Zambia Sugar CEO Mr. Oswald Magwenzi was among the continent’s producers that represented Africa’s potential and shared the company’s vision at the recently held 34th International Sugar Organisation (ISO) Conference in London.

At the conference, Mr. Magwenzi was proud to share that Zambia Sugar was targeting to increase its annual production from 400,000 to 500,000 tonnes in the next three to five years leveraging the company’s strong market position, robust distribution network, a firm commitment to workplace safety.

He explained how significant productivity gains have been achieved through modernised farming systems and investments in efficient irrigation technologies such as drip irrigation and Synergistic Surface Irrigation and Drainage (SSID).

Mr. Magwenzi highlighted ongoing climate-resilience investments, including upgraded irrigation systems, enhanced water monitoring, improved cane varieties, satellite-based weather forecasting, and expanded use of renewable energy, particularly cogeneration using waste from sugar production and solar.

He also presented the Twazabuka Project, a multi-million-dollar investment in a state-of-the-art customer service facility designed to support flexible, year-round delivery to customers.

Held under the theme “Sugar – So Much More than a Sweetener”, the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and global stakeholders to explore emerging trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the sugar sector.

Mr. Magwenzi also highlighted the company’s diversification plans, which include entry into power generation and exploring opportunities in fuel ethanol and specialty chemicals such as furfural.

Representation from the Zambian government to the meeting included Her Excellency Ms. Macenje Mazoka, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the United Kingdom, and Ms. Yvonne Zulu, the First Secretary (Trade) from the Zambia High Commission in London, it was wonderful to have their representation at this industry event.

The International Sugar Organisation hosts its conference annually to deepen understanding of the global sugar market and its challenges. Since inception in 1991, these conferences have evolved into major industry events, providing valuable insights and serving as a platform for farmers, policymakers, financiers, industry players, and the media to engage and collaborate.

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We continue to stand with the global community in recognizing the progress made and the work still needed in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reminds us that resilience, innovation, and ongoing support for those affected remain crucial.

At Zambia Sugar, we are committed to promoting workplace wellness, expanding access to information, plus treatment through our wellness programme, and supporting communities through sustainable health programs.

#ZambiaSugar#HealthAwareness#CommunitySupport#HIVAIDSAwareness

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#WATCH#LIVE

#Mwebantu, We are live from the AfriSAFE Award Presentation and Dinner at Avani Hotel, Livingstone. Zambia Sugar Plc is proud to be the headline sponsor of AfriSAFE 2024, AfriSAFE Congress & Award 2024.

The two-day event brings together safety experts from across the globe for an impactful event filled with expert insights, networking, and celebration.

Look out for who the big winners will be at tonight’s Awards ceremony! Let us know where in the world you are joining us from?

#AfriSAFE2024#SafetyFirst#ZambiaSugar#Livingstone

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We’re delighted to announce that our Managing Director, Mr. Oswald Magwenzi, delivered opening remarks at the AfriSAFE 2024 in Livingstone!

As Zambia Sugar Plc, “We look at safety as a license to operate,” he said. By participating and sponsoring this year’s AfriSAFE 2024, AfriSAFE Congress & Award 2024, Mr. Magwenzi added that, “We are helping to build a collaborative culture for a safer future!”

#AfriSAFE2024#SafetyFirst#ZambiaSugar#Livingstone

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#WATCH#LIVE

#Mwebantu, We are live at the AfriSAFE Congress at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Zambia Sugar Plc is proud to be the headline sponsor of AfriSAFE 2024, AfriSAFE Congress & Award 2024.

The two-day event brings together safety experts from across the globe for an impactful event filled with expert insights, networking, and celebration.

Look out for insightful views from this year’s Congress & Awards ceremony being held under the theme: Collaborating beyond borders for a Safe and Sustainable Africa.

Let us know where in the world you are watching from? #AfriSAFE2024#SafetyFirst#ZambiaSugar#Livingstone

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Welcome to the AfriSAFE Congress and Award 2024! We are proud to be the headline sponsor of AfriSAFE 2024, AfriSAFE Congress & Award 2024, which promises to be an impactful two-day event, starting today, November 7, with the Africa Safety Congress, and the grand finale, the AfriSAFE Award night happening on November 8.

Safety is at the centre of our work, as Zambia Sugar, and we recognise the importance of safety and health in the workplace. Our commitment to these values aligns perfectly with the mission of AfriSAFE. Partnering with the organisers of AfriSAFE is not only a demonstration of our commitment to safety, but also a fundamental part of our commitment to safety leadership in our country and region.

We warmly welcome all our distinguished guests, as we come together to inspire one another and drive positive change. Together, we can build a brighter, safer future for all.

#AfriSAFE2024#SafetyFirst#ZambiaSugar#Livingstone

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We were thrilled to host the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, at our Nakambala Estates on Tuesday as we celebrated our 60th anniversary. Our Board, Management and Staff were honoured and excited to share our growth story, as a company, with the President as well as senior Government officials and other guests.

We are committed to our vision to create a safe, healthy, and respectful workplace, a beautiful estate, a diversified agribusiness which is the best at serving customers. Our customers can continue to count on us to be a trusted partner to play our part in the development of the country.

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us and here’s to another 60 years ahead!

#ZambiaSugarAt60#IllovoGroup#ZambiaAt60!

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BRITISH High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Woolley, says he is extremely impressed with the agility exhibited by the teams at Zambia Sugar Plc.

Specifically, High Commissioner Woolley cited the use of our advanced technology, including new farming systems, drip, centre pivot and the latest short furrow irrigation systems.

He also commended our use of drones to conduct crop surveillance, assessing levels of stress on the crop in the different fields, as well as in the application of fertilizers and chemical spraying, to mitigate drift.

Speaking to the media after a tour of the 28,000Ha Estate, Tuesday morning, the British Envoy hailed us for being a trailblazer in innovation in agriculture.

He commended our staff, as well as the Illovo Sugar Africa and ABF colleagues, and acknowledged that Zambia Sugar was one of the few companies whose value chain impacts every sector of the economy.

High Commissioner Woolley further commended our financial performance over the past few years.

We are listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) and have a market capitalization of over K11 billion. We were thrilled to pay out dividends of over K1 billion to our over 3,400 shareholders in 2023, and we were one of the highest taxpayers at K270 million in the 2023 Financial Year.

Speaking at the same event, our Managing Director, Oswald Magwenzi, expressed confidence that the Company would navigate the strong headwinds in terms of adverse weather, power challenges, rising costs, that were being experienced in the year and would ensure Zambia Sugar continues to thrive. He also reaffirmed Zambia Sugar’s commitment to securing the jobs of the over 7,200 direct employees.

During the British High Commissioner’s visit to Zambia Sugar, we were delighted to host him for dinner at our Nakambala Estate where he met with the Nakambala Leadership Team, including our Managing Director, Oswald Magwenzi and some members of the agricultural team.

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ZAMBIA SUGAR BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH BETTER WATER MANAGEMENT

Water permeates life on Earth. It is essential as an enabler and sustainer both of life such as plants, animals, and of human civilization. This implies that both quality and availability is critical for sustaining life. Water together with food and energy form a nexus that is at the heart of sustainable development. It can be said without doubt that access to abundant clean water drives economic success of a wide range of sectors. It is used in homes for drinking, cleaning and hygiene associated activities, in agriculture for crop and animal support while in the industry it has wide application and is referred to being the oil of Industrial. For Zambia, water is also used to generate hydropower, another major driver for the economy.

Despite the key role that water plays, it has been noted that growing economies, population growth and changing lifestyles has spiked up the demand for water, food and energy putting pressure on the fresh water that is already limited. Fresh water is being lost from the water cycle due to pollution and abstracting it more quickly than it is replenished.

This is the case everywhere in the world and Zambia has not been spared despite being endowed with abundant water resources. This is being further complicated by global climate change. The climate change and extreme precipitation events are likely to become more frequent at the time when droughts and low water flows are also expected to increase.

It is anticipated that water situation will become a key limiting factor in the growth of most economies and a potential source of conflicts. Against this background there is increased recognition of managing this shared risk considering not just the impact on the economy but also the potential conflict associated with shortage.

The 2024 world water day has taken this into consideration with the theme dubbed Water for peace to highlight the benefits of water management as a conduit for peace, showcasing effective mechanisms and tools to enhance cooperation and prevent water-related disputes.

The call to invest in understanding the challenges and repercussions associated with water scarcity and taking action to manage this shared resource in a sustainable way is urgent. The complexity of issues threatening water security cannot be addressed by one single actor. It calls for a multi-stakeholder collective action. Water stewardship has become more urgent now than ever before. Water stewardship is for the great good. In the case of businesses, it is the means for business continuity and becoming more resilient to water related challenges as they arise.

For Zambia Sugar, access to a reliable supply of water is a critical strategic priority to meet its needs and to ensure surrounding communities can meet theirs. Through the Zambia Sugar Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Strategy, it has positioned itself to mitigate against these water threats and is playing a leading role in driving water security initiatives both at operational and catchment level. Zambia Sugar identifies both immediate and long-term environmental risks and takes necessary action that reduces impact beyond legal requirements.

At operational level, Zambia sugar is focused on building a strong environmental culture. Through enhancing infrastructure resilience and practicing sustainable faming through nature-based solutions, Zambia Sugar is building adaptive capacity that reduces water security risks.

Zambia sugar is investing in more efficiency irrigation methods such as pivot, drip, and short furrow irrigation which are all giving rise to efficient water use allowing for sufficient return to the natural water course to sustain availability for other users and support of the local ecosystems. Over the past 12months over 170 Hectares has been converted from furrow to drip. Further Zambia Sugar has also implemented the Alliance Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard as the framework for water management on site. This coupled with water measurements, leak detection and control are leading to better use of water resources and assured stewardship.

At catchment level, the focus has been to build partnerships to address local water risks and coordinating necessary action that protects water resource. Zambia Sugar is working with other stakeholders in navigating the complexities of water systems, ensuring persistence, functionality, and adaptability, and collectively working towards a more sustainable water future in the Kafue catchment where it draws its water.

Zambia Sugar is a chairing organisation for the Kafue Joint Action Group (KFJAG) which is the major vehicle for addressing Kafue catchment water threats. The KFJAG attracts membership of water users in the Kafue catchment. The major long-term action has been the use of nature-based solutions (NBS) to deal with water and environmental threats. Working through the KFJAG, continuous assessment of water related risks and opportunities; coordinated action to ensure water security and Improve water flow and water quality; and supporting other water initiatives in the Kafue basin has prioritised.

In recognition of contribution to water and environmental stewardship in Zambia, Zambia Sugar was awarded the Best Performing organization in water and environmental stewardship in 2023 and most green in 2024 by Zero Waste organization.

Zambia Sugar joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2024 world water day. Among other activities, Zambia Sugar carried out awareness on water conservation campaigns within the organization but also in the communities within the estate.

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We are excited to announce the signing of our Power Supply Agreement with ZESCO Limited that will see help us guarantee uninterrupted supply of power to our factory and entire Estate. The ceremony was held 5 March 2024 at our Nakambala Estate.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Our Managing Director, Oswald Magwenzi said: “Energy is at the core of why we are here today. This is a very momentous and significant occasion! Today, we have come together, as ZESCO and Zambia Sugar, to sign a Power Supply Agreement (PSA).

What this Agreement signifies is giving everything we are doing here a lifeblood to ensure that we are not short of power. We can’t produce food if we don’t have power! We now have a PSA where we are buying power from ZESCO. In future, there is an opportunity that we can also sell power to ZESCO because we have an opportunity to grow our co-gen power production from 40 megawatts to 100 megawatts. This partnership has a lot of potential, so watch this space. ”

ZESCO is equally excited about the signing of the PSA and looks forward to the opportunities in future. Speaking at the same event, the ZESCO Managing Director, Eng. Victor Mapani said: “This Agreement marks a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership and signifies a renewed commitment, a mutual collaboration for growth.

We have a lot of respect for Zambia Sugar as one of our major customers in the Southern Region of our customer portfolio and in the top 30 of the 1.3 million ZESCO customers. This Agreement is more than just a commercial transaction; it underscores our shared dedication to Zambia’s development and prosperity. By securing a reliable and cost-effective 30 megawatts of power for Zambia Sugar, ZESCO demonstrates its unwavering focus on customer centricity, which is the first pillar of our Strategic Plan.”

We were please to host the over 26 member ZESCO delegation that arrived at the Estate on 4 March and had the opportunity to tour the 28 000-ha estate which hosts Africa’s largest single mill sugar factory. The delegation included ZESCO Board members, Mrs Edna Mudenda and Dr Jolly Kamwanga, and the ZESCO Management and staff.

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