–John F. Kennedy
Amongst any group of people, there are those that stand out. Those who see beyond the present and carve out something different for themselves. Some call them leaders, others, visionaries. People like Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, just to name a few. There are three things that separated these great men from others – ambition, aspiration, and last but surely not least, the courage to take action. These are the qualities that Mulenga Chanda hopes to not exemplify, but also to instill in others.
Mr. Chanda is currently an Assistant Manager for Treasury & Financial Markets at Bank of China Zambia Limited, where he is the lead financial markets dealer and analyst for all capital and money markets transactions. His skills acumen also includes a professional understanding of treasury accounting and corporate finance functions; with experience in FICC (Fixed Income, Currency & Commodities) derivatives, asset and liability management, liquidity and credit management, cash and collateral management, as well as retail banking and customer service.
But such an impressive resume was not built overnight. Chanda has spent countless hours to achieve what he has, and he is still looking for more. The genesis of his extraordinary career begun in India where he spent four years, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. From there, he then obtained an MBA in Finance, an ACI Financial Markets Dealing Certification and a Certificate in Movable Assets- Based Lending in collaboration with Bank of Zambia (BOZ), World Bank Group (WBG), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services (ZIBFS). He is also a qualified member of the ACI Financial Markets Association. His work experience also includes time at First Quantum Mining and the Zambian High Commission in New Delhi, India, where he sat under Mr. Andrew Chibuye Mpundu’s tutelage and membership. Mr. Mpundu was Chief Accountant for missions at the time. Chanda learned about diplomacy, national conduct, public conduct, and public relations. Determined to boost his acumen in these areas, he has recently enrolled for an intensive course in diplomatic practice and protocol, international relations and public relations at the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies starting this October, 2022.
Even with his clear knack for finance, Chanda considers himself an ‘all – round’ professional, who is able to explore his creative abilities with the same consistent success he has met in his professional career. Finance isn’t something he always knew he wanted. According to him, he knew as early as 12 years old that no matter what he ended up doing, he still wanted flexibility and freedom to express himself. This is something he has managed to accomplish thus far, attributing finding this balance to his patience, passion, drive, and ultimately his faith, which he believes keeps him grounded.
“Figure out what you’re passionate about”
With his experience across mining, media and the banking sector, Chanda believes his multifaceted character primes him as a modern futuristic leader, He advises young people to pursue their passions, and urges them to work with integrity, inspiration, and purpose.
Those are the values he pursues every day, and he hopes to leave legacy of wisdom that others will build on for years to come. Using what he has learned, he wants to impact those will come after him. “What do you feel you can excel at effortlessly? Do that.” Zambia’s future is definitely one to watch – and Chanda looks to be one of its shining starlets. heart for the people. Speaking to that, giving is something Chanda is passionate about, and something he actively does and wishes to continue doing in the future. He serves as a volunteer at Undikumbukire Project Zambia (UP Za)
He advises young people to pursue their passions, and urges them to work with integrity, inspiration, and purpose. Those are the values he pursues every day, and he hopes to leave legacy of wisdom that others will build on for years to come. Using what he has learned, he wants to impact those will come after him.
“What do you feel you can excel at effortlessly? Do that.”
Zambia’s future is definitely one to watch – and Chanda looks to be one of its shining starlets.
