Stanbic Bank intends to join forces with mining companies in Zambia to develop the full potential of the country’s extractive industry.
The promise came as the bank’s senior executives conducted their annual Economic and Mining Roadshow, meeting key mining sector players in North-Western and Copperbelt provinces.
The engagement brought together various players from the extractive industry, including mining firms, financial institutions and other support industries, to share knowledge and experiences as well as discuss the industry’s most pressing matters with a view to create customised solutions for accelerated growth.
“The forum presented a platform for sector players to discuss industry issues and identify possible channels for cooperation in all areas connected to mining,” comments Stanbic Bank chief executive, Leina Gabaraane.
We have a responsibility to help drive the economy forward through consistent and timely financial support!
Being one of the biggest banks in Zambia, we have a responsibility to help drive the economy forward through consistent and timely financial support in the country’s growth sectors.
“Since my arrival in Zambia, I have been impressed by the abundant opportunities I see in all sectors of the economy.
“However, even though the country has many industries like agriculture and tourism that are key drivers of GDP growth, mining remains an important pillar of our economy representing over 75% of exports and 14% of GDP,” he continues.
He adds that despite a short deterioration brought on by falling global commodity prices between 2015 and 2016, the extractive industry has shown signs of improvement in 2017 and has continued the same trend this year.
“Having an economy that is predominantly dependent on mining, growth in the sector supports investment in other growth industries thereby promoting the expansion of the larger economy.
“Without support from sector players and financial institutions, we cannot expect the mining industry and indeed the broader economy to grow,” he adds.
Stanbic Bank has in the last 10 years invested over US$3 billion in mining to stimulate growth in the sector and all supporting industries.
Speaking at the same event, head of global markets at Stanbic Bank Victor Chileshe said while the gains in the extractive industry are cause for optimism in terms of economic recovery, the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey predicts this year’s GDP growth to be mainly driven by the consumer sector.
“We expect the economy to grow at a rate above 4% driven primarily by the consumer sector,” comments Chileshe.
“Significant growth in demand in the services, wholesale and retail sectors supported the private sector’s return to growth last month and we expect it to continue supporting our economy’s growth.
“Current indicators paint a very positive picture for our economy going forward,” he notes.
Gabaraane notes that Stanbic did not take for granted the partnership it enjoyed with stakeholders in the industry in its quest to contribute to economic development.
“Stanbic will continue to stand behind the mining industry and provide support through sector specific services and products as well as financial backing.
“I urge our cooperating partners to recognise the opportunities available in the mining industry as well as the supply chain and exploit them, so we can drive the economy forward collectively for the benefit of all,” he concludes.
