Menu
Mr. Albert Halwampa is the Director General for the Zambia Development Agency
and a Chevening Scholar with vast experience in International Trade and
Investment.
He has led teams in promotion and facilitation, investment and trade in regional
and international markets. He has participated in Bilateral and Multilateral Trade
Negotiations that include SADC, COMESA, COMESA-SADC-EAC TFTA, AGOA,
EU, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Middle East and Chinese
Market, Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo. Mr. Halwampa has worked
over the years to develop export strategies for both the public and private sector.
He sits on the Board of Zambia Export Development Fund, Investment Committee
of the ZCCM–IH Board, and Market Transactions Committee of the Securities and
Exchange Commission Board. He has been instrumental in organising
conferences for Afreximbank, International Trade Centre, World Bank, and Intra
African Trade Fair under the African Union.
Mr. Halwampa holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University
of Zambia and Master of Laws in (LLM) International Commercial and Business
Law from Bangor University, United Kingdom.
MINISTER OF COMMERCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Hon. Mulenga is serving as Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry in the Government of the Republic of Zambia. In this role, Hon. Mulenga provides policy guidance on the trade and industry sectors in order to enhance the sectors’ contribution to sustainable socio-economic growth and development for the benefit of the Zambian people. Further, Hon. Mulenga is responsible for administering the following portfolio functions: Industrialisation Policy; Investment Policy; Industrial Research; Business Registration; Competition and Consumer Protection; and Standards and Quality Assurance, among others.
Hon. Mulenga has vast corporate experience in mining and previously served as Technical Superintendent for a mining firm.
His appointment as Minister under the new Government, whose aspirations include economic transformation and job creation as well as human and social development, is to ensure these aspirations are embedded in the Ministry’s policies and strategies by enhancing partnerships for economic recovery, building resilience and driving structural transformation.
Hon. Mulenga holds qualifications in Mine Survey (Geomantic engineering) from the Copperbelt University, Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship (Economics) from the Management College of South Africa and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from the University of Zambia.
Director, Africa – KPMG International Development Advisory Services
Dharmini Shah is a seasoned investment advisor and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience across the UK, East Africa, and emerging markets. She is currently Director, Africa at KPMG’s International Development Advisory Services, driving private sector development and economic growth across the continent. Previously, she held senior roles at Triple Line Consulting and the UK Department for Business & Trade (FCDO) in Kenya, where she led major investment initiatives and trade partnerships. With a background in global finance at JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock, Dharmini is also a founder, SME advocate, and a passionate champion of inclusive, sustainable development.
MINISTER OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING
Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, has served as Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning since August 2021. He previously served in the same portfolio from 2008 to 2011. In his current portfolio, he has been at the forefront of spearheading Zambia’s economic transformation agenda, securing an IMF program and leading Zambia’s external debt restructuring efforts.
Dr. Musokotwane has implemented fiscal policies to foster investment, accelerate growth, and enhance public services. He strengthened fiscal decentralization through an increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and prioritized timely pensions and cash transfers for vulnerable groups.
He holds a Doctorate in Monetary Economics from the University of Konstanz (Germany), a Master’s from the University of Dar-Es-Salaam (Tanzania), and a Bachelor’s from the University of Zambia.
Chief Technical Advisor – UNIDO- African, Caribbean and Pacific Business Friendly Programme
Brian Portelli is Senior Advisor within the Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit in the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) based in Vienna, Austria. He currently leads the technical implementation and coordination of the intra-African, Caribbean and Pacific, EU- funded programme ‘Support to business friendly and inclusive national and regional policies, strengthening productive capabilities and value chains’, co-implemented with the Work Bank and the International Trade Centre.
Since 2010, Portelli has held a central role in the formulation and implementation of UNIDO’s technical cooperation programmes focusing on investment promotion and FDI facilitation, where he has overseen the preparation and managed the delivery of capacity building support to investment promotion agencies and economic development agencies in different Member States within the framework of UNIDO’s sustainable investments and responsible business services.
Prior to joining UNIDO, Portelli served in several posts in the public and private sector, both at national and international level, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, DAI (Hulla & Co. Human Dynamics KG) and the Government of Malta. In 2006, he obtained his PhD in international economics, economic development and technological change from the University of Oslo. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Glasgow
Permanent Secretary –Electricity Ministry of Energy ZAMBIA
Eng. Arnold M. Simwaba serves as the Permanent
Secretary- Electricity for the Ministry of Eenergy, where he
is committed to driving the nation’s energy policies and
overseeing the strategic development of electricity
infrastructure. With over two decades of experience in the
energy sector, Eng. Simwaba brings a wealth of expertise
in electricity sector, policy formulation, and project
management.
Educated at the People’s Friendship University, Moscow
Russia, Eng. Simwaba holds a Bachelor’s degree and
Master’s in Mechanical Engineering. His academic background, combined with practical
experience, empowers him to navigate the complexities of energy regulation and
sustainable practices effectively.
Prior to his appointment as Permanent Secretary – Electricity, Eng. Simwaba held various
leadership roles within the energy sector, including Director of the Department of Energy
at the Ministry of Energy. His contributions have been pivotal in advancing national
electricity access and promoting renewable energy initiatives.
Eng. Simwaba is known for his strong advocacy for sustainable energy solutions and his
ability to foster collaboration between governmental agencies, private sector
stakeholders, and international partners. He believes in the critical importance of reliable
electricity as a catalyst for economic growth and social development.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Eng. Simwaba is actively involved in
mentoring young engineers and participates in numerous forums addressing energy
sustainability and innovation.
Eng. Simwaba is dedicated to ensuring that the Ministry of Energy meets the nation’s
current and future energy needs while promoting a sustainable and resilient electricity
sub sector.
CEO, Power GL Africa Energy Limited
Brian Mushimba is the Chief Executive Officer, Power at GL Africa Energy Limited. GL Africa Energy (GLAE) is a subsidiary of the pan-African company Janus Continental Group (JCG) which operates in the energy, real estate, hospitality, and conservation sectors.
In his role, Brian is charged with leading and creating a roadmap for the Power business with a focus on investments and operating strategies for the energy projects in his fold. Brian is passionate about growing a business that provides sustainable energy solutions tailored for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Brian has extensive industry experience in Africa including a previous role as Cabinet Minister in the Government of Zambia. His influence extends across Sub-Saharan Africa encompassing previous roles at Eskom, SN Power (now Scatec) as well as other senior roles held with global companies at Siemens Power Generation, Lafarge Cement, and Pratt & Whitney Power Systems and at Algonquin Power & Corp in the USA.
Brian is a registered engineer, holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from The University of Zambia, an MBA from Salem University (USA), an MSc in Electrical/ Electronics Engineering from Pittsburg State University (USA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from The University of Arizona, USA. His commitment to professional growth is reflected in his memberships with the Engineering Institute of Zambia, the Project Management Institute, the International Society of Automation, and the Society of Maintenance and Reliability Practitioners.
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
Honourable Reuben R. Phiri Mtolo, MP, is the current Minister of Agriculture in the Republic of Zambia and a distinguished Member of Parliament for Chipata Central Constituency under the United Party for National Development (UPND). He was born on 11th November 1964 and has built a reputable career in public service, marked by dedication and professionalism.
Hon. Mtolo is an accomplished Agricultural Economist and Business Administrator. He holds a Grade 12 Certificate, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture and Cooperatives. His academic and professional background has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead Zambia’s agricultural transformation.
He was first elected to Parliament in 2011 and re-elected in 2021, a testament to the trust and confidence placed in him by the people of Chipata Central. While he does not currently serve on any parliamentary committee, his role as Minister of Agriculture places him at the centre of critical policy-making and sectoral development in Zambia.
Outside his official responsibilities, Hon. Mtolo enjoys sports, music, travelling, and reading. He is married and continues to lead a balanced life of service and personal fulfilment.
He can be contacted through the National Assembly of Zambia, Parliament Buildings, P.O. Box [Number], Lusaka, or at the Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box 50197, Mulungushi House, Independence Avenue.
His office line is 0211-256698, and he can also be reached via email at rmtolo@yahoo.co.uk.
Patrick is a Zambian economist with a PhD in Financial Economics. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder from the CFA Institute, USA, and a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) from GARP, USA.
With over 15 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors, Patrick is a distinguished macroeconomist and investment strategist. He currently serves as an Independent Director and Chair of the Investment Committee at Prudential Pension Management Zambia Limited. In his full-time capacity, Patrick is a Country Risk Economist for the Africa region at ATIDI, specializing in Country Credit Risk Management.
Previously, Patrick was Head of Economic Research at Zambia National Commercial Bank, the country’s largest financial institution. He also held the role of Senior Economist at the Bank of Zambia, contributing to the establishment of Zambia’s inflation targeting monetary policy framework. Earlier in his career, he was a Senior Economist specializing in tax compliance research and risk management.
An accomplished scholar, Patrick has published over 15 articles in both local and international peer-reviewed journals. He edited a book for the COMESA Monetary Institute on fiscal policy in COMESA member states and authored a book on monetary policy transmission in the region. Academically, Patrick has taught Corporate Finance, Macroeconomics, and Monetary Economics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CEC
Owen is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CEC. He has over 26 years of experience in the development, financing, and management of infrastructure businesses and the operation of energy markets.
As Managing Director of CEC, Owen leads the development and implementation of the Group’s strategy, as well as operational and financial performance. Prior to his current role, he served in various senior roles of the Company, including that of Commercial Director and Chief Operating Officer, demonstrating a strong track record of performance.
Owen serves on the board of the Zambia National Commercial Bank (Zanaco) and currently chairs the boards of CEC-DRC and CEC Renewables. He is a Fellow of the Engineering Institution of Zambia.
IDC CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mr Cornwell Muleya has over 34 years of financial and operational experience and business analysis, with demonstrated technical and leadership skills in various top management roles he has held.
He started his career at Deloitte and Touché, later he moved to DHL, PriceWaterCoopers (Zambia and Kenya) where he was responsible for financial and audit assignments. He then joined Air Botswana, where he started as Financial Accountant and rose to the position of Director Finance and subsequently CEO of the Company.
In the Aviation industry Mr Muleya focused on business solutions, capital raising, turn around strategies, re-organisation and restructuring, whilst rising to the position of CEO in Zambia, Botswana, Kenya and Uganda.
His recent position was Chief Executive Officer at Uganda National Airlines Company Limited, based in Uganda, where he successfully set up the new national airline as the consultant and later appointed to be CEO to lead the launch of operation and implementation of the Business Plan.
He is a Chartered Accountant, Chemical Engineer and Airline Executive who holds a BSc (Hons) Chemical Engineering from Bath University, UK and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants (FCCA UK).
–
I am a seasoned business executive with a broad experience of 28 years in both corporate leadership and entrepreneurship across several sectors, including manufacturing, ICT, with a significant focus on the mining industry.
Plot 155 Xentine, Garneton, Kitwe, Zambia | P.O Box 21395
+260 955 778648| zaccipresident@zedfield.com | Anthony.Kabaghe@zedfield.com +260 977 330461
–
Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda is a key Zambian energy sector Consultant, Author, Entrepreneur and International Conference Speaker with 22 years of relevant experience in the Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) region. He is the Forum of African Traditional Authorities (FATA) Global Ambassador of Energy and Climate Change.
He has held various roles in the energy sector at senior management and policy level, and spoken at high level international conferences within Africa and Overseas including on Energy Diplomacy where his passion is situated. He comes from an Engineering Background while postgraduate studies are in Business and Organisational (Industry) leadership with deep research in the energy sector.
–
I am a seasoned business executive with a broad experience of 28 years in both corporate leadership and entrepreneurship across several sectors, including manufacturing, ICT, with a significant focus on the mining industry.
Plot 155 Xentine, Garneton, Kitwe, Zambia | P.O Box 21395
+260 955 778648| zaccipresident@zedfield.com | Anthony.Kabaghe@zedfield.com +260 977 330461
