H.E. Chileshe Kapwepwe
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H.E. Chileshe Kapwepwe

H.E. Chileshe Kapwepwe
Secretary-General, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Zambia

Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, an accomplished Zambian accountant and corporate executive, has etched her name as a prominent figure in African leadership. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Kapwepwe was named in the 5th list of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023 by Avance Media. She currently serves as the Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), a position she assumed on 18th July 2018 after being elected at the 20th Heads of State COMESA summit in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city.

 

Born on 10th July 1958 in Zambia, Chileshe Kapwepwe shares her birthday with her twin sister, Mulenga Mpundu Kapwepwe, an esteemed author and co-founder of the Zambian Women’s History Museum. Kapwepwe holds a Master of Business Administration and is a Chartered Certified Accountant. She is recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA) of the United Kingdom and a Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).

 

Chileshe Kapwepwe is a seasoned professional chartered accountant with a wealth of experience in governance, public policy, and financial management. Her distinguished career spans over a quarter century, encompassing roles in both local and international organizations within the public and private sectors.

 

Prior to assuming the role of Secretary General at COMESA, Kapwepwe served as the chairperson of the Zambia Revenue Authority, where she made history as the first woman to hold this position since the Authority’s foundation in 1994. Her impactful roles include serving as the executive director for the International Monetary Fund for the Africa Group One Constituency in Washington, DC. She also contributed significantly as the Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning in the Cabinet of Zambia.

 

Kapwepwe’s diverse professional journey includes being the managing director of the Zambia National Airports Corporation and the contracts manager of Société Générale de Surveillance, based in Geneva, Switzerland. She has displayed a keen understanding of international financial landscapes and governance principles.

 

Chileshe Kapwepwe’s influence extends to her participation on the boards of several notable companies. Apart from her role as the chairperson of the Zambia Revenue Authority, she served on the board of the Bank of Zambia, BP Zambia Plc, and the Zambia Privatization Trust Fund. Her board memberships underscore her commitment to contributing to the strategic direction and governance of prominent institutions.

 

Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe’s inclusion in Avance Media’s 2023 list of 100 Most Influential African Women is a testament to her exceptional leadership in finance, governance, and international relations. As the Secretary General of COMESA, she continues to play a crucial role in advancing regional cooperation and economic integration. Kapwepwe’s journey from her early years in Zambia to becoming a trailblazer in African leadership showcases her dedication to excellence and her pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the continent.