INSURANCE PENETRATION GROWS IN ZAMBIA.

Insurers Association of Zambia president Paul Nkhoma has indicated that insurance market has recorded a 19 percent growth in 2016 compared to 17 percent in 2015.

Mr. Nkhoma says the market premiums are estimated to reach K2.5billion, with general insurance premiums contributing K1.7billion with the life premiums contributing 864 million.

In a statement He says for the first time in over a decade the general insurance premiums have grown at a faster rate than the life insurance premiums posting a growth of 23% (2015: 14%), while the life insurance premiums growth was only at 12% (2015:14).

Mr. Nkhoma says the contributions of insurance premiums to the country’s GDP however continue to be dismal contributing about 1.2%.

The African average is 3.5%, meaning that the premiums are supposed to be around K7 billion for the country to catch up with the African average

The Insurers Association of Zambia has revealed that only 2.8 percent of adult Zambians are insured.

ZAMBIA DROPS 4 PLACES ON EASE OF DOING BUSINESS INDEX.

Zambia has dropped 4 places on the 2017 Ease of Doing Business Index, ranking 9^th in Africa, 5^th in SADC and COMESA respectively.

This has culminated into Zambia ranking 98 out of 190 countries worldwide.

And Ministry of Commence, Trade and Industry Permanent secretary Kayula Siame says there is need to build a strong partnership between government and the private sector.

Ms. Kayula says government alone cannot be in position to address the challenges associated with the drop in the ranking.

She was speaking during the preparatory dialogue breakfast meeting with the private sector ahead of the Ease of Doing Business Initiative Conference to be hosted by Zambia.

The conference will be held from 16^th to 18^th May 2017 in Livingstone’s Avani Hotel under the theme ‘Doing Business Reforms for Industrialization, Value Addition and Job Creation.

And Ms. Kayula says the forthcoming conference will create a platform for strengthening partnership between government and the private sector as well as appreciate the methodo0lgy used in Ease of Doing Business ranking.

Ministry of Commence, Trade and Industry Permanent secretary Kayula Siame says private sector contributions to sustainable development hold key to driving Zambia’s growth.

Meanwhile Ms. Siame says there is need to improve business environment through replication of best practices, best reforms and ideas as they are a key drivers of the Zambian economy.

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.