Osayopa mfwiti, kulibe mfwiti – HH

…warns that those plotting to bewitch him that they have crossed the red line, as calls for enhanced use of digital platforms to cut the bureaucracy, delays and inefficiencies that says are slowing investment and service delivery By MUBITA KATETE PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema yesterday breathed fire, warning those threatening that they would bewitch and those wishing him dead that they had crossed the red line and should therefore count their lucky days. And President Hichilema has called for stronger use of digital platforms to cut bureaucracy, delays and inefficiencies in the country’s public sector as his working visit to the United Arab Emirates opens new opportunities for investment in logistics, fuel storage and refining. President Hichilema is infuriated that some Zambians have continued discussing his health on social media with some threatening that they would use voodoo to tamper with his life while some he said were just wishing him dead. Mr Hichilema has however declared that he did not believe in wizardry, stating that in fact there was no witchcraft and so people should not be scared about the non-existent sorcerers “Osayopa mfwiti, kulibe mfwiti, kulibe mfwiti. Bakamba ati HH azafa, tizamu loza. They are going too far. (Don’t be afraid of witchcraft; there is no witchcraft. They are saying that we will bewitch him. They have gone too far),” Mr Hichilema said. And President Hichilema says digital infrastructure should go beyond simply supporting government operations and instead become a central tool for improving service delivery and creating a more conducive environment for investment. “Digital infrastructure should not be treated merely as an enabler, but as an integral part of Government’s efforts to serve citizens and create a more conducive environment for investment,” he said. He was speaking in Abu Dhabi during a bilateral meeting with a UAE delegation led by Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi. President Hichilema said reducing bureaucracy was directly linked to his government’s agenda to grow the Zambian economy, adding that digital platforms could help remove delays and inefficiencies that affect both citizens and investors. “In line with our agenda to grow Zambia, we must use digital platforms to cut the bureaucracy, delays and inefficiencies that are slowing investment and service delivery,” President Hichilema said. And Al Gergawi said the UAE was ready to work with Zambia to translate opportunities into practical solutions, including by creating greater opportunities for private-sector participation. He said the UAE had already implemented a programme aimed at reducing government bureaucracy following a directive from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Mr Al Gergawi said the UAE’s experience could provide useful lessons for Zambia as it seeks to improve efficiency and create a more investment-friendly environment. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group has expressed interest in investing in Zambia’s logistics, fuel storage and refinery sectors. Speaking during a high-level business meeting with President Hichilema in Abu Dhabi, AD Ports Group Chief Executive Officer for International Affairs Muhammad Almenhali said the company was examining Zambia’s potential as a land-linked logistics and energy hub. Mr Almenhali said AD Ports Group operates a global logistics business covering about 75 countries and is exploring opportunities to expand its investments in Africa, including in crude and fuel refining. “We are particularly interested in Zambia’s potential as a land-linked logistics and energy hub,” Mr Almenhali said. He said the company was also interested in fuel-storage facilities and urged Zambia to consider AD Ports Group in plans to develop such infrastructure. According to Mr Almenhali, the proposed investments form part of a new mandate from Abu Dhabi’s leadership to explore refinery and fuel-storage opportunities across Africa. President Hichilema said Zambia’s strategic location gives investors access not only to the domestic market but also to the wider Southern African Development Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area. He said there was significant scope for investment in rail, ports and logistics. “Zambia must use its strategic location and partnerships to improve regional connectivity and facilitate trade,” President Hichilema said. He urged AD Ports Group to use its expertise and capacity to identify projects where the two sides could work together to strengthen regional connectivity and support trade. During the bilateral meeting, President Hichilema also thanked President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for constituting a team to work with Zambia and reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations for mutual benefit.

Longwe threatens to sue Chief Justice

Chester, Felix, IDC finally granted bail

ZNBC journalist Mukuka released from police c...

We’re looking into accusation of misconduct a...

Independent candidates free to file nominatio...

Priest accuses Vatican envoy of betraying Arc...