Chileshe Kapwepwe

Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, is a Zambian accountant and corporate executive, who serves as the Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), effective 18 July 2018. She made history as the first woman to be elected to the position at the 20th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit held in Lusaka, Zambia's capital city. Quotes "Interview: COMESA Secretary General – Chileshe Kapwepwe" "Interview: COMESA Secretary General – Chileshe Kapwepwe", New African Woman, by Regina Jane. Retrieved 2023/11/26. But we should applaud ourselves where we have women in these positions because in some respects we have moved up, more so in the corporate world where there is more of a level playing field than in politics. This perhaps is because in politics the chances for women to make it higher up are harder. There are just so many complex issues that come in when women are vying for positions in politics – issues that usually suppress women all the time, but not the men. I would say, yes. You know, when a woman gets into a position of power, even me as secretary general of COMESA, a lot of people assumed it was given to me because “it’s time a woman led COMESA”. But the facts are that I did not get into this position as a token. But had it been a man taking up the same position, none of this would have come up. It is just taken on face value that men are capable and that’s why they get into these high positions. What you can achieve or what you are capable of is taken away simply because you are a woman. The assumption is always that if it’s a man, he will succeed and a woman will struggle and fail. This mindset needs to be changed and done away with. The skills and abilities anyone brings to a job are what matter, not because you are a man or woman. We have many women now leading big financial institutions, which many people never imagined a woman could lead. For example, we know cases where if a woman just raises her voice to make a point, she is often told she is hysterical or aggressive, but when a man does the same it’s accepted as being assertive. All women have to be aware of the pitfalls and these stereotypes and should equip themselves with the knowledge, experience and a lot of confidence, so that when they engage you in a discussion, they see past the woman and notice the person who is ably positioning herself and is able to deliver. As a strong advocate of advancing women in all positions, from boardroom to politics, I however also believe that while quotas are welcome, we have to be careful not to just put women in positions for the sake of filling the quotas. We have to have women fill these positions because they are qualified and capable of doing the job. Because if they are not, then we create a situation where it’s like, “look we gave a woman a chance but she couldn’t do the job”. So we have to make sure women are ready when the quotas come, because we are able, we are capable, we are qualified and have the right skills. I think that issue starts with education, because you can only empower women financially once they are educated. They need to be empowered with knowledge, be given resources including training, to sharpen their capabilities. And by that I mean at all levels – even at the most basic level. For example, if a woman is trying to set up a small stall, it is important to empower them with some financial literacy. Solutions don’t just lie in the boardrooms run by managers, they can start from the grassroots. And solutions that are technology-based are great because you can reach more people. Once women are able to have this strong base, they will have a much stronger voice to speak up against exclusion. My belief is that where there are programmes supporting women in more practical ways, in terms of policy, deliberate structures and frameworks that enhance their commercial activities or financial inclusion, access to credit and more, the result is that women do even better and succeed at all levels of society. Firstly, the sky is the limit. They should believe in themselves, but also they should equip themselves with quality skills and education. They have to be aware that they cannot just dream and hope it happens. They need to be ready and equipped with the right skills when that big opportunity comes calling. But I think it is important for all women who have succeeded and achieved in their own right, to find the time to mentor and create reality for this future generation. I also believe that no matter at what level of your career, as a woman you have to have a good balance between your work life and your family life. Even as we juggle both worlds, we have to stay true to ourselves – remain the strong and able woman that you are – and always remember we will never turn into a man. Stay true to yourself and achieve what you need to achieve, and get your job done. I think a new African woman is confident, assertive, brave, proud and ready to accomplish anything in any field. And the current generation, unlike in the past, have an added advantage of real-life inspirational examples of women who have achieved so much. It is important to address systemic, structural and financial challenges that hinder young people from realizing their potential and take advantage of opportunities presented by COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) “It was an emotional moment for me to be sworn in as Deputy Minister.” NGOs told to keep away from Zambian Airways probelusakatimes(February 22, 2009) “My father would have been very proud of my appointment because I was following in his political footsteps.” NGOs told to keep away from Zambian Airways probelusakatimes(February 22, 2009) “My appointment is a political comeback for the Kapwepwe family.” NGOs told to keep away from Zambian Airways probelusakatimes(February 22, 2009) “There is a lot of uncertainty from a lot of people as to when the country will come out of the economic melt down.” Zambia has made positive economic strides – Kapwepwelusakatimes(March 30, 2009) “We shall soon see a good improvement.” Zambia has made positive economic strides – Kapwepwelusakatimes(March 30, 2009) “We want to see how SADC will help Zimbabwe come out of its economic problems.” Zambia has made positive economic strides – Kapwepwelusakatimes(March 30, 2009) “We hope SADC countries will listen to that country’s request.” Zambia has made positive economic strides – Kapwepwelusakatimes(March 30, 2009) “The World Bank’s rate of reaction to the global financial crisis has been lukewarm.” Government not happy with IMF-Chileshe Kapwepwelusakatimes(September 2, 2009) “We have also noted that the bank has still maintained an excessive number of missions for feasibility studies on projects, which studies take long.” Government not happy with IMF-Chileshe Kapwepwelusakatimes(September 2, 2009) “This practice has continued without reform.” Government not happy with IMF-Chileshe Kapwepwelusakatimes(September 2, 2009) “This has resulted in the undermining of the bank’s role as global leaders in development financing.” Government not happy with IMF-Chileshe Kapwepwelusakatimes(September 2, 2009) “The bank needs to show flexibility by allowing access to more funds for high return public sector projects.” Government not happy with IMF-Chileshe Kapwepwelusakatimes(September 2, 2009) “African countries should not allow current facilities to become political tools by some sections of the international community to manage the continent’s economies.” Government not happy with IMF-Chileshe Kapwepwelusakatimes(September 2, 2009) “For instance, a US$20 million budget support facility that was agreed in January 2009 has not yet been released, citing an unachievable conditionality.” Lending red tape delays key projectsThe Namibian( September 03,2009) “We have also noted that the bank has still maintained an excessive number of missions for feasibility studies on projects.” Lending red tape delays key projectsThe Namibian( September 03,2009) “These are followed by lengthy project designs and approvals.” Lending red tape delays key projectsThe Namibian( September 03,2009) “Kapwepwe said the IMF should also tailor lending conditions to meet fiscal requirements of low income countries like Zambia.” Lending red tape delays key projectsThe Namibian( September 03,2009) “The launch of audit committees in government in the recent past is premised on improving the corporate governance structures in the public sector to match best practice measures in leading private sector entities,” ZAMBIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS FRUSTRATED BY GRAFT – KAPWEPWEtheglobenewspaper(August 05,2010) “By failing to reduce lending rates, commercial banks are making it difficult for the private sector and household sector to borrow and participate in sustainable economic development,” ZAMBIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS FRUSTRATED BY GRAFT – KAPWEPWEtheglobenewspaper(August 05,2010) “This project is testimony that with a little more effort, women can make a huge difference in their lives, those of their families and communities,” Double win for Zambia as FEMCOM Launches Cassava Cluster and Textile FactoryCOMESA(March 23,2020) “There is compelling evidence that entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic growth and that women make significant contribution to the economy through their entrepreneurial activities.” Double win for Zambia as FEMCOM Launches Cassava Cluster and Textile FactoryCOMESA(March 23,2020) “As part of its mission, the observer team will consult various electoral stakeholders including political parties, security, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, civil society, and the media, among others.” COMESA to deploy election observers in ZambiaCOMESA(July 30,2021) “The COMESA electoral observation mission welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the democratic process in the Republic of Zambia and looks forward to the cooperation of all Zambians.” COMESA to deploy election observers in ZambiaCOMESA(July 30,2021) “It is my hope that renewed commitment will address the challenges faced by COMESA.” Egypt Takes Over COMESA LeadershipCOMESA(November 24,2021) “The path to full integration of the region was still marked by obstacles in the movement of people and services.” https://dailynationzambia.com/2021/11/comesa-member-states-prodded? “The Secretariat had continued to build capacity of Member States on services negotiations and trade in services statistics.” https://dailynationzambia.com/2021/11/comesa-member-states-prodded? “It is important for government to use next year’s national budget to enhance local production of goods.” Budget should support regional trade – COMESAlusakatimes(October 28, 2021) “This will create an opportunity for market access and export among local manufacturers.” Budget should support regional trade – COMESAlusakatimes(October 28, 2021) “Local companies should also take advantage of the removal of tariffs in the region to export their goods to COMESA countries.” Budget should support regional trade – COMESAlusakatimes(October 28, 2021) “The creation of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises is a move in the right direction.” Budget should support regional trade – COMESAlusakatimes(October 28, 2021) “These challenges are a motivation for COMESA countries to continue working to deepen economic integration and create a conducive climate for the business community and the private sector.” https://dailynationzambia.com/2021/11/comesa-calls-for-joint-investment-to-re-energise-economies? “We need to intensify efforts to boost joint investments in various infrastructure sectors, and most notably in telecommunications, transportation and energy.” https://dailynationzambia.com/2021/11/comesa-calls-for-joint-investment-to-re-energise-economies? “These include uplifting of Zambia’s socio economic development through improved cross border investment and enhanced regional cooperation and integration and positioning of the country as an investment destination and attracting potential investors.” COMESA summit to boost tourism- Wednesday, April 26, 2023Comms and Tech ministry(April 26, 2023) “We look forward to implementing this MoU because the IOM has been a partner of COMESA for many years having successfully collaborated in different sectors before.” COMESA, IOM Sign MoU to Strengthen CooperationCOMESA(April 28,2023) “Despite this growth, intra-COMESA exports remain low at about nine percent of its total exports.” Intra-COMESA exports shoot upHerald online(September 12, 2023) “Recent studies indicate that inter-COMESA export potential is in excess of US$100 billion.” Intra-COMESA exports shoot upHerald online(September 12, 2023) “COMESA is willing to enhance communication and deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields.” Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of China in Zambia Wang Sheng Meets with Secretary General of COMESAChina Foreign Affairs(March 22, 2024) “Trade facilitation instruments have helped in overcoming barriers to trade while accelerating intra-regional trade and investments.” COMMON MARKET FOR EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (COMESA) RECORDS TRADE INCREASELocal Government Sercive Commission(November 25, 2024) “The e-CO will provide a simple, secure and fully online process to apply, issue, exchange documents and verify electronic certificates of origin issued in the member states.” COMMON MARKET FOR EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (COMESA) RECORDS TRADE INCREASELocal Government Sercive Commission(November 25, 2024) External links Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:Businesswomen Category:Businesspeople from Zambia Category:Women from Zambia