Year In Review

What A Year

Zambia has long been a bastion of stability in Southern Africa, and while its economy has been rocked in recent years by the falling value of copper prices, a devaluating kwacha, and high inflation, through the Economic Recovery Program the government has bold ambitions to right the ship.

Review

Convoke, Confound & Collect

Squeezed between a rock and a rather hard place by the slowdown in Chinese demand for copper, by far Zambia's biggest export and government-revenue generator, President Lungu has been forced to get creative in his country's alliances to broaden revenue streams and lessen its dependence on the vagaries of one foreign market.

Interview

HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu,, President , Republic of Zambia

TBY talks to HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, on providing balanced growth for Zambia, encouraging an agricultural revolution, and the fight against corruption.

Guest Speaker

Jacob Zuma, President , South Africa

TBY talks to Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa, on boosting bilateral relations, exporting South Africa's conducive business environment to Zambian firms, and augmenting intra-African trade .

Guest Speaker

António Guterres, Secretary-General , United Nations

António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, on the potential for growth across Africa.

Focus: Resettlement

Safe Haven

With the world facing a mass population displacement crisis, the likes of which have not been seen since World War II, Zambia is becoming a somewhat unlikely torch-bearer in the global move to re-integrate millions of people of concern.

Guest Speaker

Dr. Stergomena L. Tax, Executive Secretary, Southern African Development Community (SADC)

TBY talks to Dr. Stergomena L. Tax, Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), on regional economic development, boosting pan-continental free trade agreements, and improving security through mutual development.

Focus: Regional integration

The Keystone

As though to complement its central geographical position in the region, Zambia is taking on a greater political position as one of the key countries backing the desire for more close-knit regional relationships in Africa.

Interview

Hon. Harry Kalaba, Minister, Foreign Affairs

TBY talks to Hon. Harry Kalaba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on strengthening the country's foreign service, advocating for peace, and cementing new strategic ties.

Interview

Susan Sikaneta, Ambassador, Zambia to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union and Economic Commission for Africa

TBY talks to Susan Sikaneta, Ambassador of Zambia to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union and Economic Commission for Africa, on championing peace across the continent, advancing women's rights, and promoting Pan-Africanism.

G2G

South-South Symbiosis

Morocco is heavily invested—politically, economically, culturally, and socially—in ensuring that Zambia remains a critical piece of the African puzzle going forward.

Interview

Mladen Ivanić, Chairman, Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina

TBY talks to Mladen Ivanić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on strengthening economic ties, bilateral knowledge transfers, and building upon historically friendly ties.

Review

A Fine Balance

Falling demand for its mineral exports has slowed the Zambian economy in recent years, but a recommitment to fiscal prudence and the new Economic Development Plan should help bring about new growth.

Column

Steven Barry, Managing Director, G4S

TBY talks to Steven Barry, Managing Director, G4S, on the sector.

Interview

Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe, Minister, Commerce, Trade and Industry

TBY talks to Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, on the FTA with Egypt, the significance of the private sector, and the country's role in international trade.

Interview

Sebastian C. Kopulande, CEO, Zambian International Trade & Investment Centre (ZITIC)

TBY talks to Sebastian C. Kopulande, CEO of Zambian International Trade & Investment Centre (ZITIC), on taming austerity, stimulating sustainable growth, and creating the framework to support entrepreneurship

B2B

Chambers

As the new government moves to shore up trust in the private sector, the British and German chambers of commerce will be crucial to engaging significant sections of the business community.

Focus: Zambia Plus

Adding it All Up

On October 20, 2016, at the 2017 Budget Address, Finance Minister Felix Mutati launched the government's economic recovery program, christened "Zambia Plus." The program is designed to spur domestic productivity, through strengthening ties and collaborating with external donors and developers.

Column

Herryman Moono, National Secretary, Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ)

TBY talks to Herryman Moono, National Secretary, Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ), on the sector.

B2B

Global Financiers

The Zambian government is working hand in hand with the IMF and World Bank to bring down public debt, stabilize government revenue streams, and create the conditions for more sustained and inclusive growth.

Forum

Why Zambia?

A combination of accessible land routes, free trade agreements, ample rainfall, high quality soil, and a rapidly growing population help Zambia play a leading role in carrying Africa's economic boom forward.

B2B

Holdings

In light of intervention by the IMF, companies will have to get creative to boost productivity in a period of belt-tightening. Though rising copper prices are expected to rise all boats in Zambia, firms mustn't overly depend on it.

Review: Banking

Macroeconomics Rule the Roost

In its ongoing efforts to diversify away from one principal commodity, copper, the government fosters the development, standardization, and efficacy of the private sector. In doing so the systematic support of the financial universe, especially banks, is vital, as is the goal of financial inclusion.

Forum

Banks

As the country looks to outside sources of funding to continue growing apace, Zambian banks play a crucial role in securing financing for infrastructure.

Interview

Simangolwa Shakalima, Managing Director, Investrust Bank Plc

TBY talks to Simangolwa Shakalima, Managing Director of Investrust Bank Plc., on the bank's successes, its expansion plans, and providing more support for SMEs.

Column

Leonard Mwanza, CEO, Bankers Association of Zambia

TBY talks to Leonard Mwanza, CEO, Bankers Association of Zambia, on the sector.

Interview

Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister, Finance

TBY talks to Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of Finance, on making difficult but necessary decisions, unlocking new economic wheels, and strengthening transmission ties with Kenya and Tanzania.

Interview

Kingsley Chanda, Commissioner General , Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

TBY talks to Kingsley Chanda, Commissioner General of Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), on the history of Zambian tax reform, how to implement a contractionary fiscal policy, and working to attract FDI.

Focus: SME Growth

Good Things Come in Small Packages

The public and private sectors are aware of how much the country would stand to gain, both economically and socially, if the SME segment was propelled onto a growth trajectory akin to that of larger corporates.

Column

Armando Massimiliano Sirolla, CEO, AB Bank Zambia

TBY talks to Armando Massimiliano Sirolla, CEO, AB Bank Zambia on the sector.

Review: Capital Markets

Exploring Possibilities

Developments in Zambia's capital markets have the potential over time to free the nation from overdependence on one commodity.

Interview

Jeremy Chibuye, Executive Director, JMAAC

TBY talks to Jeremy Chibuye, Executive Director of JMAAC, on the evolving client portfolio, his thoughts on the economy, and plans to grow its business.

Focus: SME Growth

IMF support program

An IMF support program stands to provide Zambia with some much-needed discipline on its expenditure and operational efficiencies; however, many caution the need for Zambia to determine what it wants to achieve and how the program will benefit the country.

B2B

Stocks

Educating companies and the public on the benefits of listing and investing is essential to stimulating activity in the capital markets.

Vox Populi

Asset Management

As the economy recovers and demand grows, financial institutions are looking into several areas to differentiate themselves and stand apart.

Review: Insurance

Life, oh life

Although Zambia's insurance penetration level is still at around just 1%, the sector is nonetheless pursuing a steady growth trend that is expected to benefit further from a series of reforms that will impact business results as of 2017.

Interview

Christabel M. Banda, Executive Director, Insurers Association of Zambia (IAZ)

TBY talks to Christabel M. Banda, Executive Director of Insurers Association of Zambia (IAZ), on the evolution of the local insurance landscape, raising awareness, and tackling challenges in the sector.

Forum

Insurance

The low insurance penetration rate in Zambia is an indication of the untapped growth opportunity for providers of financial services.

Review: Energy

Let There Be Oil

A severe drought in 2016 has presented a considerable challenge to power supply reliability in Zambia, with power shortages hampering the lives of people and businesses alike.

Column

Russell Harawa, Managing Director, ABB Ltd.

TBY talks to Russell Harawa, Managing Director, ABB Ltd. on the sector.

Interview

Hon. David Mabumba, Minister, Energy

TBY talks to Hon. David Mabumba, Minister of Energy, on energy solutions, international cooperation, and nuclear development.

Interview

Olufemi Babajide, Managing Director, Total Zambia

TBY talks to Olufemi Babajide, Managing Director of Total Zambia, on the country's growth potential, opportunities in aviation, and Zambia's economic potential.

B2B

Energy Solutions

In a competitive energy market with price-cutting a regular fixture, a focus on quality and strong relationships will go a long way.

Focus: Solar

Sunny Side Up

As power demand continues to rise and power production continues to fall behind, it's the same old story for Zambia, still wrestling with an ongoing energy crisis. Public- and private-sector drives are seeking to mitigate this deficit by activating the country's solar industry.

Interview

Jacob John Sikazwe, Chairman & CEO, World Panel Zambia

TBY talks to Jacob John Sikazwe, Chairman & CEO of World Panel Zambia, on bringing power to rural communities, the need to diversify Zambia's energy matrix, and producing cheap energy.

Review: Mining

Copper Load

Zambia's copper industry has dealt with electricity shortages and falling commodity prices in recent years, but looks poised to rebound thanks to new transportation infrastructure and the rise of coal.

Interview

Steven Din, CEO, Konkola Copper Mines Plc. (KCM)

TBY talks to Steven Din, CEO of Konkola Copper Mines Plc. (KCM), on continuing with operations during tough times, the need to revamp energy tariffs, and reducing its environmental footprint.

B2B

Mining

With expected increases in demand from regional countries and beyond and investments in the sector, mining will continue to play a key role in Zambia's economy.

Focus: Copper Prices

Heavy Metal

The free fall in copper prices in the last several years left a significant impact on the Zambian economy, and as the market recovers, experts are urging the country not to abandon its diversification program.

Review

Looking To The Future

Fiscal issues and inadequate infrastructure have hampered growth, but there is still a sense of optimism about Zambia's industrial sector.

Column

Yonnus Suleman, Managing Director, Californian Beverages

Yonnus Suleman, Managing Director, Californian Beverages, on the sector.

Interview

Desmond Maharaj, Country Head & CEO, Dangote Industries (Z)

TBY talks to Desmond Maharaj, Country Head & CEO of Dangote Industries (Z) Ltd, on the opportunities in the market, its advances in transport, and plans for the company.

Interview

Mateyo C. Kaluba, Group CEO, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

TBY talks to Mateyo C. Kaluba, Group CEO of Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), on its areas of focus, creating jobs for Zambians, and getting a company listed.

Forum

Steel

With abundant resources, growing demand, and a skilled labor force, the steel sector remains an attractive prospect.

Interview

Roseta Mwape Chabala, Managing Director, Metal Fabricators of Zambia (ZAMEFA)

TBY talks to Roseta Mwape Chabala, Managing Director of Metal Fabricators of Zambia (ZAMEFA), on the company's history, working in Zambia, and strategic partnerships.

Focus: LOCAL PRODUCTION

Made In-House

To boost local production and wean Zambia off its dependency on imports, there needs to be greater focus on a change in mindset, a reform of the legislative environment, and cheaper access to capital for producers.

Column

Monica Musonda, CEO, Java Foods

TBY talks to Monica Musonda, CEO, Java Foods on the sector.

Vox Populi

German Connection

A variety of German companies operate in Zambia, importing technology and know-how and improving the countries' relationship.

Forum

Cars

The Zambian automobile market is already strong, and with the potential for improvement to the country's infrastructure, the market is only set to increase in size.

Review

Making Moves

As Zambia's transport and logistics sector looks to expand after a difficult couple of years, the country's central position and ambitious infrastructure spending projects are expected to facilitate renewed growth.

Interview

Hon. Eng. Brian Mushimba, Minister, Transport & Communication

TBY talks to Hon. Eng. Brian Mushimba, Minister of Transport & Communication, on diversifying the economy, the significance of rail, and initiatives to dredge Zambia's canals.

B2B

Innovators

With an ideal central location in the region, Zambia is poised to be a regional transit hub, making it a strategic center of business for regional companies.

B2B

Aviation

Zambia is making calculated moves to boost its aviation sector, both internationally and domestically; these companies are leading the charge.

Focus: AVIATION

Growth takes flight in Zambia

FDI from private entities and global organizations, as well as government efforts to radically modernize airport infrastructure, are giving Zambia's aviation industry bigger wings.

Review

Building Strong Foundations

A flurry of activity in the construction sector is expected to lead to further development in rural areas.

Column

Kelly Kalumba, Managing Director, Green Code Architects

TBY talks to Kelly Kalumba, Managing Director, Green Code Architects on the sector.

Column

Caroline Hoddell, Managing Director, Signature Properties

TBY talks to Caroline Hoddell Managing Director, Signature Properties on the sector.

Interview

Sydney Popota, CEO, Real Estate Investments Zambia (REIZ)

TBY talks to Sydney Popota, CEO of Real Estate Investments Zambia (REIZ), on steps taken to make the company more efficient, the make up of the portfolio, and how that will change over the next five years.

Forum

Real Estate Management

There has been a sea change in the requirements of real estate managers to match the country's changing demographics and economy structure.

Focus: TITLE DEEDS

Untangling the Web

Land, land everywhere, but only 200,000 land titles. Zambia is not doing well according to the World Bank's Quality of Land Administration index, scoring just 7.5 out of a possible 30 points.

Review

What Is Needed to Build a Basket

Much of Zambia's economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture and it has not yet undergone the significant structural transformation required to make it the breadbasket of southern Africa.

Column

Ashok Oza, Managing Director, Saro Agro Industrial Ltd

TBY talks to Ashok Oza, Managing Director, Saro Agro Industrial Ltd, on the sector.

Interview

Hon. Dora Siliya, Minister, Agriculture

TBY talks to Hon. Dora Siliya, Minister of Agriculture, on the investments being made in agriculture to enable agricultural households, diversifying Zambia's basket of produce, and making international markets more accessible for local producers.

Focus: Aquaculture

Something Fishy Afoot

Zambia is looking to boost its aquaculture sector, with an eye on solidfying its position as one of Africa's top producers of fish.

B2B

The Habit of Water

With 60% of southern Africa's freshwater and a taste for tilapia, aquaculture in Zambia holds relatively unexplored potential.

Interview

Carl Irwin, TBY talks to Carl Irwin, Zambeef

TBY talks to Carl Irwin, Joint Founder & CEO of Zambeef, on the new wave of investments that will come with the business' new partner and leveraging local capacity to satisfy the region's demand.

Interview

Samson Muyembe, Board Secretary & CEO, Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ)

TBY talks to Samson Muyembe, Board Secretary & CEO of the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ), on how the market has changed over the past year.

B2B

Millers

The country's millers have had some short-term disruptions relating to export restrictions, but on the whole strong demographics combined with strategic investments in diversification bode well for the industry.

Review: Health

Get Well

Local authorities agree that improving the healthcare sector through promotion, education, and investment is the first step toward making Zambia a middle-income country by 2030.

Interview

Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Minister, Health

TBY talks to Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Minister of Health, on the progress made in the healthcare sector and attracting greater investment.

B2B

Hospitals

Increasing access to services and boosting the local expertise, particularly in specialist care, is a priority for these healthcare providers.

B2B

Medical Equipment

International health expertise is being increasingly localized, and these players are keen to train local staff and create in country health value chains that add more value to the economy.

Review: Education

Fast Track

A fresh focus on the importance of science and technology, as well as teacher training, is propelling Zambia's education sector forward.

Column

Mukaba Mukaba, Head, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Global

TBY talks to Mukaba Mukaba, Head, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Global, on the sector.

Interview

Hon. Dr. Dennis Musuku Wanchinga, Minister , General Education

TBY talks to Hon. Dr. Dennis Musuku Wanchinga, Minister of General Education, on the importance of PPPs, vocational skills, and the future of e-learning.

Focus: Girls in Education

Girl Power

In a bid to ensure equal educational opportunities for all, a targeted program to address the issue of keeping girls in school has been launched.

Forum

Universities

Education providers are all expanding their offerings, either through new facilities or new partners, to give their students a stronger foundation on which to build.

Review

Many Rivers to Cross

Zambia is perhaps the region's richest country in wildlife and culture. While marginally less developed than some of its hot-spot neighbors, it may be its uncommercialized options that draw more and more visitors each year.

Interview

Hon. Charles R. Banda, Minister, Tourism and Arts

TBY talks to Hon. Charles R. Banda, Minister of Tourism and Arts, on the wealth of tourism destinations within Zambia, efforts to bring more visitors to the country, and what the Tourism Development Fund will contribute to developments.

Interview

Felix Chaila, CEO, Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA)

TBY talks to Felix Chaila, CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA), on the potential for the sector to boost the economy.

Focus: Alternative Waterfalls

Freefalling

Zambia's many spectacular waterfalls are ripe for investment, offering tourists and developers delightful options that are off the beaten path.

Focus: Extreme Tourism

Adventure Capital

Extreme sports, one of the world's fastest-growing traveler activities, has enormous potential in the Livingstone region, but much has to be done to market the sector and attract fearless tourists.

Review: Doing Business

Not So Risky Business

Investors will find simplified regulations and procedures when setting up their business in Zambia.