Kyembe Kyalusanza

Head Corporate Communications at Zanaco Bank Plc

Kyembe Kyalusanza is a Communications and Reputational Risk professional with experiene spanning over 14 years in different sectors including Security, Event management and Banking. Over her career, she has drawn keen interest in sustainability and champions clmate action.

Currently in her role as head Corporate Communications at Zanaco Bank Plc, Kyembe is responsible for delivering the bank’s internal and external communications strategy while embedding the Sustainability and CSI agenda through high impact initiatives across Zambia.

Kyembe is passionate about young people and is keen to see them actualize their potential. She drives mentorship and coaching initiatives for youth in her line of work and in her personal time.

She currently holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cavendish University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Alliance Manchester Business School and is currently pursuing her MBA.

Mwiya Musokotwane

Co-Founder Thebe

Mwiya Musokotwane co-founded Thebe, a real estate investment firm with assets of >US$300 million. At Thebe he has been responsible for conceptualizing and developing Nkwashi, a 3100 acre mixed use real estate development. Mwiya is also a co-founder of Frontier Capital Partners. Mwiya was a Forbes under 30 list maker in 2018, and has been a member of the Choiseul 200 list for the last 4 years. Prior to the formation of Thebe, Mwiya worked as an investment analyst at African Life Financial Services Zambia Ltd, a unit of South African Investment giant Sanlam (through its holdings in BIFM of Botswana).

At African Life Mwiya was responsible for helping manage over US$400 million in assets under management, specifically the management of capital allocation across fixed income, equity, property and private equity asset classes. Mwiya has a BA in Finance from Richmond the American International University in London, as well as an MSc in International Business Management from The University of Surrey.

Lucy Pieterse

Chief Technical Officer for Pro Green Earth

Lucy is the Chief Technical Officer for Pro Green Earth, where she is currently leading the technical development of an innovative rangeland restoration project in Western Zambia. This initiative aims to transform cattle production practices across more than 1 million hectares, synergistically targeting both climate mitigation and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

Building on a strong foundation in ecology, she specialized in earth observation (remote sensing) and applied these skills to REDD+ project design, development and MRV. Over the past decade, she has been extensively involved in carbon market development in Zambia, gaining comprehensive experience in all aspects of nature-based solution design while maintaining core expertise in land cover and land use change monitoring and carbon modeling.

Her particular interest lies in applying innovative GHG accounting methodologies (e.g. ARR and ALM) that can expand the reach of carbon finance beyond traditional forest conservation, facilitating more inclusive and effective nature-based solutions.

Prof Aonghus McNabola

Prof Aonghus McNabola

Prof Aonghus McNabola is the team lead on the REHEATZ project with a particular focus on the technology and technical aspects of the project. The REHEATZ project aims to improve the sustainability of food processing in Zambia by recycling waste heat and reducing fuel consumption. Prof McNabola is an expert in the development and commercialisation of renewable energy technology in the built environment, especially for hydropower and low-grade renewable heating systems.

He is a Professor of Energy and Environmental Engineering with considerable experience also in the field of air pollution and climate emissions assessment and mitigation in the built environment. Prof. McNabola has led and participated in numerous design-thinking based, multi-partner international research projects, including in Southern Africa.

Sarah Knight

Project Lead - Dongwe and Kabompo Community

Sarah Knight is the Dongwe and Kabompo Community Carbon project lead. She is an Environmental Scientist by profession as well as a Human Kineticist and Ergonomist. She has founded and developed several companies across Zambia that integrate communities and nature-based solutions. She has a deep understanding of the political and social factors essential for a successful Carbon-based conservation project.

In addition to her work, she Founded Bee-utiful products – a company working with women in the communities in the creation of sustainable products, beekeeping, farming, and agriculture. She has also worked with projects and companies focused on infrastructure to achieve sanitary, safe and sustainable livelihoods

There are several more projects in the pipe line, one in particular that we hope will uplift and improve the education systems in rural schools around Zambia using green energy sources.

Dr. Catherine Picard

Chief of Party, Alternatives to Charcoal project, USAID Zambia

Dr. Picard currently serves as the Chief of Party for the USAID Alternatives to Charcoal project, which is advancing low emission technologies and fuels to transition urban Zambian households away from charcoal.

She has over twenty years of experience leading projects and partnerships to effect positive change in natural resource management and governance in sub–Saharan Africa. Her areas of expertise include: community-based conservation and governance, private sector engagement, strengthening local livelihoods, artisanal and small-scale mining and the intersection of natural resources, business and human rights.

Dr. Picard holds a Ph.D. in Political Ecology from Yale University, an M.Sc. in Natural Resource Policy from the University of Michigan and a B.Sc. from the University of California at Berkeley in Conservation and Resource Studies.

She is currently based in Lusaka, Zambia.

Dr Benjamin Warr

Independent Researcher & Entrepreneur

Dr. Benjamin Warr is UNEP FI Lead Private Finance for the FARM (Financing Agrochemicals, Reduction & Management) Programme and Co-founder of PHYLA Earth, previously Regional of the SDG Centre for Africa.

He is the co-author of the book "The Economic Growth Engine", an ecological economist, soil scientist and entrepreneur.

Beyond academia, Leticia remains deeply entrenched in industry and government spheres, consulting part-time on sustainability integration and risk & opportunity management. Her role allows her to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments, ensuring that her insights are always grounded in the latest theoretical frameworks and practical applications.

His work bridges the academic-industrial-government divide, where he hopes to identify and develop new approaches, exchanges and partnerships to advance social and environmental well-being, through coupled wealth creation and environmental regeneration.

Leticia Greyling

MSc (RAU), MSc (UCT), MBA (Rhodes)

Leticia Greyling is a passionate advocate for sustainability and catalysing positive change within businesses and governments. With a solid academic foundation, including two MSc degrees from UJ (previously RAU) and UCT, alongside an MBA from Rhodes Business School, Leticia's journey embodies a fusion of scientific expertise and corporate acumen. Her career trajectory took shape within the corporate corridors, notably as the head of the environmental and sustainability department at Transnet National Ports Authority in Johannesburg. For nearly a decade, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at embedding sustainability principles into the fabric of operations, from port development projects to fostering responsible practices among over 750 small, medium and large organisation tenants nationwide.

In 2010, Leticia's commitment to sustainability led her to Rhodes Business School, where she took charge of the sustainability cluster for the "Leadership in Sustainability" MBA program. Here, she channels her wealth of experience into nurturing future leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of sustainable business practices.

Beyond academia, Leticia remains deeply entrenched in industry and government spheres, consulting part-time on sustainability integration and risk & opportunity management. Her role allows her to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments, ensuring that her insights are always grounded in the latest theoretical frameworks and practical applications.

A global citizen, Leticia's influence extends beyond borders. As vice-chair of the Global Reporting Initiative's Advisory Board for the African region and an Associate at the International Oceans Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA), she actively contributes to shaping sustainability agendas on a global scale. For Leticia, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a guiding principle that drives her every endeavour. Whether in the boardroom or the classroom, she remains steadfast in her mission to foster a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

Bernard Banda

Director- Economic Regulation and Consumer Protection

Information & Communications Technology Authority

Bernard Banda serves as the Director for Economic Regulation and Consumer Protection at ZICTA, where he oversees the regulatory framework for managing competition, ensuring prices for digital services are cost based and non-discriminatory, ensuring consumer protection and monitoring ICT sector developments among other responsibilities.

In addition to his role at ZICTA, Bernard is also the Chairperson of the Economic Regulation Committee of the Communications Regulators of Southern Africa and the Chairman of the Expert Group of Telecommunication Indicators at the International Telecommunications Union. He has also been instrumental in leading several initiatives aimed at driving digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Zambia including the flagship ZICTA ICT Innovation Programme.

Msaiwale Mlewa

Msaiwale Mlewa is a businessman, award-winning philanthropist, and aspiring politician. With 11 years of experience in sales and marketing, he transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship and has worked across East, West, and Southern Africa. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from CBU and a Master of Business Administration from Unilus University.

His primary ventures include outdoor advertising through Impact Media and rental properties under Dove Courts and The Palms. Recently, he has begun exploring fruit farming.

With 18 years of experience running businesses in Zambia, Msaiwale has successfully navigated challenges such as COVID-19 and the impacts of drought. His extensive knowledge equips him to provide practical solutions to the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs.

Fumu Mondoloka

Executive Director, Abner Bright International Zambia Limited (ABIZL)

Fumu Mondoloka is the Executive Director of Abner Bright International Zambia Limited (ABIZL) and leads the Energy, Logistics, and Infrastructure (ELI) Unit. With over 36 years of experience in Oil & Gas, Airports, and Project Management, he has held prominent roles at ZCCM, BP Group, and ZACL.

A Fellow of the Engineering Institution of Zambia, Fumu is a recognized thought leader in energy and sustainable development, committed to Africa’s growth. He holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Zambia and a Management Studies certificate from Napier University.

ABIZL, founded in 2007, offers expert advisory services across sectors like Mining, Agriculture, and Aviation, focusing on sustainable growth and innovation. The company is dedicated to harnessing Africa's development potential while promoting inclusive economic growth and social protection, particularly for women and youth.

Betty Wilkinson

Betty Wilkinson is an award-winning expert in global financial sector inclusion, specializing in public finance, gender, climate change, and conservation. As a transformative leader, she has driven development in financial inclusion and policy across challenging contexts, particularly in developing countries.

Her roles include Advisor to the US Treasury, inaugural Board Chair of Financial Sector Deepening Somalia, and former Deputy Chair of WWF Zambia. Recognized by the Bank of Zambia and the Asian Development Bank, she has notable achievements in financial innovation and gender equity. She possesses strong technical skills in digital finance, SME development, and poverty reduction, and has recently completed certifications in related fields while providing global training support.

Angel Mondoloka

Managing Director, Abner Bright International Zambia Limited (ABIZL)

Angel is the Practice Lead for the firm’s Public Policy, Private Sector Development, and Finance (PPF) Unit, bringing over 40 years of international development, public policy, and enterprise development expertise. A published author with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), Angel has worked with high-profile clients, including the UN, World Bank, ILO, and various government and private sector organisations. His specialised skills in governance, risk management, and development finance, coupled with extensive consulting experience, enable him to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes with tact and diplomacy across international, national, and sub-national levels.

Angel holds a Master of Arts degree in Economic Policy Management from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Manchester University in the United Kingdom.

Kabanda Lilanda

Head - Business and Commercial Banking, FNB Zambia

A dedicated and results driven banker with extensive experience of over 20 years in banking spanning the Corporate, Commercial, SME and Retail Banking segments across Africa.

He has a portfolio of successfully managing development programs, projects, propositions and products in the banking industry.

Mafipe M. Chunga

Mafipe M. Chunga is a Chartered Accountant and Investment Advisor with 15 years of experience gained at KPMG. For 5 years he was the Head of Advisory at KPMG and is also a former Manager Corporate & Investment Banking at Citibank Zambia.

His experience includes the facilitation of foreign direct investment into Zambia that include major infrastructure projects such as the development of the US$400m Dangote Cement plant and Access Bank Zambia.

He is the Managing Director of Lusaka headquartered MCA Consulting, a practice with a focus on FDI investment into Zambia, transaction support and other management consulting functions.

He holds a BA Degree in Applied Accounting, an LLB Degree and is a Fellow the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK).

Prof. Lloyd Chingambo, Conference Advisor & Speaker

We welcome Prof. Lloyd Chingambo, A Financial Engineering and Risk Management Specialist, Lloyd is well known for his skill and expertise in ‘corporate recoveries,’ restructuring distressed companies back to profitability, among which are many household names in Zambia.

Currently, he is serving as the World Bank Group Country Coordinator of the Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystems Services (WAVES) programme for Zambia which, international evaluators have judged to best performing among similar country programmes. In addition, he serves as an Advisor to the UNIDO/REEEP Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN).

On behalf of government, Lloyd was instrumental in streamlining the functions of the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE), as General and CEO. His work saw the LuSE rising to become one of the top three (3) best performing stock exchanges in Africa. He holds a number of board advisory roles, including Chair of the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC), a strategic and independent national “Think Tank” that advises the Republican President and Government on the economy.

In 2004, the Zambian Cabinet appointed Lloyd to serve as National Advisor with the task of setting up a national financing framework for the implementation of the National Housing Policy in Zambia.

From 1980 to 1994, he worked in academia before joining the private sector at Caltex Oil Zambia Limited.

Nachilala Nkombo, Speaker

She is a multi- award winning African sustainability and innovation leader with over 20 years of experience leading conservation and sustainable development initiatives nationally and internationally. She is a co-founder of the CAADP non-state actors platform & the Women Leaders on Climate Action ( WLCA) and chairs board Chairperson of Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company. Most recently, Ms. Nkombo served as Country Director for the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature in Zambia.

She led the WWF International conservation strategy in driving the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda for Zambia in the following areas: conservation, tourism, green finance, sustainable agriculture and climate change. Nkombo is a long time member of the Malabo Montpellier Panel, an international research body advancing sustainable agriculture policy and practise across Africa.

 

Ms. Nkombo’s extensive leadership experience includes roles as former Africa Director for ONE.org, Africa Regional Coordinator Action Aid International & Country Director ActionAid Denmark in Zambia . She is an Economist by training and holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Potsdam in Germany. She is trained in ESG reporting from the Inclusive of Inclusive and Sustainable Development of New Zealand.

Royd Kapesa

Royd Kapesa is a seasoned business professional with a wealth of multi-sector experience. As the Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Commerce, he has a front-row seat to the ever-changing business landscape in Zambia. He oversees a network of over 100 Zambian and American businesses, representing 12 key sectors of the economy.

Royd is also an accomplished consultant and has completed assignments with leading international development organizations such as Prospero, FSD Zambia, Cadmus International, and most recently for the USAID Business Enabling Project. He specializes in sustainable business and enterprise development, helping local entrepreneurs build business models that endure in the precarious African environment. He is a trusted technical advisor to leading organizations on business building.

Royd holds a Bachelor of Business Science from Monash University in Australia and has continued to expand his knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development. He is a chartered project manager with the Project Management Institute and is currently completing his Project Management Professional (PMP) qualification.