Zambia is facing challenges caused by climate change, including floods, droughts and food insecurity, which affect energy, agriculture and rural communities. However, by investing in renewable energy, climate-smart farming and sustainable forestry, Zambia can boost resilience, create jobs, protect resources, and build a greener and more robust economy in which all can participate.
I began my career at an insurance company, where I gained essential skills in bookkeeping and financial reporting. I then moved into auditing, which I did for eight years before going into management accounting. My father fostered my enthusiasm for the profession and his support, along with my own appreciation for the profession, still motivates me.
If I had law-making powers, I would set a minimum wage for accountants
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I moved from auditor to accountant. Switching roles meant taking responsibility for creating, managing and defending financial records. I had to adapt quickly, learn new skills and understand diverse processes. After only six months I was promoted to manager, having shown dedication and a willingness to face new challenges. I listened to feedback, collaborated closely with my new team and focused on developing my understanding. It was a difficult time, but it provided great opportunities for growth. I enhanced my technical skills and adaptability, and ultimately this challenge helped me become a more comprehensive professional, able to address complex financial problems.
AI is transforming auditing by automating data entry, enhancing fraud detection and supporting data analysis, which allows auditors to focus on risk assessment and strategic issues. However, the adoption of AI incurs high costs, especially for smaller firms. It also poses risks, particularly around data privacy issues and algorithmic bias. To reap the technology’s benefits, firms must manage these costs and implementation challenges while maintaining their professional judgment and integrity.
If I had law-making powers, I would set a minimum wage for accountants. They should be fairly compensated for their critical role in maintaining financial integrity and supporting economic growth. Local accounting institutions (for example, Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants – ZICA) should partner with government agencies to create structured training programmes to equip unemployed recent graduates with practical skills and real-world experience, helping them transition into the workforce. This would enhance skills levels in the public sector and be very valuable for young accountants. Such a law would promote growth, transparency and national development, while also enabling the government to tackle numerous lagging projects more efficiently.
What I like most most about my job is working with service delivery teams to meet targets. Seeing how each person’s effort contributes to shared success is very fulfilling as it highlights the importance of teamwork. Such collaboration inspires me and makes achieving our goals more rewarding.
Seeing how each person’s effort contributes to shared success is very fulfilling
This is my favourite saying: ‘You can’t please all the people all the time, but you can please some of the people some of the time.’
If I wasn’t an accountant, I would have probably had a career as a medical doctor. It would be satisfying to make a positive impact on people’s health and contribute meaningfully to the community.
In my own time, I enjoy long drives listening to music, which helps me relax. Saturdays are a special time for me, as I spend them with the ladies at my church supporting each other’s spiritual growth. I also like exploring new ideas through reading or discussions that challenge and inspire me. Above all, I cherish the time with my daughters when they return from boarding school, using those moments to care for each other and deepen our bond.
