BOZ calls for digitally skilled professionals

Bank of Zambia (BOZ) Deputy Governor, Rekha Mhango has emphasized the urgent need for digitally skilled and ethically grounded professionals to drive financial inclusion and innovation in Zambia’s evolving financial sector. Ms Mhango says the country requires a new generation of professionals capable of navigating technological change while strengthening economic resilience. She was speaking in a speech read on her behalf by BOZ Human Resource Director, Mumbi Mwila during the 25th Graduation Ceremony of the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services (ZIBFS) in Lusaka.

“The demand for strategic, innovative and digitally savvy financial sector professionals has never been greater. Professionals equipped with the right knowledge and skills are essential to navigating economic challenges and achieving sustainable national development,” Ms Mhango said. She explained that the central bank places strong emphasis on human capital development to ensure the financial sector operates with qualified and competent professionals.

Ms Mhango further noted that digital transformation in financial services is creating opportunities to expand access to financial services for underserved communities. Meanwhile, Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services president, Kuldip Paliwal said the graduation ceremony marked an important milestone for the Institute and the financial services sector. Dr Paliwal said over 350 students had graduated from various academic and professional programmes offered by the institution.

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He explained that the institute continues to collaborate with regulators and industry players to ensure that its training programmes remain relevant to the evolving needs of the financial sector. Dr Paliwal further noted that partnerships with financial institutions have helped create internship and industry exposure opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. He added that many graduates who previously participated in the Institute’s programmes have successfully progressed into key roles within financial institutions.

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