THE EDITORIAL NEWS

GOVT IMPLORES AUTOMOBILE PRODUCERS TO INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT TRANSITION TO EMV  ….as Volkswagen launches showroom at cfao mobility in Lusaka photo for illustration  By Alfonso Kasongo LUSAKA - In an effort to improve the penetration of electric vehicles in Zambia to reduce carbon emission ,government has implored the automobile manufacturing industry to invest in infrastructure that support the electric automobiles as the country plans to transition to the new automobile innovation. However ,Zambia’s shift to electric automobile remains slow as a result of inadequate infrastructure such as charging ports among other challenges. Speaking at the launch of Volkswagen (VW) showroom in Lusaka, Country’s transport and communication minister Frank Tayali says adequate infrastructure and trained workforce is key in enhancing country’s transition to electric vehicles. The minister added “the country is at a pivotal moment in motor vehicle industry …and as government ,recog...

ZAMBIA COMMISSIONS US$340 MLN ANTI-CLIMATE CHANGE PHOSPHATE PLANT By Jeff Kapembwa China-owned Sino Great Group, through its subsidiary Sino Great Chemical Company Limited, and Zambia’s Wonderful Group of Companies Limited have commissioned a US$340 million environmental friendly phosphate producing plant in Zambia,  authenticating United Nations’ call for reduced gas emissions by 2035 to save the environment. Under the United Nations’ global resolve, all member countries should endeavour to collectively and without delay commit to cutting 42 per cent of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 57 per cent by 2035 in the next decade and save the environment and human life. The UN Secretary General in his warning to polluters categorically called for concerted action by all to save the planet. He urges all players, individual and industry alike, to demonstrate increased ambition and commitment.for reduced emissions to reduce temperature to less than 1.5 d...

 ZAMBIA  APPROVES HIV VACCINE TRIALS .... As the Authority issues 39 GMO Permits Lackson Tonga -NBA CEO By Alfonso Kasongo Zambia has approved a clinical trial of an HIV vaccine to be undertaken by the Centre for  Family Health Research in Zambia (CFHRZ) ,country's biosafety regulator has  announced. The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) Board ,during its extra ordinary meeting held last week, approved the vaccine trial permit application for CFHRZ. The experimental medicine vaccine trial will be administered to People Living with HIV (PLWH). With over 1.3 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), Zambia, t he  southern African  nation   is one of the countries most affected by HIV globally and the pandemic is the leading cause of death in country. The country has an estimate HIV prevalence of  about 11 % between the ages of 15-49,this is according to CDC 2022 report . According to  the press statement released by the Authority communicat...

  KENYAN  FARMERS  MISSED OUT  OVER USD 150 MILLION REVENUE DUE TO DELAYS IN APPROVING GMO CROPS   By Alfonso Kasongo A study has revealed that Kenyan  farmers incurred a fiscal loss amounting to estimated USD 157 million in 5  years as a result of the delays in the approval of genetically modified cotton, maize, and late blight disease- resistant potato,when the crops have the potential to generate USD 467 million in benefits over 30 years for the country . ' The  Alliance for Science launched a groundbreaking report  ,dubbed  Genetically Modified Crops in Kenya: The Cost of Regulatory Delay, offers a critical analysis of the economic opportunities lost due to delayed adoption of GM technology in the Eastern African Nation. The study quantifies the economic damage triggered by the anti-GMO movement as well as delays in the approval and commercialization of genetically modified crops in the Eastern African nation. Fur...

SOLAR ENERGY REMAINS FEASIBLE FOR  ZAMBIA  ...as the country stands to benefit about $2.5 billion from the 800MW solar energy plant -Renewable Energy  Expert. Prof. Prem Jain, expert in renewable energy and environment, also a lecturer at UNZA By Alfonso Kasongo Solar energy remains key and feasible for drought prone Zambia as the hydro-power dependent southern African nation stands to earn an estimated $2.5 billion in 25 years through the successful installation of the 800MW solar power plant compared to coal energy, a renewable energy and environmental expert has revealed. Professor Prem Jain, an expert in renewable energy and environment, also a lecturer at the University of Zambia in his research, says Zambia can absorb more than 800MW of solar power on her national grid, however, warning that the continued over use of the Kariba dam, country's biggest hydro power generation vessel makes the country more vulnerable to climate shocks. Speaking during a science cafe on ...

PROLONGED LOADSHEDDING REDUCES UPTAKE OF FISH,CHICKEN By Alfonso  Kasongo Zambia, like many other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, experienced the El-nino weather conditions, causing a drought which has triggered  power deficit challenges with reciprocal effects on the economy. The drought situation country has sharply reduced country's hydro-power generation capacity of about 3,356.6 MW to an estimated 750 MW deficit resulting in 23 hour power outrage-unprecedented load management in the country's history. Fisho Mwale ,a titan of Zambian business sector with ineradicable and illustrious career spanning for over four decades says the impact of prolonged load-shedding has negatively impacted many businesses,including  those dealing in high perishables products. Mr Mwale who is founder and chairman for Yalelo Fish Company,adds that fish business like  any other in food production ,processing and distribution has not been spared fro...