Zambia Roundup: Trapped miners, Scottish investment, Lungu’s speech

Trapped miners

The Government of Zambia has said that there has been progress in efforts to rescue over 30 miners trapped inside a mine in Chingola, the Copperbelt Province of Zambia on November 30. The Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo told reporters that rescue workers have pumped out water from the tunnel which was filled up. “We want to assure the nation that the government has mobilized all equipment needed to search for bodies believed to be trapped in the pit. So far Five excavators are on the ground trying to secure the holes where the persons are believed to be, a front loader and enough manpower ready to secure the holes. So far we have managed to pump out water then take out the mud before the search commences,” Matambo is quoted by local media the Lusaka Times.

Scottish investment

The Scottish Government will fund clean and reliable energy in Zambia, Rwanda and Malawi, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf announced at COP28. The First Minister said that Scotland will support two initiatives that will provide clean and affordable energy. “Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda are key partner countries for Scotland’s international development efforts. As a country that has long benefitted from the industrialisation which has contributed to the current climate crisis, it is only right that Scotland contributes its fair share to support countries that have been disproportionately impacted by its consequences, and ensure we can meet the aims of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals together,” he said in a statement.

Lungu addresses Zambian democracy

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu delivered a speech to address the democratic state in the country on December 1. "I said it on October 28 and I am saying it today. This is not about Edgar Chagwa Lungu. I am doing this in defence of democracy. A democracy where the opposition and civil society can freely associate and express themselves. A democracy where anyone among the opposition leaders can become president, and will become president...we are in deep trouble as a country and as a people. The colonial masters are back in another form. The imperialists are here again through proxies. That’s why they are fighting hard to perpetuate their rule beyond 2026," Lungu in his speech said.

Mini-grids project

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema announced on the sidelines of COP 28 Zambia's initiative of installing mini-grids across the country to tackle energy accessibility issues and stimulate growth in important sectors in the SADC nation. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Zambian government, Rockefeller Foundation and other global organisations. “We are pleased to embark on this transformative journey with the Rockefeller Foundation, the Global Energy Alliance, and Sustainable Energy For All. This initiative symbolizes the power of international partnerships to drive positive change at the local level,” President Hichilema is quoted by the Lusaka Times.

Zambia-French relations

President Hichilema of Zambia held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen relations between the two nations and technical support from the French nation on the sidelines of COP 28. “We appreciate the support that France has provided to Zambia over the years, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership for the benefit of our countries and peoples,” the Zambian President is quoted by the Lusaka Times.