Zambia Roundup: Development priorities, Paris Olympics, Chinese crime syndicate
2024-2029 development priorities
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a Country Strategy Paper for Zambia for 2024-2029. The focus will be on boosting the private sector through investment in infrastructure and developing the agricultural value chain. The interventions will aim to improve productivity, create job opportunities, and enhance the country's economic diversification. The Bank will also support improvements in water and sanitation access and provide assistance to the agricultural sector, with a focus on climate resilience and productivity. The Bank's active portfolio in Zambia currently consists of 23 projects with a total commitment of almost a Billion US Dollars.
Women’s team qualify for Paris Olympics
Zambia and Nigeria secured the final spots in the women's football tournament at the Paris Olympics. The tournament will feature 12 teams, including the hosts France, World Cup winners Spain, and four-time Olympic champions the USA. Zambia and Nigeria will face tough competition in their respective groups, with Nigeria playing against world champions Spain, former world champions Japan, and Brazil.
Chinese cybercrime syndicate busted
Zambia has arrested 77 people, including 22 Chinese nationals, in connection with a sophisticated internet fraud syndicate. The Chinese-run company, Golden Top Support Services, employed Zambians who engaged in deceptive conversations with mobile phone users. The company used scripted dialogues on various platforms and seized equipment that allowed them to disguise their location and used thousands of SIM cards.
Minnesota tourist killed by elephant
Minnesota tourist Gail Mattson, 79, was killed by a bull elephant while on a game drive in a Zambian national park. The attack injured five others. Mattson was described as an adventurer who loved to travel. “Sadly, she lost her life in a tragic accident while on her dream adventure,” her daughter, Rona Wells, shared on Facebook. The aggressive bull elephant charged at the truck which was contained six guests and a guide on a morning excursion through wild areas, according to the safari company Wilderness. The terrain made it impossible for the vehicle to get away, Keith Vincent, CEO of the safari company said.
Food poisoning victims
105 people in Chililabombwe district near the Democratic Republic of the Congo border were hospitalised for suspected food poisoning after eating chicken shawarma from Cribz restaurant. The restaurant owner, Bright Kapasa, has been arrested in connection with the incident. 105 patients were admitted to five health facilities.
