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. * * * 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. chairperson, it is pleasing to note that despite the recent challenges facing the global 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

of us gathered here today, to take advantage of the alumniportal and market not only our curriculum vitaes or businesses but also our country. such initiatives will no doubt increase awareness among businessmen outside the country and lead to increased investment that would result in job creation that our citizens so much need. we are therefore in a better position to contribute a little to the economic growth of our country through this alumniportal. distinguished ladies and gentlemen, personally, since my graduation from konstanz university in 1985, i have managed to keep my contacts close to my heart. i have continued to benefit immensely from the interactions and friendship with most alumni from my days in germany. i can even boast that in the process my contacts have expanded ten fold. i enjoy interacting with people whom i have a common interest and even those who have different views on several issues. in closing, let me reiterate that i have no doubt that the alumniportal deuschland will enable alumni to tap into an invaluable source of skills, vast experience and necessary expertise in many areas of development. it will link people beyond professional and cultural boundaries and organisational sectors meaning that it will act as a catalyst for rapid and continuous success. in a global world, success can only be guaranteed from long term cooperation and constant interactions with business partners and friends. let us build our potential through the alumniportal and in effect add to our own successes. i thank you.