Women Leading the Way: Providing Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Nachilala  is a multi-award-winning climate finance advocate and sustainability leader with over 20 years of experience in conservation and sustainable development across Africa. She is the Co-Founder of Women Leaders on Climate Action (WLCA) and Country Director for Bridges to Prosperity Zambia. She has held senior roles at WWF Zambia and ActionAid International and has led high-level partnerships and policy reforms across multiple African nations, securing commitments for agriculture investment. A member of the Malabo Montpellier Panel, her work focuses on environmental sustainability, gender equality, and climate change. She holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Zambia and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Potsdam. 

Mukwandi is a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience in Zambia’s financial sector. As CEO and Managing Director of ZANACO, she has earned prestigious accolades, including Zambia's CEO of the Year (2021) and the Inclusive Leader for Zambia award (2022). She holds a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Zambia and an MBA from Alliance Business School, Manchester University, UK. An alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Program and INSEAD’s Female Leadership Program, Mukwandi is also a Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services and the Institute of Directors, Zambia. Her leadership and commitment to financial inclusion have been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of ZANACO, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable economic growth in Zambia.

Mizinga is a renowned business leader who has worked across six African countries with over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. She became Managing Director of Absa Bank Zambia PLC (formerly Barclays Bank Zambia) in 2017. Mizinga has held key roles at Barclays Africa Group (now Absa Group) and Standard Chartered, including the role of Barclays Africa Regional Management Chief Executive and CEO of Standard Chartered Zambia respectively. A multi-award-winning leader, her accolades include the 2020 Southern African Women in Leadership Trailblazers Award and the 2020 Banking CEO of the Year (Zambia). Mizinga holds an MBA from Henley Management College, an Associateship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (A.C.I.B.), and is a Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Bankers. She also serves on several boards.

Nkhonde is a dynamic and versatile lawyer with a broad professional background that spans business consulting, media, property, and climate-related expertise. As an Advocate of the High Court for Zambia, she provides legal advisory services to start-ups and corporations on business registration, investment, compliance, and succession planning, as well as in media, real estate, conveyancing, and criminal law. A passionate gender and climate change advocate, Nkhonde has hosted the Women@Money show to empower women in business and leadership. She is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and co-founder of Fairworld Properties, Money FM, Innovo Consult, and Women Leaders for Climate Action. With over 18 years of experience, she has worked across Zambia’s judiciary, COMESA Court, and various tribunals, contributing to sustainable development and gender equality.

Faith is an accomplished leader and the first Zambian CEO of Zambeef Products Plc, a publicly traded company on both the Lusaka Securities Exchange and the AIM of the London Stock Exchange. With a career marked by exceptional achievements, she also serves as a director on several prestigious boards, including National Breweries Plc, Bayport Financial Services Ltd., and Good Nature Agro Products Ltd. Faith’s background includes key roles at Zambia Sugar Plc, Zambian Breweries Plc, and Maluti Mountain Brewery, along with international experience in Malawi and Heinrich’s Syndicate Ltd. Recognized by Forbes as one of the "Women to Watch" in 2023, Faith exemplifies leadership and excellence in business and finance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and an MBA. 

Mauwa is a seasoned development expert with over 16 years of experience in managing and implementing large-scale national and international programs in financial inclusion, climate resilience, and rural development. As Managing Partner of REZIL, she leads high-impact programs in collaboration with governments, multilateral institutions, and donor agencies. She has successfully led transformative projects funded by FCDO, JOA, SIDA, USAID, IRISH AID, GIZ, and others, focusing on financial inclusion, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. She has also previously held senior leadership roles at FSD Zambia, driving initiatives that expanded access to finance. She is also the Co-Founder and Director of Nate Foundation, advocating for the inclusion of children with developmental disabilities. Mauwa holds a Master of Science in Economics and Finance and is a Certified Financial Inclusion Policy Expert.

Lowani Chibesakunda is the CEO and Citi Country Officer for Citi Zambia, with extensive experience from Citibank Zambia, Citibank China, and Citibank South Africa. She holds an MBA from Herriot Watt University and has extensive expertise in banking, corporate finance, portfolio management, and capital markets. Lowani is passionate about climate change and actively advocates for sustainable practices and policies. A strong believer in leadership through coaching and mentoring, she has worked with multinational, public sector, non-profit, and top-tier local corporations. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to empowering others and driving positive change in both business and environmental sectors.