Written By Ceaser Siwale The RussiaUkraine War The war between Russia and Ukraine is reshaping global energy and mineral markets. Ukraine, home to significant lithium reserves, has seen its mining sector stalled due to the conflict. This delays its potential as a key supplier of EV batteries and exacerbates Europe’s reliance on imports from geopolitically […]
2025 Predictions and Realities V
Thoughts from Ceaser Siwale Aging Populations vs. Young Populations Prediction: Aging populations in developed economies will strain social systems, while youthful demographics in regions like Africa will drive innovation and economic growth. Reality: Aging populations in Europe, Japan, and parts of North America are creating labour shortages and increasing healthcare and pension burdens. Governments in these regions […]
2025 Predictions and Realities IV
Thoughts by Ceaser Siwale The Impact of AI Prediction: Artificial intelligence is predicted to revolutionise industries, enhance productivity, and create global economic opportunities. Reality: While AI has delivered breakthroughs in automation, healthcare, and finance, its implementation has highlighted stark inequalities. Advanced economies are reaping the benefits while developing nations face infrastructure, talent acquisition, and data access challenges. […]
2025 Predictions and Realities III
Thoughts from Ceaser Siwale Food Security: A Global Challenge Prediction: Technological innovations, including AI-driven agricultural systems, are expected to increase food production and reduce waste significantly, ensuring global food security. Reality: While AI transforms agriculture with precision farming and improved crop monitoring, the impacts are unevenly distributed. Regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture remains largely subsistence-based, struggle […]
2025 Predictions and Realities II
Thoughts from Ceaser Siwale Electric Vehicles (EVs): A Tipping Point Prediction: By 2025, governments and automakers worldwide are expected to push aggressively toward EV adoption, spurred by the convergence of stricter environmental regulations, consumer demand, and economic incentives. Countries like China and members of the European Union are ramping up EV manufacturing and infrastructure, while automakers […]
2025 Predictions and Realities: Transformative Trends Shaping Our Future
Thoughts By Ceaser Siwale As 2025 approaches, the global socioeconomic landscape is undergoing seismic changes driven by intersecting technological, environmental, and demographic forces. The accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (“Evs”), the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, and the institutionalisation of environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) principles are reshaping industries. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (“AI”) permeates every […]
Zambia IDC is partnering with Mercuria!
Thoughts by Tshepo Magagane When we were winding down Merchant banking operations over a decade ago, the Chinese decided to buy the bank’s International Trading arm! Do you know what they did? They brought in people to sit with the traders – showing them exactly what they do daily… …financially rewarding key individuals to stay […]
Reimagining Zambia’s Natural Resource Development in the Critical Minerals Era
By Savior Mwambwa Zambia sits on roughly 6% of the world’s copper reserves (estimated at 20 million tonnes) and produces over 800,000 tonnes annually. Recent developments in our mining sector – both the IDC-Mercuria trading joint venture announcement and broader discussions about the country’s mineral development strategy – demand keen attention. These discussions encompass critical […]
The Launch of The Sikute Free Zone
Author: Kopano G. Chipwayambokoma, Pangaea Securities Senior Analyst On December 14th 2024, His Excellence President Hakainde Hichilema officially launched the Sikute Free Zone, the first phase of the Zambezi Free Zone (“ZFZ” or the “Free Zone”). The launch was hosted by His Royal Highness (“HRH”) Emmanuel Sikute. The Sikute Free Zone spans 15,000 hectares and will create thousands of jobs […]
Beyond IMF Prescription: Why Zambia and African Countries Need a Developmental State Approach
By Savior Mwambwa As I was reviewing the most recent IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa released in October this year, I found myself wrestling with a familiar tension. The numbers tell a stark story: despite decades of orthodox reforms, Sub-Saharan Africa’s share of global manufacturing value added remains stuck at a mere 1.8% as of […]