By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new head office of Standard Chartered Bank in Zambia has been officially launched, with the commissioning carried out by the country’s President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.
The energy-efficient edifice located in the new business district of Lusaka, Zambia, is said to have gulped about $40 million. It is the first-ever EDGE certified building in Zambia.
Mr Hichilema described the new head office as an immovable asset that becomes an integral part of the national balance sheet and underscores Standard Chartered Bank’s endurance, commitment and desire to build a better Zambia.
In his speech, the Regional CEO of Africa and the Middle East region for Standard Chartered Bank, Mr Sunil Kaushal, re-affirmed the bank’s continued commitment to Zambia as a key market, thanking the government for the partnership in key sectors of the economy.
He reassured the government that, “Standard Chartered remains firmly committed to Zambia – a commitment which is clearly demonstrated through our investment in a new head office building, as well as further investments into digital banking capabilities and key infrastructure projects.
“We also continue to invest in community initiatives such as Women in Tech, our flagship Futuremakers programme, which aims to lift participation of women by enabling them to grow their businesses through technology.”
On his part, the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, Mr Herman Kasekende, said, “Standard Chartered Bank has a long history in Zambia dating back to 1906 when the first branch opened in Kalomo.
“We remain firmly committed to Zambia and the time came for us to consider a new location for our brand. It was also the right time for us to re-affirm our long-term commitment to Zambia and that is why we chose this new location in the emerging business district of Lusaka.”
“That is why in my recent interactions with the key ministries, I have spoken about this new building with passion and pride,” he added.
In his remarks, the chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, Mr Caleb Fundanga, thanked the President for officiating at the launch of the new building, calling it an architectural marvel and re-affirmed the bank’s commitment to being Here for good.
Standard Chartered was the first bank to open in Zambia in 1906 and after 115 years, the bank shared its pride in being a pioneer in banking through various innovations.
These include the first-ever – and only – end-to-end digital bank in Zambia where clients can open an account through the SC Mobile Banking App, without the need to physically visit a branch.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Dipo Olowookere