Zambia Urges Technological Intervention to Boost Gemstone Revenue
The Zambian government has emphasized the crucial role of technology in retaining profits from the country’s gemstone industry.
Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, stressed the need for advanced technology to determine the market value of precious minerals, particularly gemstones, ensuring that Zambia maximizes its revenue.
Minister Mutati expressed concern over the significant revenue losses in the mining sector due to the absence of appropriate technology to track the entry and exit of gemstones.
During a visit to Mutinta Jewellery, he highlighted the disparity between the risks miners face and the meager profits they receive. Mutati called for a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to address this issue.
Furthermore, he advocated for the training of lecturers and supervisors with the correct knowledge, capitalizing on the rough stone industry to foster growth overseas.
The minister urged the ministries of Mines, Commerce, and Technology to work together in creating a system that ensures gemstone profits directly benefit miners.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is set to be signed between the Ministry of Technology and Mutinta Jewellery by the end of February. This collaborative agreement aims to enhance the gemstone industry, outlining expectations for both parties.
Director for Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Alex Simmumba, emphasized the importance of a practical approach, noting the disparity in equipment between industry and training institutions.
He commended Mutinta Jewellery for its automated polishing system and anticipated that the MOU would facilitate industry growth and mutual understanding.
Mutinta Jewellery Company Limited, co-founded by Msafiri and Mutinta Sinkala in 2011, welcomed the government’s commitment to improving the gemstone industry.
In 2022, the company opened the “Hands On Training Centre,” accredited by the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), aiming to transfer gemstone cutting and polishing skills using state-of-the-art technology.
