By Savior Mwambwa Thanks to the Christmas holidays, I’ve just finished reading the World Bank’s latest Country Private Sector Diagnostic for Zambia in depth, and I have some thoughts to share. While the report offers valuable insights into Zambia’s investment landscape, its fundamental approach concerns me. Let me explain why. What the World Bank Gets […]
DLE and Lithium – no one knows!
By Tshepo Magagane I repeat no one knows! I have always said “as much as Lithium is abundantly found 1. Like iron ore, you get it right eg some moves Rinehart made at the trough, you will like have inspired investment case studies 2. D&S balances with DLE numbers either way are not worth the […]
The Audacity To Dream Beyond the Stars
Revisited by Ceaser Siwale In the early 1960s, as the world was gripped by the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, a singularly audacious dream took root in Zambia—a dream that sought to place the African nation among the stars. Led by Edward Makuka Nkoloso, a visionary teacher and former World […]
Geopolitical Crossroads: Climate, Conflict, and Critical Minerals
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 […]