Absa Bank Zambia PLC is pleased to announce that the bank has been named the 2020 Best Retail Bank in Zambia by the acclaimed International Business Magazine.
The International Business Magazine is a coveted publication with recognised subject matter experts and strong research analysts covering emerging and disruptive finance and business trends. It is circulated to more than 70,000 people worldwide. The International Business Magazine awards were established to showcase the best-in-class achievements of budding industrial talent, global leaders and corporates across varied industries related to the international business and finance arena.
Commenting on the award, Absa Bank Zambia PLC Managing Director, Mizinga Melu said, “We are excited to receive this award which recognises our commitment to bring our customers’ possibilities to life by providing exceptional banking products and services to meet their needs. I would like to sincerely thank our customers and stakeholders for their continued support that inspires us to change the way we do business, in order for us to offer them convenient and global banking products and services. In the midst of the global pandemic we are currently facing, we strive to find new and innovative ways to adapt our retail banking offering, which is true to our ethos that is built on ‘Africanacity’ – the distinct African capability to get things done even amidst challenges. This award demonstrates our commitment to offer our customers superior banking and innovative solutions”.
Absa Bank Zambia PLC has over the last two years invested ZMW100 million in technology to enhance customer experience and over ZMW120 million to improve its branch network. To date, 29 branches have been refurbished, which include the launch of three (3) state of the art flagship branches and an additional five branches yet to be launched. The bank has also continued to impact society positively by being a force for good through its various community-led initiatives. The Bank has invested over ZMW 15 million in the last three years to address various societal challenges that the country faces.
Absa Bank Zambia PLC Retail Banking Director, Harton Maliki said, “We are extremely delighted to win this award. Our Retail business has continued to evolve and we are constantly identifying new convenient ways to meet our customers’ changing banking needs. Our strategic focus has been on developing and providing innovative solutions that are in line with global banking trends and offer customers’ convenient banking. As organisation, we have taken deliberate steps to change the way we do business. Through strategic partnerships with MNOs to provide services to the unbanked through the mobile money capability, leveraging on our E-Commerce platforms to enable customers settle their ZRA or Napsa regulatory payments as well as providing financial support to customers during this challenging through our COVID-19 relief repayment programme makes us well positioned to be the Retail bank of choice in the market. With the recent launch of the revolutionary contactless payment solution, a first on the market, our customers can expect more from us as we continue to deliver pioneering solutions in Zambia.”
This award comes on the back of Absa Bank Zambia PLC introducing additional new services such as the Vertical Debit and Credit Cards, the NovoFX App that allows customers to make multiple currency payments as well as the Absa Bot, a virtual assistant available 24/7 via WhatsApp and on the website.
On 14 April 2020, Absa Bank Zambia PLC was the first to announce a COVID-19 payment relief package aimed at cushioning customer’s financial burdens during this pandemic, further demonstrating its agility to meet customer needs. Absa Group Limited has since been awarded the Euromoney 2020 Excellence in Leadership in Africa Award as a result of its integrated COVID-19 response for customers, employees and communities.
Absa Bank Zambia PLC is set to continue with the legacy of being a pioneer in the banking sector providing global retail banking solutions to meet diverse customer needs.
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For further details, contact:
Banji Lufungulo
Marketing and Communications Manager
Absa Bank Zambia PLC
Elunda Office Park
P.O. Box 31936
Lusaka
Telephone +260 (211) 366 150
Email: Banji.Lufungulo@absa.africa
About Absa Bank Zambia PLC
Absa Bank Zambia PLC is part of Absa Group Limited, an African financial services group that aims to be the pride of the continent. Formerly known as Barclays Bank Zambia PLC, the Bank has operated in Zambia for over 100 years. The Bank rebranded to Absa on 10 February 2020. Absa is a truly African brand, inspired by the people we serve and determined to always be brave, passionate and ready so that we can make our continent proud. For more about Absa Bank Zambia PLC, its products and services, visit www.absa.co.zm, call +260 211 226 430 or email Customerservice.zm@absa.africa