(Ecofin Agency) - On Wednesday, Feb. 14, during a ministerial reshuffle, the Zambian president Edgar Lungu appointed Richard Musukwa (photo) as the new minister of mines. He replaces Christopher Yaluma who is now the minister of commerce.

Musukwa was a member of the Zambian parliament and former deputy minister of mines.  

The president has also replaced the minister of finance, Felix Mutati, with Margaret Mwanakatwe, who headed the ministery of commerce. On the same occasion, Emmanuel Pamu has been named as permanent secretary of the minister of finance in charge of the budget and economic affairs.

According to Bloomberg, this reshuffle could be crucial for the country’s negotiations with IMF for a $1.3 billion loan.