Wednesday, 19th June, 2025

Wednesday, 19^thJune, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM REPHIDIM INSTITUTE LIMITED

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Rephidim Institute Limited in Lusaka District.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome our visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR P. PHIRI, HON. MEMBER FOR MKAIKA, ON MR MWIIMBU, SC., HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY, ON THE ISSUANCE OF NATIONAL REGISTRATION CARDS IN THE EASTERN PROVINCE

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, as you raise Urgent Matters without Notice, be precise and to the point. Do not debate and bring in controversial issues that cannot be substantiated with evidence, and you have two minutes.

Mr P. Phiri (Mkaika): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr P. Phiri: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security.

Madam Speaker: You may proceed.

Mr P. Phiri: Madam Speaker, the matter concerns the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) in the Eastern Province in districts such as Katete and Kasenengwa. This programme is on a standstill. No issuance of NRCs is going on because of a lack of materials by the officers there.

Madam Speaker, the House will recall that the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security stood here and told the people of Zambia that the programme would run for ninety days. For two weeks now, the exercise has been on a standstill. Is the hon. Minister in order to not tell the nation that this exercise has been on a standstill and, because of that, it will be extended?

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Mkaika.

I believe the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) is an ongoing process and if hon. Members have any concerns in terms of how the process is going, it is better to engage the relevant hon. Minister so that they can find out what the challenges are. As I have guided previously, in my view, bringing a matter on the Floor of the House, as an Urgent Matter without Notice, does not solve the problem.

Hon. Members, when you raise a matter, you want the matter to be addressed and resolved. So, please, take time and visit the hon. Minister and bring these concerns to his attention. That way, you will, in a way, contribute to the solving of the problem.

So, hon. Member for Mkaika, find another way that you can bring this matter on the Floor of the House, because it does not qualify to be raised as an Urgent Matter without Notice.

MR TWASA, HON. MEMBER FOR KASENENGWA, ON MRS MASEBO, HON. MINISTER OF LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES, ON THE ISSUE OF FARMERS SURRENDERING THEIR TITLE DEEDS

Mr Twasa (Kasenengwa): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Mkaika for raising that issue; it is also an issue in my constituency.

Nonetheless, Madam Speaker, today, my phones were ringing off the hook. Many phone calls came in from the community where I also belong, Palabana. The farmers in Palabana have been receiving letters, asking them to surrender their title deeds. So, the phone calls came from the people who have already received the letters and those who have not yet received. As the House may know, in Palabana, where I also belong, there is a co-operative called ‘Palabana Dairy Society’, which is the biggest dairy co-operative in Zambia. Some of the people who received letters to surrender their title deeds are farmers who have ventured into dairy farming and they are adding value to Palabana and to the Zambian economy. Now, people do not know what next. There is panic and apprehension in Palabana.

Madam Speaker, we may need the hon. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to address this matter. As I am talking to you right now, because of the phone calls, the society in Palabana is glued to the television so they can hear what the hon. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources is going to say about this matter because everyone else is in panic as to why people are being asked to surrender their title deeds and be compensated with land elsewhere where they do not know, but it does not talk about the property or the developments that have been done at that particular land. There is no compensation to that effect.

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious indulgence.

Madam Speaker: I am really surprised by that matter you have raised because you are seated just behind the hon. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. Have you taken time to engage her and find out what is really happening? Unfortunately, that matter does not qualify to be raised as an Urgent Matter without Notice. Hon. Member for Kasenengwa, find another means. If it is not admitted, it does not mean that it is not important. It is just that it does not qualify. So, find another way that you can bring it to the attention of the hon. Minister and, indeed, on the Floor of the House.

MR B. MPUNDU, HON. MEMBER FOR NKANA, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON ZAMBIA BEING AMONG THE COUNTRIES THAT WILL FACE TRAVEL BAN RESTRICTION BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I rise on an Urgent Matter without Notice directed at Her Honour the Vice-President, who is the Leader of Government Business in the House.

Madam Speaker, the United States of America (USA) is arguably one of our biggest co-operating partners who helps Zambia in many spheres such as education, health and otherwise. Today as we speak, there are thousands of Zambian citizens who are in the USA either studying, doing business and others who may be travelling to the USA. Several international media organisations, including the Washington Post, have reported that Zambia is among the many countries that have been enlisted to face a travel ban to the USA. You know that if we are banned from travelling to the USA, this will affect a lot of our people who are in the USA and those intending to travel.

Madam Speaker, is Her Honour the Vice-President in order to remain quiet and not come and allay these fears of this impending travel ban?

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious indulgence on the matter.

Madam Speaker: I am sure that the hon. Member for Nkana was in the House yesterday, when the hon. Member for Lunte raised a similar Urgent Matter without Notice. It may not be the hon. Member for Lunte, but a similar matter touching on a foreign country was raised yesterday.

Hon. Member for Nkana, you know the criterion for admission of any matter as an Urgent Matter without Notice. The Standing Orders give us guidance; they are very instructive. I am not saying that the matter you have raised is not important. It is just that the route that you have chosen to raise the matter is not the correct one. Please, find another way to bring that matter to the attention of the hon. Minister or Her Honour the Vice-President and, indeed, eventually on the Floor of this House.

When it comes to talking about a foreign country, it is very tricky. Even our Standing Orders have limitations on how far we can go in discussing a foreign country. However, I will leave the matter in the hands of the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation for him to, maybe, take steps to find out the position. When he has consulted sufficiently and is ready, he can come and give a Ministerial Statement on what measures have been taken, and what impact the ban will have, or if, indeed, there is a ban or not.

So, let us allow the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation to make the necessary consultations. He can come back to us when he is ready.

That concludes Urgent Matters without Notice.

We make progress.

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

COMPLETION OF THE NATIONAL REGISTRATION, PASSPORT AND CITIZENSHIP OFFICE BLOCK IN KALABO CONSTITUENCY

328. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

why the construction of the National Registration Office building in Kalabo District had stalled;

when the project will resume; and

at what level of completion, in percentage terms, the project was as of December, 2024.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam Speaker, the construction of the National Registration, Passport and Citizenship Office block in Kalabo District stalled due to inadequate funds to complete the project.

Madam Speaker, the project will resume when a new contractor has been procured.

Madam Speaker, as at December, 2024, the project was 60 per cent.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the response.

Madam Speaker, the issue now is the acquisition of a new contractor versus the availability or lack of funds. When it comes to such projects, is it that there was no financial plan to make sure that resources were available before embarking on implementing them? We need to know so that we can we understand what the hon. Minister is saying. Was there any plan when the Government came up with that project? There is a similar project in Mongu, in terms of designs and buildings plans. I do not know what happened in the process for the funds to not be available.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the follow-up question.

Madam Speaker, I think, just to put everything in perspective so that it is understood, let me just say that the project, first of all, is being implemented under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and, of course, supervised by my ministry. Just to give a bit of history, the contract for the construction of the National Registration, Passport and Citizenship Office block in Kalabo District was initially awarded to Apotech Services Limited in March, 2014. That should give hon. Members an indication as to which Administration awarded that particular contract. As to whether the Government had funds or not for the project, it is not possible to answer that at the moment because the issue has been overtaken by events.

Madam Speaker, the contract for that project was awarded in 2014 at a sum of K825,515.39, with a stipulated completion period of twenty weeks. Now, due to inadequate funding, the project stalled at roof level from 2014, and the contract was eventually terminated in May, 2022. Hon. Members will remember that we have spoken on the Floor of the House about terminating contracts for projects that have not reached 80 per cent completion and this is one of the projects that was affected. At the time when the contract was terminated, the full value of K567,618 had been paid to the contractor for certified works.

Madam Speaker, the revised bill of buantities (BoQ) to complete the outstanding works has been prepared and the procurement process for a new contract is currently running on the Electronic-Government Platform (e-GP). So, that project is proceeding; the procurement process is being undertaken.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, that response gives us hope that we will not have a white elephant or an incomplete building in the district. That building is going to add value to the development of the district.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker:

That was a comment, so we make progress.

EXPANSION OF CHIBANSA AIRSTRIP IN MPIKA DISTRICT

329. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Transport and Logistics:

whether the Government has any plans to expand Chibansa Airstrip in Mpika District to accommodate bigger aeroplanes;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Justice (Ms Kasune) (on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali)): Madam Speaker, the Government has no plans to expand Chibansa Airstrip in Mpika District to accommodate bigger aeroplanes due to resource constraints. It should be noted that Chibansa Airstrip is currently in good condition and operational, unless my hon. Colleague has another statement on that. The airstrip has been licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Madam Speaker, as already stated above, the Government has no plans to implement the project. Since the airstrip is operational, part (b) of the question falls of. Furthermore, the management of all district aerodromes was devolved to respective local authorities in 2018, in line with the National Decentralisation Policy. Therefore, the expansion of Chibansa Airstrip should be undertaken by the Mpika District Council. We, therefore, urge the hon. Member to engage the Mpika District Council to see if there could be plans to expand the airstrip to accommodate bigger aircrafts.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Are there any supplementary questions?

Hon. Member for Mpika?

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I am satisfied.

Madam Speaker: You are satisfied? Thank you. It is very unusual to satisfy the hon. Member for Mpika. That is good.

So, we make progress. Next question.

Mr Kapyanga: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: After being satisfied, now, there is a point of order. Hon. Member for Mpika, what is the point of order?

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to rise on a point of order on the hon. Member for Kwacha who is fond of mocking other hon. Members whenever they are asking questions. He is just from mocking me by saying that if I want Chibansa Airstrip to be expanded, I need to go to him to get his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation.

Laughter

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker …

Hon. Member: Decorum!

Mr Kapyanga: … this point of order is based on the decorum of the House and precedence. Is the hon. Member for Kwacha in order to insinuate that hon. Members can get their colleagues’ Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, and channel it towards development in their respective constituencies when he knows that is not even possible?

Madam Speaker, I seek your very serious ruling so that he stops this habit of making running comments.

Madam Speaker: I do not know if it is cousinship, but I know you two are not cousins. Maybe, he is just throwing some initiative at you to say that he is not using his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation. So, why do you not get some of his money and use it in your constituency. I am sure he was acting as a big brother.

We can make progress. There is no point of order in that which is worth ruling on. I am sure you know how you treat each other in the background. Let us just remain friends and humane to one another, and respect one another.

The hon. Member for Chienge’s question is next, but I see that she is not in the House, and there having been no prior arrangement, Question No. 330, consequently, lapses, in accordance with our Standing Orders. Next question.

CONSTRUCTION OF MORTUARY UNIT AT MUNKONGE HEALTH POST IN KASAMA DISTRICT

331. Ms S. Mwamba (Kasama Central) asked the Minister of Health whether the Government has any plans to construct a mortuary unit at Munkonge Health Post in Kasama District.

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, I would like to begin by stating that the health service delivery system in Zambia is designed with the following structures:

health centres;

zonal health centres;

first-level hospitals, which are sometimes called district hospitals;

second-level hospitals, that is, general hospitals;

third-level hospitals, that is, teaching hospitals; and

Fourth-level hospitals, which are specialised hospitals.

Madam Speaker, the Government, through the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ), has in place national health care standards and classification guidelines which have re-classified health posts to health centres. The HPCZ is the regulatory body for health care facilities and practitioners other than nurses and midwives, and is also the custodian of the national health care standards. According to the guidelines, a mortuary unit is not part of the standard of a health post, which is now re-classified as a health centre. As such, Munkonge Health Post in Kasama District does not qualify to have a mortuary unit.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms S. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate answer. Munkonge is not a health post, but a mini hospital. I understand that, probably according to Government policy, mini hospitals are not built with mortuaries. Hence, my question if the Government would consider. It is a 50 km distance from Munkonge Mini Hospital to Kasama, and 110 km to Luwingu. I mentioned much earlier in the week, when we were discussing the provision of a police post, that the area is prone to accidents, and it becomes difficult for the residents to transport bodies to Kasama District or Luwingu. Hence, while it may not be in the policy, can the ministry look into the matter to consider Munkonge Mini Hospital also having a mortuary?

Madam Speaker, the capacity at Kasama General Hospital is also not enough. As that is a separate matter, maybe, whilst I am on the Floor, I would also like to request that the Government considers increasing the capacity for Kasama General Hospital mortuary. capacity increased as well.

Madam Speaker, for the record, I wish to thank the hon. Minister for assisting Kasama General Hospital with blankets and other items. On that score, may he keep assisting us, as the ministry considers giving Munkonge Mini Hospital a mortuary.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, let us tone down.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, depending on what a mini hospital is, a health centre can also be a mini hospital. However, the distance of 110 km is quite far, and also looking at the population, I think, we have to take that into consideration. The constituency can put up a structure using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), of course, with guidelines from the ministry, and then we can buy them the mortuary unit. That situation has to be assessed. In short, we have to assess. I will be in Kasama soon. We have to ensure that we visit Munkonge, and see whether we can help with a mortuary unit.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, I think, the hon. Minister has answered my concern. I was thinking about whether it was possible to use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to upgrade the level-one hospital. However, the hon. Minister has already answered the question. In fact, that is what we are trying to do in my constituency. We are building a mortuary and a theatre.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: It was a supplementary answer.

Hon. Member for Lubansenshi, you may proceed.

Mr Chewe (Lubansenshi): Madam Speaker, the construction of a mortuary unit at Munkonge Health Post is really important to consider. I do appreciate the response from the hon. Minister, however, my emphasis is on the 165 km distance between Luwingu and Kasama. In terms of population, Munkonge area boasts of a high population. Secondly, because of the bad road network, many accidents happen on that road. Therefore, when does the Ministry of Health intend to help the people of Munkonge, knowing fully well that Kasama Central is too big and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) alone, at the moment, cannot sort out all the issues? The people of Munkonge, through the hon. Member for Kasama Central, want to get an assurance from the hon. Minister. Is he able to give the timeframe as to when he will support the people of Munkonge with a mortuary unit?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I already made a commitment to go to Kasama, and we shall commit ourselves to building a mortuary unit. We have to work together with the hon. Member of Parliament. In addition, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is not private money; it is money for the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), from the Treasury, which has been increased from K1.6 million to K36.1 million. From that amount, the hon. Member can allocate K2 million for the construction a mortuary in the constituency. That is a lot of money, enough to complete such a building. Then, the ministry can help with a mortuary unit. I sympathise with the hon. Member for Kasama Central who said that the constituents cover about 110 km to get to a mortuary and that the population is big. If her constituency qualifies for that project, why would the Government not assist?

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the Government assurances that he has given. I also pledge to pay him a visit so that we can chart the way forward. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has quite a number of pressing needs. So, we will still need to look into it and not, per se, look so much into the CDF. I hope we can find co-operating partners who can assist us.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, acquiring mortuary equipment is easy, but the challenge is on infrastructure. The previous Government left many buildings incomplete, and we, as the current Government, are trying to complete them. We cannot start building new ones because we have to first complete the unfinished ones. If the mortuary is a priority in that area, why not work together with my ministry? The hon. Member can use part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on the infrastructure. So, out of the K36.1 CDF, the hon. Member can spend K1 million to build a good mortuary. The ministry can then give her a mortuary unit through the equipment we buy from the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZMMSA). We have to compromise because the money is coming from the same pot. We have to thank the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, who has increased the CDF from K1.6 million to K36.1 million. It is a lot of money.

Madam Speaker, as the hon. Member is thanking us for the blankets, we are also renovating Kasama General Hospital, which had serious cracks, and we have provided the beds. The hon. Member should thank this Government, which is so sympathetic.

Madam Speaker, we shall help the hon. Member for Kasama Central.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Kasama Central is saying “thank you” for that provision.

Laughter

RECRUITMENT OF FOREST RANGERS

332. Eng. J. Daka (Chadiza) asked the Minister of Green Economy and Environment:

whether the Government has any plans to recruit forest rangers for Chadiza District;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

how many officers are earmarked for recruitment; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister Youth, Sport and Art (Mr Nkandu) (on behalf of the Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha)): Madam Speaker, this question is similar to the question that I answered yesterday, asked by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalabo Central. So, it will just be a continuation of that response.

Madam Speaker, indeed, the Government has plans to recruit forest ranger guards countrywide, including in Chadiza. This is envisaged to enhance the conservation of forests countrywide.

Madam Speaker, the deployment of forest guards is dependent on the granting of Treasury authority for the 117 positions of forest ranger guards in the approved staff establishment.

Madam Speaker, each district is divided into zones depending on how large the forest is. So, each zone is managed by one forest guard officer. In Chadiza, we have demarcated the forest into five zones, meaning that Chadiza will have five forest ranger guards.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to recruit at least five officers from Chadiza.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Eng. J. Daka: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the responses he has given to the people of Chadiza. The answer is quite satisfying, and I will communicate it to the people of Chadiza accordingly. However, the only appeal I can make, as Member of Parliament for Chadiza, is for the ministry to expedite the process of recruiting forest guards to ensure that we do not allow the forest to be completely deforested. There are many illegal activities happening in those forests, and the biggest nuisance is charcoal burning. Therefore, the Government has to expedite the recruitment process. The hon. Minister may recall that in the olden days, we used to have forest guards. We never experienced those kinds of activities of deforestation, our forests were safe. That is why the people of Chadiza are appealing to the Government to expedite the whole process of recruitment.

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I can only say that that is well noted.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

OPERATIONALISATION OF CHAMASONGWE AND SISINJE HEALTH FACILITIES

333. Ms S. Mwamba (Kasama Central) (on behalf of Mr Lubusha (Chipangali)) asked the Minister of Health:

when the following health facilities in Chipangali Parliamentary Constituency will be operationalised:

Chamasongwe; and
Sisinje; and

what the cause of the delay in operationalising the health facilities is.

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, allow me to mention that the Health Professional Council of Zambia (HPCZ is a regulatory body of health facilities and practitioners, other than nurses and midwives. For a health facility to be operationalised, it must satisfy, at least, the following criteria as per national health care standards:

running water and flushable toilets;

energy source, that is grid or solar;

provision of a staff house;

medical and learning medical equipment;

human resources for health;

incinerator for medical waste management, that is either brick or electric; and

registration and licence from the HPCZ. This is as stipulated under Part 6 of Section 38 of the Health Professional Council of Zambia Act No. 17 of 2024, which prohibits a health facility from operating without a licence.

Madam Speaker, the two health centres, that is, Chamasongwe and Sisinje, will be operationalised as soon as all the complements of the facilities are put in place.

Madam Speaker, the delay to operationalise these facilities has been due to the following:

no running water and flushable toilets at Chamasongwe Health Post although a water pipeline has been extended to Sisinje Health Post;

no energy source, that is either grid or solar, at both facilities;

no provision of a staff house, though under procurement;

no medical and non-equipment at both facilities;

no human resources for health at both facilities;

no incinerator for medical waste management, brick or electric, at both facilities; and

no HPCZ licenses at both facilities.

Madam Speaker, the ministry, through the Provincial Health Office in the Eastern Province, Chipangali District Health Office, is in constant communication with Chipangali Local Authority and the office of the hon. Member of Parliament over the required facilities at the health facilities.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms S. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, in his answer, the hon. Minister has indicated that the two health centres will be operationalised as soon as all the complements of the facilities are put in place. Is it possible to give an exact timeframe when the health centres will be operationalised? It has been a while since these facilities were constructed and they risk being vandalised very soon. There is no collaboration in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects. I think, the lapse is with the Ministry of Health to operationalise these facilities. When can we try to put “as soon as” into a timeframe?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, the timeframe will only be determined when some of the listed standards are, at least, met but according to the list, most of them are not in place. Once they are in place, we will be ready to operationalise the health centres.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me a chance, on behalf of the people of Lundazi, to ask the hon. Minister of Health a follow-up question, whom I have been engaging and, finally, he delivered the beds in Lundazi.

Madam Speaker, while part of the work has been done, the operationalisation of the health facilities in question still remains unknown. Since beds and other things have been delivered, what is so difficult for the hon. Minister to assign workers to go and start work, especially in Lundazi and Chipangali, looking at the cost which the locals have to incur to ensure that the facilities are not vandalised?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, not only a bed has been delivered to the health centre but many items were delivered. She should learn to appreciate the fact that they received things in bulk.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, the hon. Member for Lundazi has acknowledged that –

Mr Muchima: She said only one bed was delivered.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: No, she said you have delivered. So, all you should say, hon. Minister, is that thank you for acknowledging.

Mr Muchima: Thank you for acknowledging the delivery; well done.

Laughter

Mr Muchima: This Government is doing very well.

Madam Speaker, there is a law in place. Part 6 of Section 38 of the Health Professional Council of Zambia Act, No. 17 of 2004, prohibits a health facility from operating without a licence. Therefore, the hon. Member should inspect the facility constructed using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), with the council and the Provincial Health Director, in order to obtain a licence. All the requirements according to the law must be met, then, we can operationalise the centre.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The answer should be directed this side though (pointed at Ms S. Mwamba), instead of that side (pointed at Ms Nyirenda).

Ms S. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, health facilities are constructed using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), but for the Ministry of Health. Is the Ministry of Health not in charge of issuing licences to a health facility? In the case of Chamasongwe, the facility is complete with everything required. The hon. Member of Parliament for Chipangali actually put in his resources to ensure that all the necessary requirements needed to operationalise the facility are in place. I wish to urge the hon. Minister to send a team to check on what is remaining so that he may assist, as soon as possible, in the licencing of the facility to be operational.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, the HPCZ is a Government institution under the Ministry of Health. The onus to ensure that the inspection is done and the licence is given, is on the council, the hon. Member of Parliament and the Provincial Health Director. When the work is done, our offices –

Mrs Masebo rose.

Madam Speaker: Order, Hon. Queen Elizabeth!

Laughter

Madam Speaker: You are looking nice, though.

Mrs Masebo left the Assembly Chamber.

Madam Speaker: May the hon. Minister continue.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I was saying that the onus is on the council, especially the Constituency Development Fund Committee (CDFC), to hand over the facility to the Ministry of Health so it can carry out an inspection and if it meets the standards, then we can operationalise the centre.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for those good responses.

Madam Speaker, in Mbabala, just like in Chipangali, we have several health centres, such as Kachenge, Namuyanda and Kaseko, which are ready and await the Ministry of Health to operationalise them. Is the hon. Minister of Health thinking about a holistic recruitment of staff, particularly for health centres that were constructed using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)? Those are health centres that have been completed and await operationalisation by his ministry.

Ms Mulenga: Speak louder!

Mr Munsanje: I am using English. If you did not go to secondary school, there is free education nowadays. So, you can go back and learn.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister considering developing a plan for such health centres to be staffed so that they begin to operate immediately?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Mbabala for that question.

Madam Speaker, we, indeed, have a plan in place. It should be noted that the establishment for health centres is well known. When a health centre is completed, we look into the issue of the required establishment. Let me put it a different way. Hon. Members of constituencies where health centres or mini-hospitals are being built should collaborate with the Ministry of Health. When the health facilities are completed, they should write to us so that inspection can be done. After the facilities are inspected, we will be informed so that sufficient staff can be provided.

Madam Speaker, the Government is working towards providing the required establishment for health centres. Many of them have been upgraded or expanded, but their establishments have remained static. We are carrying out an exercise to establish the number of staff in health centres across the country so that we can facilitate the provision of adequate staff. That is what this Government is working towards. When we establish the staffing levels, we can then move forward with the recruitment of staff for all the health centres.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, this will probably be the third time that the people of Kamfinsa will request the hon. Minister of Health to come back to the House with a statement that will deal with the issues that the hon. Member for Mbabala has raised. I am also going to make a suggestion as a supplementary question to the hon. Minister. The issue is not just about members of staff because we also need equipment in all the health facilities. Kamfinsa has about four or five health centres that we have recently built, but none of them are functional because they do not have equipment and members of staff to manage them.

Madam Speaker, when is the hon. Minister of Health going to come to Parliament to holistically deal with the issue of members of staff and equipment for newly-built health facilities using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)? The hon. Member of Parliament for Chipangali and others have used the CDF to build health centres, but those facilities are not operational.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, if a health centre has been commissioned and its establishment is inadequate, we will consider it when the time for recruitment comes. It all depends on the number of health personnel that will be recruited. This year we will be recruiting 2,000 health workers, and we have to deploy them across the entire country. It is not only nurses and doctors because will also employ technicians and other cadres in the health profession. The recruitment is mostly done at the provincial and district levels. The exercise is carried out in every district in the country. The only problem is that the fiscal space is limited. However, this Government has done very well in three years by employing almost 20,000 people. If we had not experienced a drought, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other difficult situations, we would have employed as many health workers as we did in the initial recruitment.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member should be hopeful because the Kwacha is now gaining value and our economy is improving. The future looks very bright and, therefore, we should all have hope. I need to visit his constituency to see the clinics that have been built in the area. If some money has been reserved from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), we can address the issue of staffing together. He can also approach our offices so that we work together. This Government is doing very well. So, the young man should know that if we work together, we shall do it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, the question is constituency-specific. I know that we like stretching questions. As it has been stated, similar situations are prevailing in most constituencies. There was even a request from the hon. Member for Kamfinsa for the hon. Minister to come with a statement to address the health issues prevailing in all the constituencies. I did not hear the hon. Minister comment on that.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, at your request and that of my colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa, I shall do that.

Madam Speaker, let me just give the hon. Member an answer on equipment. The Treasury constantly gives the ministry money for health equipment. In this regard, we have asked the Provincial Health Directors to give us the requirements in various provinces so that we can prioritise certain areas. It is difficult to buy everything at once, but, at least, we can prioritise the needy areas. Equipment such as x-ray machines are very important, so they are a priority. Priority areas should be determined in every constituency and submitted to our offices so that we see how we can look into the matter. As I said, the Treasury constantly gives us money for health equipment and, therefore, we will provide the equipment in health centres across the country in due course.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Feira, do you want to ask a different question?

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): Madam Speaker, it is a supplementary question to the one under discussion. I just want to make a suggestion to the hon. Minister. Since we have embarked on devolution of functions or decentralisation, would it not be better to get first-hand information from the people on the ground on what the needs of a particular district and constituency are? I think that it is always problematic when the hon. Minister approaches an issue from the provincial level. So, why not go to the district level?

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, I do not know if you understood the question.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I have not understood the question clearly. Is it on employment? If it is about employment, I mentioned clearly that when there is recruitment of health workers, we go to the provincial and district centres. At the district level, there is a committee of officers from Government institutions who make the selections. That is done in both the education and health sectors. I think, the hon. Member needs to go back and familiarise himself with what happens at the district level. There are public officers who can tell him how things are done. So, the needs assessment is done at the district level. Unless the question was different from what I have responded to, that is the answer.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, you can, maybe, invite the hon. Member for Feira for a cup of tea so that he can share his ideas with you.

Hon. Member for Feira, I am inviting you to the hon. Minister’s office for a cup of tea. If there is no sugar or coffee, please, pass through my office. I will give you some.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Let us make progress.

ALTERNATIVE LIGHTING SYSTEMS FOR POLICE STATIONS COUNTRYWIDE

334. Eng. Daka asked the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security:

whether the Government has any plans to procure alternative lighting systems at police stations countrywide, in order to avoid interruptions in their operations during power outages;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

what type of alternative lighting system will be procured; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Madam Speaker,

the Government has plans to procure solar energy installations, as alternative lighting systems for police stations countrywide, to enhance police operations during power outages and load management. An assessment to determine the cost of installing solar equipment in all the existing police stations has already been conducted.

Madam Speaker, providing solar lighting to all police formations is estimated to cost K29,675,530. The House may wish to note that the Government has started implementing the interventions and is also working with stakeholders who are supporting the initiative by installing solar systems in some police stations. The President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, also gave a directive for all Government institutions to install solar lighting, as an alternative to hydro-electricity.

Madam Speaker, the plans are being implemented in a phased approach due to budgetary constraints.

Madam Speaker, the alternative lighting system being procured is solar power.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Eng. Daka: Madam Speaker, in percentage terms, how much progress has the ministry attained with regards to the installation of that alternative energy provision to police stations?

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: We have made progress, Madam Speaker.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: He is asking for the percentage.

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, I am not in a position to give the exact percentage, but I can assure the hon. Member that the ministry is making progress. The ministry will ensure that all police stations have solar-powered lighting systems once the money is made available.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, in the statement, the hon. Minister said that the estimate has already been calculated. He has also talked about funding. Is the ministry waiting for supplementary funding for the project that the hon. Minister has mentioned before this august House?

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: No, Madam Speaker. As I indicated, the ministry is undertaking the programme in phases, depending on the availability of resources. As the House may be aware, we are midway through the Budget cycle. So, if the project is not completed, the ministry may budget for it again next year.

Eng. Daka: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that the total budgetary allocation is about K29 million. How much was allocated towards the project in this year’s Budget?

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, my hon. Colleague is free to come to the office, and we will look at the figures so that we can know exactly how far we have gone, because this is an ongoing project.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

OPERATIONS AT GOAT BREEDING CENTRE AT LUCHEMBE IN KANCHIBIYA

335. Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock what measures the Government is taking to enable the goat breeding centre at Luchembe in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency to operate optimally.

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala): Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that the goat breeding centre at Luchembe in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency was established to conserve and multiply the population of local goats. The centre serves community members who seek breeding stock for their household enterprises. The centre, currently, houses eighty-five goats, that is, twenty-two males and sixty-three females.

Madam Speaker, to ensure that the centre operates at optimal capacity, the Government is implementing the following measures:

provision of high-quality breeding goats;

enhancement of nutrition and supplementary feeding;

improvement of staffing levels and funding; and

rehabilitation and construction of essential infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Kanchibiya, I am grateful. Our vision is to see the breeding centre functions optimally and saves its intended purpose in that region.

Madam Speaker, it would be interesting for us to know from the ministry if at all there is any budget line allocated towards the interventions that the Government is taking, as alluded to in the hon. Minister’s statement.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, there is no current budget line but, as a ministry, we have taken note of all the challenges that the centre is facing, including accommodation for staff, and inadequate and erratic funding – that is what I am talking about. We are hopeful that we will put in more money, as we plan to do so in next year’s Budget where research is concerned, as the centre will be regarded part of the research facilities that the ministry wants to upgrade.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the assurance.

Madam Speaker, just to firm it up and for the sake of my grandmother in Luchembe, can we get an assurance that the goat breeding centre will get an allocation in the next Budget?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, yes, it is an assurance. I should be able to give the hon. Member accurate and detailed information on what the ministry is going to do exactly, and put it in next year’s Budget.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

PROCUREMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT IN CHADIZA DISTRICT

336. Eng. Daka asked the Minister of Education:

when the Government will procure information and communication technology equipment for the following in Chadiza District:

primary schools;

secondary schools; and

the office of the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS); and

when the office of the DEBS will be connected to the Internet.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government is committed to enhancing digital infrastructure in schools and education offices across the country, including Chadiza District.

Madam Speaker, with regard to the procurement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment in Chadiza District, the following measures are being considered:

for primary schools, the Government is considering the procurement of ICT equipment, which will be undertaken once funds are made available. The Government remains committed to equipping primary schools with the necessary digital tools to enhance learning;

for secondary schools, the procurement process has already commenced, with Chadiza Secondary School being among the targeted institutions. As part of this initiative, twenty computers have been earmarked for procurement to improve digital literacy and facilitate technology-enhanced learning; and

for the Office of the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), plans are underway to procure ICT equipment, including computers, printers and networking devices to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.

Madam Speaker, the DEBS office is scheduled to be connected to the Internet by December, 2025. This will improve communication, data management and service delivery within the education sector in Chadiza District.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Eng. J. Daka: Madam Speaker, we appreciate the hon. Minister’s response. However, we want to know when exactly this activity will take place. The hon. Minister just mentioned that the procurement of ICT equipment for primary schools has commenced, but has remained mute on the procurement of ICT equipment for secondary schools. Therefore, we want to know when the same exercise will commence for secondary schools.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, this is a process, and the hon. Member knows that we cannot state the exact time for the procurement process. So, it is a process, and many stakeholders are helping us.

Madam Speaker, I think that we have lagged behind in terms of technology. We should have started with a revolution. As Zambia and Africa, we lagged in the Agrarian Revolution. The Industrial Revolution came, and we lagged behind. The Information Age came and still, we are lagging behind. This is why we are now taking it upon ourselves to engage so many technology companies to help us. Otherwise, we cannot manage to procure the equipment for all the schools at the same time. So, it will be done in a phased manner. However, it is unfortunate, strictly speaking, that we have reached the Information Age, and we are still lagging behind.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

CONSTRUCTION OF WINDMILL PLANTS FOR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY

337. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Energy:

whether the Government has any plans to venture into the generation of electricity across the country, using windmill plants;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

whether Kalabo District will be considered for the construction of windmill plants; and

if Kalabo will not be considered, why.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to venture into the generation of electricity across the country using wind as a resource. The Government, with support from co-operating partners is undertaking resource assessments and capacity-building demonstration projects for the establishment of wind power projects across the country. The studies are aimed at highlighting the technical, financial, economic and environmental viability of the projects. Furthermore, various private sector players, with the support of co-operating partners, such as the United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA), have undertaken feasibility studies for the establishment of wind power projects. The projects are at various levels, including negotiations for power purchase agreements, negotiations for implementation agreements and other approvals from regulatory agencies.

Madam Speaker, the Government has opened up the sector for private developers to implement wind energy projects. These projects are at various stages of development. Currently, various developers are working to secure finance for project implementation, and thereafter, the timeline will be established.

Madam Speaker, Kalabo District was considered under the exercise to identify wind power potential across the country. The implementation of the wind power project in Kalabo District is, however, subject to the results of detailed feasibility studies. Therefore, the Government will facilitate and provide necessary support for potential developers to undertake detailed feasibility studies aimed at assessing the viability of wind power generation in Kalabo District.

Madam Speaker, based on the answer above, Kalabo District has been considered.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about feasibility studies. Is there a timeline for those feasibility studies? If there is, what is the timeline?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, with the policy of open access, these activities are being carried out by our private sector. So, it will depend on the rights that have been given to the private sector given to establish the feasibility studies. According to the permits that we give, the feasibility studies last for two years. So, within the two years, they will be able to bring the detailed results of the feasibility studies.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, to generate power from wind, by now, Zambia should have mapped which parts of Zambia have potential for wind energy and where the potential for solar energy is highest. By now, Zambia should have done that. So, I want to know from the hon. Minister of Energy, if we have a report, which tells us which parts of Zambia have potential for wind energy. One cannot just go and put up a windmill and expect that it will generate power. There must be some form of report in which we have engaged a consultant to give us that report. Is such a report in place so that it probably answers the question from the hon. Member for Kalabo Central?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, Kalabo is one of the areas that has already been identified, having done the studies. So, Kalabo has sufficient wind, which is about 3.5 speed metres per second at a height of 80 m. So, the hon. Member for Kalabo Central must be sure that such kind of detailed information has already been established. After conducting the studies, we also identified areas such as Katete, which we have planned for 140 MW, and Mpika, which we have planned for 150 MW. The other areas are Nakonde, Masaiti, Serenje and Chibombo. This is the information the ministry has.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Nkana, do you have a question?

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, No.

Madam Speaker: Alright. However, the answers were very impressive. The hon. Minister was answering with statistics from the head. Data is important.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Well, it looks like we are very efficient today.

_______

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly laid on the Table of the House on 16^th June, 2025.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Hlazo (Chilanga): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, during the year under review, the Committee considered a total of fifty-two Statutory Instruments (SIs) issued by different Government ministries and agencies. The Committee also undertook its first ever post-legislative scrutiny exercise of legislation, through a topical issue on the review of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AFCFTA), which Zambia ratified in February 2021.

Madam Speaker, in light of the energy crisis the country is currently facing, the Committee bemoans the low levels of citizen participation as prosumers in the net metering initiative and the slow pace at which the open access initiative is being implemented. This is pursuant to Statutory Instrument No. 38, the Electricity (Net Metering) Regulations, 2024 and Statutory Instrument No. 40, the Electricity (Open Access) Regulations, 2024, respectively.

Madam Speaker, the Committee, therefore, urges the Executive to enhance sensitisation to attract more prosumers to invest in renewable energy and provide the excess to the national grid through net metering. The Committee further recommends that the Government expedites the open access initiative by providing funding to carry out activities related to open access realisation and establishment of an independent system and market operator.

Madam Speaker, as part of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, the AFCFTA, seeks to create an integrated market for trade in goods and services. The agenda is also intended to enhance the free movement of persons and capital. The AFCFTA came into effect on 1^st January, 2021, and presently, fifty-four out of the fifty-five AU member states have signed the agreement, with Eritrea being the sole country that has not. Zambia ratified the agreement on 5^th February, 2021.

Madam Speaker, this strategic move underscores Zambia’s aspirations to enhance regional integration and addresses barriers to the cross-border movement of goods, services, capital and labour. Additionally, it aims at fostering technology transfer and creating an enabling environment for economic transformation.

Madam Speaker, for Zambia to effectively participate in the AFCFTA, there is a need for the Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and relevant agencies such as the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and the private sector, to enhance collaboration in identifying available opportunities for trade in goods and services under the AFCFTA.

Madam Speaker, Zambia must also invest in air freight and border facilities to enhance its competitiveness in trade. Investment in infrastructure development, coupled with identifying strategic sectors and exploiting export markets within Africa is key to effective participation in trade under the AFCFTA.

Madam Speaker, may I now address the potential for revenue loss expected from the gradual removal of trade tariffs under the AFCFTA. The Government is required to put in place strategic measures to expand Zambia’s domestic tax base in order to ensure fiscal stability and continued investment in national priorities. Furthermore, there is a need to create and enhance opportunities for access to affordable capital for micro, small and medium enterprises, and strengthen their capacity in order for them to participate in priority sectors such as primary agriculture, textiles, animal products and light manufacturing.

Madam Speaker, your Committee also undertook a foreign tour to Rwanda to appreciate the implementation of the AfCFTA in that country. Your Committee learned that Rwanda had already started trading under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) and was exporting coffee and tea to Ghana. In the same vein, to promote exports, the Government of Rwanda had waived export licences and reduced freight charges on exports for local groups through its national airline, RwandaAir Limited. All those measures were aimed at promoting the locals’ participation in continental trade under the AfCFTA.

Madam Speaker, in drawing lessons from the Rwandan experience, your Committee urges the Government to conclude and formalise all requirements with the AfCFTA Secretariat. This will enable Zambia to participate under the GTI, which seeks to allow commercially meaningful trading and test the operational, institutional and legal and trade policy environment under the AfCFTA. The GTI is an interim solution to kick-start meaningful trade among interested state parties that have met the minimum requirements for commencing trade under the AfCFTA.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to thank your office and that of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the support rendered to your Committee throughout this Session. I would also like to thank all the Government institutions that availed themselves during the Committee’s local tour of Lusaka Province, the Central Province, the Southern Province and the Copperbelt Province, as well as those who provided written submissions.

Madam Speaker, with those remarks, I urge all hon. Members to support the report of your Committee.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

I hope, hon. Member, you are alright. Are you fine?

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, I am not very well.

Madam Speaker: Alright, I could see that. I am wishing you a quick recovery.

Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Hlazo: Now, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for according me the opportunity to second this progressive Motion. Allow me to also thank the mover of the Motion and chairperson of your Committee for the able manner in which he presided over the Committee’s deliberations.

Madam Speaker, I will restrict my comments to two issues, the first being the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA)

Madam Speaker, in order for women and youth to effectively participate in trade under the AfCFTA, there is a need for the Government and private sector to provide opportunities for access to cheap financing. This will ensure that Zambian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow their capacity and become competitive. So, there is a need for the Government and financial sector players to develop financial instruments and support mechanisms to improve access to finance to enable MSMEs to expand their operations and participate in regional trade.

Madam Speaker, there is also a need for awareness as many Zambian businesses do not fully understand the potential benefits and requirements of trading under the AfCFTA. Your Committee also observed that multi-facility zones and industrial yards remained underutilised.

Lastly, on this issue, Madam Speaker, I wish to stress that there is a need to operationalise the National Implementation Committee so as to roll out activities, such as sensitisation of the public on the AfCFTA, among others.

Madam Speaker, the second issue I will comment on is Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 47, regarding the Katuba, Manyumbi and Kafulafuta Toll Plazas. That SI was issued pursuant to Section 25 of the Tolls Act, No. 14 of 2011, in order to designate the Lusaka/Ndola Road as a tolled road with the Kafulafuta, Katuba and Manyumbi Toll Plazas as points from where tolls would be collected. The objective of the SI was to grant Macro Oceans Investment (MOIC-LN) Consortium Limited, the concessionaire, the mandate to operate and maintain the toll plazas situated on that road in accordance with the Act, regulations and concession agreement.

Madam Speaker, your Committee bemoans the structure of the sharing mechanism under the concession agreement whereby, on one hand, the concessionaire has been granted collection of toll fees and 80 per cent of collections for purposes of maintaining and rehabilitating the brownfield. On the other hand, the Government is collecting 20 per cent of all toll fees collected on the toll plazas on that stretch. So, between August, 2024 and May, 2025, the concessionaire collected K335.1 million whilst the Government collected K83.7 million. Your Committee observed the lack of a review and termination clause in the agreement and urges the Government to exercise extensive due diligence in future public-private partnerships (PPPs) to ensure that the interests of Zambians are safeguarded, and that other sectors are not affected by the loss of revenue.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to state that your Committee further urges the Government to consider placing a toll plaza at the point near the Zambia National Service (ZNS) premises in Kabwe. This is pursuant to SI No. 74 of the Tolls (Amendment) Regulations, 2020. This is in view of the increase in traffic on that stretch and considering the distance from the Katuba Toll Plaza to the Manyumbi Toll Plaza in Kabwe.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Kamfinsa, I wish to add my voice to the debate on the Motion that has been moved by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chitambo and seconded by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chilanga.

Madam Speaker, due to limited time, I will restrict my debate to two key issues regarding the Statutory Instruments (SIs) that have been captured in your Committee’s report and one of them is SI No. 30, the Customs and Excise (Maize Corn) (Suspension) Regulations, 2024. The essence of that SI is to ensure that there is food security by addressing potential food shortages through facilitation of maize imports. That is what has been identified as the objective of the Government issuing that SI.

Madam Speaker, my concern is on the 2.6 million metric tonnes of maize that we have just produced in 2025. We produced a similar amount of maize in 2021, which was 3.6 million metric tonnes. The hon. Minister of Agriculture, who is not present today, has confirmed that the Government is only going to buy 543,000 metric tonnes of maize, meaning that 3.1 million metric tonnes of maize will not be bought by the Government. As a result of that decision, everyone who produced extra maize will start looking for buyers, either outside the country or internally. The consequence of that decision is that all the maize might find itself out of the country, and we will come back to the same problem of not having adequate maize for food security. What am I submitting today? The Statutory Instrument (SI) that was signed in 2024 was an attempt to resolve a problem that was created when all the maize that we had produced way back was exported. We are creating another problem by allowing 500,000 metric tonnes of maize to be bought. Where will the farmers take the extra 3.1 million metric tonnes of maize? It means that export permits will be issued, and people will start exporting maize. We will come to this august House to discuss the issue of maize again. The people of Zambia are wondering why we are only buying 543,000 metric tonnes of maize when we produced 3.6 million metric tonnes. Why are we creating another problem? We have the maize. Are we going to come back to this Parliament to approve another Supplementary Budget to buy the same maize that we had? It is good to sign SIs to import maize when there is a crisis, but such crises can be avoided. We have a great opportunity to do the correct thing with the 3.6 million metric tonnes of maize that we produced. So, what correct thing do we need to do?

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, we have to ensure that we –

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Member for Kamfinsa, there is an indication for a point of order from the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

What is the point of order, hon. Minister?

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I sincerely apologise to my brother, the hon. Member for Kamfinsa.

Madam Speaker, I am standing on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 71(1)(b), which states:

“A Member who is debating shall –

(b) ensure that the information he or she provides to the House is factual and verifiable.”

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the concern that the hon. Member has raised regarding the purchase of 500,000 metric tonnes that was announced by the hon. Minister of Agriculture. The hon. Member is worried that there will be speculative buying of the remaining balance, and that people will sell to the would-be highest bidder, leaving the country vulnerable to a lack of grain. However, we are a very responsible Government. His Excellency the President has set up a committee, which is headed by the Secretary to the Cabinet, of which I am a part, as Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, through which private sector buyers are coming on board to buy the excess maize from the farmers. The committee will ensure that grain is bought to retain what is right for the private millers in the country to satisfy food security. If there will be a need for export, value will be retained in the country with traceable revenue through the banking system. I, as Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, can assure the House that we have learned lessons from previous mistakes and current activities. That will not happen. The private sellers are taken care of through the committee that is in place.

So, the point of order, Madam Speaker, is that there is no fact.

Interruptions

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, I needed to give context to my point of order. There are people who should listen to what we are saying. My point of order is that no one will allow maize to be sold out at the expense of food security in the country.

I submit, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, is the debater in order to mislead the public that there will be no food security in the country?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

From where I am seated, listening to what the hon. Member for Kamfinsa said, he was just expressing a concern that if the maize is not bought by the Government, the excess might find itself in other places, including exportation. So, we are glad to learn that the hon. Minister is actually in a committee that is ensuring that the maize does not find itself outside the country. Actually, it would be good if a Ministerial Statement was rendered to re-assure members of the public that the maize will not be exported. Once bitten, twice shy. I think, the hon. Member was just expressing a concern. He was not out of order.

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, you may continue.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kang’ombe: Eya mayo. Lekeni mpwishe.

Madam Speaker, I want to retaliate, as I go to my second point –

Hon. UPND Members: Reiterate!

Mr Kang’ombe: I want to retaliate.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Reiterate!

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I want to reiterate the fact that SI No. 30 is clear. The SI indicates that the Government made a decision – I want to emphasise – to allow the export of maize and, as a result, we had a crisis. Lessons have to be learnt because we had a crisis. One of the lessons we have to learn is to retain the correct amount of maize for food security. That was my point. We have produced 3.6 million metric tonnes of maize, but the Government is only buying 543,000 metric tonnes. That is a concern for the people of Zambia.

Secondly, Madam Speaker, on SI No. 30, in 2022, the Government enacted a law called the Public Debt Management Act, which this Parliament approved. The three objectives of that law were to operationalise the debt management office, ensure that external borrowing by public offices was controlled and ensure the management of a sinking fund. The SI was signed to ensure that the objectives were achieved. Now, my concern, which should be the concern of our hon. Colleagues in the Central Government, is that in 2023, external borrowing was at US$1.4 billion and in 2024, it was at US$1.6 billion. In 2024, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning asked this House for an additional US$490 million, meaning that the amount of money we were borrowing was increasing. Recently, there have been conversations between the Government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for another amount of money to be made available to the Zambian Government. On the one hand, an SI was signed to ensure that we control how much money we borrow. On the other hand, requests from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning keep coming to Parliament for approval. We have put instruments in place to manage our debt. However, figures show that we are still borrowing.

Madam Speaker, domestically, in 2023, we borrowed US$15.5 billion. In 2024, it was at US$17 billion. In 2024, the hon. Minister came back to the House for approval for US$6 billion additional domestic borrowing. What am I trying to emphasise? On one hand, the SI was signed to ensure that we do not borrow beyond the point we can pay back. On the other hand, the SI is not serving its intended purpose because the hon. Minister, through the instruments provided, keeps asking Parliament for approval to borrow money. So, while SIs are important, they will not serve their intended purpose if we do the opposite of the objectives of those regulations. I know the hon. Minister is not present in the House. I do not know if it is the Leader of Government Business in the House who will respond. The SIs are good instruments if well managed. I hope that the Government will minimise the amount of money that has to be borrowed, considering the SI that was signed.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to make my submission on the Report of the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements. This report speaks to the consideration that was made by the Committee on the Statutory Instrument (SI) issued by the Government in the year 2024, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

Madam Speaker, the report has highlighted that the Committee considered fifty-two SIs that were issued in 2024. So, I will look at SI No. 16 and SI No. 46.

Madam Speaker, SI No.16 relates to the Commencement Order, 2024 of the public-private partnership (PPP). You may wish to note that this SI was created to operationalise the Public-Private Partnership Act No. 18 of 2023. This SI was issued to regulate the implementation of the PPPs in Zambia. Just so that we can guide ourselves in the conversation, the Government decided to change the model of implementing development in this country. Previously, the Government would embark on development through the budget provisions as well as support from co-operating partners by way of funding. That is how we found ourselves in excess borrowing. It was now envisaged that we run away from that model to allow the participation of the private sector, working hand-in-hand with the Government hence, the establishment of the PPP was established, and an Act was enacted. Therefore, this SI was issued to see the implementation as well as the guidance on how we manage PPPs.

Madam Speaker, there are a number of projects that have already been signed under the PPP arrangements. I have in mind the Lusaka/Ndola Dual-Carriageway, the Chingola/Kasumbalesa Road and the toll plazas.

Madam Speaker, let me speak to the Chingola/Kasumbalesa Road, which of course, has already been completed, and the toll plaza has already been given to the concessionaire. The arrangement under the PPP, for the sake of those who may follow this conversation, is that the private sector will come in because the Government does not have money. Then the private sector says it has money. So, the Government allows it to come in with its money and expertise to work on a project. Afterwards, the Government, through a particular arrangement, starts to pay back.

Madam Speaker, in the case of roads, we gave the concessionaire toll plazas for it to recover its investment. Here is where I have a problem; the Committee has highlighted that the Konkola Toll Plaza in Chililabombwe, has a special arrangement where toll fees were increased by 1,000 per cent. For trucks, the charge was K150, and now it is K1,550 going and coming back. The Committee, in its interactions with the ministry, calculated that, as opposed to the timeframe given to the concessionaire, which allowed it to operate the toll plaza for eighteen years, this concessionaire will get back its investment in only five years. It begs the question: What are the extra thirteen years for, if this concessionaire will recover its investment in only five years? Interestingly, the Committee asked the ministry to revisit the contract. Unfortunately, the response was that there was no exit clause in the contract.

Madam Speaker, management of contracts needs to be supervised very well because this is now becoming a conduit for corruption. There is no justification for the Government to allow a concessionaire to operate a toll gate for eighteen years when it will recover its investment in five years. This is what is in the report. If it were coming from elsewhere, we would say that people are speculating. However, your Committee went further to probe the Government to change the contract. The Government stated that it could not; it missed an opportunity because it did not put an exit clause in the contract.

Madam Speaker, the dual carriageway from Lusaka to Ndola has a lifespan of twenty years. However, the Government has given the concessionaire twenty-three years to work on this road. This means that, exceeding the lifespan of the road, the contractor will be collecting public money for twenty-three years. Interestingly, in SI No. 46, the Government has allowed the concessionaire to collect money before it can even work on the project halfway. As it stands, the concessionaire has only done about 23 to 25 per cent of the road. The Government issues an SI to allow them to start collecting money before they can even invest. The justification is that it wants to be collecting money from the toll plazas to invest in brownfields. Brownfields refer to the road that we are using currently, which must be maintained. Interestingly, part of the contract that was signed was that this concessionaire would attend to both the new project and maintain the old one. The question that begs an answer, therefore, is: Why is the Government giving it money if the undertaking was that it would work on the new road as well as maintain the existing road? This is corruption. That is why I emphasise that these PPPs are a conduit for corruption if we do not interrogate them further.

Madam Speaker, the rationale of PPPs was to bring in a private player who has money. It will interest the House to know why the Ndola/Lusaka Dual Carriageway was not done. All the contractors who were given contracts in the previous Government could not find the financing on the market. This particular concessionaire also could not find money on the market. Instead, the Government facilitated for this concessionaire to come and get our money at the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA). The argument has been that NAPSA should have been allowed to finance the project, and this concessionaire should have just been brought in for its expertise.

Madam Speaker, do you know why we ran away from this proposed arrangement? It is because somewhere, somehow, people could create contracts like the one we are considering, with no exit clause, and the concessionaire will continue to collect public money beyond having recovered their initial investment. PPPs are a good model, which is why, going further, we must be interested in how contracts are being signed. Which is why these contracts must be made available to Parliament so that we can scrutinise them to avoid them being used as a conduit for corruption, as the case is on these two matters.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing the people of Feira to also air their views on the report. Allow me to thank the mover of the Motion and the seconder thereof for ably moving this Motion on the report.

Madam Speaker, let me address myself to the review of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, which has been said to be a flagship project for the African Union (AU). Let me start by saying that the AU is a union of all African countries, which are fifty-four in number. Indeed, the objectives of the agreement are as follows:

to create a single market for goods, services, and the movement of people;

create a liberalised market for goods and services; and

to contribute to the movement of capital and people, among other issues.

Madam Speaker, you will agree with me that most African countries are just fifty to sixty years out of colonialism. We obtained political Independence after the colonialists left, but our economies are still tied to the former colonisers, and that is the basis of my debate as we look at how we will integrate and have a free trade area within Africa.

Madam Speaker, the report also looks at how the agreement has impacted on Zambia in terms of the legal framework and how effective Zambia’s integration is as well as the operationalisation of its laws according to the provisions of the free trade area agreement.

Madam Speaker, a submission was made in the report that liberalisation of the market must be progressive and slowly eliminate non-tariff barriers. My point is, if we look at the Zambian economy, for instance, before we go to other economies, we are talking about borrowing, doing all these things and, mostly, being an import-oriented country. To that effect, what should come first for us to go into a free trade area? What are we going to trade? That is the question. As it stands today, Zambia’s economy is mostly extractive. We are digging copper; we not processing it. Just like my colleague said, we are growing maize and we are exporting it as maize. No secondary industries have been built over a period of time. That will not impact well with us going into this free trade area.

Madam Speaker, our industries, indeed, are weak, and we need to see how we can protect our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and many other start-up capitals. The other day, we were talking about how Zambian players contribute in the economy. So, I believe that even as we talk about the free trade area, we should look at Zambian businessmen participating in production as well as in the export and imports of goods within Africa under a free trade area. We will not allow a situation whereby foreign companies come in and benefit from the free trade area. Otherwise, we will not achieve the objective that we want to achieve under the free trade area because, finally, we need to address the issue of poverty and other social challenges that this country is facing. That being the case, it can only be done through Zambian-driven companies. It is not true that foreign companies would ever help us develop this country.

Madam Speaker, there are a number of protocols that have been identified in terms of services and there have been challenges that have been identified in operationalising the Africa free trade area. We have read from the report that Zambia has developed a National Strategy and Implementation Plan of a free trade area and laws have been made. However, in 2021, that is when the free trade agreement was actually operationalised.

Madam Speaker, there are a number of challenges that have been identified by the Committee and I would like to dwell on them.

Madam Speaker, one of the issues I want to talk about concerns infrastructure. In order to allow free movement of goods and services, and for this trade to happen, we need good roads and an air system. Our colleagues who went to Rwanda have just informed us that Rwanda has reduced tariffs through air transport because it has an airline. We are not talking about an airline that is fledgling; this is a well-organised airline. In other words, before we think of assenting to this agreement and continue to be in a free trade area, we need to address those issues.

Madam Speaker, before I sit down, let me also address the issue of the cost of doing business. The cost of doing business in Zambia or Africa, indeed, is determined by people outside Africa. So, what stops them from misleading us and pegging it high in order to avoid this? Secondly, we have thirty-three convertible currencies. How are we going to standardise this? The reliance on the Unites States of America (USA) Dollar will not help the free trade area to operate because the Dollar in any case is not even backed by value; it is just paper value, and neither is it backed by gold. The multinationals have created cartels. This is one thing that we should look out for. As a country, we need to take this issue seriously. They come here, form companies, operate and benefit from the business. Instead of the benefits coming to the country, the benefits are going outside the country.

Madam Speaker, before I sit, let me express my views on Statutory Instrument (SI) No.47, which gave Katuba, Manyumbi and Kafulafuta Toll Gates to Macro Ocean Investment Consortium. My colleague from Nkana has ably dealt with this issue, but I just want to say that in view of this, the Government is collecting 20 per cent of what Macro Ocean Investment Consortium is collecting and that company is getting 80 per cent without any justification. We are not going to accept the fact that there is no termination or review clause in this agreement. As a country, how many times are we going to be signing things? Do we not have the Attorney-General? What is the Attorney-General’s Chambers doing for us to have such an agreement, which is counterproductive?

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, I must emphasise that the agreement, with Macro Ocean Investment Consortium, needs to be terminated. This contract is illegal, immoral, counterproductive and against the interests of Zambians.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr E. Tembo: We are talking about fighting corruption. In fact, we went to school to not develop this country. This contract shows that people go to school to steal from this country. This is a theft agreement and it must be terminated. With these revelations, we need a special commission of inquiry over what actually happened. I think that the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development should go back to his officers and they must terminate this contract. Otherwise, we are not going to accept theft in broad day light.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank the mover of the Motion, Hon. Remember Mutale, and the seconder, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chilanga.

Madam Speaker, I am one of the proponents of Pan-Africanism. As a nation, we have ratified many multilateral protocols, agreements and are a member of institutions. We are a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This country has also ratified the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), among other protocols and treaties that speak to trade. Coming to the Africa Free Trade Agreement, this is a very important instrument, which as a nation, we should quickly ascent or ratify. The reason is very simple. We are seeing a strong Europe today because all the nations –

Madam Speaker: I thought we just ratified it recently.

Mr Mung’andu: It was not operationalised. This is what the report is –

Madam Speaker: Was it this week?

Mr Mabeta: Correct!

Madam Speaker: Did we not adopt it yesterday?

Mr Mung’andu: Oh! Was it operationalised yesterday?

Madam Speaker: It was ratified yesterday.

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, that being the case, we need to prepare as a nation. How do we prepare if we are to reap maximum benefits from these treaties and agreements like the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement? As a nation, we need to produce at a competitive price. We also need to add quality to our goods and services. I know efforts are being made in terms of production and, as a nation, we have just been ranked number six or seven among African nations whose economy in terms of production is doing very well. For that, I would like to thank the Government for the efforts that it is putting in, in spite of extreme challenges. We had a serious drought resulting in a serious energy deficit. In spite that, our industries have remained resilient.

Madam Speaker, for us to reap maximum benefits from the agreements, we need to come up with serious production measures.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was highlighting how we can fully exploit opportunities resulting from the AfCFTA.

Madam Speaker, let me mention to the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the hon. Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development that we have economic zones and industrial yards in this country. We have the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LSMFEZ) and the Chambishi Multi-facility Economic Zone (CMFEZ) on the Copperbelt. There is another economic zone in the Central Province. There is a need to discriminate the companies that are to invest in these zones. Zambians cannot compete with multi-national corporations. Foreign companies with capital raised at 2 per cent to 5 per cent interest are coming to invest in those economic zones while Zambians who are trying set up production companies in the same zones have to borrow capital at a rate as high as 30 per cent or 35 per cent. Already, that defeats the purpose of empowering our citizens. What is supposed to happen in multi-facility economic zones is ensuring that certain areas remain designated for indigenous Zambian manufacturers. ZESCO Limited should also charge lower electricity tariffs for local companies. There is no country where certain critical services are not subsidised. By so doing, we are going to have products that will be able to compete even in other markets. Otherwise, as a country, we risk being a member of AfCFTA that does not contribute enough in exports.

Madam Speaker, this country will develop if we produce. We can talk about quality jobs, but quality jobs will only be attained if we produce all our essentials. It also matters who produces those essentials. If it is indigenous Zambians producing the essentials, then we are going to build a resilient economy. There is a need to have such a deliberate approach to ensure that the cost of production for our people becomes lower. That way, we will exploit the international markets. Otherwise, we are likely to have goods from Kenya, for instance. If you check most shops, you will find juice from Kenya, and 90 per cent of the products in chain stores come from South Africa. If we start stocking chain stores with our products, we will build the economy, and the actualisation of the AfCFTA will be fully realised.

Madam Speaker, there is a very concerning matter that has been raised on toll gates. I will debate the matter because it is in your Committee’s report. The hon. Minister has to pay attention to concerns raised by your Committee. As hon. Members of Parliament, we are here to play an oversight role over the Executive because if we do not, it will not be known that Zambians are discontented with certain things, until the general elections. That has been the practice.

Madam Speaker, at the moment, what are people saying? For instance, what are the conditions for the people working at toll gates? As a Committee, we interacted with some of those workers, as we were going to the North-Western Province. Some workers who have stopped working at toll gates lamented about the conditions of service. People are supposed to move from worse to better and not from better to worse. That has been the situation for employees at toll gates who have been laid off. So, the hon. Minister should pay attention to that matter. I wish the hon. Minister and this Government well.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kamboni (Kalomo Central): Madam Speaker, this is a House of honour where facts must be stated. When words are said, they must be used correctly to mean what is right. If one gets information from the streets, one is bound to bring wrong information before this House.

Madam Speaker, let me talk about what has been said here earlier. I want to make a correction on the information regarding the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway. First of all, under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, the cost of constructing that road was US$1.2 billion before interest. When interest was added, the cost came to US$1.8 billion. Under the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, the cost of constructing the same road was reduced to US$649 million, which means that it is three times less than the initial cost. So, if there is corruption, which figure is marred in corruption between US$1.8 billion and US$ 649 million?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kamboni: We have reduced the cost by over 300 per cent, but that is not being appreciated by certain quarters. Who was going to get the money that was three times more than the current cost?

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr Kamboni: Let me finish.

Madam Speaker, some people here are saying that we have started charging people at toll gates. We are charging people at toll gates in the areas where the road has been completed to recover the money spent on rehabilitation.

Interruptions

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, if the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) keeps its money without investing it in ventures in which it will accrue interest, that is a loss. If NAPSA lends the money to somebody who can pay it back, it will make a profit.

Interruptions

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, NAPSA lent money to an investor who had a clear business plan. So, the authority will make interest on that money. That is the whole purpose of giving a loan. There is nothing wrong with borrowing anywhere. One can borrow in the country or outside the country and from whoever they feel like. There is nothing wrong with borrowing. If one is allowed to borrow, one can borrow and make a profit. That is the whole purpose of lending. So, there was nothing wrong with the contractor working on the Lusaka/Ndola Road borrowing from NAPSA, unless business ethics that do not exist are applied.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, when the Government is involved in a public-private partnership (PPP) project, it has to recover the money it has invested. If the Government waited to raise the money needed for that project on its own, it would, maybe, take twenty years.

Madam Speaker, a number of people have been dying on that road because it is in a bad state.

Mr Amutike: Hammer, hammer!

Mr Kamboni: So, the Government came up with an initiative to fix the road. A company with the expertise to construct the road at a cost that was three times lower than the cost under the PF Government came up with the initiative to implement the work. How will the company get back its money? It is from the toll gates. The money from the toll gates is being used appropriately, but some people are coming here to say that there is corruption. Who is corrupt between the one who came up with US$1.8 billion and the one who came up with US$649 million for the construction of the same road? Where is the corruption? I do not understand some people’s reasoning. We need things to be stated very clearly.

Interruptions

Mr Kamboni: Let me put it very clearly.

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mr Kamboni: When you were speaking, I was listening. So, listen now.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, when the road is completed and everything is handed over, the one who is working on it will ensure that it is as new as though it were worked on today. That is part of the agreement, which they are not telling the public, then, they come to this House to say that the contract is illegal. What makes a contract illegal? One cannot say that a contract that is legal is illegal. How, when the whole process has been followed? That is shocking. We, as a country, should learn to appreciate. Someone who saves us more than a billion when we should have spent a billion is a genius. They do not appreciate. All they say is that now those people are getting money. Yes. The tolls are supposed to be recovered so that the road can be worked on. Before this, where was the money that was collected from the toll gates going? They should tell us. Where was the money collected from the toll gates going under the Patriotic Front (PF)? They were getting money from toll gates, but the roads had potholes. We did not know where the money was going. Now, here comes a Government that says that the money should go to working on the road; the road that they actually use every day when travelling to their constituencies. How I wish the road works were taken somewhere else. If the hon. Members who use that road cannot appreciate the work, what are they going to appreciate?

Madam Speaker, I think, when we come to this House –

Madam Speaker, let me give an example. Is the House aware that Chimbokaila Prison was sold at K13 million under the PF? The Chinese paid K13 million. We do not know where that money went. Which Government paid for that money? It is this Government that is in office now. Check your records. The current Government paid back the K13 million. Let us talk about what is in the report.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Kamboni: Which Government is corrupt now?

Interruptions

Mr Kamboni: Have you seen it?

Rev. Katuta: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, resume your seat.

Interruptions

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, Chimbokalila Prison was sold. Its operations were supposed to be moved to Mwembeshi.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Hon. Member for Chienge, I saw you. You did not have to shout. When you stand, it is a good indication that you have something to bring to the House. Please, avoid shouting. What is your point of order?

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, I want to apologise to Hon. Kamboni, the Member of Parliament for Choma.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Kalomo Central.

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, I believe we are debating the Motion on the report of the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements. I need your correction on that. If I followed what the hon. Member for –

Nikwisa kulya?

Mr B. Mpundu: Kalomo!

Rev. Katuta: Kalomo. If I followed what the hon. Member for Kalomo Central was saying well, then, what he was saying is completely outside the contents of the report. There is nothing about the prison in the report. Let me declare interest. I am a member of the Committee. The things that we are talking about are in black and white. We cannot just be praising something because we belong to a certain political party. What we are talking about regarding the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway and the toll gates are facts. Is the hon. Member for Kalomo Central in order to keep misleading this House and the public when there are facts? Please, we should learn to be patriotic.

Madam Speaker, based on Standing Order 71, is the hon. Member for Kalomo Central in order to mislead himself, the House and the public?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chienge, please, do not debate your point of order, just go straight into the matter and cite the Standing Order that has been breached. You debated your point of order. My guidance is that we should try, as much as possible, to stick to the contents of the report. Whatever examples you bring in should be related to the contents of the report.

Hon. Member for Kalomo Central, you may continue.

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, when one throws a boomerang, one must know how to catch it when it comes back, because if you do not know, the boomerang will kill you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, I was simply explaining something that was not correct with facts. The hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Rural Development is in the House. Let me continue.

You will listen to what I am saying.

Rev. Katuta walked towards the exit of the Assembly Chamber.

Interruptions

Mr Kamboni: Thank you very much. Go!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Kalomo Central!

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, it was said in this House that the contract is illegal. How can it be illegal when it passed through all the processes?

Interruptions

Rev. Katuta resumed her seat.

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, how can it be illegal when the country has saved more than US$1 billion? US$1.2 billion saved, which we are going to use elsewhere. Now, we are using a mechanism through which the money will be paid back systematically, and yet one calls that corruption, honestly. This is what I want to make clear to the public. The Zambian people must know that if it were not for the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, they would have ended up spending US$1.8 billion. Now, we are spending US$649 million, according to the report. I think, this Government deserves to be praised.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, if such amounts of money could be saved everywhere, we would be a developed nation. However, some people are allergic to things that are true. We have people who are allergic to anything that is good. They do not want anything that is good. They want things that are not straightforward. The issue is straightforward. One can calculate or go to the Attorney-General’s office, the contract was signed. How does it become illegal?

Mr B. Mpundu interjected.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, the records for the money that is collected are there. The money is going back …

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Kalomo Central!

Mr Kamboni: … because it is a public-private partnership (PPP) deal.

Madam Speaker, may I end –

Hon. PF Members: Order, order!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr B. Mpundu: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Hon. Member for Nkana, what is your point of order?

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, Standing Order No. 71 speaks to presenting factual information. I like the fact that we always allow factual submissions.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Kalomo Central has continued to mislead this House with information that is not factual. He is suggesting that the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway project was supposed to be undertaken at a cost of US$1.8 billion, but that is not correct. Secondly, he may also need to be schooled in understanding that the cost of that project –

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: No. I am making a submission.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member for Kalomo Central in order to continue misleading this House by suggesting that the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway project was supposed to cost US$ 1.8 billion, when in fact, it was supposed to cost US$1.2 billion? Further, compared to the current cost, the project is actually not costing US$650 million. The actual cost of the project is the total amount that will be given to the concessioner for the next twenty-three years. That is the point he has failed to understand. I know it is too technical for him, but is he in order to continue misleading himself and the Zambian people?

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Rev. Katuta: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, from what I have been getting, people have been mentioning issues with figures.

Hon. Member for Nkana, you have also debated your point of order. However, we have an opportunity for four hon. Ministers; the hon. Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, to respond to all the issues that have been raised on the Floor of the House. So, we will hear from them what the actual situation is on the ground. The hon. Ministers will respond to all the issues that have been brought up on the Floor of the House.

That is my guidance.

Hon. Member for Kalomo Central, you may wind up your debate. You only have thirty-five seconds.

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, I think that when we are here, we should listen. I said that the value was US$1.245 billion. With interest, it comes to US$1.8 billion. The hon. Member should learn to listen. That is the correction. I know, I am correct. With comprehension, one learns how to write and listen. The hon. Member should learn to listen.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The last person to debate is the hon. Member for Zambezi East.

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Madam Speaker, I sincerely thank you for giving me the opportunity to debate the Motion, which is on the Floor of the House. I will restrict my debate to responding to some of the issues raised by the hon. Members on the left.

Mr B. Mpundu: How?

On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kambita: I am entitled to my debate.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Zambezi East, please, do not respond, just debate. I indicated that the hon. Ministers will respond.

You may continue.

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, at the risk of putting up an argument, it is just a syntax of words. Otherwise, I am a supporter of the Motion that has been presented on the Floor of the House. Some of my colleagues on your left-hand side opposed some of the issues. So, it is now within my time to speak to some of the issues raised. The public has been extensively misled. Having realised that the public has been extensively misled, I have a duty, as a Member on the right-hand side, to set the record straight because I support this Government, which has sponsored me to come to Parliament. Therefore, I will restrict my debate to three issues. Firstly, I will speak to the legality of the contract.

Mr B. Mpundu: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Nkana, what is your point of order?

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, the duty –

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

That is the last point of order so that we can make progress.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I am rising on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No.71, against the hon. Member on the Floor.

Madam Speaker, the duty to ascertain whether any submission is misleading to the public is vested in the Presiding Officer. Is the hon. Member of Parliament in order …

Mr Kambita: That is my opinion!

Mr B. Mpundu: … to insinuate that the public has extensively been misled when you, the Presiding Officer, has not ruled to suggest that the public has been misled? Who has misled the public?

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Hon. Government Members: You!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

The hon. Member for Zambezi East has just started his debate. I want to hear how different his debate is. I want to hear how different what he intends to hold on the Floor of the House will be from your debate, which he said is misleading. I do not know which areas were misleading. Let us give him an opportunity. I will assess whether what he will say will mislead us or what has been said already was misleading.

Hon. Member for Zambezi East, you may continue, but focus on the report.

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, you know me by now. I do not get swayed by such points of order. I will stick to the debate within my jurisdiction as a Backbencher. This is a Motion on the Floor of the House and we need to debate. Our colleagues had their time to debate. So, this is also my time and I want to debate.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, go straight into your debate.

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, indeed, I thank you for that guidance.

Madam Speaker, I was about to say that I will restrict my debate to three issues. Firstly, I will speak to the legality of the contract because the hon. Member for Nkana raised issues around the legality of the contract, which he called illegal.

Mr B. Mpundu: Ine?

Mr Kambita: He said this is an illegal contract. When we go to the report –

Mr B. Mpundu: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Let us avoid debating one another. Let us go straight into the contents of the report.

Mr Kambita: Indeed, Madam Speaker, instead of calling names, I will just debate. I think, I was supposed to refer to the hon. Member for Feira. I withdraw that statement. However, one of the hon. Members debated the legality of the contract. When I read through the report of your Committee, it clearly states the legality of the contract. Your Committee certified the Statutory Instrument (SI) we are talking about here, which is SI No. 47 of 2024. It was certified to have been raised in accordance with the enabling legislation; the Tolls Act, No. 14 of 2011. So, it was raised in line with the existing legislation. Therefore, when somebody who calls it illegal because it is a public-private partnership (PPP) project, we need to be challenge such a pronouncement because the public will take it as it is, that the Government signed illegal contracts. So, here where we are, we need to agree that there is nothing illegal about this. It is legal, and we are simply passing an SI to collect tolls to be collected on the said road for such a brilliant initiative as the PPP.

Madam Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government failed to construct the road under discussion. For several years, it was just making pronouncements and overstating prices. Here we are, in just a short time, we reached an agreement and the road is being worked on. Today, some parts of the road have even been completed. That is why tolls must be collected. This SI in question authorises the concessionaire to collect tolls because money is being spent.

Mr Amutike: Correct!

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, let me talk about the period of the contract. The Government has a stake in the revenue collected at the toll plaza on the road under discussion. Hon. Members should not display their ignorance here.

Interruptions

Mr Kambita: The Government has a stake in revenue collected at the toll plazas. It even has a share in it. No matter how long it takes to collect the fees, if the concessionaire is efficient enough to collect and recover its money within a shorter period, it is well and good. It is a win-win situation because the Government still has a stake in the tolls. To me, the issue that the concessionaire started collecting tolls before the time does not arise. The work is going on, and money is being spent. Is the money being spent on the work coming from the hon. Member’s coffers? No. This is the money brought in by the investor. It did not come from the hon. Member. What does the hon. Member think the concessionaire is using to work on that road? The hon. Member drives on that road every weekend. He now uses a shortcut to Kitwe. What does he think was used to construct that road? So, the hon. Member should stop misleading the public with blanket statements and hoodwinking people into thinking that we do not know what we are doing. He should stop misleading the public. Work is going on. If anyone wants to take an interest in driving through the said road going to Kitwe, he/she is free to do so. People, especially those from Kitwe, are now using the shortcut. They now reach Lusaka easily. They use the said road every weekend. It has even motivated them to visit their constituencies.

Laughter

Mr Kambita: All that talking, Madam Speaker, is without basis. Otherwise, we are consuming the benefits of the PPP initiative. Whatever name you can call it, we are practically benefiting from the PPP initiative because the road is being worked on, and you are benefiting from it.

Madam Speaker, I will talk about the period of concession. Yes, I talked about the period of concession and I do not think this is a debatable matter. It is about efficiency. If you efficiently collect what you invested in, in fewer years than those indicated in the contract, is that the basis for you to revisit the contract? No. The contract is made at the outset, looking at the parameters available. So, the contract was set according to the parameters available, the permutations that were available at that time. So, that cannot be a subject of debate so that we start looking for a clause for us to close up this deal just because you want it to be collected in five years. If it was that simple, why did the Patriotic Front (PF) not do it?

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

I am now going to invite the Executive to respond. We will start with the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security on behalf of the hon. Minister of Justice.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.) (on behalf of the Minister of Justice (Ms Kasune)): Madam Speaker, before I proceed to make my official ministerial statement, I would like to confirm what the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central indicated pertaining to Chimbokaila and Kamwala prisons. Those two prisons were surrendered by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government to private investors in exchange for the other facilities that are being built under the Public Private Partnership (PPP). That is what they had done. However, we renegotiated and we paid those investors so that we could retain the two prisons, and we have retained them. The hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central is correct.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, allow me, once again, to commend the work of the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements for the work done during the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. It is important for me to start by indicating that according to Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia, only Parliament has the power to enact legislation. However, Article 67 of the Constitution permits Parliament to confer on a person or authority the power to make Statutory Instruments (SIs). Therefore, the mandate of this Committee, which among others, is to check on whether the delegated function of making SIs is being utilised within the confines of enabling legislation, is highly commendable.

Madam Speaker, allow me to equally state that we have taken note of the Committee's observations and recommendations arising from part 1 of the report. We have taken note that the Committee ably considered a total number of fifty-two SIs. The finding of the Committee was that the issuance of all the said fifty-two SIs was done in accordance with enabling legislation.

Madam Speaker, the preparation and drafting of the SIs is done by my ministry. Therefore, I am elated to learn that the confines of enabling legislation were adhered to in the preparation of all the SIs that were under consideration. May I hasten to mention that an action taken report on the Committee's observations and recommendations on the second part of the report will also be subsequently tabled before this august House.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Government, may I reiterate that the New Dawn Government of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, is fully committed to ensuring that Acts of Parliament are timely supplemented by the requisite SIs to make the laws of the Republic more effective. In that regard, it is our goal to continue making sure that when preparing and drafting SIs, all stakeholders are consulted, and further that there is strict adherence to the confines of enabling legislation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for according me this opportunity to respond to the observations and recommendations of the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements on the consideration of Statutory Instruments (SIs) for the year 2024.

Madam Speaker, I want to start by thanking the Committee for its work and the preparation of the report. My response is in relation to SI No. 47, the Tolls Amendment Regulations 2024, issued pursuant to Sections 10 and 25 of the Tolls Act No. 14 of 2011.

Madam Speaker, I wish to acknowledge the Committee’s observation that the SI was issued in full conformity with enabling legislation. I further take note of the Committee's observations regarding the termination or review clause in the concession agreement signed with the concessionaire for the Lusaka/ Ndola Carriageway in case the developer recoups his investment before the agreed contract expiration period.

Let me take this opportunity, Madam Speaker, to explain this because time after time, we have come here to explain this particular concession. The cost that the previous Administration was going to pay for construction was US$1.245 billion. Out of that, it paid US$30 million as advance payment for no work done. We are still trying to recover that particular money. In addition to this, this was going to be borrowed money with an interest of US$1.8 to US$1.9 billion. In addition, there is something else that we have not even factored in. The maintenance over the twenty-five-year period was going to cost an extra US$600 million, which means the total cost over this period was going to be US$2.4 billion. We came in and negotiated with the concessionaire, and the actual cost, together with interest, is US$649 million. This is a statement of fact. In the Government’s ownership, this can be verified.

Secondly, Madam Speaker, in terms of maintenance over the concession period, the Government will not spend a ngwee. All the maintenance is due to the concessionaire. So, we are talking about US$2.4 billion versus US$649 million.

Madam Speaker, the question of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has been raised here. Again, let me explain. NAPSA’s job is to get money from workers who are members of that pension fund and invest those monies to get a return so that it can guarantee pensions. NAPSA, on its own, has found that if it invests in this, it will get a return of 9.5 per cent on dollars. This is a much higher return than it is getting on real estate. You can check that out.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the concession agreement provides for the regular review and adjustment of the revenue-sharing mechanism between the Government and the private party for the entire duration of the concession. I have heard people say, “no, they are recouping their money and, therefore, we must have a termination clause.” Let me make it very clear because there is a display of not understanding. I did not say ignorance. When someone makes an investment, there can be an upturn or a downturn. Based on the information that was available at the time, which is about the traffic flow, decisions were made. When roads were opened up, for example, the Chingola/Kasumbalesa Road, because the road was passable, there was more traffic volume. Secondly, due to President Hakainde Hichilema’s focus on getting the economy to grow, there is more activity. There are more people driving, trading and so on and so forth. That is what has led to an upturn in traffic. There can also be downturns. For example, we have opened up so many roads leading to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In this regard, there is a distinct possibility that those roads will be sharing the traffic and, therefore, the volumes on each road will come down. So, an upturn in traffic on a particular road should not be cause for invoking a termination clause in an agreement.

Madam Speaker, let me make another point. Parliament has spent so much money sending the hon. Members of Parliament who make certain statements to many countries in the world. I want to inform them that the concept of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is what is being used by countries that are developing very fast. For example, I have just come back from Singapore. They should go and see what Singapore is doing, despite its size. We have a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$30 billion while that country has a GDP of over US$500 billion with a population of 6 million. When you go there, you will see what PPPs have done. They can also go to Malaysia and look at the standard of its roads. How many toll gates does it have? Just from the town of Kuala Lumpur to the airport, there are five toll gates with perfect roads. It is because of PPPs. If hon. Members go to Brazil, they will find the same thing. So, countries that are advancing are embracing the concept of PPPs because they lead to development and leveraging the private sector in terms of capital, expertise and quality work. This is what Zambia is also doing. That is why all the roads that have been constructed under PPP arrangements have the highest standard. Therefore, I expect the Zambian people to embrace PPPs.

Madam Speaker, when we talk about the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway, let us remember the condition in which that road was in the past. It used to take nine hours for a truck to drive between Lusaka and Ndola, and accidents used to happen frequently. Now, even when we are constructing the road, the speed or time taken to traverse between Lusaka and the Copperbelt has greatly improved. That reduces the time for business transactions and reduces the cost of doing business, which results in growth in the economy. I expect that hon. Members, especially those on the Copperbelt, will embrace the concept of PPPs because it is taking economic activities to the province.

I wish to inform the House, Madam Speaker, that the concession agreement calls for regular reviews and adjustments. It is important to note that the concession also has a component for the Government to receive revenue. So, the more revenue the concessionaire receives, the more funds the Government also gets. That is the first thing. The second thing is the taxes applicable. The more the concessionaire makes, the more taxes received by the Treasury. The third thing is that pension organisations, like the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), …

Mr B. Mpundu interjected.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nkana!

Please, do not debate while seated.

Eng. Milupi: … will also benefit from a better performing concession. That is why they keep investing in such ventures. They get better returns.

Madam Speaker, the Government desires to ensure that the dual carriageway is in a well-maintained state. The agreement states that during the concession period, the concessionaire will maintain the road to the highest standard possible. Further, three or four years before the handover of the road to the Government, the concessionaire will rehabilitate it to the original standard so that a perfect road is handed over. That is how responsible the New Dawn Administration has been, unlike what was happening before.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the recommendation of your Committee for the Government to take due diligence before signing agreements is already happening. The signing of a PPP concession never takes place without a multi-disciplinary or multi-agency committee taking the due diligence. The House may wish to note that the inter-agency teams of Government officials, including from our security wings, are part of the people doing the due diligence.

Madam Speaker, in my view, the PPP –

Mr Nkandu interjected.

Eng. Milupi: You are, indeed, right. Maybe, we should vote on whether to give me more time or not.

Laughter

Eng. Milupi: As the Government, of course, we welcome input from stakeholders, including Parliament, on how we can continue to serve the people of Zambia through the provision of infrastructure using PPP arrangements. However, on that one issue, mwaloba ilyauma.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Milupi: It is good.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Opposition Members: Meaning?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, what does that mean?

Eng. Milupi: When one is fishing, one can catch what we call sikwapa in Lozi, meaning dry fish.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you so much. I think, it has clearly been explained.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (Mr Haimbe, SC.): Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for giving me this opportunity to address this honourable House on your Committee’s observations and recommendations regarding implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with particular reference to the mandate and contribution of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Madam Speaker, let me begin by commending your Committee for its insightful analysis. As the ministry charged with advancing Zambia’s external interests and international co-operation, we welcome your Committee’s emphasis on Zambia’s strategic positioning within the continental free trade framework. The AfCFTA represents a transformative opportunity for Zambia to leverage diplomatic relations in support of economic growth, regional integration and sustainable development.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation plays a critical facilitative role in advancing Zambia’s agenda through the following strategic interventions:

Diplomatic Engagement and Co-ordination

Madam Speaker, the ministry continues to use its diplomatic platforms, both bilateral and multilateral, to advance the acceleration of the AfCFTA’s implementation. Zambia’s missions abroad are under clear instruction to prioritise economic diplomacy and proactively engage host governments, regional bodies and provide sector actors to support Zambia’s participation in the AfCFTA.

Support for Tariff and Legal Alignment Efforts

Madam Speaker, while the formulation of tariff schedules and legal domestication is the statutory responsibility of line ministries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation plays a complementary role by ensuring that Zambia’s positions are well-articulated and negotiated at the continental level through the African Union (AU) and relevant AfCFTA structures. We continue to co-ordinate closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that Zambia’s international obligations are domestically aligned and consistent with our treaty obligations.

Trade Facilitation and the WTO Agreement

Madam Speaker, your Committee observed gaps in the implementation of certain provisions under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade facilitation agreement. In this regard, my ministry is actively engaging international development partners through our diplomatic channels to secure technical assistance and capacity building support tailored to address those gaps. Our missions play an instrumental role in identifying and unlocking such partnerships.

Infrastructure and Corridor Diplomacy

Madam Speaker, the ministry recognises that efficient trade under the AfCFTA is underpinned by modern infrastructure and functional transport corridors. To this end, we are pursuing what we term ‘corridor diplomacy’, whereby Zambia engages with neighbouring countries and regional partners to promote infrastructure investment and co-ordinated border management systems along key corridors, such as the Walvis Bay/Ndola/Lubumbashi Development Corridor, the North-South Corridor and the Lobito Corridor, of course, in conjunction with line ministries.

Innovation, Digital Trade, and South-South Co-operation

Madam Speaker, the ministry agrees with the Committee’s call to prioritise innovation and digital trade. Through our engagements with African and global partners, we are pursuing opportunities for technology transfer, joint innovation programmes and digital trade infrastructure support. Notably, we are engaging countries with mature innovation ecosystems to facilitate South-South co-operation in support of Zambia’s digital industrialisation ambitions. Naturally, we are doing that hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Technology and Science, and other relevant line ministries.

Strategic Sector Targeting and Market Intelligence

Madam Speaker, our missions abroad are being re-tooled to provide targeted market intelligence and to link local businesses to new trade and investment opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. Missions are now required to submit periodic commercial intelligence briefs identifying demand for Zambian products, market access conditions and partnership opportunities for Zambian enterprises.

Private Sector Linkages through Diplomacy

Madam Speaker, while direct private sector development falls outside our mandate, the ministry supports private sector growth by creating an enabling diplomatic environment. Our missions continue to facilitate business-to-business (B2B) linkages, trade expositions (expos), and diplomatic networking events that help Zambian firms to access new markets within the AfCFTA zone. The hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry will attest to our close working relationship with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) in that regard.

Awareness and Strategic Communication

Madam Speaker, the ministry has strengthened its public diplomacy efforts to raise awareness on Zambia’s role in the AfCFTA, including the dissemination of related content via our missions’ social media platforms, embassy websites and through diaspora engagements.

Inter-Ministerial Co-ordination and Policy Coherence

Madam Speaker, I wish to re-affirm the ministry’s commitment to ensuring coherence in Zambia’s external economic engagements. Through the Cabinet cluster on economic transformation and job creation, it continues to work closely with all relevant ministries to ensure that Zambia’s AfCFTA commitments are supported by a harmonised foreign policy framework.

Economic Diplomacy

Madam Speaker, the ministry stands ready to operationalise the Committee’s recommendations within its mandate. We are committed to using diplomacy as a strategic tool to unlock Zambia’s continental trade potential and to advance our national interests through regional integration and multilateral co-operation.

Madam Speaker, as the chief diplomat, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia has made Zambia’s intentions with regard to economic diplomacy clear. We are open for business. We recognise that in the ever-changing geopolitical environment, there is a need for us, as African countries, to trade and rely more on one another, and to forge strategic partnerships for mutual benefits. That is exactly what I believe your Committee speaks to in its reports, and we shall implement. In other words, we support the Motion for the adoption of your Committee’s report.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Chipoka Mulenga): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity and privilege to respond to the Motion on the Committee’s report.

Madam Speaker, before I go on to read the Ministerial Statement, allow me to reiterate the Government’s commitment on some points, as submitted and debated by the hon. Members.

Madam Speaker, our Government remains very committed to ensuring that it continues to support maize production and growth in this country. In terms of the amount of grain to be purchased, as it was highlighted, His Excellency is committed ensuring that a committee is setup and superintended by the Secretary to the Cabinet and championed by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry so that more grain can be purchased from our small-scale and large-scale farmers at the right price. It is for that cause that we are working. I would like to encourage all the farmers by saying that their Government, through the leadership of His Excellency, is committed to ensuring that all the grain is purchased, and to also keep something for home consumption. We will continue to buy more. That is the reason the purchase price has been increased this year.

Madam Speaker, I also wish to encourage our small-scale farmers by saying that we will not allow them to be abused by buyers from within and outside the borders who want to buy maize from them at lower prices. The Government is facilitating a structured way of buying grain from our farmers in such a way that they will get value for their grain.

Madam Speaker, I also wish to comment on the debate presented by the hon. Member for Chama South and other debaters who talked about Zambia’s readiness to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). I must attest, as debated by the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, that we are working as a team to collaborate with the different sectors that we are supposed to deal with. Zambia is getting ready to participate in the AfCFTA. For a long time, our economy has entirely depended on the extraction sector. We are migrating from that sector to the value-addition sector, which we call manufacturing.

Madam Speaker, in the last three years, the mining sector has depended on two value-addition companies; the Metal Fabricators of Zambia (ZAMEFA) and Neelkanth Cables Limited. However, copper production has been more than what the two companies can process. ZAMEFA has not performed beyond 35 per cent of copper wire production in more than twenty years. Neelkanth Cables Limited is on the verge of closing down because it has not been able to access raw material copper from the mining companies in the country. It has always imported Zambian copper either from London or Dubai, because the Government has not negotiated for the company or made a policy stating that locally set up industries must buy copper from the local mining companies. His Excellency the President gave the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development the responsible to talk to the mining companies to sell our copper to industries domiciled in Zambia for the companies to produce copper wires for local consumption at the right price and for the rest of the world. It is because of that cause and with the policy of the New Dawn Government that three more copper wire processing plants have been set up in this country. Zambia is earmarked to be the biggest producer of electric cables in Africa in the next six years. We are ready to trade at the AfCFTA.

Madam Speaker, in terms of value addition, we will continue to extend our growth. For many years, we used to import 100 per cent of fertiliser outside the region, mainly from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). I am very proud to say that the Government of the Republic of Zambia has set up fertiliser production companies in the industrialisation sector. The Government has also injected US$6 million into the recapitalisation the Nitrogen Chemical of Zambia (NCZ), which is contributing to the food security of our country. Zambia is now food and fertiliser secure. Not only are we producing fertiliser for our country, but we are also exporting it to earn the much-needed foreign exchange (forex). You may see that because of the new policies towards producing more, even our Kwacha is trading between K23.50 and K23.90 to a United States (US) Dollar.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, we are not importing fertiliser. We are now exporting to countries like Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We want to thank our neighbours who have seen it fit to do business with us. We appreciate that.

Madam Speaker, I also wish to put it on record that in our industrialisation agenda and tool trade on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we have gone an extra mile. Zambia has over 3,000 cars on the roads and we import every accessory for that. So, because of the industrialisation policy that we have brought on board, Zambia is now making its own car batteries in Chibombo, Central Province and they are going on the market. I would also like to encourage all hon. Members of Parliament, irrespective of their affiliation, be it the Opposition, the Independents and the Government to take advantage of these products and encourage our constituents to buy that which is local.

Madam Speaker, allow me to quickly go into my Ministerial Statement. I thank you for giving me this opportunity to react to the report on the AfCFTA. I will specifically focus on key observations and recommendations, as has been spoken by my colleagues.

Madam Speaker, I wish to thank the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements for its report and important recommendations. I wish to inform the House that Zambia is working towards domesticating the remaining protocols indicated in the report. This notwithstanding, I wish to inform the House that we finalised domestication of 90 per cent of the tariff lines through the issuance of Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 92 of 2024. Zambia can now trade under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) using the current provisional schedule of tariff concession, which was gazetted through SI No. 92 of 2024.

Madam Speaker, with regard to challenges in logistics, infrastructure, value addition, to name but a few, we are alive to the fact that we need to continuously work towards addressing the remaining gaps. My ministry is working with other line ministries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, institutions and development partners to address these gaps, be it soft or hard infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, one salient issue from this report is that the preferential market access, which we are striving to bring to our businesses, must go hand in hand with addressing the identified challenges and that calls for broader inter-ministerial action. We have made strides in some areas, but recommendations are reminding us that we need to continue with infrastructure developments, double down efforts for access to finance for trade and value addition.

Madam Speaker, exactly one week ago, a small group of stakeholders, mainly comprising the private sector, underwent trainings on the CFTA in collaboration with our partners; the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Last month, we further had a Digital Trade Forum, which had Master classes and they provided capacity building and training opportunities for the private sector. In July, 2025, we will have a seminar at Texila University to sensitise the business community on the AfCFTA and other trading blocs. We will continue with such engagements with support from all stakeholders. As was emphasised by the ministry during tours undertaken by the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements, we will always be on standby to engage with interested stakeholders beyond our periodic sensitisation programmes.

Madam Speaker, let me end by reminding the House that the majority of the African Union (AU) countries have preferential trading arrangements via the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), which stretches from Southern Africa, Eastern Africa and some Northern African countries. This entails that the AfCFTA, simply extends the preferential market access reach to a few countries which are outside of the earlier mentioned trading blocs. The feared revenue losses from tariff phase downs may be minimal than feared.

Madam Speaker, as rightly stated in the report of the Committee, we need to maximise value addition; ensure that Government incentives translate into welfare gains for our people and enhance competitiveness through improved infrastructure and logistics. To reiterate, we will strive for continuous improvements and most importantly, working with everyone in maximising our growth trajectory.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the seconder of the Motion for the manner in which he seconded the Motion. Allow me to also thank the following debaters: the hon. Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa; hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana; hon. Member of Parliament for Feira; hon. Member of Parliament for Chama South; hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central and hon. Member of Parliament for Zambezi East. A great thank you also goes to the hon. Ministers who have responded to the report.

Madam Speaker, let me give clarity regarding what the hon. Member of Parliament for Chama South wanted to know. He asked when we ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. It was ratified in February 2021, and was operationalised by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, last year, in November 2024. I thought the hon. Minister of Energy would respond and say something about the net metering, which I feel is important for this nation. This is because if net metering is harmonised and given some kind of incentive, we would see a lot of people pushing power into the national grid and this will help us in curbing load-shedding.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1807 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 20^th June, 2025.

____________

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