Zambian Women Strengthen Leadership in Finance and Governance
The 8th National Symposium of the Forum for Zambia Women Accountants (FZWA) took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, bringing together women leaders from the financial, governance, and technology sectors.
Representing President Hakainde Hichilema, the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon Felix Chipota Mutati, MP, praised the Forum for its ongoing work in strengthening women’s leadership and advancing the accounting profession.
Minister Mutati described the symposium as more than a professional gathering and said it reflected the transformative role women now play in Zambia’s economic and governance landscape. He noted that women have moved from the margins of participation to the centre of national development and are now actively shaping financial decisions and public policy.
He highlighted the increasing influence of women across key sectors. Four of Zambia’s top five banks are led by women, and in the technology sector young female innovators continue to break new ground. He cited the example of a young woman who began with only five hundred US dollars and now leads a fintech valued at eight point five million US dollars.
Another young woman runs a fintech recognised globally for outstanding performance, while a third has been honoured as Africa’s top trailblazer under the age of thirty-five in the information and communications technology sector.
Although progress has been significant, Minister Mutati acknowledged ongoing challenges such as limited access to capital and gaps in digital literacy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges.
Recent investments include training forty-two thousand women in digital literacy, supporting eight thousand five hundred girls through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programmes, and establishing three women-focused innovation hubs in Chongwe in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.
He stated that the professional playing field is becoming more balanced, and he encouraged participants to lead with purpose, uphold integrity, and support others through mentorship. He called on women to take up space in corporate leadership, governance, and political decision-making.
He emphasised that women at the symposium were not merely participants but key contributors to Zambia’s transformation.
FZWA National Coordinator Ms Changwe Mulimbika welcomed members and guests to the symposium and described it as a celebration of progress, professionalism, and purposeful leadership.
She expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for his ongoing support for women in the profession and across Zambia’s governance structures and thanked the Minister for reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering women accountants.
She noted that this year’s theme, entitled Empowered to Lead: Driving Progress in Finance and Governance, reflected the Forum’s mission to cultivate leadership, strengthen professional networks, and position women accountants at the centre of national progress.
Ms Mulimbika highlighted key achievements by the Forum. These include increased member engagement in all zones, the successful hosting of its first meeting in Eastern Province, the implementation of financial literacy programmes in Livingstone, Lusaka, and the Copperbelt, and community support activities such as donations to the Maramba Old People’s Home.
The Forum’s mentorship programme has also expanded significantly, growing from one hundred participants to more than two hundred mentors and two hundred mentees.
She reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to ethical leadership and said Zambia requires leaders who prioritise accountability and safeguard public resources. She added that women accountants continue to demonstrate integrity, diligence, and strong ethical values.
Speaking on behalf of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants, Vice President Mr Joseph Matimba said the Institute remains focused on producing competent, ethical, and reputable finance professionals.
He applauded the government’s dedication to digital transformation, women’s empowerment, and good governance. He noted that the theme of the symposium aligns closely with the national vision of an inclusive, innovative, and accountable Zambia.
Mr Matimba said women are catalysts for transformation across financial management, governance systems, and digital innovation. He commended the Forum for its efforts in nurturing leadership and turning professional potential into visible impact.
He said the Institute will continue to support capacity-building initiatives for women, promote mentorship and leadership development, advocate for ethical governance, and increase women’s representation across its structures.
He urged women to be courageous, challenge outdated practices, and play active roles in shaping decision-making processes. He emphasised that leadership is defined by integrity, purpose, and impact.
The symposium concluded with renewed calls for women to assume leadership roles across finance, governance, and national development, reinforcing their influence in shaping Zambia’s future.
