https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaG07sTJENxyeTTfph1G *INTERNATIONAL NEWS* *13 February 2025* *NEWS HEADLINES* *Zambia to introduce new banknotes on March 31, 2025* *DR Congo closes airspace to all aircraft registered or based in Rwanda* *Ghana is open for business - President assures Chinese investors* *NEWS IN DETAIL* *Zambia to introduce new banknotes on March 31, 2025* The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has announced the introduction of new banknotes and coins for the Zambian kwacha, set to launch on March 31, 2025. This marks a significant update to the nation's currency, aimed at improving its security, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. The updated currency will include the introduction of 500 kwacha and 200 kwacha banknotes, alongside a refreshed series of coins in denominations of 5 kwacha, 2 kwacha, and 1 kwacha. Smaller units, namely 50 ngwee, 10 ngwee, and 5 ngwee, will also be issued as part of the revamped coin series. BoZ Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya confirmed that while the designs of the new banknotes and coins have been updated, key features will remain unchanged. These include the alpha code for the Zambian kwacha (ZMW), the numeric code 967, the currency symbol K, and the face value of the currency. Dr. Kalyalya highlighted that the updated designs draw inspiration from Zambia's rich cultural and natural heritage. The new notes and coins will showcase elements of the nation's iconic flora, fauna, and stunning waterfalls, reflecting the beauty and uniqueness of the country. "This redesign is not only about enhancing security but also about celebrating who we are as Zambians," Dr. Kalyalya stated during the announcement. The rollout of the new currency is expected to strengthen public confidence in the monetary system while ensuring the kwacha remains a secure and efficient medium of exchange. With the updated designs, the BoZ aims to merge functionality with an artistic tribute to Zambia's identity. The transition to the new currency will be accompanied by a public awareness campaign to ensure smooth adoption and understanding of the changes. Further details on the distribution process and the withdrawal timeline for the existing currency will be shared by the BoZ in the coming weeks._Bulawayo 24_ *DR Congo closes airspace to all aircraft registered or based in Rwanda* The Democratic Republic of Congo has closed its airspace to all civil and state aircraft registered or based in Rwanda, the state agency reported. Congolese airport authorities released an internal note on the "formal ban on overflight and landing on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for all civil and state aircraft registered in Rwanda or those registered elsewhere based in Rwanda due to the situation of insecurity caused by the armed conflict," according to the Agence Congolaise de Presse on Tuesday. The decision to ban Rwandan aircraft comes as the fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces resumed on Tuesday on the Lubero front in the eastern province of North Kivu in Congo. Since Jan. 26, more than 3,000 people have been killed, 2,880 injured, and over 500,000 displaced, adding to the 6.4 million already internally displaced people, according to the UN. At least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 from South Africa, have been killed during the clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces. The remains of the South African soldiers are expected to be returned home on Thursday. The M23 rebels now claim control of Goma and have declared their own administration in the city. Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels and sending its forces to eastern Congo when the latest offensive began, while Kigali has repeatedly denied the allegations that it backs rebels. _Anadolu Agency_ *Ghana is open for business - President assures Chinese investors* President John Mahama has declared that Ghana is "open for business" as he woos Chinese investors with promises of a stable democracy, growing economy and skilled workforce. Addressing the Chinese Lantern Festival Gala held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra last Sunday, President Mahama commended the significant contributions of the Chinese community in the country, highlighting their pivotal role in key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture and trade. He observed that Chinese investments had created jobs, stimulated economic growth and improved infrastructure to the benefit of Ghanaians. The President called on Chinese investors to explore new opportunities and create a "win-win situation" for both countries. “As I said in my inaugural address, Ghana is open for business again, and I invite our comrades in the Chinese investor community to look at the opportunities Ghana has to offer. Let’s create a win-win situation for our two people,” President Mahama said. He also acknowledged the educational opportunities that China had provided to many young Ghanaians. “As we move forward, we must continue to embrace mutual respect and ensure that the benefits of our partnership are shared by all,” the President added. Festival President Mahama underscored the importance of the festival, which marks the conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebrations. “The Lantern Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a symbol of enlightenment, unity and progress,” he said. The Lantern Festival Gala featured cultural performances by a Chinese troupe from Fujian province and was attended by dignitaries from both Chinese and Ghanaian communities, including business leaders and diplomats. The festival also marked 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Collaboration For his part, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, expressed optimism about the future of China-Ghana relations, citing the country's stable democracy, growing economy, and skilled workforce as key attractions for Chinese investors. He said bilateral trade between the two nations reached a historic high of $11.84 billion last year. "The past six-and-a-half decades have witnessed strong mutual political trust, flourishing economic cooperation, and close people-to-people exchanges between our two countries," the Ambassador said. The Ambassador also commended President Mahama's commitment to developing China-Ghana relations, particularly his decision to grant an audience to President Xi Jinping's special envoy, Mr Hao Mingjin, immediately after his inauguration. Mr Defa emphasised the importance of industrialisation and technological innovation in Africa's development, echoing President Mahama's sentiments during the recent Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD). He expressed China's willingness to engage with Ghana on industrialisation and agricultural modernisation, citing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as key frameworks for cooperation. The Ambassador also emphasised the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections, saying, "One flower doesn’t make a spring; it takes a garden in full bloom to bring the season to life." Mr Defa said 2026 had been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He, therefore, expressed China's willingness to strengthen exchanges and stage more projects with Africa, including Ghana. _Graphic.com_