Chepa Twatasha Lesa

I am the Light of the World🙏

God over everything🤗

[AU Youth Volunteer Corps @AUVolunteer]

🌍 Celebrating African Leadership in Policy & Development ✨

We are proud to spotlight Chepa Twatasha Lesa, currently serving as a Junior Technical Advisor at the AUDA-NEPAD where she contributes to advancing policy dialogue in support of Africa’s growth and integration.

[Muloongo Muchelemba @muloongo]

I was having breakfast in my hotel today when an American asked me about Zambia🇿🇲.

I explained that we have 10 provinces compared to their 50 states:

Lusaka = a mix of New York + the Washington metropolitan area (DMV). Government, finance, embassies, deal-making, networking and everyone acting “busy.”

Southern = Texas + California. Cattle, farming, big land, quiet money, business-minded people, and Victoria Falls & Lake Kariba carrying the tourism economy.

Copperbelt = Michigan + Pennsylvania. Industrial backbone. Mining towns. Old money. Union vibes. People who remember when the economy was “serious.”

North-Western = Alaska. Rich in natural resources, sparsely populated, and everyone believes the future is there.

Western = Louisiana. Strong cultural identity, flood plains, proud traditions, and its own rhythm entirely.

Eastern = Iowa + Kansas.
Agriculture, hardworking people, and quietly influential politically.

Central = Ohio.
Right in the middle of everything. Farms, transport links, mining, logistics. The “swing province” energy.

Northern = Washington.
Rain, greenery, lakes, waterfalls and underrated natural beauty.

Muchinga = Colorado.
Mountains, scenery, adventure, wilderness and people forgetting how beautiful it actually is.

Luapula = Minnesota + a little Florida fishing-town energy. Water everywhere. Fish economy. Relaxed pace of life. Hidden tourism potential.

Zambia is basically America compressed into 10 provinces… just with better weather, less stress, nshima, fewer lights and highways. 🇿🇲

[Nkafu Policy Institute @NkafuPolicyInst]

A driving force in Africa’s infrastructure-led growth, @amibiaka, of @NEPAD_Agency joins the #2025AfricaAtWBAM as an esteemed speaker. His leadership in driving #AfCFTA continues to shape trade, #jobs & private sector development across the continent.
🔗https://t.co/vXwi66iK9Z

[Shi Mutale🇿🇲 @ShiMutale98]

Mwisho, your new taxpayer bill?

A Zambian member of parliament earns an estimated K5.7 million on a 5 year stretch in the national assembly.

That cost is about to expand in astronomical proportion.

Under the proposed changes, the national assembly will squeeze in a total of 256 MP's in 2026.

Here is a pedestrian arithmetic on how expensive Zambian democracy will become on emoluments and gratuities.

In 2022, UPND, PF and Independent MP's unanimously hiked their fees by 17%.

Per annum: Ordinary MP.

1. Salary: K236,497.

2. Special allowance: K47,515.

3. Constituency allowance:
Rural: K49,608. Urban: K39,688.

4. Per sitting: K3,000.

5. Mid-term gratuities:
K2.5 million x 2.

Do the math for 256 members of parliament over a period of 5 years.

[Felix @FMwenge]

Below are the annual returns one could expect if they invested their money in various money market options around February 2025. This data is publicly available on the BOZ website. The maximum return you could get on your money if you don't decide to put it in an actual business was around 22.8% for a 15 year bond.

Savings account: 3.65%
Current account: 1.75%
1 month fixed deposit: 5.29%
3 months fixed deposit: 5.47%
6 months fixed deposit: 7.57%
9 months fixed deposit: 9.17%
12 months fixed deposit: 10.58%
3 months treasury bill: 11.50%
6 months treasury bill: 12.0%
9 months treasury bill: 12.50%
12 months treasury bill: 15.10%
2 year government bond: 16.20%
3 year government bond: 19.45%
5 year government bond: 20.25%
7 year government bond: 21.0%
10 year government bond: 22.49%
15 year government bond: 22.8%

I have shared this to demonstrate what can be expected from any similar investment. Any promised return that deviates too far from these rates for the same durations is likely to be a scam. This includes village banks that promise to grow your money by 100% in one year. If that actually happens it is putting too much pressure on all members and it is a ticking time bomb before everyone defaults and people start taking each other to courts.

My emphasis is that money grows slowly but surely and you cannot reap returns beyond what your economic context can offer. Don't be a cheap victim of lies #nodignityinpoverty

[Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya @BuyoyaJonah]

It is in terrible taste to sign a bill into law and not say a thing. ECL even issued a press statement when he signed the Cyber bill into law, despite how widely opposed it was. People need to know that this has happened. Aweh shuwa.

[Wezi Mhone @WeziVMhone]

So if we decide to “March” as in “Protest” all the sexual violence in this country, they will arrest me for not getting a permit? You guys will show up and walk with me? Some of yall will bail me out ka? Cause what else is left to do for us to show the nation we are tired!

[Wisdom @GodlyPhilosophy]

His love heals every broken piece within you.

[Chepa Twatasha Lesa @ChepaLesa]

🤔🤔

[Sentimental Foodie @SentimentalCook]

Guys, I was put in contact with an emerald dealer in Singapore and I have just had a brief chat with him. If what he told me is correct, its just insane.

Apparently, Zambian emeralds are increasingly valued for their high clarity and ethical sourcing. There are concerns regarding the sourcing of Colombian emerald due to some illegal mining operations linked to criminal gangs who exploit their workers. The fact that our emeralds are considered as being ethically sourced is an advantage for us.

Now, this next bit blew my mind. Kagem's emeralds auctions set the BENCHMARK price for future sales through price discovery mechanism. Buyers submit sealed bids, ensuring transparency and competitive pricing unlike Colombia’s private sales model which lacks transparency. Through Gemfields' auction system emeralds are sold at market-driven prices. This FORCES Colombian miners to adjust prices to compete with our emeralds.

And I quote "Kagem's auction results serve as price indicators for the wider industry, influencing gemstone dealers, jewelers, and investors."
We literally call the shots.

Either, this guy told me BS or GRZ has sold us out.

Image is AI generated

[Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya @BuyoyaJonah]

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW BOZ CURRENCY CHANGES

By Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya

Zambia’s currency has evolved significantly since the country gained independence in 1964. The Kwacha, introduced in 1968 to replace the Zambian pound, has been the national currency ever since. Over the years, the kwacha has undergone multiple changes, including the most recent changes in 2013.

All these changes have been a reflection of economic shifts, inflationary pressures, and policy reforms. You will notice that every time we adjusted our currency and introduced a higher note, we were facing high inflation. Some experts have hinted at the possibility of this being the case even now.

The latest development in Zambia’s monetary history is the introduction of a new family of banknotes and coins, set to be launched on March 31, 2025. As expected, there is response from everyone and that's probably because money is the one language everyone can relate to. Let's start by looking at where we're coming from with this Kwacha.

Before independence, Zambia, then Northern Rhodesia, used the British pound as its official currency. However, as part of decolonization efforts, the country introduced the Zambian pound in 1964. This was soon replaced by the kwacha (ZMW) in 1968, pegged at an exchange rate of 2 kwacha per 1 British pound. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Zambia’s economy faced major challenges due to declining copper prices, leading to inflation and the subsequent devaluation of the kwacha.

In 1973, Zambia introduced a commemorative 50 Ngwee coin to celebrate the birth of the Second Republic, marking the transition to a One Party Participatory Democracy. The Bank of Zambia also altered the design of the 50n banknote in 1974 to avoid confusion with the new K5 notes. During this period, the Kwacha depreciated slightly against the US dollar, with the exchange rate at K1 equivalent to $1.28. By the late 1970s, the Kwacha had fallen further below $1.

By 1980, the currency structure remained similar, with the highest denomination being the K20, though there was a change in the design of all banknotes. The 50n paper note was withdrawn by 1980. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw Zambia's economy decline, primarily due to low copper prices and rising fuel costs. To meet the increasing demand for cash, higher banknotes like the K50, K100, and K500 were introduced, with the K1 coin replacing the paper note and the K2 note being withdrawn.

In the early 1990s, Zambia adopted multiparty politics, leading to the Third Republic and economic liberalization. As part of the changes, currency features were updated, replacing the Head of State's portrait with national symbols like the Fish Eagle. The K5 and K10 paper notes were replaced with coins, while smaller coins gradually disappeared, with the 25n coin introduced. Inflation remained high, and the public showed reluctance to use coins, prompting an increased demand for banknotes.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Zambia's economy faced further challenges, with inflation driving a surge in demand for cash. In response, new banknotes like the K1,000, K5,000, and K10,000 were introduced. By 2003, the K20,000 and K50,000 denominations were added to the currency.

In 2012, Zambia underwent a currency rebasing exercise to address the effects of inflation. The rebased currency was designed by reducing the denominations by a factor of 1,000, resulting in the current banknotes and coins in circulation, with updated national symbols.

Today, as you may have noticed, the Bank of Zambia has announced the introduction of a new family of banknotes and coins. The redesigned currency will include six banknotes - K500, K200, K100, K50, K20, and K10 - and six coins - K5, K2, K1, 50N, 10N, and 5N. While the alpha code (ZMW), numeric code (967), and currency symbol (K) remain unchanged, the new series features advanced security enhancements and design elements celebrating Zambia’s cultural heritage, including its flora, fauna, and waterfalls.

To ensure a smooth transition, the government will issue a Statutory Instrument (SI) specifying the exchange period and designated points for exchanging old currency. Plus, as expected, a nationwide sensitization campaign will educate the public on the new currency’s security features and usage.

Now, while the introduction of new banknotes and coins is primarily aimed at enhancing security and usability, such a move has broader economic implications. The updated security features will help curb counterfeiting, boosting confidence in the kwacha. A more secure currency deters illegal activities and promotes stability within the financial system.

The introduction of higher denominations such as the K500 and K200 notes suggests an acknowledgment of inflationary pressures. This move will make large transactions more convenient, reducing the volume of banknotes needed for significant purchases. Historically, the introduction of higher-denomination notes has sometimes been associated with inflation. If not managed well, the presence of larger banknotes might drive price increases, as businesses adjust to the new monetary landscape.

At a time when the country is grappling with economic hardships, it is important to mention too that printing and distributing new banknotes and coins come at a financial cost. The BoZ must carefully manage these expenses to avoid undue fiscal strain.

Businesses and financial institutions will also need to upgrade cash-handling systems, which could temporarily disrupt operations. A well-executed transition can strengthen public trust in the currency.

What we can note from the current events is probably that the BoZ’s emphasis on digital financial services signals a broader push towards cashless transactions.

Well, from the look of things, this is a trend for Zambia in every decade.

[Chepa Twatasha Lesa @ChepaLesa]

As negotiation of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) remains on the agenda, an urgent need for stronger commitments to climate finance emerges, capable of transforming lives in developing countries. #COP29Baku

[Chepa Twatasha Lesa @ChepaLesa]

With discussions at COP29, deep concern exists about the urgency to address issues facing our planet, particularly in Zambia. We are in urgent need of adaptation financing as we are grappling with harsh realities of climate change effects. #COP29Baku

[Making of Champions @MakingOfChamps]

STAND UP AFRICA!!!! LETSILE TEBOGO HAS DONE IT FOR AFRICA!!!!

Tebogo has taken down Noah Lyles to win the 200m Olympic title, running a new African Record of 19.46s to win GOLD🥇 for Botswana!!

#Paris2024 #Olympics

[World Athletics @WorldAthletics]

LETSILE TEBOGO IS THE OLYMPIC 200M CHAMP ‼️

🇧🇼's Letsile Tebogo powers to the gold with a 19.46 AREA RECORD 🤯

#Paris2024 #Olympics

[World Athletics @WorldAthletics]

The first ever gold medal for Botswana in the history of the OLYMPICS.

Letsile Tebogo just did that ‼️

19.46 AREA RECORD in the men's 200m final 🤯

#Paris2024 #OlympicGames

[Hakainde Hichilema @HHichilema]

We have our Olympic medal! Congratulations @MuzalaSamukonga
your performance at the #Paris2024 #Olympics fills us with immense pride. 🇿🇲 #ZambiaKuChalo

[SuperSport 🏆 @SuperSportTV]

🇿🇲🥉 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 🥉🇿🇲

Muzala Samukonga takes home the Bronze medal in the Men’s 400m at #Paris2024

He also sets a new national record 🔥

#CloserToYourChampions

[SuperSport 🏆 @SuperSportTV]

The amazing moment 21-year-old Muzala Samukonga secured Zambia's first medal at #Paris2024 🤩🇿🇲

#CloserToYourChampions

[Silent Strength @SilentStrengtth]

Jim Carrey once said

"Solitude is dangerous. It’s very addictive. It becomes a habit after you realise how peaceful and calm it is. It’s like you don’t want to deal with people anymore because they drain your energy.”

9 Things TO learn from

JIM CARREY - THE PHILOSOPHER

[Bishal Nandi @LearnWithBishal]

I really, really love the question now.

'Do you have questions for me" after an interview.

8 of my favorite questions to ask, which helped me land the job:

🧵THREAD🧵