Zanaco a shining example - Mwanakatwe
GOVERNMENT has commended Zanaco for responding to global shifts on the digital platform and creating digital branches.
Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe has described as gratifying the bank’s response to digital products and efforts to make the customer comfortable.
The minister said this in a speech by Finance Permanent Secretary for Budgetary and Economic Affairs (mmanuel Pamu at the launch of Zanaco’s refurbished Manda Hill branch in Lusaka on Wednesday night.
6he said the refurbished offices showcase the level of commitment that Zanaco has made to deliver a pleasurable and convenient branch experience for customers.
“I am informed that these branches are designed to empower customers to conduct routine functions themselves and that they increase the availability of such services beyond normal banking hours.
“The sweeping technological and demographic changes that we are witnessing today mean that the banking sector would need a complete rethink of customer relationships and the method of delivering value to meet customer needs, “she said.
Ms Mwanakatwe noted that the banks that leverage agile technologies would bring products to the market quickly and efficiently and also offer such products via channels with which customers are most comfortable.
“More importantly, the more the number of people participating in the financial sector, the more the economy grows, “she said.
Zanaco board chairperson Charity Lumpa said the launch is proof that the bank’s strategic and transformational journey is starting to bear fruit.
Ms Lumpa said the testimonies are already rolling in since the bank won the Euromoney 2018 excellence award and has been crowned as “the 2018 best bank in Zambia”.
“Some people may be wondering why we are so excited about the refurbished branches. The significance of today’s launch goes way beyond just improving the visual appeal of the branches, or simply giving them a facelift.
“The larger part is that the refurbished branches represent a momentous shift in how our branches are to be designed in order to enhance customer experience using technology,’’ she said.
Meanwhile, Zanaco managing director Henk Mulder said the initiatives had been driven by the needs of customers and the bank’s desire to meet and exceed them.
Mr Mulder announced that apart from Manda Hill, six other branches in different parts of the country have been refurbished and transformed into modern facilities.
“We have therefore invested significant resources in enhancing our products and more importantly in our people to build a more customer centric culture at the bank,” he said.