LAZ COMMENDS HH FOR THE SUCCESSFUL DEBT RESTRUCTURING.

LAZ COMMENDS HH FOR THE SUCCESSFUL DEBT RESTRUCTURING.

LIVINGSTONE  – The Law Association of Zambia has commended President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government for successfully negotiating the debt restructuring for the country.

The association has also described President Hichilema’s tireless efforts in ensuring that Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Mines are brought back to operational life as equally commendable.

Speaking at the official opening of the Southern African Development Community Law Association (SADCLA) 2024 Annual Law Conference and General Meeting in Livingstone on Wednesday, LAZ President Lungisani Lungu said the debt restructuring for Zambia would go a long way in repositioning the country for sustainable development. 

“We also take note of the various interventions government is embarking on in the enrgy sector to address the challenge of energy deficiency occasioned by the drought situation, which initiatives include promotion of net metering generation and the recently announced approval of the open access policy on electricity and energy to spur investment in the sector,” Lungu said.

He noted that the theme of the conference – ‘Building resilient futures: Convergence of law and tech innovations for sustainable investment in infrastructure, mining and energy in Southern Africa’ – was a mouthful.

“This is deliberate. We lawyers are alive to the huge burden placed on you our political leaders to find solutions for our citizens in various areas including in energy, economic development, mining, infrastructure development and technology, among others. As a body of lawyers, we sympathise with you our political leaders, and we are eager to lend a helping hand,” Lungu said.

“It is every lawyer’s calling to use their skills to further the growth of society and as SADCLA we are able, willing and capable of doing more for our respective societies and for SADC.”

He urged delegates to reflect on how they could make more meaningful contribution in the area of energy, economic development, mining, infrastructure development and technology.

“Since [its] formation in 1999, SADCLA has been involved in numerous activities at the regional and international levels to strengthen, defend and advance the rule of law in the SADC region and beyond,” Lungu said. “Though we remain committed to continue doing the same, SADCLA is eager increase its contribution to SADC community in Southern Africa, and for Africa in general.”

He said SADCLA had set up a climate change and sustainability committee to spearhead capacity building of lawyers to support governments and the business community. Lungu further appealed to the lawyers to take the lead in integrating Africa into a borderless economic bloc.

He said in Zambia, LAZ had partnered with local business and professional bodies to establish the Lusaka International Arbitration Centre.

“LIAC will play a pivotal role in directing commercial disputes away from the courtroom but to the boardroom through arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Being an international arbitration centre, LIAC will cater not only for the needs of Zambia but SADC and Africa at large,” Lungu said.

He added that LIAC would contribute to the economic development of Southern Africa by providing credible dispute resolution for business across SADC, especially that it is located in Lusaka, one of the Southern Africa’s most centrally located cities.

Lungu said this was clear evidence of the association’s willingness to do more for the society, adding that LAZ remained committed to supporting the government in its quest to uplift the welfare of citizens.

“We are in this together,” said Lungu.

TF