Chikwe Antoinette Mbweeda Campaign Message 2026

Name

Chikwe Antoinette Mbweeda

Qualifications

• University of Zambia/Binary University, Malaysia Doctorate in Business Administration (expected in 2026)
• Human Rights Education Awareness Institute - USA Certificate in Project Development and Management in the NGO Sector (2013)
• Certificate in Human Rights Advocacy (2008) University of South Africa, Development Studies Faculty / South Africa
• Postgraduate Certificate in Community Based Development (2006) Management College of Southern Africa - South Africa
• Masters Degree in Business Administration (2006)
• Postgraduate diploma in Management (2003)
• Certificate in Management (2002)
• Chartered Institute of Marketing - United Kingdom Associate Diploma in Marketing (1998)
• Diploma in Marketing (1994) - Evelyn College of Applied Arts and Business Studies
• GCE O'Levels Holy Cross Girls Secondary

Current Position And Name Of Organisation

Country Director, CARE International

Other Board Positions Held (Current or Past)

• Board Chairperson, CareCooperative (2025 to date)
• Vice Board Chairperson, CareCooperative (2023-2024)
• Non-Executive Board Director, ZamPalm (IDC subsidiary) 2022-2024
• Board Member, Teal Sisters Foundation (2021 to date), Board Member
• Zynle (2026 to date)

Professional Associations

• Zambia Institute of Directors

Experience Profile And How It Relates To This Role

With over 20 years of senior leadership across international NGOs and the private sector, I have successfully directed multidisciplinary teams and complex country programs throughout sub-Saharan Africa, with notable engagements in Zambia, Malawi, and Ethiopia. My expertise spans strategic planning, program management, and institutional capacity building, underpinned by a deep understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political landscapes of Southern Africa and emerging global trends.

I have a proven track record in leading large-scale development and humanitarian initiatives, including poverty eradication programs. Skilled in donor relations, I have collaborated with major multilateral and bilateral partners, navigating compliance requirements and fundraising strategies to drive resilience and sustainable impact.

My competencies include:

• Fiscal oversight
• Risk management
• Change management
• Organizational systems strengthening

These competencies ensure compliance with legal and statutory obligations while maintaining rigorous safety and security standards.

Recognized for building strong partnerships, I engage effectively with governments, civil society, UN agencies, and the private sector to foster collaboration and deliver lasting development outcomes.

In addition to executive program leadership, I bring extensive board-level experience, contributing to governance, organizational transformation, and strategic oversight. I am adept at aligning boards and executive teams around shared vision and priorities, strengthening governance frameworks, and ensuring accountability and transparency in decision-making.

My ability to synthesize complex issues into actionable strategies has supported boards in navigating risk, shaping long-term direction, and driving sustainable organizational growth.

Prior to my development sector career, I gained valuable private sector experience in:

• Portfolio growth
• Marketing
• Sales
• Customer service management

Known as a forward-thinking strategist and decisive, purpose-driven leader, I excel in motivating teams, managing risks, and delivering high-quality, cost-effective programs that achieve transformative change.

What You Intend To Bring to the Board

I am honored to seek re-election as a Board Member, building on the many wins we have achieved together over the past three years during my tenure as a former Board Vice Chairperson and now, as Board Chairperson. My commitment is to ensure continuity of these successes and to see them through to full fruition, strengthening our institution for the benefit of all present and future members.

Over the past three years, CareCoop has achieved remarkable milestones in pursuit of our 5-Year Strategic Plan:

a. Member Retention and Growth

• Our membership base has surged past 8,500, a testament to the effectiveness of our business development team in accelerating new enrollments.
• Beyond numbers, we have cultivated deeper engagement and loyalty, transforming CareCoop into a trusted community where members feel valued and connected.

b. Operational Efficiency and Innovation

• Streamlined processes, deployment of modern systems, and embedding a culture of innovation across the organization.
• Successful re-launch of the user-friendly CareCoop member portal, improving accessibility and convenience.
• Launch of the CareCoop call centre, providing faster, more reliable member support and strengthening communication.
• Website enhancement to serve as an effective communication and navigation tool for members.
• Diversification of loans and savings products with value-added services such as affordable insurance.
• Full transition of CareCoop to a compliant cooperative model, placing members at the centre and resulting in loan price reduction.
• Diversified savings offerings, opening the bond to allow members to include their families.
• Structured member feedback mechanisms, contributing to recorded member satisfaction above 80%.

c. Investment Growth

• Implementation of sustainable investment strategies delivering long-term value for members.
• Groundbreaking of the new CareCoop office block as a symbol of financial strength, growth, and stability.

d. Risk Management and Resilience

• Strengthened governance and robust oversight safeguarding resources.
• Demonstrated resilience during severe financial shocks caused by post-USG stop work orders and donor funding declines.
• Transition to paperless internal operations, improving efficiency and sustainability.

I bring a collaborative leadership style, strong governance acumen, and a clear vision for the future. My focus is on consolidating the gains we have made while continuing to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our members.

I am committed to deepening and strengthening partnerships with:

• The relevant Government ministry
• Zambia’s SACCO Apex body (NASCU)
• The Pan-African Apex body (ACCOSCA)

Together, we can build a cooperative movement that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking—one that safeguards our achievements while unlocking new opportunities for CareCoop’s growth and member empowerment.

With your support, I will ensure our cooperative remains a beacon of trust, innovation, and solidarity for generations to come. I am committed to ensuring that CareCoop remains a trusted, forward-looking SACCO partner in financial empowerment nationally, regionally, and globally. Together, we can build on our achievements and unlock even greater opportunities for growth and stability.