Airtel Zambia says it is happy with a peaceful environment in Zambia that has prevailed during what was expected to be a tense period following the death of the country’s President Michael Sata.

“I have no concerns on the business climate… we can only encourage one another to be positive and pray that at the end of the day what the leadership has shown us up to this point will continue in terms of peace and stability and embracing everyone,” said Airtel Zambia managing director Charity Lumpa. “We want to provide a good service to our customers. We are here as a business and it is our number one focus to ensure we satisfy our customers”.

Sata died on October 29, 2014 at the King Edward VII hospital in London. He was said to have died from an undisclosed illness. Vice-President Guy Scott has been appointed the acting leader, making him the first white president in Africa.

The Zambian government has also assured foreign investors that the southern African country is still a safe investment haven. Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba says the current political situation does not threaten the conducive economic environment in Zambia. “What is happening now, the singing on most streets and roads in some parts of Lusaka and the country cannot in any way destroy the good business environment in the country or threaten the peace that we have been enjoying in Zambia for 50 years,” said Kalaba.

A presidential election is expected to be held within 90 days in Zambia from October 28 and Scott (70) is ineligible to run for the presidency in the election because of citizenship restrictions. His parents were not born in Zambia.

By George Mpofu