Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda says skilled man power is the greatest resource for any country.
Mr Chikwanda said investing in skills training was vital as most countries had developed by exporting skilled labor to other countries.
Speaking when he held a farewell luncheon for outgoing Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director Mizinga Melu at Lusaka’s Intercontinental Hotel, he said many Zambians in the diaspora continued to project a positive image of the country by excelling in various sectors in which they worked.
He said the fact that Ms Melu had been selected to head one of the biggest banks in Tanzania was testimony of the quality manpower existing in Zambia.
He said women were slowly taking up a significant portion of the human resource as evidenced by the high number of women currently holding positions of influence in Zambia.
“We have seen a number of women really making our country proud. There is Margaret Mwakakatwe, Charity Lumpa and many others who have lifted the Zambian flag high so I have no doubt that Ms Melu is going to be a good ambassador,” Mr Chikwanda said.
Ms Melu said the current government had fulfilled its promises by reducing corporate tax which the banking sector had for a long time complained about being too high.
She said the Ministry of Finance under the leadership of Mr Chikwanda had proved to be accommodating to the banking sector through the professional manner in which it was operating.
She said ABSA Bank had offered her a job because of the success which her bank Standard Chartered Bank had scored in collaboration with the Government.
“I suppose that the reason I am going is because Absa Bank was able to recognise the good things we are doing here,” Ms Melu said
But Ukwa condemns and shouts at people Zambians working in the diaspora. Contradiction between uncle (chikwanda) and umwipwa (Ukwa).
Read: Chikwa and Ukwa!
Which chapter of ” Chikwa & ukwa???”
They like us for as long as we stay out. As soon as we land we are accused of being greedy… so jump onto the export conveyor and walk yourselves out of there. There are countries out there with the resources to make your professional dreams come true. Zambians even laugh when you give them a modest budget that will help them get out of some rut! Clive Chirwa was “exported”; he should have stayed out! As an “import” he is bad for development…
Bwana Kalok, You cannot compare yourself to this lady. She has achieved a lot on the local scene and her talent is seen from the local scene. Now for example Chirwa went to UK as an economic refugee which most of you are. So there is nothing to write about most of you guys because the experience is not any better than most Zambians domiciled in Zambia.
Bring back Chanda Chimba III.
Another case akin to George Bush jnr in White house, but effective controller being Dick Cheney! – Ukwa being puppet-ed by his uncle!! LOL!!
Thank God Mizinga is leaving Zambia. How many ministers tried to undress her, to the extent that she started measuring their things in public.
Wishing you best in Tanzania, marry a Chinese man.
She is married already to a happy husband.
Ati you develop by exporting skilled labour? Then why do we have chinese miners,S.African retailers and Libyan telecom invetsors? Is it not bcoz we don’t have the skills in these areas?
We exchange, you go, they come/
Thanks Minister for your voice of reason.. I am supprised some bloggers dont see the connection! Yes we are outside, but firmly in touch with Zambia in so many ways.
Well done Mrs. Melu.
There is a long list of Zambian women both home and abroad who have excelled. The list really is rather impressive.
Woman of substance indeed!
all the best
I was exported with my skills to America. Now America uses my skills. Cry my beloved country.
So will she fly to Tanzania??? Considering last time she flew – we didn’t hear the last of that flight which was aborted!! Thank God for the Great North Road & god-speed she will arrive safely in Dar!!