55 7 Brazil -1 1152 +9 8 Italy +1 1115 +33 9 Croatia -1 1101 +10 10 Denmark +1 1090 +58 Ends.....////

Zambia are new champions of Africa

By John Chola – 13 /02/ 2012 Zambia clinched their first African Nations Cup crown with a emotional penalty shoot-out win over Ivory Coast. And since the winning penalty last night the whole Zambia has gone wild. People from different towns in Zambia have thronged the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport awaiting to receive their national team scheduled to touch down in 30 minutes time (15:30 hours local time). The main capital city Lusaka and its surrounding compounds and townships have been deserted as people queue up to receive their football heroes. Nineteen years after a plane crash which killed 18 members of their squad in Libreville, the Chipolopolo (Copper bullets) returned to the Gabon capital to record the most famous victory in the country's history. A dramatic shoot-out at the end of 120 minutes of largely underwhelming football went the way of Zambia when Gervinho shot wide and Stophira Sunzu stepped up to slot home. The final proved a tale of penalty woe for Ivory Coast, chasing their first continental crown for 20 years, with Didier Drogba also failing from the spot during the 90 minutes. But the win was ultimately no more than Zambia deserved for a plucky display against the odds. The underdogs started brightly and almost claimed a second-minute lead, Nathan Sinkala's low drive superbly saved by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry low to his right. Zambia coach Frenchman Herve Renard was forced into a reshuffle after 11 minutes when defender Joseph Musonda was forced from the field in tears after catching his knee in the turf when making a challenge.

Nyambe Mulenga came on but the change did not disrupt the Zambians' flow, with Chisamba Lungu looping a header narrowly over two minutes later. It took Ivory Coast's star-studded line-up 30 minutes to create a noteworthy chance, a clever backheel from Drogba picking out Yaya Toure but the Manchester City midfielder failing to find the target from eight yards. The match degenerated into a scrappy affair after half-time with neither side able to put together a period of sustained pressure. But in a rare moment of quality, Gervinho provided Drogba with the chance to redeem himself for his penalty shoot-out miss in the 2006 final defeat to Egypt. The Arsenal forward burst into the area and was felled by a combination of Isaac Chansa and Mulenga, but Drogba sidefooted his spot-kick horribly over the bar. The Elephants had another chance to win it in normal time but substitute Max Gradel, having turned his man inside the area, shot inches wide of the far post. Zambia also had a late chance with a wonderful tackle from Kolo Toure preventing Emmanuel Mayuka from getting a shot on goal when he was well placed. Zambia had the only chance in the first period of extra-time and it almost resulted in the opening goal. Felix Katongo beat his marker down the right and crossed for brother Christopher, whose close-range shot would have sneaked in at the near post but for a vital touch from Barry's boot. Ivory Coast had two chances to win it after the break but Didier Ya Konan curled an effort just wide while, after 117 minutes, Gradel took an airshot when well placed. The shoot-out was locked at 7-7 after 14 nerveless penalties before Kolo Toure saw his effort saved by Kennedy Mweene. Rainford Kalaba fluffed his big moment by shooting over the bar but there was no second reprieve when Gervinho missed and Sunzu slotted in. Ends…./// ESPN Star.

Zambia remains a source for women and children trafficking.

................ as Law Enforcement Officers Train to Implement Counter Trafficking Law By John Chola Lusaka, Zambia - February 10, 2012 Zambia has continued being used as a source, transit and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking across the world. This is despite Zambia having enacted its first anti human trafficking legislation four years ago. According to the US State Department’s 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report, albeit Zambia enactment the 2008 anti-trafficking law, its implementation has been challenging. IOM Zambia Chief of Mission Andrew Choga says his organisation is committed to supporting the government in the implementation of the law. He was speaking when IOM conducted a training of trainers (ToT) for law enforcement officers in Zambia, using a newly developed handbook on the country’s 2008 Anti-Human Trafficking Act.

The five-day training, held at the National Police Training College in the capital Lusaka was designed to provide participants with the necessary skills to train other law enforcement officers on how to implement Zambia’s anti-human trafficking law. Choga says the course focused on the need for sensitivity in dealing with victims of human trafficking. Eighteen law enforcement officers from the Zambia Police, the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Home Affairs Research and Planning Unit (HARID) received the training. The training handbook was developed by IOM in close coordination with the Law Enforcement Expert Group, composed of law enforcement officers from the Zambian Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant institutions, brought together specifically for this purpose. The handbook includes chapters on the definition of trafficking in persons, victim identification and treatment, human trafficking investigation, as well as case studies and practical exercises. The trained officers will in turn train 100 additional officers across the country, with support from IOM. Ends......////

Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Robert Sichinga lied?

By Staff writter - 08/02/12 Recentry Commerce, Trade and Indury Minister Robert Sichinga was reported to have said that the former ruling MMD printed fake Kwacha in China ammounting to K3 trillion. I thought this was quite an awesome story. As a careful Journalist though never posted the story online. I told the Minister that I needed to see some of the fake Kwacha shown to me by him. He hasent yet done so. I approached some of the commercial banks in a bid that I could show me part of the Sichinga contraband, they couldn't and then I announced was about to loose confidence in the Reserve Bank which I have delt with for over 10 years as one of my best sources of information. Now yesterday the bank officially told me personally that it is not aware of any fake Kwacha printed in China and injected into the market illegally. If this is done would shock or distort the money markets. I am now left wondering whether Minister Sichinga will rank among those who like terming me a Journalist who can never just get whatever an official says as gospel truth but keeps asking unnecessary questions to verify the authentisit of their raw informatio or data. Will Minister Sichinga blame me if I throw it right in his face that I no longer have confidence in him? That I actually hate liers like him? That he is not fit to hold a government ministerial position as he is uncredible? That every time he will speak I will never take him serious as he is now tossed into the same basket where some of those he accused now belong? That I have statrted loosing confidence in the whole PF government because of statement such as his? That whatever the Ministers pronnounce have a great pottential of being lies? Will he blame me for regarding him one of a type of Fake Economists who dream speak without considering any reality of what they say? Will Minister Sichinga blame citizens of Zambia of propagatting hatrade against him and the overwhelmingly voted for PF government if they passed a vote of no confidence because of statement such as his and ask him to step aside to face personal litigations resulting from officially refuted pronnouncements? Am just wondering also if his ba Sebele - the President- dropped him until his now refuted claims are substantiated would he complain? I mean how could just Bob make such a statement from without and for what? Aren't these types of politics thrown into the bin by Zambians since September 2011? I thought as Minister Bob who I have interviewed countless times now in my career and sort of respected to be meticulous would only make pronnouncements after verifying everything and interogating issues propery! Are these not the same things he would go to town about when he was independent MP, consultant and opposition UPND? So can we still ask him as Journalists to really substantiate his earlier claims and prove the Authority on monetary matters - Reserve bank - wrong so that we can loose complete confidence in the colleagues we have lots of respect for at Central bank? Ohhh! I hear that now he has been sued by those he accused.

Zambia’s Competition and Consumer Protection unit tips manufacturers ……..as large mines shun inefficient local suppliers.

By John Chola – January 4, 2012. Zambia’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has found that the mining companies that sought merger authorizations from it are complying with the law and conditions given to them. CCPC Executive Director Chilufya Sampa says among the conditions given to the mining companies were that the merged entities should honour agreements that the firms had entered into with local suppliers to the mines before the merger. Earlier the Commission demanded that the merged entities should take reasonable steps to ensure that jobs and investments were created by virtue of the transactions being authorised. The Commission has meanwhile committed to continue monitoring not only the mining sector but every other sector that has competition concerns to ensure that a level playing field is created. Meanwhile Sampa has told this newswire that the Commission and Consumer Protection Commission has over the last few months received a number of complaints from mine suppliers, that most of the major mine contracts are given to foreign firms and not local firms. Following the complaints CCPC from January 9, to 20th, 2012 undertook a tour of the Copperbelt and North Western Provinces to verify and have first hand information on these allegations. The Commission has since learnt that mines give most contracts to foreign owned companies owing to Zambia’s lack of a large manufacturing base. He says the local mine suppliers rely on manufacturers outside the country making them uncompetitive because they compete with authorised distributors of these goods or the original manufacturer of the goods. “For as long as Zambians do not take to manufacturing their own equipment, the mines will always favour importing from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) because they are cheaper”, the CCPC Executive Director observed. The Commission team had several meetings with different mines and relevant stakeholders including the mine suppliers. Sampa says the Commission noted that most mine suppliers do not have adequate capital making them to usually rely on a down payment before they could supply any goods. In addition, it has been observed that since local suppliers do not have well established distribution networks with the Original Equipment Manufacturers, they usually fail to provide goods and services in good time. “I would encourage the Zambia Association Manufactures and all other mine suppliers to seriously consider setting up manufacturing plants for some of the products being supplied to the mines. In a liberal economy, you do not necessarily need to wait for Government to tell you what you should do but for the private sector to recognize market niches and take advantage of such openings”, Sampa said. End….//

Julius Malema loose Appeal

By John Chola - January 4, 2012. The suspension of former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema and five other youth league members has been upheld. The ANC's national disciplinary committee of appeal chaired by Cyril Ramaphosa announced the verdict a while ago. Malema, deputy president Ronald Lamola, treasurer-general Pule Mabe, secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, deputy secretary-general Kenetswe Mosenogi and spokesperson Floyd Shivambu were suspended from the ANC last year. A disciplinary committee found them guilty of sowing division within the ANC and of bringing the party into disrepute. This is partly as a result of comments made on bringing about regime change in Botswana. Arguing before the NDCA against the suspensions, they submitted that they had not been given a chance to argue in mitigation of their sentences. They contended that ANC disciplinary committee members, including Chairperson Derek Hanekom and Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, should have recused themselves because they had publicly disagreed with the ANCYL's positions on land reform and the nationalisation of mines. They also held that the verdict and sanctions relied on an outdated section of the ANCYL constitution. Now that they have lost the appeal, they could refer the matter to the ANC's national executive committee, seek to have the elective conference in Mangaung review the suspensions, or head to the courts. The sentence has been referred back for mitigation. Courtesy of Kaya FM, M&G reporter and Sapa

Zamtel takeover leaves LAP GreenN deeply worried...........as President Sata announces total repossession of the telecoms firm.

TUESDAY, January 24, 2012 – By John Chola LAP GreenN says it is deeply worried by today’s announcement by the Zambian Government that it has reversed its acquisition of 75% in Zamtel. Chairman of LAP GreenN, Wafik Alshater has told this newswire in a statement a while ago that: “Our primary concern now is for our talented workforce, and for our one million subscribers who rely on our services to conduct their businesses and speak to their families and friends.” Mr. Alshater laments that over the last few weeks, they have made numerous attempts to find an amicable solution that satisfies all the parties involved and secures the best possible outcome for employees and subscribers. “We regret that the Zambian Government has not given us an opportunity to meet and discuss this matter,” Mr. Alshater laments. He says under LAP GreenN ownership, Zamtel has moved from a state of near insolvency to become a national success story. As well as growing Zamtel’s subscriber base by over 600% in just over 18 months, and created 1700 jobs in Zambia. “As we have stated all along, LAP GreenN categorically rejects any allegations of wrong-doing during the acquisition of its 75% stake in Zamtel. Our acquisition was made through an open, transparent and competitive bidding process, overseen by well-respected international professional organisations and in strict adherence to Zambia’s established legal framework,” insists Alshater. He says LAP GreenN still hope this situation can still be amicably resolved. “We welcome an opportunity to work with the Zambian Government to achieve this,” reiterates Alshater. LAP GreenN is the telecommunications investment arm of Libyan African Portfolio (LAP), focusing on the telecommunications sector in emerging markets. It operates mobile, fixed and ISP telecommunications businesses in Uganda, Zambia, Ivory Coast and South Sudan and has licenses to operate in an additional five countries. LAP GreenN is actively seeking to increase its footprint across Africa and the Middle East. Earlier today Zambia’s President Michael Sata announced that government having accepted without reservation the report on the findings of the Committee Investigating the sale of Zamtel, as President of the Republic of Zambia deemed it desirable and expedient to compulsorily acquire the 75 per cent shareholding of Lap Green Network in Zamtel. Mr. Sata said henceforth the appropriate notice under the law had been given. The President said consequently he had ordered the dissolution of the Board of Directors of Zamtel. Mr Sata has appointed Dr Mupanga Mwanakatwe, Chairman and acting Chief Executive Officer as a first step to regularize the affairs of the company. A new board will soon be put in place to give the policy guidance and direction to management and staff. President Sata has further directed management to address the plight of Zamtel workers with due immediacy. “There should be no loss in jobs except through retirement and attrition while maintaining the highest levels of discipline and respect of law,” President Sata said. “Zamtel workers have served with distinction in an area of sophisticated information technology. This has been so from the inception of the company.” President Sata declared his relentless commitment to his duty as custodian of the interests of the Zambian people and assured the Zamtel workers their traumas and anxieties would be ended. Government will restructure ownership of Zamtel to ensure Zambians owned the bulk of the shares in a revitalized Zamtel. Ends.

LAP GreenN describe allegations of money laundering by Zamtel as utterly false.

By John Chola - January 21/01/2012 LAP GreenN, the Libyan Telecoms company that bought 75 percent shares in Zamtel has described allegations of money laundering by Zamtel as utterly false. Meanwhile, LAP GreenN say Zamtel has confirmed that the Zambian authorities have seized bank accounts belonging to the company. "This is in connection with allegations of money laundering, which are utterly false. Zamtel has initiated proceedings against the measures. For the record, the authorities have no reasonable grounds whatsoever to believe that the moneys in the seized accounts and any other Zamtel accounts are from the proceeds of criminal activity. Zamtel’s accounts only contain moneys directly related to its activities as a communications service provider," states a statement issued by Alex Margot-Duclot of Portland Communications on behalf of LAP GreenN. He adds that aside from anything else, the Zambian Government remains a shareholder in Zamtel and as such has representation on the Board of Directors who have access to and knowledge of the accounts. LAP GreenN claims that Zamtel’s accounts are audited every quarter and the Government is aware and knows the result of these audit reports, which make very clear that there is and has been absolutely no wrongdoing.Zamtel is currently engaging the relevant authorities in an effort to have its accounts unblocked. "We are also currently working on avenues for the amicable resolution of matters. Services to Zamtel’s clients are not affected,” LAP GreenN assured.Ends....

LAP GreenN finally takes legal action against Zambian government over planned repossession of its acquired 75% shares in Zamtel.

By John Chola, 19 January 2011 - Lusaka Zambia. LAP GreenN, a Libyan government's telecoms company alleged to have fraudurantly acquired the 75% shares in Zambia's Zamtel has finally taken legal action against the repported plans by the Zambian government to repossess the company.lAP GreenN says this is in response to continued unsubstantiated news reports appearing in the Zambian media regarding LAP GreenN's purchase of its 75% stake in Zamtel. Alex Margot-Duclot of portland communications has told this newswire via telephone from London that newly appointed Chairman of LAP GreenN, Wafik Alshater, has announced that: "LAP GreenN is being subjected to a concerted campaign of misinformation via the Zambian media. The wilful misrepresentation of LAP GreenN has forced the company to explore legal options to protect its reputation."LAP GreenN categorically rejects any allegations of wrong-doing during the acquisition of its 75% stake in Zamtel. At all times LAP GreenN followed due process, facilitated by a consortium of internationally renowned professional service companies, including Standard Bank, Denton Wilde Sapte and KPMG South Africa. The open and competitive bid process was overseen by the Zambian Development Agency and included the direct involvement of the Attorney General and international legal advisers, Simmons and Simmons." Mr. Alshater claims in a statement that the 75% stake sold to LAP GreenN in June 2010 for US$257 million (ZK1.37 trillion) constituted the highest amount ever paid for a privatisation in Zambia and was at the time one of the higher valuations for a telecoms asset in Africa.He adds that accusations that Zamtel was undervalued at the point of sale are completely baseless."Zamtel is a successful turnaround story and we remain very keen to cooperate with our partners in Zambia to ensure the continued growth and success of the company." he insists. LAP GreenN is the telecommunications investment arm of Libyan African Portfolio (LAP), focusing on the telecommunications sector in emerging markets. It operates mobile, fixed and ISP telecommunications businesses in Uganda, Zambia, Ivory Coast and South Sudan and has licenses to operate in an additional five countries. LAP GreenN is actively seeking to increase its footprint across Africa and the Middle East.ENDS

PRESIDENT SATA PUBLISHES BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC SCRUTINY

LUSAKA, Sunday, January 15, 2012 By John Chola Zambia’s President Michael Sata, has decided and directed the publicising of the controversial Barotseland Agreement of 196. Spokesperson in the Presidency office George Chellah said in a statement January, 13, 2012 that the decision to publicise the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 was to enable citizens understand and appreciate the contents therein. “During the meeting with our colleagues, the representatives of the Linyungandambo, Barotse Freedom Movement and the Movement for the Restoration of Barotseland, we promised to avail this document to the public,” President Sata says. President Sata says his government hopes that publicising the Barotseland Agreement would enable the Zambian people to read and comprehend the contents of the document. He also believes that the publication of the document will also enable the general populace to have wider comments over the same. Last month President Sata met the Barotse activists at State House to seek greater dialogue on the issue of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964. The President said there have been misunderstandings on the issue and promised to publish the document to dispel these misinterpretations. President Sata says only dialogue will save the country and its people. The President further said that government did not want to spill blood over the Barotseland Agreement, adding that he was not interested in engaging in a confrontation like the previous MMD government did. Ends.

LAP GeenN sees positive future for Zamtel under the joint ownership

LUSAKA, Saturday, January 14, 2012 By John Chola LAP GreenN say that they see a very positive future for Zamtel under the joint ownership by LAP GreenN and the Zambian Government. Chairman LAP GreenN, Wafik Shater, told this newswire in a statement that they look forward to further growing the business and to continue making a major contribution to the Zambian economy through Zamtel. Shater says LAP GreenN is deeply committed to the future of Zamtel. He says LAP GreenN is keen that the current situation is resolved as soon as possible. He said since acquiring Zamtel for US$257 million in June 2010 they have quadrupled its subscriber base, securing more than 800,000 subscribers by the start of January 2012. Shater says because of LAP GreenN investment Zamtel has now become a vibrant Telecoms firm helping to strengthen the Zambian telecommunications sector through competition and choice. Since June 2010, over 1700 jobs have been created at Zamtel and with its distributors, Shater added. The LAP GreeN Chairperson has since welcomed any opportunity to work with the Michael Sata led government to secure a swift and positive outcome that benefits both Zambia and Zamtel. ENDS

PRESIDENT SATA DIRECTS JUSTICE MINISTER TO MAKE ZAMTEL REPORT PUBLIC

LUSAKA, Saturday, January 14, 2012 By John Chola Zambia’s President Michael Sata (lest) has directed his Minister of Justice Sebastian Zulu to immediately release to the public the report into the sale of Zamtel. The Presidency, in a satatement released a while ago and signed by his special assiatance for press and public relations, George Chellah, says the release of the report to the public is in order to protect public interest and curb blantant lies from shameless detractors. President Sata says the Commission of Inquiry that he constituted to probe the sale of Zamtel came out with brilliantly documented submissions which the public should see. “Since we have not released the Report to the public, our detractors and perpetrators of crimes against Zambia and its citizens have had a field day, regrettably supported by some sections of the media and opposition political party leaders who for strange reasons have axes to grind against the Patriotic Front Government,” President Sata says. The President adds: “to protect public interest and to insulate our people against blantant lies I direct that we release the Report with due immediacy”. Mr. Sata has also directed that all foreign missions in Zambia be furnished with the Report. The President wants the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a copy of the same Report to the Libyan Government using the fastest route. According to Mr. Sata the Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda stands ready to aid the process should any financial needs involved in this exercise go beyond the Ministry of Justice’s allocation. Ends.

China says it attaches importance to Africa’s concerns and interests – Foreign Minister

Lusaka, January 7, 2012/ Posted by John Chola as sourced from China – Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1. Foreign Minister Yang, how would you characterize your visit to the three African countries? What impressed you the most during this African trip at the beginning of the new year? I have visited the three African countries of Cote d’Ivoire, Niger and Namibia upon invitation at the beginning of the new year. During the visit, I had sincere and in-depth exchange of views with leaders and foreign ministers of the three countries on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of shared interest. We also held discussions and reached broad consensus on implementing the outcomes of the fourth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and on issues concerning the fifth FOCAC Ministerial Conference to be held in China this year. The visit has achieved the goal of enhancing political mutual trust, promoting practical cooperation and carrying forward traditional friendship. Three things have impressed me the most. First, the African countries have always taken it as their fundamental task to pursue stability, development and solidarity. Over the past year, Africa has maintained peace, stability and development on the whole. At the same time, there have been growing destabilizing factors and uncertainties, and hotspot issues in Africa have become more pronounced. The increased external intervention has affected peace and stability in Africa. African countries cherish their hard-won peace and stability, and they are focusing on growing the economy and improving people’s livelihood. They have an even stronger desire to seek strength through unity and resolve regional issues on their own. Second, while African countries need to rely on themselves to achieve development, the international community should continue to offer help and support to Africa. Africa is rich in resources and energy, and has a huge market and great development potential. The African economy is getting onto the track of steady and fast growth, as the majority of countries have restored the level of development prior to the international financial crisis. African countries and people are demonstrating greater confidence about their development prospects. Though the impact of the international financial crisis is still being felt, the international community, particularly Western developed countries, should not reduce help to and input in Africa. Instead, they should make greater effort to help Africa maintain sound development and create a more favorable external environment for Africa. Third, African countries share a stronger wish to strengthen cooperation with China, and have proposed to broaden the scope, increase the scale and upgrade the level of our cooperation. This will go a long way in boosting China-Africa cooperation. As a true friend and partner of Africa, China will, as always, attach importance to Africa’s concerns and interests. We will support African countries in their efforts to independently resolve African issues, seek balanced economic and social development and uphold their own legitimate rights and interests in international affairs through unity. We will make even greater contribution to peace and development in Africa and to the common development of China and Africa. 2. How would you comment on the development of China-Africa relations in 2011? And how do you see the strategic significance of China-Africa relations under the current international situation? In recent years, China-Africa relations have maintained the sound momentum of comprehensive and in-depth development, and displayed strong vitality and great potential. Our traditional friendship has been strengthened, our mutual understanding and trust have been deepened and our interests have become more closely interconnected. Over the past year, China has made vigorous efforts to step up exchanges and cooperation with African countries in various fields and achieved fresh progress in advancing the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership. The two sides have further enhanced political mutual trust and maintained frequent high-level exchanges. More than ten Party and state leaders of China, including Mr. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the National People’s Congress, and Mr. Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, visited Africa. Over ten African heads of state or government visited China or attended important events in China. China intensified dialogue, exchanges and cooperation at various levels with African countries, the African Union (AU) and other sub-regional organizations in Africa. The two sides maintained close communication and coordination on peace and security in Africa as well as on climate change, the WTO Doha Round negotiations, reform of the international financial system and other major global issues, with a view to jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and making the international political and economic order more just and equitable. China-Africa trade and economic cooperation have made new progress. China continued to provide assistance to African countries within its capability. The AU Convention Center built by China was completed at the end of last year. This is the largest project that China has built for Africa. The Chinese government offered emergency food aid to the Horn of Africa to help the region cope with the famine. China is now Africa’s largest trading partner. Chinese investment in Africa is growing rapidly. There are a total of more than 2,000 Chinese enterprises of various types in Africa. The eighth Senior Officials Meeting of FOCAC was successfully held. African countries speak highly of the implementation of the follow-up actions to the fourth FOCAC Ministerial Conference. The joining of two new members, the AU Commission and the newly independent Republic of South Sudan, has made the FOCAC even more representative. China-Africa people-to-people and cultural exchanges have notably increased. China-Africa Young Leaders Forum, People’s Forum, the Think-Tank Forum and the Science and Technology Forum have been established respectively, ushering a new phase of China-Africa people-to-people and cultural exchanges. To strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with Africa is not only in in keeping with the profound traditional friendship between the two sides, but also a long-term and firm strategic choice made by China. Sincere friendship, equality and mutual benefit are the defining features of China-Africa relationship. They are characteristic of the relations between developing countries, namely, mutual support and common development. Based on these principles, China-Africa relations have withstood the test of international vicissitudes and continued to forge ahead over the past 50 years and more. We will be firmly committed to these principles in the years ahead. Given the major changes in the international situation and international relations, to further enhance unity and cooperation between China and Africa is of strategic importance. It will not only serve the common interest of China and Africa, but also contribute to the development of developing countries as a whole and make international relations more democratic. 3. How do you see the prospects of China-Africa relations? What will be the highlights of China-Africa relations this year? This year is an important year for China and Africa to build on past achievements and strive for new progress in our relations. We will have new opportunities for strengthening cooperation. In the meantime, the profound and complex changes in the international landscape will also bring challenges to China-Africa relations. China stands ready to work with African countries to remove interference from the outside and address the various problems constraining the development of China-Africa relations. We will push forward the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership with the following efforts. First, we will maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges between China and Africa. Second, we will continue to give full play to the leading role of FOCAC. Third, we will take a more active part in affairs crucial to Africa’s peace and security. We will continue to firmly support African countries in their endeavor to independently choose development paths suited to their national conditions. Fourth, we will further strengthen unity and cooperation with Africa in international affairs. 4. This year is the “wrap-up year” for implementing the outcomes of the fourth FOCAC Ministerial Conference. Could you shed some light on the progress made in this regard? What are your considerations for the fifth Ministerial Conference to be held in China this year? Building on the full implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit in 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao announced eight new measures for advancing China-Africa practical cooperation at the fourth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in 2009, covering such areas as climate change, environmental protection, investment promotion, debt relief, expanded market access, people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as cooperation in agriculture, science and technology, education, health and other fields. This has charted the course for China-Africa relations and mapped out the priority areas of China-Africa cooperation under the new circumstances. Over the past two years and more, the two sides have made joint and vigorous efforts to push forward the implementation of the follow-up actions of the fourth Ministerial Conference on all fronts. Cooperation programs such as China-Africa Science and Technology Partnership Plan and China-Africa Joint Research and Exchange Plan have made steady progress. Debt cancellation, tariff exemption, preferential loans, special loans for African SME development and other related measures are being implemented. Agreements to send agricultural technology teams, build agricultural technology demonstration centers, China-Africa friendship schools and clean energy projects, and provide medical equipments and malaria-fighting materials are being carried out in an orderly way. Training programs in science and technology, agriculture, education and health are being conducted, and the number of African students coming to China on Chinese scholarships has notably increased. China-African Agriculture Cooperation Forum, the first and second FOCAC Legal Forum, African Culture in Focus, Cooperation Plan for Chinese and African Institutions of Higher Learning and other major activities and programs have been held. Follow-up actions in other fields are also being carried out. All these have ensured the all-round development of China-Africa cooperation. The fifth FOCAC Ministerial Conference will be held in China this year. The conference will make a full review of the implementation of the follow-up actions of the fourth Ministerial Conference, and map out plans for China-Africa cooperation in the next phase. This will be the first ministerial conference since FOCAC entered its second decade. It will be of special importance for us to build on past achievements and seek new progress. As the host of the conference, China will maintain close consultation and coordination with the African members of the Forum. We will work together to fully implement the follow-up actions of the fourth Ministerial Conference and make good preparations for the fifth Ministerial Conference to ensure its success. In this way, we will further push forward the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership. End…////

LAP GreenN declares war against any maneuvers by the Zambian government to seize its "legally" acquired 75 per cent stake in Zamtel

By John Chola – Lusaka - Zambia 07/ 01/2012 LAP GreenN, the Libyan owned telecommunications network, is deeply concerned about news reports that the Zambian Government is moving to seize the 75 per cent stake in Zamtel held by LAP GreenN. Newly appointed Chairman of LAP GreenN, Wafik Alshater (top right), has told this news wire in a statement January 7, 2012 that his company bought its stake in Zamtel in June 2010 for US$257 million (ZK1.37 trillion) following an open, transparent and competitive bid process that was overseen by the Zambian Development Agency. Erin Godbold of UK’s Portland Communications has confirmed with this news wire in a telephone interview from UK that LAP GreenN is has vowed to do “everything possible” to fight for ownership of “legally” acquired stake in Zambia’s Telecom – Zamtel. “Zamtel is now a Zambian success story. Since LAP GreenN’s acquisition, Zamtel has attracted over 400,000 new customers and grown its market share from 3% to 11%. Furthermore, we have committed to investing US$129 million (ZK670 billion) in Zamtel over two years to create a truly competitive and world class telecommunications company,” says Wafik Alshater. He adds that LAP GreenN is now under new leadership as part of broader changes in Libya. “The new management is determined to safeguard its legally acquired assets which ultimately belong to the Libyan people, who fought a bitter war of liberation in 2011. We will pursue all options and do everything possible to retain our stake in Zamtel – a highly prestigious part of our pan-African network,” affirms Alshater. He adds that: “We hope these reports are untrue, as this situation will not only be damaging to the telecoms industry in Zambia but would also send the wrong signal to those looking to invest in this country. LAP GreenN looks forward to continuing to develop Zamtel into a leading telecoms company, working with its partner in this investment, the Zambian Government.” LAP GreenN is the telecommunications investment arm of Libyan African Portfolio (LAP), focusing on the telecommunications sector in emerging markets like Zambia. It operates mobile and internet service provider (ISP) businesses in Uganda, Zambia, Ivory Coast and South Sudan. According to its Chairman, Alshater, LAP GreenN is actively seeking to increase its footprint across Africa and the Middle East End…///

Zambia's police arrest two former Ministers.

By John Chola Two former Minister in the Rupiah Banda administration have been arrested over bicycles found at their residences. Former Mines Minister Maxwell Mwale was arrested less that 24 hours ago and appeared in court this morning. Police denied him bond but the court granted him a US$6,000 bail. Stumbeko Musokotwane who used to be Finance Minister became the second former top official to be arrested today. Musokotwane was found with 269 bicycles at his house.

The two former Minister, still Members of Parliament, are alleged to have abused public resources to run their political party's expensive campaign during the run up to the September 20, 2011 general elections. Mwale is connected to the disappearance of Gold confiscated from two Zimbabweans and went missing while in custody of the Drug Enforcement Commission. Former Drug Enforcement Commissioner Aaron Zulu was the first to be arrested and detained in connection with the Gold scum. Meanwhile spokesperson of MMD and former Minister in charge of Communication and Transport also responsible for the sale of Zamtel, Dora Siliya, said while they were in support of the fight against corruption the arrest of two former Ministers was improper.

Zamtel sale fraudulent

By John Chola. A committee set up to investigate the controversial sale of Zamtel's 75 per cent shares to LapGreen of Libya by Rupiah Banda's regime has concluded that it the sale was fraudulent. The Committee led by Justice Minister Sebastian Zulu this morning presented its findings to President Michael Sata at state house. The committee said the Cabinet of former President Rupiah Banda sold Zamtel fraudulently. It says the company hired to valuate Zamtel, RP Capital of Cayman Islands, was single sourced and that it did a poor job. The committee found that Zamtel assets were undervalued and lowly priced. Zulu said Zamtel was under valued at 38 Million United States-US Dollars, despite the company having a book value of 81 Million U.S Dollars. President Sata has since directed Mr. Zulu to develop a Cabinet Memorandum to enable cabinet make a final decision on the sale of Zamtel. Zamtel was sold at US$257 million against the possibility to sale the telecom firm at more than US$88 million. President Sata has asked Justice Minister Zulu to raise a Cabinet memo on whether the sale of Zamtel should be reversed or left as it is. When making a submission to the inquiry , former Vice President, Enoch Kavindele described the sale of 75 per cent shares of Zamtel to Lapgreen as ridiculous. Kavindele said the US$257 million paid for Zamtel was a giveaway price. "US$257 million is what MTN paid to get a license in Nigeria and how can you compare a license to a whole company?" Kavindele asked.

Zambia's 2012 national buget

Zambia has unveiled its 2012 national budget amounting to US$ 5 billion (27.6 trillion Kwacha). In the budget the state has increased mineral royalty from 3 per cent to 6 percent. The budget also reduces corporate tax on banks from 40 percent to 35 per cent as banks proposed.

Zambia's Central Bank reduced statutory reserves lending rates from 8% to 5%.

By John Chola - 01/11/2011 Zambia's Central Banker (BoZ) has downed the statutory reserves Ratio from 8% to 5%. This means that the BoZ will release back a total of K700 billion to the Commercial Banks money it held for people who bank with commercial banks. This, according to experts, will result in immediate downward reductions of lending rates by commercial banks. Investrust Bank Plc yesterday decided to reduce its lending rates from 19% to 16% and Finance Bank Zambia Limited has today followed suit and reduced lending rates to a further 15%. The Central Bank PR department told this newswire that the BoZ has taken note wide spread concerns expressed about the high levels of base lending rates in the commercial banks and the consequence adverse effects on the affordability of growth enhancing credit by a number of productive sectors. The core liqud asset ratio has also been slashed from 9% to 6%. "With this reduction the cost of holding these assets will. similarly, be reduced," states a statement signed by Head PR, Kanguya Mayondi. The overnight lending facility has been reduced from 4 per centage points to two percentage points above the interbank rates. Ends

Zambia's President turn down invitation by Malawi's Bingu wa Mutharika to attend the 16th Summit of the COMESA Authority.

By John Chola – LUSAKA/08-10-2011 Zambia's President Michael Sata has turned down an invitation by the President of Mawian Bingu wa Mutharika to attend the 16th Summit of the COMESA Authority which is scheduled to take place on 14th and 15th October, 2011 in Lilongwe, Malawi. Sata said he was unable to attend next week’s summit in Malawi because of the predicament he found himself in regrading the 2007 incident when he was deported from that country without any valid reason. Sata was speaking Saturday morning when he received two credentials from David Chisala Bandawe, the Special Representative of Wa Mutharika. Bandawe presented Sata with two credentials, one regarding an invitation and the other, a message of congratulation to his counterpart for winning the September 20,2011 elections. However, Sata told the Malawan envoy that until Malawi formally deals with the predicament, he found it difficult to travel for fear of possible embarrassment since immigration authorities there still regarded him Personal Non Grata. “His Excellency Bingu wa Mutharika is aware of the predicament I am in. I would have loved to take this trip as my first official foreign visit. I thought you were bringing the revocation but you have not. Once you have rectified those issues I will come some other time,” the Zambian President said. Sata has instead assigned his Vice-President, Dr. Guy Scott,MP, to lead the Zambian delegation to the COMESA Summit. Dr Scott is also expected to deliver a special message to President Wa Mutharika on Zambia’s displeasure about the 2007 incident. Ends....

Zambia’s taxation in copper mining is now the highest – First Quantum Mining and Operations Ltd.

By John Chola
07/10/2011
Zambia’s taxation is now the highest in the copper mining industry, Adam Little, Head of Tax, First Quantum Minerals has said.
Mr. Little said this in response to a question why there is no Windfall Tax in Zambia when the price of copper is so high.
Mr. Little reiterated that Zambia had set its taxes at the very high end of world taxation on the mining industry.
“Zambia does charge an effective Windfall Tax, but it’s called Variable Profit Tax. This increases the rate of tax on profits from 30% to 43.8%. Taken together with the Mineral Royalties charged and ZCCM-IH participation, these are the highest government takes from the copper industry anywhere in the world,” Mr. Little insisted.
He observed that rates were similar to, but higher than those recently imposed in Chile, which is the industry leader.
Mr. Little added that in terms of Zambia’s near neighbours, its taxes were very much higher.
“The Variable Profit Tax is effectively a Windfall Tax, and increases the tax rate charged on profits from 30% to 43.8%”, he said.
“It may be of interest to know that the so-called “Windfall Tax” of 2008 was in fact a Windfall Royalty i.e. it was applied on revenue or turnover and not profit – so high cost producers could actually be making a loss and yet be required to pay this Windfall Tax”, Mr. Little added.
The FQ Head of Tax said that it should also be remembered that from the investor’s point of view, dividend payments to ZCCM Investment Holdings are like a tax for the foreign investor.
“So the rates are increased beyond just the published tax rates”, Mr. Little said.
He observed that companies would invest in countries with the most attractive tax regimes as Zambia was part of a small world where competition was the order of the day.
Many Zambia’s neighbouring countries were reacting to high commodity prices and accompanying public pressure by suggesting increased State ownership and/or various forms of windfall taxes.
Meanwhile, economic Consultant Bob Sichinga reiterated his call (Saturday September 24, 2011) on the new Patriotic Front government to re-introduce the windfall tax.
Many commentators have for a long time alleged that Zambia was not following this route because the mining industries were paying the politicians.
“Zambia is not following it is leading! The Zambian Mining industry certainly isn’t paying the GRZ for the privilege of one of the highest mining tax regimes in the world,” stated Matt Pascall, Director of Operations, First Quantum Mining and Operations Ltd.
“It is very important to differentiate between a Tax and a Royalty – the latter doesn’t take into account whether the company is making a profit or not. If a company is making a loss over a long period it will go out of business – it is untenable that a company should be paying a Windfall Royalty at such high levels that it will become loss making and therefore have to close down – this was the case with the proposed 2008 Windfall Tax / Royalty,” added Mr Little.
And Mr Pascall said Zambia had recent history of State ownership through nationalisation, and has seen the very negative effect that had on the Zambian copper industry, and the Zambian economy as a whole.
He said FQ believed that Zambia was unlikely to follow State ownership again while that history was fresh and understood.
Responding to the question as to whether FQ should be paying more tax Mr. Pascall stated:”the current level of taxation in Zambia on the mining industry is amongst the highest around the world. FQM are paying substantial amounts of tax (as at our June payment, US$1.2 billion in total).”
He added, “One shouldn’t forget that mining companies also contribute significantly to the country’s tax take through PAYE and duties, which are all a cost of doing business.”
Meanwhile, responding to some economic commentators that had expressed displeasure on the existence of transfer pricing in the mining industry Mr. Pascall stated that this was important.
“The reason it raises suspicion is that it can be used so that a low price is set (in Zambia) and then a higher price is realised on the sale of mining products outside Zambia. Transfer pricing also applies to goods and services which are used in Zambia, but come from outside of Zambia from a person linked with the person doing business in Zambia. There has been a lot of public comment on the copper industry, and how the tax take in Zambia is too low,” Mr. Pascal said.
Transfer Pricing is the general term which describes the price that somebody sells their production from, for instance, Zambia, to another company or person who is linked to the producer across national borders.
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