Zamtel, Barclays Plc partner to launch online payment solution

Zamtel and Barclays Bank Zambia Plc today announced the launch of online payment solution to enable Zamtel customers to pay for various communication products and services.

In a statement released to the media today, the two companies said that together they bring together years of experience and unique expertise in telecommunication and financial services to deliver a payment solution that is safe, secure, reliable and efficient and is consistent with provisions of the National Payment Systems Act (2007).

"Through this partnership, Zamtel customers will be able to pay for their data accounts on ADSL as well as purchase credit for pre-paid mobile and fixed-line numbers from the comfort of their homes or offices using an e-Commerce platform,” read the statement.

Using the e-Commerce solution, users will be able to purchase credit, data bundles on ADSL, check credit balance and view payment history.

Commenting on the partnership, Barclays Bank Zambia said in line with its strategy, its focus was on delivering innovative products and services to its customers that is anchored on the effective use of technology.

“As a trusted brand in banking with over 100 years existence in Zambia, Barclays Bank Zambia has continued to focus on providing its customers with financial solutions that not only meet their needs but exceed their expectations,” read the statement.

“Globally, the banking sector has been no exception to the ever-changing technology trends, and for this reason, we have continued to invest in our technology platforms to provide our customers with superior banking services that offer them the convenience to transact anywhere and anytime. 

Therefore, for us at Barclays, the digital agenda is part of our DNA and as a way of transforming our customers’ experience, we continuously seek partnerships and alliances such as the one we have entered into with Zamtel in order to leverage complementary competencies that benefit customers.” said Barclays Bank Zambia Managing Director Mizinga Melu.

Commenting on the partnership, Zamtel Acting Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Mupeta said: “ This strategic partnership clearly demonstrates the confidence that both Zamtel and Barclays have in the Zambian economy and are committed to cashlite and risk-free payment solutions.” - www.lusakatimes.com

Zambia Weights and Measures Agency worried with unlabeled and underweight products

Source: Google images

The Zambia Weights and Measures Agency (ZWMA) has expressed concern at the growing number of unlabeled and underweight products on the market.

ZWMA Public Relations Officer Mutale Chileshe says his the Agency has, for this reason, intensified its inspection of products on the market throughout the country.

He said it is only right for consumers to get the right quantity of the products they purchase adding that traders should make sure that the products they stock measure to the weight indicated on the package.

“We will not only hold the traders responsible for stocking underweight products, but we will trace these products back to the manufacturers and hold them liable,” said Mr Chileshe.

Mr. Chileshe stated that the Agency is currently sensitizing both consumers and traders to educate them on regulations pertaining to weights and measures.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has urged Zambians to demand for quality products.

ZANIS News, reports that ZABS Public Relations Officer Hazel Zulu says Zambians should make sure that the products they buy are adequately labeled with a brand name, expiry date and other important information.

Mrs. Zulu said traders should make sure that the products they sell are labeled in English adding that any unlabeled products will not be allowed on the market as they are considered of substandard.

Mrs. Zulu stated that ZABS is committed to taking out substandard products off the market and sensitizing the consumer on the dangers of buying such products. - www.lusakatimes.com

Zambia Seeking Bids for New Mobile Provider to Take on MTN

by Taonga Clifford Mitimingi and Matthew Hill

Zambia is seeking bidders for a fourth mobile-network license to take on operators including market leader MTN Group Ltd. in the southern African country, Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba said.

The ministry last week gave the go-ahead to the telecommunications regulator to start the process, he said in a recorded response to questions on Monday. The new carrier could be in place over the next six to 12 months and the country may even have capacity for a fifth operator, he said. The local unit of India’s Bharti Airtel Ltd. and state-owned Zamtel make up the current trio.

Communication costs in Zambia have been “rather on the high side,” Mushimba said from Lusaka, the capital. “The market analysis that we have done supports the fact that we can have a fourth licensee and possibly a fifth and still the market will be profitable.”

For full story - www.bloomberg.com