By Felix Mwenge and Tamara Billima
In the face of the economic slowdown, Zambia’s ‘jobs challenge’ is becoming more pressing. One big, but too often neglected, part of the response must be a focus on the smallest enterprises.
Recent policy research evidence from the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) has shown that current government policy in Zambia does not effectively exploit the potential of the self-employed micro enterprises to create more decent jobs. This is a particularly important issue in the context of Zambia’s current economic downturn.
By Will Paxton
Disclaimer: This interview originally appeared on the On Think Tanks website, which can be found here: https://goo.gl/H8zOrU
Two years ago the Zambian think tank ZIPAR had no dedicated communications capacity. Their reports sat on shelves and the organisation’s impact was limited. Today, ZIPAR has a dynamic and effective approach to working with the media as part of their wider approach to influencing policy. Euphrasia Mapulanga, ZIPAR’s Knowledge Manager, has led the transformation of the organisation’s approach. Kivu International’s Will Paxton talked to Euphrasia in Lusaka.
By Mwanda Phiri and Zali Chikuba
Over the years, Zambia's demand for motor vehicles has increased in tandem with economic growth. In the absence of an efficient public transport system, privately owned vehicles provide a more reliable and efficient alternative mode of transportation that facilitates economic and social activities. However, the policies governing the importation of vehicles in Zambia particularly taxation, have been a subject of debate mainly because they do not incentivise consumers to acquire newer and safer motor vehicles.
By Florence B. Muleya and Malindi Msoni
On the 9th of October, 2015, during the national budget address, the Minister of Finance announced the Government's plan to raise K41.9 billion from domestic resources in 2016, representing 20.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Currently, with falling copper prices, severe energy shortages and a depreciating Kwacha, meeting the 2016 revenue target is likely to be an uphill battle compared to the 2015 revenue target of 18.1% of GDP. Moreover, Government has often revised revenue targets downwards even in years with good economic performance.
By Caesar Cheelo and Thulani Banda
On 18th October, 2015 Zambia united in response to President Lungu's appeal to fast and pray for forgiveness and reconciliation. Many prayed for the country to receive relief from the recent social and economic woes, including the continuously depreciating Kwacha.
To the disappointment of many, the Kwacha, which had closed at ZK11.70 per US dollar the Friday before fell by 2.6 percentage points to ZK12.01 per dollar the Monday after Prayer Sunday. How could this happen after all the earnest prayers?
