Zambia records increased December exports

THE Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Zambezi has intensified its efforts to combat illegal fishing during the annual closed fishing season, commonly referred to as the fish ban.

District Fisheries Officer Mathew Chali emphasised the importance of the fish ban in promoting fish breeding and ensuring healthy fish stocks in water bodies.

He said the ban is not intended to disadvantage anyone, but rather to enhance the fish population.

“Allow fish to breed so that we can enhance fish stocks in the water bodies,” said Mr Chali.

Mr Chali also warned fishermen who violate the fish ban that they will face consequences. He advised them to abide by the law and find alternative income-generating activities during this period.

He emphasised the importance of adhering to the fish ban to preserve and sustain fish stocks in the region.

He said the ministry is committed to enforcing regulations and taking strict action against those found violating the fishing ban.

Mr Chali called for responsible and sustainable fishing practices, which are crucial for the long-term ecological health of the river and its surrounding communities.

He pointed out the positive outcomes of previous fish ban operations, such as the restoration of fish populations and the improvement of fish sizes.

The annual fish ban, which runs from December to February, aims to protect spawning fish and their habitats.

It serves as a crucial measure to safeguard the biodiversity of the Zambezi River and promote sustainable fishing practices.

The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has since appealed to all stakeholders to support and cooperate with the ongoing operations against illegal fishing during the fish ban. – ZANIS.

THE Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTAT) has revealed that in December 2023, the country recorded an increase in traditional exports earnings to K14.0 billion from K11.2 billion in November 2023.

ZAMSTATS Statistician General, Mulenga Musepa, said exports accounted for 66.3 percent during the month under review.

He added that non-traditional exports earnings decreased to K7.09 billion in December 2023 from K7.14 billion in November 2023.

Mr Musepa said exports accounted for 33.7 percent in December 2023.

“Agricultural products accounted for 29.0 percent of non-traditional exports in December 2023 compared to 32.2 percent in November 2023.

Export earnings from agricultural products decreased by 10.7 percent to K2.1 billion in December 2023 from K2.3 billion in November 2023. The major export commodities were Tobacco, partly or wholly stemmed/stripped

Mr Musepa

accounting for 15.7 percent, Oil-cake of soyabean (10.2 percent), and Other raw cane sugar 6.2 percent.

Non-agricultural products accounted for a share of 71.0 percent of Zambia’s NTEs in December 2023 compared to 67.8 percent in November 2023.

Export earnings from non-agricultural products increased by 4.0 percent to K5.0 billion in December 2023 from K4.8 billion in November 2023.

The major export commodities were Electrical energy accounting for 16.4 percent, Cobalt oxides and hydroxides (10.6 percent) and Nickel ores and concentrates 6.8 percent,” Mr Musepa said.