Chifwanakeni urges accountants to drive wealth creation

The University of Lusaka Vice Chancellor, Professor Pinalo Chifwanakeni, has issued a compelling call to action to the country's newest crop of financial professionals. Speaking at a recent graduation ceremony, Professor Chifwanakeni challenged the 884 newly minted graduates of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) to redefine the scope of modern accounting within the Zambian economy. He emphasized that the contemporary business landscape requires financial experts who can look beyond conventional balance sheets and compliance tasks to become active architects of sustainable wealth creation. In his address, Professor Chifwanakeni noted that traditional accounting, while foundational, is no longer sufficient in an era marked by rapid economic shifts and complex financial demands. He urged the new ZICA graduates to harness their analytical skills, strategic foresight, and governance training to unlock untapped potential within various sectors of Zambia's economy. By positioning themselves as strategic business partners rather than back-office record keepers, these professionals can significantly influence corporate decision-making and foster robust economic resilience. The call comes at a crucial juncture when Zambia is striving to accelerate economic diversification and private sector growth. Financial stewardship and transparency are critical pillars for attracting both domestic and foreign investment, making the role of certified accountants more vital than ever. Industry stakeholders have long argued that modern accountants must possess a strong entrepreneurial mindset, enabling them to guide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) toward formalization, profitability, and long-term viability. Furthermore, Professor Chifwanakeni underscored the importance of ethical leadership and professional integrity in driving national development. As these 884 graduates enter the corporate world, public sector, and non-profit organizations, upholding rigoro