Talking Business with Chibamba Kanyama

For the first time in five years, I am not in the right mental, emotional and physical shape to deal with the column this week. I do not know the topic and neither do I have the time. My fingers do not even want to touch the computer. I also have a speech to write for the book launch of Business Values for our Time (launched on Friday!).

Making matters worse, I had a call from one of Zambia’s respected citizens and entrepreneurs seeking to see me. My colleague, Emmanuel Mwamba, the reviewer of the book, brought this request to my attention. When I did, I received news that the book had caused enormous agitation by my brothers in the Northwestern province. The details were not given but a request was made that we needed to consult each other at an opportune time so that we resolved the issue.

My contention, though, was that it was inappropriate to start meeting individuals about the controversies raised in the book before the public had read it. I perceived those who were agitated were influenced by the book review. There is a difference between a review and the book itself. A review normally leaves out the context. It merely seeks to benchmark a book to acceptable publishing standards.

Disclaimer: Dolika Banda is attending this function in her personal capacity as a long time professional acquaintance of Chibamba Kanyama.

Good evening distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

I would like to open by thanking Chibamba Kanyama for giving me this opportunity to serve as Guest of Honour at the launch of his book  -  BUSINESS VALUES FOR OUR TIME.

My name is Dolika Banda.  I currently work for the International Finance Corporation, which is a part of the World Bank Group.  I am responsible for the IFC’s operations in the capital and financial markets sector throughout the Sub-Saharan Africa Region.  

Having said this, I must stress that I am here tonight, in my personal capacity as a friend of Chibamba’s and as a Zambian committed to seeing this country unleash its true potential – in my lifetime.  For those who do not know, Chibamba and I have known one another for many years.  In many ways, I say he was a critical component of launching my name in Zambia’s financial circles and he continues to keep it alive even as I remain outside the country.

The Guest of Honour  Ms. Dolika Banda.
Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Mwenda
Bishop Joshua Banda and Mrs. Banda   
Prof. Steven Chan OBE - Vice President of World Dentokan Association and Dean of Oriental and African Studies - University of London.
The Managing Directors  of the various companies represented this evening
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

1.    I want to thank you all for taking time to come and express your support, in the launch of this book ( Business Values For Our Time). Your presence at this launch is a clear indication of your support and commitment to the efforts that went in this book. To my family and close confidants, I want to express my gratitude for their support for bearing with my absence, as I sought solace in silence to try and find the best words to conjure and ensure that the book was ready at the right time such as THIS.

2.    I want to thank the sponsors for their support that ensured that what started as a dream was finally captured and retained 346 pages of what we’re now LAUNCHING this evening: Investrust Bank Plc, Dana Group of Companies, Christian Voice, Muvi TV, Celpay and Benmark. These have absorbed the costs associated with hosting this launch dinner and part of the book price.

3.    I want to give special recognition to ZNBC, where my journey in life and business began, they gave me the platform upon which I am now building and I trust their continued support will make me attain greater heights of Honor, Accomplishment and Success. The same can be said of the Post Newspaper for granting me an opportunity to manage a column that has connected me to many business minded people in Zambia and beyond.