Top news items in major Zambia media outlets

The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Saturday.

--The Zambian government has assured that its external borrowings are being spent on the country's development needs.

Vice President Inonge Wina said the government does not channel its external borrowings towards consumption but spends the money on projects such as construction of roads, schools and clinics.

She further said the government has put in place measures to ensure that it does not borrow above the required ceiling. (Zambia Daily Mail)

--Zambia has been ranked first in southern Africa in simplifying and reducing the burden of tax for medium-sized businesses.

According to the World Bank and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) latest global report, Zambia has been rated first with 18.6 percent in the southern region compared to the average in Africa of 47.1 percent.

This means that on average, Zambia charges taxes totaling about 18 percent as compared to many African countries that charge a total tax rate of 47 percent. (Times of Zambia)

--The Zambian government has launched a new multi-sectoral women's empowerment project to benefit 75,000 poor and vulnerable women in 51 districts.

The project, dubbed "Supporting Women Livelihood", is a new initiative aimed at building on the already existing structures and programs to support poor women's livelihood productivity and economic empowerment.

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare, which is implementing the project, said it was being funded by the World Bank and will support women aged between 19 and 64 years. (Daily Natio