Women Take the Lead on Wealth Creation at Lusaka Conference

By Samuel C.C Mwanakatwe

Inter-generational voices unite to call for action, access, and justice for women’s economic empowerment

Women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and young professionals met in Lusaka on 27th March 2026 to tackle obstacles to women’s economic activities and create ways to achieve inclusive wealth creation. The Women’s Economic Empowerment and Wealth Creation Conference, organized by the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) with Access Bank Zambia, brought various voices together to tackle obstacles to women’s economic activities and create ways to achieve inclusive wealth creation. The meeting was held at The Urban Hotel as part of International Women’s Month commemoration under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nalishebo Saimbo, Board Chairperson of Young Women in Action (YWA), recognized the importance of convening women from various generations and sectors through the Women’s Economic Empowerment and Wealth Creation Conference. “Today’s platform is a testament to our ongoing commitment to building partnerships and amplifying women’s voices in economic spaces. Today, we recognize our organization’s longstanding contribution to the women’s movement in Zambia.”

The need for action beyond dialogue into concrete actions was reiterated in a speech delivered on behalf of NGOCC Board Chairperson Ms. Beauty Katebe by the organization’s Vice Chairperson Ms. Mwaaka Mulenga. “What makes this conference unique is that today, we take the conversation further into actionable steps centered on women in general and young women in particular.”

Another highlight of the program was the Voices of Experience section and a panel discussion featuring a lively panel comprising voices from entrepreneurship, banking, disability inclusion, and the corporate world. This provided room for open discussion on various challenges faced by women in business.

The inclusion of women living with disabilities was a highlight of the conference. Panelists noted that economic empowerment for women can only be effective if it is inclusive and takes into account the challenges faced by women and girls living with disabilities.

Another highlight of the discussion was on financial inclusion. This was highlighted by Access Bank Zambia in a speech delivered on behalf of Ms. Mildred T. Kaunda, Non-Executive Director. She noted, “We are not simply offering support; we are building platforms for women to thrive, to lead, and to create lasting wealth.”

The Women’s Banking Proposition, the W Initiative, offers women access to finance, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities.

The policy lens was provided by the Keynote Address by the Guest of Honour, Hon. Princess Kasune, MP, Minister of Justice, delivered by Ms. Elizabeth Mwansa. This urged women to seize the opportunities provided by the legal and economic frameworks. “A law that you do not know cannot protect you, and a fund you do not apply for cannot transform your business,” was the caution from the Minister, while reaffirming government commitment to align laws with regional and international standards.

The conference was concluded by a powerful Call to Action by the NGOCC Executive Director, Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela. This ensured the consolidation of the advocacy messages and the recommendations made by the participants. These were centered on enhancing women’s access to inclusive financial products, promoting inter-generational mentorship, combating violence and harassment in business settings, and using technology to boost growth and visibility.

As the participants shared contacts and commitments outside the conference venue, the consensus was clear. Women’s economic empowerment was no longer a peripheral agenda. It was, as the conference reiterated, the cornerstone of national development and a collective responsibility requiring action from the government, the private sector, civil society, and women themselves.