I began my 16-year career journey with Barclays Bank, where I worked in various departments, including trade finance, credit, finance and customer service. I had a degree in microbiology, but thought if I was to build a successful career in banking, I would need a relevant professional qualification. Two of my senior colleagues advised me to study ACCA as it would set me apart. It certainly has.
Upon qualifying I opted to move into the insurance sector, joining Barclays Life Zambia, which had launched the previous year. Feeling like a change of scene, my next move was a secondment to Absa Life Insurance in South Africa, where as finance manager I oversaw the operations in Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania. After nearly three years, having gained great exposure to these very different markets and acquired many corporate skills, I returned home to take up the position of financial controller for Absa Life Zambia.
I try to use every experience to learn and become a better version of myself
My next move was to my current role as head of finance at Zambia Electronic Clearing House (ZECHL). The institution is at the centre of the technological advances in the payments ecosystem for financial services. I saw it as opportunity to advance my career and expertise beyond banking and insurance, and into the technology and payments space, which is a fast-evolving area.
ZECHL is critical to the development of the Zambian e-payments system and fundamental to achieving financial inclusion and digital payments objectives. It integrates all major payments from commercial banks and mobile money providers and so is the very heartbeat of the payments industry. A major challenge for us concerns striking a balance between meeting the societal common good while operating sustainably to support current demands and future growth.
I live by many principles. These are two of my favourite mantras: ‘I am a work in progress’ and ‘Each day is a new beginning with new opportunities for a better tomorrow’. I try to use every experience to learn and become a better version of myself.
If I had law-making powers, I would compel companies that extract raw materials from Zambia and across Africa to locally process the raw materials and export finished and near-finished goods. This would spur the economy through the development of various industries and help the indigenous people to support sustainable growth.
I transitioned from a degree in microbiology to build a finance career
I enjoy my job because it allows me to interact with stakeholders right across financial services and places me at the centre of communicating the ZECHL narrative. It also challenges the status quo as technology advances in the payments space, which is exciting.
My biggest achievement has been my ability to adapt to various environments. I transitioned from a degree in microbiology to successfully build a finance career that cuts across different industries. I have harnessed my experience to create value for the institutions I have served.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would have wanted to be a neurosurgeon. The brain is a complex and powerful organ that would I think have been fascinating to explore.
In my spare time I am passionate about farming. The farm is my most peaceful place, where I can unwind and think clearly. It is when I am here that I have my best ideas about how to resolve complex problems at the office. I also love spending time with my family.
