Mizinga Melu

Mizinga Melu is a Zambian businesswoman, accountant, and seasoned bank executive. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Absa Bank Zambia Plc, a role she has held since February 2017. Based in Lusaka, she is recognized as one of Africa’s most influential women in banking, with a career spanning over three decades across multiple countries and global financial institutions.

Early Life & Education

• Born: 17 March, Mazabuka District, Southern Province, Zambia

• Secondary Education: Roma Girls Secondary School (graduated 1985)

• Higher Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree – University of Zambia (UNZA)

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Henley Management College, University of Reading, UK

Her academic foundation in accounting and business management has been central to her rise as a respected leader in African banking.

Career Journey

• Early Career: Began at Zambia National Commercial Bank in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

• Standard Chartered Bank (1993–2013):

  • Held senior roles across subsidiaries in Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the USA, and the UK.

  • Served as Global Head of Development Organizations at Standard Chartered’s international headquarters in London.

  • Appointed Managing Director & CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia (2008–2013), becoming the first Zambian and first woman to hold the position. During her tenure, she was the only female CEO across Standard Chartered’s 13 African subsidiaries.

• National Bank of Commerce, Tanzania (2013–2014):

  • Appointed Managing Director & CEO in March 2013, officially assuming office in May 2013.

• Barclays Africa Management (2014–2017):

  • CEO responsible for overseeing stakeholder relationships with governments, regulators, boards, and customers across Barclays’ African subsidiaries outside South Africa.

• Absa Bank Zambia Plc (2017–Present):

  • Appointed CEO in February 2017.

  • Continues to lead Absa Zambia’s transformation and growth, positioning the bank as a key player in Zambia’s financial sector.

Publications

• Author: Braving the Odds (2021) – A personal and professional memoir that became an Amazon bestseller, inspiring readers with her journey of resilience and leadership.

Awards & Recognition

Mizinga Melu has received numerous accolades for her leadership and impact:

• 2022: Most Influential African Woman Banker

• 2020: CEO of the Year – Global Banking and Finance Review

• 2020: Southern African Women in Leadership Trailblazers Award

• 2019: Banking CEO of the Year Zambia – International Business Magazine

• 2017: Transformational Leadership Award

• 2013: All Africa Business Woman of the Year Award

• 2013: CEO of the Year (all industries) – Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants

• 2013: Business Woman of the Year – Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA)

Leadership & Influence

Mizinga Melu is celebrated for her transformational leadership style, resilience in navigating complex markets, and commitment to advancing women in leadership. She has consistently broken barriers, becoming a role model for aspiring African executives. Her career reflects a balance of global exposure and local impact, making her one of the most respected voices in African banking.

Quick Facts