ABSA Bank Zambia has pledged its continued support to government efforts aimed at uplifting the wellbeing of vulnerable groups in society.
ABSA Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations, Mato Shimabale, says the bank will focus on environmental conservation and community development.
Mr Shimabale says the bank prides itself in being part of the Zambian community and not merely a financial institution focused on meeting targets but also working to improve lives in communities.
Mr, Shimabale said this during a handover ceremony of bicycles, protective clothing and safety boots to the Katembo Community Forest Management Group in Senior Chief Shimumbi’s Chiefdom in Luwingu District.
“We have been here for more than 100 years, and we want to invest in the community. We are a force for good in society, and our goal is to make a difference in the lives of ordinary Zambians,” Mr Shimabale stated.
He explained that ABSA has identified Katembo Community Forest Management Group as a partner in promoting sustainable livelihoods.
“We commend this group for the work they are doing because it is more than conserving forests, it is also preserving the livelihoods of people. The more we preserve forests, the more we mitigate the effects of climate change, while also generating income through activities such as mushroom growing and honey production,” he said.
Mr Shimabale emphasised the importance of understanding the link between forest conservation, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation.
He disclosed that ABSA has embarked on a programme to grow over one million trees across Zambia in collaboration with other partners such as the forestry department.
He added that initiatives such as the one in Luwingu serve as role models for other communities, showing how conservation can be tied to economic empowerment.
“I want to assure the government of ABSA’s support in initiatives such as these,” Mr, Shimabale said.
He has since reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to working with communities to safeguard the environment and improve livelihoods.
At the same event, a representative of Soshi Carbon, the implementing partner, said the partnership was built on a shared vision of valuing forests.
Soshi Carbon Director, Chibamba Lopa, said the partnership with the Katembo Community Forest Management Group was built on a shared vision of valuing forests more standing than felled.
“Communities living in and around forests are the true guardians of these resources, and our role is to support them in protecting and deriving value sustainably,” Mr Lopa said.
He explained that the Katembo Community Forest Management Plan for 2026–2030 provides a roadmap for sustainable use of resources such as honey, timber, mushrooms and caterpillars.
“This forest is a treasure trove, and with proper management, it can provide livelihoods for generations to come,” he noted,
He has since commended ABSA Bank Zambia Plc for its generosity as the main donor.
Lopa added that the partnership between Soshi Carbon, ABSA Bank and the Senior Chief Shimumbi Chiefdom was built on trust and mutual respect.
“We are immensely proud to be part of this official handover and to see the community take this significant step forward. Together, we can make Katembo a model of sustainable forest management in Zambia,” he said.
And speaking when he graced the event, Luwingu District Commissioner Chomba Chileshe hailed the Katembo Community Forest Management Group (CFMG) for demonstrating that community governance can effectively safeguard natural resources while supporting livelihoods.
Mr Chileshe described the partnership with ABSA Bank Zambia Plc and Soshi Carbon as transformative.
“I stand before you not merely as the District Commissioner, but as a witness to a partnership that places stewardship of our natural heritage where it truly belongs: in the hands of the community,” he said.
He noted that the Katembo Community Forest, covering approximately 63,000 hectares, is one of the largest community managed forest areas in the district.
He commended the group for developing robust local rules and regulations, including controlled tree cutting, early burning and licensing of forest products.
The District Commissioner further praised ABSA Bank Zambia Plc as the main donor and Soshi Carbon as the implementing partner, saying their support had already enabled training in forest management, beekeeping, conservation farming and honorary forest officer appointments.
“The carbon agreement with Soshi Carbon offers an additional income stream, one that rewards you for protecting, not depleting, your natural capital,” he said.
Mr Chileshe urged the community to protect the forest as their inheritance, stressing that rivers, firewood, timber, honey and wild fruits sustain livelihoods.
He also called for continued collaboration between the Forest Department, traditional leadership and the community.
