The End of Scott and the Rise of Lungu
It has been another day of drama today in the chaotic Patriotic Front (PF. New PF president Edgar Lungu held a press briefing where he fired Bridget Atanga, as expected, and appointed Davies Chama the...
View ArticleThe cost of inaction
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced this week that it will spend around K344 million ($55m) in administrative costs to conduct the 2015 presidential elections. The administrative cost...
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The collapse of governance in Zambia
Vice President Scott's protege Miles Sampa is allegedly running a red beret militia that urgently needs to be investigated and removed from the streets by our policing authorities. If unchecked it will...
View ArticleMining companies stampede on Zambia
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, who has been busy quietly doing his job in the middle of the collapsing governance of the country under Scott's watch, has finally spoken on the pressing mining...
View ArticleDoes Zambia need a mother for a president?
The NGOCC has called on Zambians especially women to support Edith Nawakwi in the presidential by-elections. NGOCC Chairperson Sara Longwe recently released a press statement urging “all well-meaning...
View ArticleAnnual Sabbatical
Dear Friends,As is customary since we started the Zambian Economist (website and Facebook page) in 2007, we taking some weeks off to recharge the batteries and switch off from social media and active...
View ArticleAnnual Sabbatical
Dear Friends,As is customary since we started the Zambian Economist (website and Facebook page) in 2007, we taking some weeks off to recharge the batteries and switch off from social media and active...
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2015 Budget in Words
A visual representation of the Budget yesterday as delivered. I thought it was worth showing how the word "continue" stands out. The main surprise is how often the word governance is used!AUTHOR Chola...
View ArticleIMF - Zambia Watch (December 2014)
Happy new year to all our esteemed readers! A lot has happened while we were on break. We hope to touch on these points where possible. One of the things that happened is that the IMF made a somewhat...
View ArticleFuel prices fall
Government has reduced the price of fuel substantially in line with its 'cost plus pricing' model. The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has released the following press statement:PETROLEUM PUMP PRICES...
View ArticleState of the economy
At the turn of the year the GRZ gave its assessment of the 2014 macroeconomic performance and the outlook over the 2015-17 period. Here the key quotes from Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda...
View ArticleBiofuel investment in Kawambwa
Sunbird Bioenergy Africa is investing US$150 million in the production of ethanol in Kawambwa (Luapula province). Production is expected to commence this year, with capacity of around 120 million...
View ArticleZambia Votes
The nation went to the polls yesterday. Here is what we know based on the results we have compiled and information from our experts. 1. PF has won decisively in Muchinga, Luapula, Northern, Copperbelt,...
View ArticleLungu takes power, HH concedes defeat
Edgar Lungu has won with the margin of around 20,000 - 40,000 or thereabouts according to our projections. Many if you have already been following our Facebook and Twitter updates where projected this...
View ArticleA Memo to President Lungu
Congratulations, Mr President!You ran a remarkable campaign that within a month earned the Presidential seal and the admiration of the Zambian people. As you no doubt know, your journey, and that of...
View ArticleZambia's new cabinet
President Edgar Lungu's has named his new full cabinet :President- Edgar LunguMinister of Defence - Edgar LunguVice President - Inonge WinaFinance - Alexander ChikwandaHome Affairs -Davies...
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Lungu's Copper Challenge
In 'A Memo to President Lungu', we briefly mentioned some of the challenges facing the new administration. In the next few posts we will try and expand on these. The first challenge Lungu has to deal...
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Lungu's Kwacha Challenge
President Lungu has assumed power when the Kwacha is again threatening to breach K7 per $1. It is currently trading at K6.95 per $1, having fallen by around 20% over the last 12 months. The current...
View ArticleGovernment Position on Mining Taxation Regime
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON 2015 MINING TAXATION REGIMEBy Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, MPI wish to brief the House and the Nation at large on the 2015 Mining Taxation Regime which is a topical...
View ArticleLungu on Mining, Taxation and Politics
A very good interview by President Edgar Lungu that showcases as a thoughtful, strategic and calm leader. He clearly recognises the difficult balancing act that is required if he is to stand any chance...
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