The Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) has been awarded for its tremendous growth initiatives in the banking sector in Zambia as the African Company of the Year.
ZANACO was recognised for consistently creating sustainable value for all stakeholders in Zambia, driving the digital and sustainability agenda, improving service delivery, and providing solutions for key segments of the economy that include SMEs, women, and climate initiatives.
The event which took place at the Dorchester Hotel, London, United Kingdom was a 2-day event organized by African Leadership Organization, publishers of the African Leadership Magazine UK which attracted high-level business leaders and policymakers, including Lord Dolar Popat, a Member of the UK House of Lords, the British Prime Ministers Trade Envoy to Rwanda and Uganda; Baroness Sandy Verma, Member UK House of Lords, Hon. Renganaden Padayachy, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Mauritius, Rindra Rabarinirinarison, Minister for Economy & Finance, Madagascar; Hon. Seedy Sk Nije, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Of The Gambia; Hon. Fonati Koffa, Deputy Speaker, House of Reps, Liberia; Michel Ussene, Executive Chairman, Uxene Smart City, Mozambique.
Patrick Wanjelani disclosed during the chairman’s remark on the 2022 financial year that “The bank recorded a total revenue growth of K3.94 billion, which is the highest profit after tax in the banking industry in Zambia.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the Zanaco Plc 2022 Integrated Report. As we reflect on our 5-year strategy, we are proud of the progress that the Bank has made in realising the key aspects of our plan and exceeding several of the initial performance metrics as set out.
“We have embedded our focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance factors into our strategic plan and initiatives. We are committed to ensuring that we deliver sustainable solutions that will not only benefit the Bank, our Customers, our Country, and the wider global Community.
“We have made further progress in participating in key growth sectors of the economy, and we will continue to focus on making headway in establishing the Bank as a key partner for our customers’ growth, accreditation of the Bank to the Global Climate Fund (GCF) to support our Sustainability strategic plan, and
The establishment of an agreement with British International Investment for the extension of funding to SMEs, Women, and Climate Initiatives.”
The Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) is driven by sound corporate governance, currently led by its CEO, Mrs. Mukwandi Chibesankuna, with consistent financial performances that have established the bank’s leadership position in the banking sector of Zambia and the African continent.
Speaking at the event with the theme “New Opportunities for African Investments, Partnership, and Collaboration,” a number of speakers agreed that international business collaborations will open up a wide range of opportunities for companies operating all over the continent and help to foster sustainable growth and development.
Other guests at the event include His Royal Majesty, Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III CFR, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Nigeria; Olori Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Nigeria; Cosmas Kanhai, CEO, Zimbabwe Asset Management Corporation; Hon. DebeleKabeta Hursa, Commissioner, Ethiopian Customs Commission; Hon. Johnny Ohisa Damian, Governor, Bank of South Sudan; Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, MD, Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leon; Mohammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Nokuthulamolela Selamolela, CEO Food and Beverages Manufacturing, South Africa, amongst others.
Distinguished speakers, including government ministers, diplomats, members of parliament, business leaders, and experts, shared their insights, experiences, and success stories, inspiring participants to explore new strategies and partnerships for advancing Africa’s prosperity. The event also had a panel discussion on Galvanising Africa’s Political Leadership for Global Investments, Partnerships, and Collaboration.
The CEOs Roundtable on Re-Imagining Africa’s Private Sector as Economic Growth Enablers on the Continent was also hosted at the event. This enabled the participants to showcase Africa’s Investment Opportunities for interested investors, and the high points of the event were the presentation of the African Business Leadership Awards and trophies to winners in the 13th African Business Leadership Awards.
The discussions were centred on workable policies and modalities for boosting the Africa-UK trade partnerships, with the active support of influential members of the House of Lords with age-long insight into UK-Africa trade partnerships. The Africa Summit presented high-level panel discussions, keynote addresses, and interactive sessions on critical topics such as Business partnerships, CSR, Sustainable development, Infrastructure, Technology, and Governance.
