Zambia Roundup: AFCON TV rights, cholera outbreak, fraud

AFCON TV rights

Zambian channel Diamond TV has acquired broadcast rights for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The channel will broadcast all 52 matches for the 24-team tournament, running from January 13 to February 11, 2024. Multichoice, the holding company of SuperSport, announced that it would not be broadcasting the tournament, the Zambian Eye reported. “Diamond TV is pleased to announce to its esteemed viewers and clients that it will be broadcasting the complete AFCON tournament, featuring all 52 exciting matches. Football fans can catch every goal, every thrilling moment and all the action live on Diamond TV. This is a testament to our commitment to offer our viewers in Zambia the best TV viewing pleasure. We continue to be a reliable source of information and entertainment, and we believe this year’s AFCON is a good example of our dedication to client satisfaction,” said Diamond TV Chief Visionary officer, Costa Mwansa. Multichoice, the holding company of SuperSport announced that it will not be broadcasting the upcoming in a statement. The company noted that “the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.”

Cholera outbreak forces school closure extension

The Zambian government announced a three-week extension of the closure of all schools, including public, private, aided, and community learning institutions, due to a recent cholera outbreak.  Schools will now open on January 29, 2024, and the first term holidays will be reduced to one week. Local media by Mwebantu quotes Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima saying “This means that schools will only open on Monday, 29th January, 2024. Further, the grace period which was earlier given to grades eight and 10 learners has now been overtaken and all learners are expected to open on 29th January 2024. Learning institutions should maintain a high level of hygiene at both personal and institutional levels, as guided by the Ministry of Health. In addition to the above, school inspections and sensitisation will be intensified at all levels to ensure compliance to the above guidelines.”

SEC fights against fraud

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Zambia is intensifying efforts to combat Ponzi schemes and increase awareness to protect investors. Despite fraudulent activities, there is a thriving investment appetite in the country, the Zambia Daily Mail reports. Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) have seen a 64% increase in the number of investors. SEC acting chief executive officer Diana Sichone said, “While the capital market flourishes, addressing low levels of awareness and combating fraudulent schemes like Ponzi schemes remain crucial challenges.”

Government advised on Electric Vehicles

Energy expert Boniface Zulu has advised the Zambian government to invest in charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a broader initiative to transition to a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. Such an investment could reduce transport costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and oil imports, the Lusaka Times reports. “The benefits of electric vehicles in Zambia include environmental, economic, and social aspects. The adoption of electric vehicles can lead to a lower carbon footprint, reduced emissions of local pollutants, lower fuel and maintenance costs, reduced dependence on oil imports, increased energy efficiency, and potential for job creation and innovation. The adoption of electric vehicles presents a promising option for Zambia to address its transport and energy challenges,” Zulu said.

Zambia President congratulates DR Congo President

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has congratulated President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo on his re-election as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "Heartfelt congratulations to H.E Félix Antoine Tshisekedi on your decisive reelection as President of #DRC. Wishing the people of our sister country DR Congo the very best as they embark on a new chapter of sustainable growth & prosperity," said President Hichilema in a post on social media.