ZAMBIA BREWERIES SLASH BEER PRICES.

Zambian Breweries has reduced the recommended retail price of its clear beer in the run-up to the festive season.

The company has announced promotional savings on the recommended retail price of its products of between 50 ngwee and K2 in recognition of the current tough economic climate for consumers.

Castle, Mosi, Carling Black Label 750ml packs will now cost K10 instead of the previous price of K12; the Eagle Lager 750ml pack will be sold for K6, reduced from the previous price of K8, while the Eagle Lager 375ml size will be priced at K4 from K4.50.

“We have dropped the price of beer as a summertime promotion. We do recognise the tough times people are going through and as we are now in the festive period, we thought we should reduce the prices of the beers as a Christmas and New Year present to our valued customers,” said managing director Annabelle Degroot, announcing the cut in beer price today.

She also confirmed that there are plenty of stocks of all the company’s products countrywide and there should be no reason for panic-buying.

“We would, however, like to caution people to drink responsibly during the festive season. They should take care, avoid drink-driving and find alternative means of transport in case they decide to drink,” Mrs Degroot said.

ZAMBIAN BREWERIES CALLS FOR RESPONSIBLE DRINKING DURING FESTIVITIES.

Zambian Breweries has backed calls for motorists to be mindful of the dangers of drinking and driving during the festive season, and urged the public to drink responsibly.
Managing director Anabelle Degroot warned that irresponsible drinking and drink-driving posed a danger not only to those drinking the alcohol but also to those who were not.
“We understand that during the Christmas and New Year period, people enjoy partying. We do urge them not to drink and drive, however. Anyone planning to consume alcohol should make alternative transport arrangements such as booking a taxi or letting someone who has abstained from drinking drive them instead,” she said.

Historically, the festive season has seen an increase in road accidents, some of which can be attributed to drink-driving.
“Driving while drunk can cause poor judgement on the road. It is important that precautionary measures are in place whenever people are celebrating during the festive season,” she advised. “Even though we are in the business of beer production, we don’t want lives to be lost as a result of carelessness or drink-driving,” she added.
As well as advising the public to be cautious as they conduct their business during the festive period, Mrs Degroot said that Zambian Breweries has been working with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) by providing breathalysers for the organisation to help curb drink-driving.
Zambian Breweries has also advised bar owners and bar tenders to ensure that they do not admit anyone under age or sell alcohol to them.
Dr Michael Chanda, chairman of the company’s sales and marketing compliance committee (SMCC), said bar owners should follow the Liquor Licencing Act: “It is clearly stipulated who should buy beer. Bar owners also have a right not to sell beer to a customer who has clearly had too much to drink,” he said.

He added that as much as the law was there to regulate, it was the personal responsibility of each individual to drink responsibly.
“We also advise parents to ensure that their children, who are legally under age, do not drink alcohol,” he said. “We know the festive season is a big celebration but our message is still the same: don’t drink and drive.”

ZAMBIA COMMENCES TO DEVELOP CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY.

The Zambia government has signed 3 memorandum of understanding and one project development agreement with Russia signifying the commencement of the process to develop capacity to implement nuclear science.

The cooperation will among other things develop a strategy for nuclear plant within 10 to 15 years which will produce at least 2 Giga watts of electricity, product isotopes for diagnosis, cancer treatment and irradiation of food.

The agreement paves way for the Russian Federation to assist Zambia with the development of policies, programs, institutions and capacity strengthening to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purpose over a 10to 15 year horizon.

And Deputy Director General of ROSATOM of the Russian Federation Nikolay Spassky, disclosed that in the MOUs signed the Russian federation will assist Zambia construct a centre for nuclear science and technology that will consist of a nuclear installations.

Mr. Spassky says projects of such magnitude need support from all citizens by creating public confidence and acceptance through eliminating myths about nuclear energy.

And Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Godfrey Malama who signed one of the agreements said government expects communication agents to effectively convey messages that will positively impact on citizens for the successful development of the nuclear program.

Mr. Malama says the agreement is aimed at enhancing public awareness and acceptance of nuclear energy in the country using the experience and expertise of the Russian Federation.

The First Memorandum of Understanding signed between the ministry of Higher Education and ROSATOM on cooperation in training and skills development in the fields of nuclear,  will allow Russian Federation assist Zambia in developing an integrated country Human resource plan for personnel for Nuclear Power Plant.

And permanent secretary in the ministry of higher education Owen Mugemezulu says Zambia will develop a robust program in the development of its human resource capacity through training and development of various fields of applied nuclear science and technology.

The second agreement between the Ministry of Health and ROSTECHNADZOR will strengthen cooperation in Nuclear Safety and regulation.

This MoU will pave way for the Russian Federation to assist Zambia to enhance the Capacity of the Radiation Protection Authority by developing a regulatory framework appropriate for heightened nuclear and radiation activities.

The third MoU is between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services and ROSATOM on cooperation in enhancement of public awareness of nuclear energy in Zambia.

Under this agreement the Russian Federation will help with the communication strategy to assist the Zambian government address the myths related to the use of nuclear energy over climate concerns.

Meanwhile secretary to the cabinet Rowland Msiska who witnessed the signing ceremony said the development turns into actuality the pronouncement by President Edgar Lungu during the opening of parliament that his administration will pursue nuclear technology as part of a diversified sustainable energy mix to power Zambia’s economy.

Dr. Msiska told journalists shortly after the signing ceremony that once the program is implemented load shedding will be a thing of past adding that Zambia will be the main electricity exporting hub in the region.

ZAMBIA COMMENCES TO DEVELOP CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY.

The Zambia Government has signed 3 memorandum of understanding and one project development agreement with Russia signifying the commencement of the process to develop capacity to implement nuclear science.

The cooperation will among other things develop a strategy for nuclear plant within 10 to 15 years which will produce at least 2 Giga watts of electricity, product isotopes for diagnosis, cancer treatment and irradiation of food.

The agreement paves way for the Russian Federation to assist Zambia with the development of policies, programs, institutions and capacity strengthening to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purpose over a 10 to 15 year horizon.

And Deputy Director General of ROSATOM of the Russian Federation Nikolay Spassky, disclosed that in the MOUs signed the Russian federation will assist Zambia construct a centre for nuclear science and technology that will consist of a nuclear installations.

Mr. Spassky says projects of such magnitude need support from all citizens by creating public confidence and acceptance through eliminating myths about nuclear energy.

And Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Godfrey Malama who signed one of the agreements said government expects communication agents to effectively convey messages that will positively impact on citizens for the successful development of the nuclear program.

Mr. Malama says the agreement is aimed at enhancing public awareness and acceptance of nuclear energy in the country using the experience and expertise of the Russian Federation.

The First Memorandum of Understanding signed between the ministry of Higher Education and ROSATOM on cooperation in training and skills development in the fields of nuclear,  will allow Russian Federation assist Zambia in developing an integrated country Human resource plan for personnel for Nuclear Power Plant.

And permanent secretary in the ministry of higher education Owen Mugemezulu says Zambia will develop a robust program in the development of its human resource capacity through training and development of various fields of applied nuclear science and technology.

The second agreement between the Ministry of Health and ROSTECHNADZOR will strengthen cooperation in Nuclear Safety and regulation.

This MoU will pave way for the Russian Federation to assist Zambia to enhance the Capacity of the Radiation Protection Authority by developing a regulatory framework appropriate for heightened nuclear and radiation activities.

The third MoU is between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services and ROSATOM on cooperation in enhancement of public awareness of nuclear energy in Zambia.

Under this agreement the Russian Federation will help with the communication strategy to assist the Zambian government address the myths related to the use of nuclear energy over climate concerns.

Meanwhile secretary to the cabinet Rowland Msiska who witnessed the signing ceremony said the development turns into actuality the pronouncement by President Edgar Lungu during the opening of parliament that his administration will pursue nuclear technology as part of a diversified sustainable energy mix to power Zambia’s economy.

Dr. Msiska told journalists shortly after the signing ceremony that once the program is implemented load shedding will be a thing of past adding that Zambia will be the main electricity exporting hub in the region.

ZAMBIA BREWERIES RESUME OPERATIONS AFTER ONE DAY CLOSURE.

Zambian Breweries has resumed normal operations at its Mungwi Road plant in Lusaka after prompt action by government authorities to resolve problems with fuel tankers parking dangerously close to the company’s premises.

Zambian Breweries was forced to close operations and evacuate staff at its factory in Lusaka’s main industrial area November 9 after record numbers of highly explosive fuel tankers parked on the roads surrounding it premises.

More than 100 petrol tankers lined Mungwi Road, and surrounding side roads on 9^th November, double-parking on one side of the road and single parking on the other side, just metres from the company’s boundary.

Government initiated measures to resolve the situation, but in the meantime the company had deployed security personnel to patrol the tankers and stamp out any cooking fires.
Zambian Breweries Managing Director Annabelle Degroot has praised government for its swift response after the brewery declared a temporary one-day closure amid concerns about the trucks parked on the roads next to its factory.
“We have been informed by the Ministry of Energy and Water Development that 115 identified trucks will be diverted to Ndola Fuel Terminal in order to ease congestion in Lusaka. I would like to thank the ministry for their extremely prompt and decisive action to safeguard life and property,” said Mrs Degroot.
“This is a difficult issue and the authorities have worked diligently to balance competing interests and prioritise the safety of the people working in businesses in the industrial area,” she added.
Zambian Breweries was confident that a long-term solution to the issue of parked fuel tankers was being worked on as a matter of urgency.

The development sent shivers to residents in fear that the popular Mosi, Castle Lite and Castle was going to runout of out stock.

NEW ZAMBIA BREWERIES READY FOR COMMISSIONING.

Zambian Breweries’ US$33 million maltings plant is ready for commissioning following the successful testing of its barley acceptance systems at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ).
The Independence Day run-through reaffirmed the company’s commitment to being a long-term investment partner with the government, said Director of Corporate Affairs Ezekiel Sekele.
The plant is part of the group’s continuing investment plan in Zambia and is set to boost purchases of barley from local farmers as a key ingredient in the company’s popular Mosi, Castle and Castle Lite lagers.
The company’s multi-million dollar commitment to the maltings plant is part of the group’s wider commitment to investment in Zambia, spurred by the government’s reduction in excise tax on clear beer in last year’s Budget.
In the last five years Zambian Breweries, National Breweries and Heinrich’s Syndicate, which are now part of AB InBev, have invested more than US$400 million in long-term capital projects.

Workers celebrating the first testing of the new plant

The group’s investments are helping it to grow production volumes, thus increasing employment opportunities, enabling the company to buy more agricultural commodities such as barley, maize, sorghum and cassava from local suppliers and boost sales, thus increasing overall tax revenue to the government.
The new facility – the first of its kind in Zambia - will enable locally grown barley to be processed into malt, the main ingredient for clear beer, for the first time in Zambia, creating more business for farmer suppliers who provide the brewery with barley thus spurring economic growth, job creation and national development, explained Managing Director Annabelle Degroot.
“The future of Zambia and its economic development matters deeply to us. The plant will enable Zambian Breweries to add value within Zambia to barley – all of which is bought from local farmers in Zambia. Previously, we used to export our barley to neighbouring Zimbabwe for malting and then import it back to Zambia,” said Ms Degroot.
“Our recent upswing in investment has been as a direct result of the confidence we have in our business, and in Zambia, following the government’s move to reduce excise tax on clear beer from 60 percent to 40 percent, making it comparable to the region’s average rate and thus stimulating demand and enabling the business to grow volumes,” she added.

New plant

The plant has a maximum capacity of 15,000 tonnes of finished malt per year, creating a surplus over the brewery’s current demand of 10,000 tonnes and thus producing excess supply that can be exported.
The barley will be stored in ten massive 1,500 tonne-silos, each 32 metres high, which involved the country’s largest single pour of concrete – 1,800 cubic metres – for their foundations.
The company is now awaiting the official commissioning of the plant by the government.

ZIPAR/FSD ZAMBIA TRAIN OVER 25 BUSINESS JOURNAISTS IN LUSAKA.
Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) has advised journalists to take interest in economic policy development to facilitate effective policy dialogue debate that can enhance economic governance in the country.

And ZIPAR has pledged to promote economic and financial literacy to help citizens understand the liberalized economy and opportunities offered by recognizing opportunities and defining risks associated with such potential investment.

Speaking at the official opening of the Master Class for Business Journalists Financial Inclusion and Economic Literacy, ZIPAR Executive Director Pamela Nakamba Kabaso says journalists need basic understanding of economic and financial concepts to enhance the in-depth and quality of news coverage.

Dr. Nakamba Kabaso says her organization want to promote in-depth and analytical news reporting that can stimulate healthy economic policy debated which influence policy direction. 

She explained that the move to equip journalists with relevant economic and financial literacy because media creates an efficient and effective avenue through which masses can learn economics and finance.

ZIPAR Director Dr. Pamela Nakamba Kabaso

She further notes that the media has the capacity to make citizens have an understanding of economics in order to not only report facts but interact better with information in order to educate the public.

Meanwhile Dr. Nakamba Kabaso says there is need to promote economic and financial literacy to help citizens understand the liberalized economy and opportunities offered by recognizing opportunities and defining risks associated with such potential investment.

She noted that lack of clear understanding on liberalized economy and new opportunities on the market has resulted in an influx of foreign investors who are equipped with economic know how have reaped abundantly from the conducive economic environment.

She adds that Zambia has over the decades experienced high economic growth but achieved less than satisfactory reduction in poverty whereas inequality has increased.

The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) and Financial Sector Deepening Zambia has organized a 5 days Master Class Training for Business Journalists on Financial Inclusion and Economic Literacy in Lusaka.

SABMILLER ZAMBIA INVESTS US$1.7M IN NEW BOTTLE LABELLER

SABMiller Zambia is set to increase efficiencies at its Zambian Breweries Plc. Lusaka brewery with the arrival of a new state-of-the-art bottle labeller valued at US$1.7 Million.

The arrival of the labeller, Zambian Breweries is now on course to commence local production of Castle Lite the move which will reduce the price the consumer.

Zambian Breweries Plc, along with its sister companies National Breweries and Heinrich’s Syndicate, is part of SABMiller Plc , one of the world’s largest brewers, with more than 200 beer brands and some 70,000 employees in over 75 countries.

The investment in the state of the art machine is the demonstration of the company’s confidence in the Zambian economy, which encompasses Zambian Breweries, National Breweries and Heinrich’s Syndicate, and comes amid the company’s renewed confidence following the reduction in clear beer excise tax from 60 percent to 40 percent in January this year.

The labeller, which will be able to label all beer brands in 340ml and 375ml bottles and has a capacity of 27,000 bottles per hour. 

Zambia Breweries New Bottle Labeller Machines

 The machine was ordered from Hamburg, Germany, and took 75 days to transport by ship and truck.

This development, further, enhances our role on promoting local investment and job creation,

And Zambia Breweries Corporate Affairs Director Ezekiel Sekele says the company is passionate about brewing and has a long tradition of craftsmanship, making superb beer from high quality natural ingredients.

Mr. Sekele also disclosed that the once the machine is installed and fully operational, it will increase the productivity and efficiency of the Lusaka plant exponentially.

PROFLIGHT ZAMBIA PLEDGE TO SUPPORT LOCAL TOURISM.

Proflight Zambia has announced that it is supporting this year’s World Tourism Day by bringing people to Africa’s top attractions quickly, safely and affordably.

The airline has announced that it is committed to backing tourism and freedom of movement in Zambia by signing up to the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day which is ‘tourism for all – promoting universal accessibility’.

World Tourism Day is held on September 27 every year to support the growth of tourism around the globe.

Proflight Zambia’s director of government and industry affairs Captain Philip Lemba says although Zambia has a vast range of incredible tourist attractions for both international and local visitors, many of them are spread out across the country, with long distances between them; “The fastest means of getting to these destinations is by flying, which is the best option for reaching all the far-flung places, quickly, safely and affordably.”

 Proflight Zambia, the country’s only domestic airline, flies to Zambia’s main tourism destinations which are spread out to the north, south, east and west of the country. Zambia covers just over 752,600 square kilometres, and the tourist destinations are scattered around the country.

“With the aim of promoting trade and movement in Africa, Proflight flies from its base in Lusaka through the regional routes to Lilongwe in Malawi, and Durban in South Africa, and through its domestic routes, which include Livingstone, Mfuwe, Lower Zambezi, Ndola and Solwezi,” added Captain Lemba. “Today, the airline carries over 130,000 passengers annually with its fleet.”

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the purpose of World Trade Day is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. “World Trade Day seeks to address global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these objectives,” said a spokesman.

This year’s theme of ‘tourism for all – promoting universal accessibility’ looks at the effectiveness and convenience of how tourists reach their destinations.

Proflight feeds orphaned hippo

  

For instance, Lower Zambezi in the south east of the capital is 30 minutes away by flight from Lusaka on Proflight Zambia’s jets from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Lower Zambezi boasts excellent game viewing by boat or canoe and is home to one of the largest remaining elephant herds in the world.

Lake Tanganyika in Northern Province is Africa's deepest and longest lake which offers great scuba diving as well as hiking to the top of Kalambo Falls, the second highest in Africa at 220m; other water sports, fishing and game viewing can be enjoyed at Sumbu Park on the shore. To reach these tourism sites by road or rail would take more than ten hours while by air it should only be an hour and a half from Lusaka to Kasama. This is clear evidence that travellers save more time travelling by air.

South Luangwa, Zambia's premier game park, is minutes away by flight from the capital Lusaka. South Luangwa is noted for its dense concentrations of game, with over 50 mammal and 400 bird species, while the Luangwa River boasts more hippos and crocodiles than any other river in Africa.

On the southern part of Zambia lies the city of Livingstone which is an hour and a half from Lusaka by air. Livingstone is where the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the mighty Victoria Falls can be found, as well as the Livingstone Museum, the Railway Museum, Maramba Cultural Village, Mukuni Tribal Village, and the many traditional ceremonies including cultural markets are all embraced here.

Proflight Zambia takes you to these tourism destinations either by scheduled flights or charter. A domestic and regional airline such as Proflight is essential in providing transport services that will enable tourists to access and reach the sites on time in a more convenient and comfortable way.

With direct flights to the various top Zambian tourist spots spread around the country, Proflight Zambia is committed to making travelling more convenient by allowing tourists greater freedom of movement and assisting them in reaching their destinations.

This year’s World Tourism Day’s theme picks up from last year’s which was ‘millions of tourists, millions of opportunities”. The subject for 2017 has already been earmarked as ‘sustainable tourism – a tool for development’.

Proflight Zambia is currently embarking on plans to add more direct flights to tourist destinations so that passengers can avoid having to connect at the capital Lusaka.