Former Barclays Bank Zambia Plc Managing Director Saviour Chibiya has been appointed as Regional Managing Director responsible for among other functions, the Corporate and Investment Banking business for markets in Africa outside South Africa.

Chibiya who served as MD for over six years will be based at the Barclays Africa Group Ltd Head Office in Johannesburg after being replaced by Mizinga Melu who took over on 1st April 2017.

Melu was Regional Management Chief Executive responsible for coordinating integrated planning across the Barclays businesses outside of South Africa and also in developing stakeholder relationships with governments, regulators and Boards in the markets.

In his remarks when he attended a farewell cocktail hosted for Barclays’ clients, Minister of Finance Felix Mutati commended Barclays Bank Zambia under the leadership of Chibiya for the commitment and dedication to the bank’s core business strategy of adding growth to the key sectors of the economy.

The minister also commended Melu on her past achievements and that she was seasoned and well positioned to take over from Chibiya.

“I am informed that Barclays arranged financing of close to $6bn in recent years to support its clients in the key sectors of the economy,” said Mutati.

“This complements Government’s efforts through the ‘Economic Recovery Programme – Zambia Plus’ aimed at ensuring sustained and inclusive growth.”

Bank of Zambia Governor Dr Denny Kalyalya who was also present at the event observed that under Chibiya’s leadership, Barclays Bank Zambia Plc received two Governor’s awards consecutively in 2015 and 2016 in recognition of the bank’s strong financial literacy agenda and active participation in the Financial Literacy week and World Savings Day activities.

“I urge the bank, now under the leadership of Ms Mizinga Melu, to continue rendering support to the Zambian financial sector with affordable banking and financial services, and support the nation’s goal of increased financial inclusion,” said Dr. Kalyalya.

In his farewell message, Chibiya expressed gratitude to the board and clients.

“My heartfelt gratitude to our clients for the loyalty showcased over the years, our board of directors for their wise counsel and belief in the Bank’s strategy, and Barclays Zambia colleagues for their resilience in driving the bank’s strategy ultimately resulting in superior banking solutions for our clients’ diverse needs,” said Chibiya.

Melu said of her appointment: “It is such an honour to take the mantle from Savior Chibiya in driving our solid strategy and building on that to further pursue growth opportunities in the key economic sectors including mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, telecom and public sectors”.

“I further wish to reassure our clients that we remain committed to grow our business in Zambia,” said Melu.