President Edgar Lungu says he is irritated by the ‘lies and innuendos’ employed by opponents to try and derail the economy.

Speaking when he launched Total Zambia’s Head Office in Lusaka, Tuesday, Lungu appealed to foreign investors to ignore the rancour and rumour-mongering that some people have embarked on.

President Lungu said the management of the country’s economy and public finances was based on a laid-down system and guided by sound fundamentals.

“As President, I am here to help drive a point home that, we are friends of business, and so when you are in doubt, talk to us. We are here to tell our own stories, not the misrepresentations being planted in some foreign publications hell-belt on attacking our economy! So, do ask others about us. We are available to tell you our story, which you can verify with reasonable and well-meaning third parties. Ignore the rancour and rumour-mongering machines our opponents have employed to try and derail our economy. Yes, we may face challenges here and there, but the PF party is a resilient movement. We shall see off all these lies and innuendoes! Our management of the economy and public finances is based on laid-down system and guided by sound fundamentals. The lies expressly designed to hurt the economy are irritating, but with collective resolve, we shall overcome,” President Lungu vowed.

He added that government would continue to create an enabling environment to promote more investments from progressive investors, such as Total.

“Let me say that, my government will continue to create an enabling environment to promote more investments from progressive investors, such as Total. One of my government’s key priorities is to create jobs and wealth for the people and, therefore, Total Zambia’s commitment to supporting the communities where they operate is highly commendable,” President Lungu added.

He further disclosed that government had made solar products more affordable through the removal of taxes.

“Energy remains a vital component of our economic diversification programme. And in view of this, the National Energy Policy framework seeks, in the short-to-medium term, to diversify the energy generation mix through geothermal, wind, biomass and solar power. My government has made solar products more affordable through the removal of taxes prescribed for solar items,” said President Lungu.

He further assured investors to continue investing in the country, insisting that their investment is safe.

And speaking at the same occasion, Total Zambia managing director Olufemi Babajide said the company has continued to contribute to the development of Zambia.

“Your Excellency, I am pleased to announce that Total Zambia has remained one of the best companies, and it has continued to contribute to the development of Zambia. We have rolled out several empowerment programmes countrywide with programmes, such as young dealership,” said Babajide.

Total Zambia, which has been in existence for more than 68 years, has currently engaged local transporters with a combined fleet of 185 fuel tankers on long-term transportation contracts.

The new Total Head Office will house over 100 employees.