Caleb M Fundanga: Enhancing access to finance in Zambia
Opening remarks by Dr Caleb M Fundanga, Governor of the Bank of Zambia, at the official
launch of the Access Bank Zambia Limited Acacia and Longacres branches and the Visa
Debit Card, Lusaka, 16 February 2010.
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Your Excellency the High Commissioner of the Republic of Nigeria in Zambia, Ms
Marcus Folake Bello;
The Chairman of the Board Access Bank Zambia Ltd, Mr Caleb Mulenga;
The Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr Herbert Wigwe;
The Managing Director, Access Bank Zambia Ltd, Mrs Mukwandi Chibesakunda;
Members of the Board of Directors for Access Bank Zambia Ltd, present;
Management and Staff of Access Bank Zambia Ltd;
Colleagues from Bank of Zambia;
Distinguished Invited Guests;
Members of the Press;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is my privilege and honour to officiate at this important launch of the Longacres and Acacia
branches of Access Bank Zambia Limited.
As the Central Bank and regulator of the banking sector, we are always pleased to be
associated with the achievements of the institutions that we regulate, particularly where
these developments lead to increased access to banking services as well as convenience for
the Zambian public.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a well known fact that bank branch expansion programmes play
an important role in increasing access to the banking services. It is also true that such
developments will not only bring banking services closer to those who need them, but also
improve competition among banks in Zambia while creating jobs for our people. However,
there is need to complement physical branch expansion with product innovation programmes
that will capture a lot more people in the remote areas of our country.
In addition, the crucial role that banks play in financial intermediation cannot be
overemphasised. The real challenge is for all financial sector players to play their honest part in
enhancing savings mobilization and to effectively channel the public's savings to support
financing of economic activities in all parts of the country.
it is pleasing to note that despite the recent challenges facing the global
Chairperson,
economies, Access Bank Zambia Limited remains committed to growth through its efforts to
expand its branch network and through product innovation. Although the bank has been in
existence for just under two years, it now has three branches which is a very welcome
development. I am certain that this development will go a long way in enhancing access to
finance.
Furthermore, I am reliably informed that the bank is earmarked not only to expand its branch
network to five this year but also bring to the financial sector some exciting and innovative
products. An example of this is the Visa Debit-card which was launched today. It is the Bank
of Zambia's expectation that these efforts, accompanied by prudence in risk management,
will contribute to the further deepening of our financial markets.
However, I must mention here that, most banks in Zambia have concentrated their branches
expansion programmes in the already banked districts of our country. We still have a number
of districts with a lot of economic potential but without financial service providers. This entails
that civil servants and other citizens in formal employment have to travel long distances and
in some instances for a number of days before they can access their salaries.
Furthermore, income earning citizens in the informal sector like fishermen and farmers
cannot deposit their earnings in a safe savings account due to the absence of bank
branches. Most of our people cannot borrow loans to further create wealth by growing their
projects. A number of them end up losing their hard earned income in fires, theft and other
calamities. It is also very common for hard working women to lose their little incomes to their
beer drinking husbands who know where their wives keep their little savings.
I therefore, wish to challenge Access Bank through the Group Deputy Managing Director as
well as the Managing Director of Access Bank in Zambia to consider opening branches in
areas like Chavuma, Chiengi, Gwembe, Chilubi, Lufwanyama, Mufumbwe and several others
to tap into the vast potential these places possess. This will not only improve financial
inclusion but will also provide you with new customers and thus a higher deposit base. I am
certain that over time these places will be your most profitable centers as places like Lusaka
will only yield narrow margins due to stiff competition.
Chairperson, Zambia's economy has shown some resilience in the midst of the global
economic crisis. As you are aware, the economy has posted some marked improvements in
macroeconomic indicators in 2009 with GDP growth estimated at 6.3%. Both inflation and the
yield rates on Government securities have edged downwards while the exchange rate of the
Kwacha against major international currencies has also shown some stability in the recent
months. It is for this reason that I reiterate my appeal to all financial service providers
including Access Bank Zambia Limited, to make some meaningful efforts in addressing the
high cost of banking services in the country.
It is also my expectation that the banking sector will take advantage of opportunities arising
from the conducive macroeconomic environment in the country to create wealth and
contribute to the development in our economy.
Finally, let me extend my gratitude to the Board of Directors and the Managing Director of
Access Bank Zambia Limited for inviting me to officiate at this launch of the two branches
and the Visa Debit Card. I also wish to particularly thank the Access Bank, Group Deputy
Managing Director, Mr Herbert Wigwe for having travelled all the way from Nigeria, to come
and be part of this event today.
It now gives me great pleasure and honour to declare the Acacia and Longarces branches
officially launched.
I thank you for your attention.