NEWS AND EVENTS

Careers website for Standard Chartered Bank Zambia.

The High Commission of the Republic of Zambia wishes to inform Zambians in the Diaspora who may be interested in returning to Zambia and working for Standard Chartered Bank Zambia to visit the careers website www.standardchartered.com/careers  for further information.

Departure of High Commissioner, Dr. Nevers S. Mumba

The High Commission of the Republic of Zambia wishes to inform our guests to the website that Dr. Nevers S. Mumba is no longer the High Commissioner and that he completed his tour of duty and travelled to Zambia on 6^th December 2011.

Posted  on  22 December 2011

PRESIDENT MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA'S SPEECH TO PARLIAMENT 2011

INTRODUCTION
Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to address this august house on the opening of the first session of the eleventh national assembly under the patriotic front government. Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on your deserved election to this esteemed position in the house.

See entire transcript (PDF)...

LUMWANA MINE OWNERS CONGRATULATE HIS EXCELLENCY MR. MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA

Barrick Gold Corporation, the owners of Lumwana Mining Company Limited, have congratulated President Michael C Sata as Zambia's fifth Republican President. In a statement made available to the Zambia High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, the Board of Directors wished President and his team every success and wished him their support in the highest office in the land to deliver his vision of growth and prosperity for Zambia.

In another development, Canadian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the House of Commons, Hon. Deepak Obhrai has congratulated President Michael Sata on his election as Zambia's new leader.

The two congratulatory messages are contained in a press release issued by Ben Kangwa, Press Secretary at the Zambian Embassy in the US and is also accredited to the Zambian High Commission in Canada.

Mr. Obhrai also congratulated former President Rupiah Banda, who he said accepted the will of the people of Zambia and peacefully transitioned power to the newly elected President.

Addressing the House of Commons in Ottawa, Mr. Obhrai applauded all the candidates that participated in the elections and the Zambian people on their role in bringing about peaceful political transition through peaceful elections.

He observed that Zambia's peaceful elections were another example of Africa's drive towards building stronger democratic institutions and principles on the continent.

He noted that Zambia "remains" a key partner for Canada in Africa.

He added, " Canada contributed to the Zambia electoral process through the United Nations and Commonwealth."

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR. MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA ON HIS ELECTION AS THE FIFTH PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA.

On behalf of the entire Staff at the High Commission (Ottawa) and on my own behalf I wish to join other millions of Zambians in congratulating His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata on his victory as the 5th President of the Republic of Zambia.

The Mission wishes to salute his resilience and passion that he has demonstrated over the past many years of his public service. The Zambian people have rewarded him with this resounding victory. Our prayers for him, the first lady and the Patriotic Front are that the Lord who gives wisdom will guide him with abundant wisdom in his task of shepherding God's people as President.

Congratulations and may the hand of the Lord be upon him.

Dr (Rev) Nevers Mumba
High Commissioner

THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, HIS EXCELLENCY MR.MICHAEL SATA ANNOUNCES THE NEW CABINET

The President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata has appointed Patriotic Front party Vice president Guy Scott as republican vice president. In an announcement, the president merged some ministries to reduce the numbers of ministries from previous 22 to 17. (Below is the full list of the cabinet and deputies)

His Excellency, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, who had run for the Presidency four times in the past, was declared new President of the Republic of Zambia following the 20th September 2011 national elections. His swearing in ceremony was held at the Supreme Court grounds on 24th September where a mammoth crowd turned up to witness the occasion. Mr. Sata's victory brings an end to the 20-year rule of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), where he was formerly a National Secretary before breaking away. This was Mr. Sata's fourth attempt at the presidency. The victory of the patriotic front –PF shows that its support base is larger than that of the MMD. The charismatic leader, His Excellency Mr. Michael has led the PF since its formation in 2001 and the party has grown from strength to strength.

The outgoing president Mr. Rupiah Banda conceded defeat after the announcement of the results by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia Justice Irene Mambilima. His party managed just to get 55 parliamentatry seats.

The PF party got 60 parliamentary seats, UPND 28, 1 seat for the alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) and Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) respectively. Three (3) independent candidates also succeeded in securing parliamentary seats.

NEWLY-APPOINTED ZAMBIAN CABINET AND DEPUTY MINISTERS

1.      Office of the President H.E. Michael Chilufya Sata

2.      Office of the Vice President Dr Guy L Scott MP

Deputy Minister                   Edgar C Lungu

3.      Ministry of Justice

a) Cabinet Minister                   Sebastian S Zulu

b) Deputy Minister                   Dr Ngosa Simbyakula

4.      Ministry of Defence

a) Cabinet Minister                   Geoffrey B Mwamba

b) Deputy Minister                   Colonel Panji Kaunda

5.      Ministry of Finance

a) Cabinet Minister                   Alexander B Chikwanda

b) Deputy Minister                   Alfreda Kansembe

6.      Ministry of Home Affairs

a) Cabinet Minister                   Kennedy Sakeni

b) Deputy Minister                   Obvious Mwaliteta

7.      Ministry of Health

a) Cabinet Minister                   Dr Joseph Kasonde

b) Deputy Minister                   Dr Patrick Chikusu

8.      Ministry of Foreign Affairs

a) Cabinet Minister                   Given Lubinda

b) Deputy Minister                   Dr Effron Lungu

9.      Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock

a) Cabinet Minister                   Emmanuel T Chenda

b) Deputy Minister                   Nicholas Banda

10.    Ministry of Labour, Sports, Youth and Gender

a) Cabinet Minister                   Chishimba Kambwili

b) Deputy Minister                   Rayford Mbulu

11.    Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry

a) Cabinet Minister                   Robert Sichinga

b) Deputy Minister                   Keith Mukata

12.    Ministry of Mines

a) Cabinet Minister                   Wilbur Simuusa

b) Deputy Minister                   Richard Musukwa

13.    Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism

a) Cabinet Minister                   Fackson Shamenda

b) Deputy Minister                   Forrie Tembo

14.    Ministry of Education, Science and Vocational Training

a) Cabinet Minister                   Dr John T N Phiri

b) Deputy Minister                   Prof Nevelyn Willombe

15.    Ministry of Lands, Energy and Water Development

a) Cabinet Minister                   Christopher Yaluma

b) Deputy Minister                   Charles Zulu

16.    Ministry of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection

a) Cabinet Minister                   Prof Nkandu Luo

b) Deputy Minister                   Esther Banda

17.    Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health

a) Cabinet Minister                   Dr Joseph Katema

b) Deputy Minister                   Jean Kapata

18.    Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs

a) Cabinet Minister                   Inonge Wina

b) Deputy Minister                   Belinda Kawandami

19.    Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications

a) Cabinet Minister                   Yamfwa Mukanga              

b) Deputy Minister                   laban Mwenya Musenge                

PROVINCES:

          Phillip Kosamu

          Rogers Mwewa

          Davies Mwila

          Solomon Mbuzi

          Gerry Chanda

6.      Northern

          Freedom Sikazwe

J.       Limata Limata

          Nathaniel Mubukwanu

         Miles Sampa

10.    Muchinga

         Malozo Sichone

INFORMATION BULLETIN

The High Commission of the Republic Zambia in Ottawa wishes to inform the Business Community in Canada and the General Public that Zambia will be holding the 47th Zambia International Trade in Ndola, Zambia. This year's theme is Innovation for Competitiveness. Canadian companies wishing to increase their exports to the Zambian Market through the following are welcome to attend:

• Direct Investment
• Establishing local contacts
• Joint venture partnerships
• Appointing agreements

For more details you can contact:
The General Manager
Zambia International Trade Fair
P.O. Box 71058
Ndola, Zambia

Marketing Department
Mobile: 096651514
Tel: 260-2-651514/6
Fax: 260-651704

Email: zitf@iconnect.zm , zitf2000@coppernet.zm

2011 BUDGET ADDRESS BY HON. DR. SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE, MP, HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING DELIVERED TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON FRIDAY 8TH OCTOBER, 2010

Mr. Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now resolve into Committee of Supply on the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2011 presented to the National Assembly in October 2010...


See the PDF version of the Finance Minister's Speech.

Standard and Poor's allocates Zambia a B+ rating in its draft report.
TIME PUBLISHED - Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 5:44 am

ANOTHER international credit rating company has assigned Zambia a B+ rating in debt sustainability.

Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said Standard and Poor's has allocated Zambia the B+ rating in its draft report.

Standard and Poor's is one of the world's best three professional companies which assesses countries worldwide on various parameters including political stability and economic performance.

Zambia Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane

"We have received a draft report from Standard and Poors, which has given Zambia a B+ rating on the impossibility of failing to honour external obligations," Dr Musokotwane said.

He said this at Government Complex in Lusaka on March 22 shortly after touring part of the building under construction.

The rating comes soon after another reputable ratings agency, Fitch, assigned Zambia a B+ rating in economic growth and political stability, among other areas.

Dr Musokotwane said the latest rating puts Zambia in an advantageous position to access finance from all over the world quickly for investment.

He said the Standard and Poors rating is an indication that the economy is continuously recording growth.

Dr Musokotwane said Zambia's economic growth translates into an increase in the country's capacity to borrow internationally and locally. He said the rating will give institutions worldwide confidence to lend money to Government, companies and individuals in Zambia.

"When you are rated B+, you have a sticker that this is a B+ country. Institutions from different parts of the country find it easy to lend money to Government, companies and even individuals," Dr Musokotwane said.

He said Zambia is not the only country that has been assessed by a professional international credit rating company. He cited other countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria which have already undergone assessment by credit rating companies.

Fitch, assigned Zambia a B+ sovereign rating in recognition of the huge economic strides the country has taken under President Banda.

Zambia received the fourth-highest non-investment grade rating supported by a stable outlook from Fitch.

Zambia's economy expanded over seven percent last year, up from 6.4 percent in 2009. Growth has been driven by increased mining output, transport, communication, construction and agriculture.

The rating followed fast on the heels of global recognition for Zambia's economic achievements in the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation's 2011 'Doing Business' report.

In the report, Zambia was named as one of the world's top 10 reformers for ease of doing business. Zambia is also projected to be one of the world's top 10 fastest-growing economies for the 2011-2015 period.

Meanwhile, Dr Musokotwane said he is happy with the progress Shanghai Construction General Company is making in completing the construction of the unfinished part of the Government Complex which includes a banquet hall, conference centre and offices.

Shanghai chief project engineer Jerry Zhong said the construction will be completed by September this year. Dr Musokotwane said the facility is important to the country's economic growth as it will boost the country's tourism.

He said the conference centre and banquet hall, with seating capacities of 1,000 and 1,900 respectively, will be the biggest in the country.

Dr Musokotwane said currently, Government is bidding for the 2013 African Development Bank conference to be held in Zambia, possibly at the Government Complex.

He urged the private sector to invest in expanding the country's hotel and lodge accommodation to prepare for the boom expected in the tourism sector when the conference centre and banquet hall are operational.]

The unfinished part of the Government Complex is being constructed through the US$28,000 loan Government contracted from China last year.
[Zambia Daily Mail]

ZAMBIAN LADIES ATTEND INTERNATIONAL DAY LUNCHEON ON TUESDAY 8TH MARCH 2011 IN OTTAWA
Canada marked the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day on Tuesday, 8th March 2011 with events across the country. International Women's Day was recognized for the first time on March 8th 1911 with millions of women and men rallying for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, hold public office and be free from discrimination.

This day which is celebrated throughout the world, enables women from all walks of life to connect and act in solidarity, strengthening efforts to increase women's rights and opportunities for full participation in social, political and economic process.

One notable event to commemorate the International women's Day was a luncheon organized by the Canadian Foundation for Women's Health, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood whose theme was celebrating Women, Health and Equality. The luncheon was held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. It was attended by the Prime Minister's wife Mrs. Maureen Harper.

Three Zambian Ladies attended the Luncheon. These were:
• The High Commissioner's spouse, Mrs. Florence Mumba.
• First Secretary (Education), Mrs. Helen Mwiyakui
• First Secretary (Political/Administration), Mrs. Hilda Musunsa.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AT THE LUNCHEON WERE:

• Catherine Clark - Master of Ceremonies
• Maureen McTeer - White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood
• The Honourable Rona Ambrose – Minister responsible of Status of Women
• Dr. Huguette Labelle - Chancellor of the University of Ottawa
• Dr. Jennifer Blake - Canadian Foundation for Women's Health
• Christine Stevens - TD Canada Trust
• Allison Fisher - Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health
• Dr. Andre Lalonde - Society of Obstetrician and Gynecologists of Canada

PROCEEDS from this event support the following initiatives:

• Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, located in the Vanier sector of Ottawa, the Wabano center provides quality and cultural relevant health services to the Aboriginal population. 2011 will bring the opening of Wabano Mamawi, a national centre of excellence for Aboriginal mother and child care.
• The Croix des Bouquets Maternity Centre, Haiti supported by SOGG's Earthquake Relief Initiative, the Croix des Bouquets Maternity Centre provides quality health services to women and newborns in the Port au Prince region, including emergency obstetric care, 24 hours a day, at no cost. Because as Haiti rebuilds, Childbirth cannot wait.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!
Zambia's High Commissioner to Canada, Dr. Nevers Mumba, has been elected as the new President of the Ottawa Diplomatic Association (ODA). In his acceptance speech Dr. Mumba thanked the delegates at the XII General Assembly of ODA for the confidence placed in him by the members. He stated that, he accepted the honour on behalf of his country Zambia, and Africa as a whole. Dr. Mumba is the first African Head of Mission to ever hold the Presidency of ODA.

The ODA consists of Diplomatic Agents of Foreign Countries and members of International Organizations accredited to Canada. The Governor General of Canada is the Patron of the Organization. Dr. Mumba's team includes, among others, First Vice-President, H.E. Johann Georg M. Witschel, German Ambassador, H.E. Akbar Zeb, Pakistan's Ambassador to Canada. See more info...

On 23rd October 2010, His Excellency, Dr. Nevers S. Mumba launched the first ever Discover Zambia Magazine in Mississauga, Toronto, during the 46th Independence Day celebrations.

The Magazine showcases the existing opportunities in Agriculture, Mining, Tourism and other sectors of Zambia's economy.

Click the magazine cover (on the left) to view the PDF version of the magazine.

SPEECH GIVEN BY H.E. DR. NEVERS MUMBA DURING THE 46TH INDEPENDENCE CHURCH SERVICE AT PEACE TOWER CHURCH - OTTAWA AT 6.00 P.M. ON OCTOBER 24TH 2010

We gather in this Holy Sanctuary to give thanks to God for our country Zambia. We gather to thank God for the past 46 peaceful and progressive years. We have chosen to bring this celebration to the house of God as a sign of our confidence and total dependence upon God, as a nation.

89% of Zambia is considered Christian. Our first President Kenneth Kaunda was born of Christian Missionaries from Malawi who established a Mission in Northern Province. He himself has proclaimed his Christian faith publicly.

In 1991, Second President Frederick Chiluba declared Zambia a Christian Nation tolerant to other religions and enshrined the declaration in the preamble of the National Constitution. Both the Presidents, the late Levy Mwanawasa and the incumbent Mr. Rupiah Banda have endorsed the declaration.

We are proud of our Christian Heritage and have continued to acknowledge God in our politics, economy and social life of our nation.

We have embraced our faith in the face of adversity. In 1993, Zambia lost the best soccer team we ever had in a plane crash in Gabon. The President (Dr. Chiluba) led a grief stricken nation in prayer, worship and supplication. The nation encouraged itself in the Lord. There is always a temptation to think that the peace we have enjoyed in the past 46 years has come because of our own goodness, but the truth is that, God has kept Zambia peaceful for his glory.

In our celebration today, we acknowledge God's word which says, "Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord."

We have therefore gathered here to give thanks. To give thanks for the peace, the unity and prosperity of our nation. We give thanks for the partnership with other nations and in particular Canada. The Zambia/Canada Partnership comes a long way. At Independence Canada provided the first Vice-Chancellor (Prof. Douglas Anglin) for our young University, and this relationship has grown to other sectors of the economy.

We are proud of our relations with Canada.

As High Commissioner, I am riding on the robust shoulders of my predecessors and will commit myself to the continued efforts of strengthening our Zambia/Canada relations.

The Christian heritage has been enriched by generations of Missionaries. Scottish Missionary David Livingstone preached the Gospel in the mid 1800s in Zambia. He died at Chitambo Mission in Zambia and his heart buried there as a testimony of a true seed sown.

Many other Missionaries have come to Zambia including the late Rev. I. D. Raymer who dedicated his life in raising and training a young cadre of Christian leadership in my country. It is because of this great Canadian servant of God that we are meeting in this Church. My dear brother and friend, Pastor of this Church Joe Raymer is the son of I. D. Raymer who sowed great seed to the testimony of Zambia being a Christian Nation today.

I invite you to worship with us as we give honour and glory to God for his bountiful blessings.

I thank you.

REMARKS BY H.E. DR. NEVERS MUMBA DURING THE ZAMBIA OTTAWA ASSOCIATION SPONSORED 46TH INDEPENDENCE EVENT - 23RD OCTOBER 2010 AT BRONSON CENTER

We are gathered here today to join all Zambians and friends of Zambia around the globe to celebrate 46 years of Independence and self determination.

This event is particularly special because it is organized by the Zambian diaspora in Ottawa for the first time. I wish to congratulate the Chairperson of the new Ad hoc Committee of the Zambia Ottawa Association, Florence Chumpuka and her excellent team for pulling off this event. I have walked this journey with you, and I am aware of the challenges you had to endure to get here.

I also would like to thank and acknowledge our own High Commission staff who generously donated towards the success of this event.

The goal of this event is to bring the Ottawa Zambia family together to celebrate our heritage. Beyond this, we are targeting our children some of whom were born here in Canada and others came when they were very young. Events like this are meant to instil our cultural values into our children living far away from home. We remind them of who they are and what their roots are through music, food, poems and history of our country

On behalf of His Excellency the President, Mr. Rupiah Banda, I wish to thank all of you for keeping hope alive in the hearts of the young Zambians.

Zambia has enjoyed peace for 46 years. We have seen peaceful Presidential transitions on four occasions. We have lost a President in office, and we still managed to stay together as a nation. So, today we celebrate Zambia's legacy of peace. Because of this peace we have seen a steady growth of our economy through foreign direct investment.

Inflation is now at single digit and this month a K20 trillion Kwacha Budget was announced in Parliament by the Minister of Finance and National Planning.

Zambia is scheduled to hold elections next year to elect the President, Members of Parliament and Local Government Counsellors. We pray and trust that our long held legacy of peace will not fail us this time. We celebrate our vibrant democracy, and a resilient economy.

God bless you, and God bless our great Nation - Zambia.

I thank you.

SPEECH AT THE LAUNCH OF THE DISCOVER ZAMBIA MAGAZINE IN TORONTO – 23RD OCTOBER 2010 AT 6.00 P.M.

I would like to congratulate all Zambians in Canada on the occasion of the 46th Independence Anniversary of our great nation. Today we are joined by millions of Zambians and friends of Zambia around the world in honouring the heroic labours of our founding fathers.

The uniqueness of Zambia's Independence celebration is the legacy of peace. The element of peace remains as a weak, unrecognized asset as long as you have it. It is when this peace is lost that a nation realizes how costly and valuable peace can be.

On behalf of His Excellency the President of Zambia, Mr. Rupiah Banda, I wish to congratulate you all for keeping this legacy alive even here in Canada.

I also wish to thank and congratulate the ZAMCAN board for the efforts of putting up this great event on behalf of the Zambians here in Toronto. I m also grateful for your kind invitation extended to me and the staff from the High Commission in Ottawa.

Zambia is at peace with itself and its neighbours. Zambia continues to play a mediatory role in areas of conflict in both the SADC and other parts of the African continent. This is a legacy we should all be proud of.

The Zambia Canada relations have continued to grow over the years, with exchange programs in health, education and issues of good governance. I am determined to build upon the great efforts of all my predecessors in ensuring that Zambia's relations with Canada are strengthened even further.

A lot has taken place in the last year, including the first Trade Mission organized by the High Commission in August this year. Three Memoranda of Understanding were signed and a commitment to build the first syringe factory in Zambia facilitated by the Waterloo University was made.

Tonight, I am proud to announce the launch of our first publication of the Discover Zambia Magazine here in Toronto. This publication is meant to be the flagship of Zambia's investment opportunities. I wish to thank the sponsors of our first issue, the EQUINOX MINING COMPANY, whose investment in copper mining in the North-Western Province is a great example of true partnership between an enthusiastic government and a determined investor. I also wish to thank the publishers, Silvertrust communications for a first class job done, which truly reflects the excellence of a country determined to make a difference in a globalised world.

I now officially launch the Discover Zambia Magazine today the 23rd October 2010.

May God bless the Republic of Zambia and Canada.

I thank you.

OTTAWA DIPLOMATIC ASSOCIATION (ODA) - FOREIGN AFFAIRS LUNCHEON
19th October 2010, 7 Rideau Gate

The Chief of Protocol of Canada Mr. Robert W. Peck hosted a Luncheon on October 19th 2010 at 7 Rideau Gate in honour of the newly elected president of the Ottawa Diplomatic Association, H.E. Dr. Nevers Mumba, Zambia's High Commissioner.

In attendance was the former ODA President, H.E. Khaled Bahar, Ambassador of Yemen, Jim Creskey Publisher, The Hill Times, Anne Marie Creskey Publisher, Embassy, Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer for National Capital Commission (NCC), Maureen Hayes, Senior Advisor, External Relations, National Capital Commission and Robin Higham, Senior Fellow at the University of Ottawa.

The Luncheon was aimed at introducing the new ODA President to some key partners in co-ordinating the work of the Association. 7 Rideau Gate is Canada's Government Premier Guest House and the staff of Number 7 proved their clout by providing a great three course meal.

The following points were raised:
1. That collaboration between the ODA and key institutions like the Embassy, Hill Times Newspapers, the NCC and the Universities.
2. It was proposed that a joint program to welcome new diplomats be organized in collaboration with the University of Ottawa.
3. That the programs should not only involve Heads of Missions but all diplomats.
4. That an event be organised at which the Patron, the Governor General shall officiate.
5. That the new Committee should prepare a proposal of the 2011calendar to present to the Governor General at the expected meeting in November.
6. The Chief of Protocol promised to continue to guide new diplomats to become members of ODA.

The Luncheon came to an end after a lively exchange of ideas. The new President of ODA thanked the Chief of Protocol Mr. Peck for the honour of hosting a Luncheon in his honour. He promised to pass on the proposals of the meeting to the new Executive Board members of ODA.

SUMMARY REPORT ON THE FIRST CANADIAN TRADE MISSION TO ZAMBIA

The Zambia High Commission in Canada successfully organised the first Canadian Trade Mission to Zambia. The team of businessmen and academicians visited Zambia from August 11th to 22nd 2010. The team was accompanied by Zambia's High Commissioner to Canada H.E. Dr. Nevers S. Mumba. Dr. Ken Coates, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Waterloo University was the delegation leader.

The team was received by an enthusiastic Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and an expectant media. The team was met on arrival by the media for the first press conference. Both High Commissioner Mumba and Ken Coates outlined the purpose of the Trade Mission. The goal of the Mission was to seek co-operation between Zambia and Canada in the areas of Health, Education, Tourism, Infrastructure and Information Technology. At the end of the ten (10) day visit, the Canadian team had successfully signed three Memoranda of Understanding in Education. The three Public Universities, University of Zambia (UNZA), Mulungushi and Copperbelt University (CBU) signed Agreements of Co-operation with the University of Waterloo.

The Canadian team further concluded talks for the construction of the first Syringe factory in Zambia. The Memorandum of Understanding and the official Agreement will be signed within a few weeks. The team also successfully concluded talks with the Ministry of Science and Technology and an Agreement will soon be signed meant to strengthen co-operation in technology development.

Alongside the business schedule the team was given an opportunity to visit the Victoria Falls in Livingstone and several places of interest around the country.

Before departure for Canada, the Canadian team was afforded an opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Rupiah B. Banda at State House in Lusaka.

HIGH COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA IN OTTAWA ORGANIZES THE FIRST EVER ZAMBIA CANADA TRADE MISSION 11th TO 22nd AUGUST 2010

The Zambia High Commission, in Ottawa, Canada in conjunction with the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada has organized a Trade Mission to Zambia. The Zambia-Canada Trade Mission will take place in Zambia from 11th to 22nd August 2010 and the High Commissioner, Dr. Nevers S. Mumba, will take Canadian team to Zambia to show case the abundant business opportunities that exist in Zambia.

A team of business leaders and mayors (15 to 20) drawn from the many companies and institutions of the Canadian economy has been mobilized.

The Canadian team will address a variety of issues ranging from national and regional economic development, university and college training, tourism and health care in Zambia.

The overriding purpose is to identify opportunities for Canada-Zambia collaborations and projects of mutual benefit and interest, especially in developing public sector capacity.

The team is eager to encourage enhanced trade, cultural and political connections with Zambia.

The team would prepare a Zambia–Canada strategy document at the end of the trip in consultation with the Zambia team that will be circulated to the Canadian business houses with a view of attracting more Canadian firms for the next Trade Mission that will be held probably in 2011.

ZAMBIA FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER’S VISIT TO CANADA

The Government of Canada through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade invited Minister of Foreign Affairs Zambia Hon. Kabinga J. Pande for an official visit to Canada.

The Hon. Minister held bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Hon. Lawrence Cannon. His Schedule comprised of meetings with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Canadian Council on Africa, African Diplomatic Group, Department of Foreign Affairs Officials (DFAIT), Caribbean Group and many other Investment and Industrial Companies and Groups.

Hon. Minister Mr. Pande was in Canada from 9th May to 13th May, 2010.
His delegation comprised of Government officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Commerce and Trade, and Mining.

The visit was the first of its kind of the Senior Zambia Government Official to the Mission. The High Commission believes the visit will further strengthen the already existing warm relations and will open more doors for bilateral agreements between the two countries.

The Minister also inaugurated the Zambia High Commission since it re-opened in 2005.

Released by the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia
Ottawa, Ontario - 14th June 2010.

ZAMBIA'S MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS VISITS CANADA  OTTAWA,ONTARIO

Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kabinga J. Pande, M.P. will visit Canada from the 9th to the 13th of May 2010, at the invitation of the Canadian government.

This is the first time that an official at high government level from Zambia has been accorded an official visit.  This demonstrates the stronger bilateral ties that have developed between Zambia and Canada over the past few years.

The delegation of the Minister will comprise senior government officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Commerce and Mining.

During the visit, the Minister will hold bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart, Hon. Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs.  Their meeting will be followed by a Luncheon held in honour of the visiting Minister.

The two Ministers are expected to discuss matters relating to economic and political co-operation between the two countries.  Canada is one of Zambia’s major investors in the mining sector through Lumwana Mine in Solwezi managed by Equinox Minerals Ltd of Toronto and Australia. The meeting is meant to further strengthen the bilateral ties, between the two countries that have existed since 1966.

The Minister will hold business meetings with the President of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Canadian Council for Africa (CCAfrica) organisations charged with investment programmes in Zambia.  The Minister will be hosted at a special Luncheon by African and Caribbean Heads of Missions.  He will also address Zambians in the Diaspora at a special reception.

On May 12th 2010, the Minister accompanied by Zambia’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dr. Nevers Mumba, will travel to Toronto where the Minister shall hold business meetings with Chief Executives from Equinox Minerals Ltd and Prospectus and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), before leaving for Zambia on May 13th, 2010.
 

Released by the Zambia High Commission
Ottawa, ON, Canada - May 3rd, 2010
Contact number: 613-232-4400

Email:zhc.ottawa@bellnet.ca

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12:00 P.M. EST, 27th 2010
HIGH COMMISSIONER TO CANADA ANNOUNCES ZAMBIA – CANADA INITIATIVES

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ZAMBIA-CANADA INITIATIVES

Building on months of planning and discussions, Dr. Mumba announced the process is underway to finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Waterloo and the top public universities in Zambia to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research projects and shared development and delivery of educational material. Discussions included expanding the collaboration with the University of Waterloo and Zambia to encourage partnership activities in such diverse areas as technological innovation, digital media, public health, economic development, Canada- Zambia trade relations and the training of public servants. Dr. Coates said of these initiatives: “The willingness of the Government of Zambia to seek partnerships with the University of Waterloo and with Canada is welcomed most strongly. We have so much to learn about Zambia and Africa; we have so much to learn from Zambians.”

Zambia has been a leading African nation in responding to the scourge of HIV/AIDS. Efforts to improve conditions further have been hampered by the absence of basic supplies, including disposable safety syringed. This factory will produce more that 70 million safety syringes per year, enough to meet all of Zambia’s needs and those of several neighboring countries. This initiative represents a commitment to job creation, capacity building and provides the Zambian people with an affordable, self-sustaining, government owned manufacturing facility to meet the health of the people of Zambia. This project, Dr. Mumba declared with evident emotion, “will save tens of thousands of Zambian and African lives. There is no better outcome imaginable from this partnership.

The High Commissioner Dr. Mumba ended both public meetings by announcing the first Zambia-Canada Trade Mission, scheduled for August 2010. Dr. Mumba, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo, will lead the trade mission of Canadian industry leaders in strategic sectors and key Canadian decision makers – including academic and political leaders, entrepreneurs and potential investors – to explore mutually beneficial opportunities.

Dr. Coates described the meetings as representing a “remarkable beginning to friendship, partnership and collaboration that will reach across oceans, bridge cultural differences, and create remarkable opportunities for Canadians and Zambians alike.” Dr. Mumba, High Commissioner, for Zambia, agreed wholeheartedly: “Our country wants and needs partners who want to work with us in an atmosphere of shared interest and mutual respect. We have found just such partners in the Waterloo-Stratford Region and at the University of Waterloo” as the launch pad for all key Canadian initiatives. Dr. Coates and Dr. Mumba both indicated that formal announcements would be followed shortly on the MOUs, the syringe factory and the broader collaboration that was launched in Waterloo and Stratford. The High Commissioner Dr. Never Mumba was accompanied the First Secretary for Education Mrs. Helen Mwiyakui.


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Contact: Dr. Ken Coats, Faculty of Arts, University of Waterloo
Phone: (519) 888-4567, ext. 32217

Or Dr. Nevers S. Mumba, Zambia High Commission, Ottawa, Canada
Phone  613 232 4400

Email: zhc.ottawa@bellnet.ca