The power utility in Africa’s second largest copper producer ZESCO Limited has named supply chain management expert Mwelwa Chibwe as board chairman. Currently serving as President & Chairman of the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) while simultaneously sitting on the ZESCO Ltd board and Procurement Director for Millennium Challenge Account. Mwelwa brings a wealth of experience in supply chain management and industrial engineering to the power utility.
Zambia’s energy generation has suffered immense set backs such as climate change effects weighing in on production due to receding dam levels resulting in looming deficits since 2015 period to date. Investment in the energy sectors has been marred by non cost reflective and optimal tariffs that occasioned a cost of service study initially earmarked for completion in 4Q20 but for COVID will be done by 1Q21. Results of this CSS will spell the future of the power utility that currently grapples with negative jaws and operational efficiency concerns. The recently launched economic recovery plan to run from 2020-2023 provides for revision of independent power producer tariffs that will hopefully make electricity regeneration for IPPs more attractive. Mwelwa’s appointment as board chair comes at a very critical time as this, that the power utility seeks strategic direction that will play a key part in Zambia’s ‘V’ shaped economic recovery.
Energy is the life-blood of Zambia’s mining and manufacturing to the extent that a bullish outlook and strategic implementation of the initiatives spelt in the ERP in addition to expedition of the pipeline projects, will help Zambia not only be a next exporter of the commodity but will contribute to growth of the sector and economy as a whole.
Chibwe holds a MSc. in Procurement from the University of Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom, a BSc. in Industrial Engineering from the Copperbelt University in Zambia, an MBA from the Heriot- Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland and a Graduate – Diploma in Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply from the United Kingdom. Mwelwa is also a PHD candidate in Adaptation and Application of the Manufacturing based quality systems to the Road Sector Development in Zambia with University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
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