New First Quantum–ZICA Deal Strengthens Career Prospects for Zambian Accountants
First Quantum Minerals Ltd and the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at strengthening professional training, accreditation, and skills development for accountants in Zambia, with a particular focus on the North-Western Province.
The agreements were signed on Thursday at ZICA’s offices in Lusaka and are structured around two key pillars: Practical Training Accreditation and Enhanced Skills Development.
The Training Accreditation MOU responds to the growing need for structured practical experience among students pursuing the Chartered Accountant Zambia (CA Zambia) qualification. Through this agreement, First Quantum’s operations at Kansanshi Mining Plc and FQM Trident will provide supervised, qualifying work experience for trainee accountants.
Under the framework, accounts staff and trainees at Kansanshi and Trident will be able to count their professional experience towards ZICA accreditation, while ZICA will oversee and verify the quality and effectiveness of the training provided.
The second MOU establishes a broader collaboration focused on raising professional standards nationwide. A key feature is First Quantum’s commitment to sponsor and deliver quarterly Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions in the North-Western Province.
As part of its community sustainability initiatives, First Quantum will fund places at these CPD sessions in Solwezi for ZICA members in the region, reducing the need for professionals to travel to Lusaka to meet mandatory CPD requirements.
ZICA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Bwembya described the partnership as a strategic milestone for the profession.
“We treasure this partnership because it aligns directly with our mandate to promote professional development,” Mr Bwembya said. “It is particularly encouraging that First Quantum is extending these opportunities beyond its own employees to other ZICA members in the region.”
He added that the MOUs also introduce a mentorship programme under which experienced First Quantum professionals will support and guide emerging accountants.
First Quantum Country Manager Godwin Beene highlighted the mining sector’s role as a centre of professional excellence.
“The mining industry, and First Quantum in particular, attracts a high concentration of professionals in Zambia,” Dr Beene said. “We recognise the importance of closely linking professional development to our operations and ensuring that skilled talent continues to add value to the sector.”
First Quantum has a long-standing record of collaboration with professional bodies, including the Engineering Institution of Zambia and the Zambian Institute of Purchasing and Supply, reinforcing its commitment to skills development across its operations.
The latest agreements further cement First Quantum’s role in supporting professional excellence and capacity building in Zambia’s mining and business sectors.
