ZCS Calls for Enhanced Financial Partnership with Access Bank
The Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) has called for stronger financial collaboration with Access Bank, aimed at improving financial stability and literacy among correctional officers, while supporting the Service’s expanding agricultural and industrial operations.
ZCS Commissioner General Mr Fredrick S. S. Chilukutu made the call during a courtesy visit by Access Bank Deputy Managing Director for Retail and Operations, Mr Bobbline Cheembela, and his delegation. He welcomed the bank’s team and emphasised the importance of maintaining sound institutional partnerships.
Mr Chilukutu noted that while some financial arrangements had benefited officers, others had resulted in heavy indebtedness, particularly during periods of military training. He expressed concern over officers borrowing from multiple financial institutions, a practice he said often leads to financial distress and personal embarrassment.
The Commissioner General appealed to Access Bank to support the Service through structured financial solutions and comprehensive financial literacy programmes. He proposed large-scale engagements that would allow officers to interact directly with the bank and gain practical knowledge on responsible financial management.
Highlighting the economic potential of the Zambia Correctional Service, Mr Chilukutu described ZCS as a key agricultural institution with farming operations across the country. He revealed that the Service is currently constructing a 200-tonne-per-day milling plant in Petauke, Eastern Province, expected to produce more than 8,000 bags of 25kg mealie meal daily.
He further disclosed that ZCS is exploring export opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a major regional market for horticultural products.
“With over 5,000 members of staff, we are a big family. To grow our resources, we must build strong relationships with institutions such as Access Bank,” Mr Chilukutu said.
In response, Mr Cheembela said Access Bank now operates in all ten provinces of Zambia, including some areas where it is the only commercial bank. He added that the bank has a strong international presence, operating in 14 English-speaking African countries, with additional representation in global financial centres such as the United Kingdom.
Mr Cheembela described Access Bank as a gateway to global financial markets and reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to partner with government and public sector organisations. He assured the ZCS leadership of the bank’s commitment to delivering financial literacy programmes, supported by skilled and dedicated staff.
He thanked the Zambia Correctional Service for fostering a positive working relationship, noting that Access Bank sees significant potential for expanded cooperation between the two institutions.
