When multinational mining giants rake in billions from Zambia’s soil, should local communities be left to drink poisoned water and harvest withered crops?

That is the moral and legal question now before the Lusaka High Court, where 175 farmers from Kalusale in Chambishi have launched a landmark lawsuit demanding an eye-watering USD 80 billion in compensation and the creation of a USD 200 million emergency fund, against Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited and NFC Africa Mining Limited.

The petition, filed on September 12, 2025 by Messrs. Malambo and Company, accuses the Chinese-owned companies of unleashing one of the country’s worst environmental disasters after a tailings dam collapsed on February 18, 2025, spilling up to 900 million litres of toxic waste into waterways that sustain livelihoods across Kalulushi District and beyond.

Read more: Sino-Metals denies backlash on Kafue pollution as incident attracts global scrutiny

According to the farmers, the acidic sludge, laden with heavy metals, swept through streams, rivers, farms, and villages, devastating maize and groundnut fields, killing livestock, and triggering mass fish deaths in the Kalusale and Mwambashi streams.

The contamination, they say, spread as far as the Kafue River, disrupting water supply for the city of Kitwe after treatment plants were forced to shut down.

A ZEMA incident report the day after the collapse confirmed that about 75 percent of the residue from the tailings leach plant had spilled into the environment, contaminating soils, wells, and rivers.

Subsequent government statements described the water as “extremely acidic,” with pH levels plunging to 1.92, far below the safe range of 6.5–8.0,posing an ecological and public health crisis.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock warned on April 2 that the Kafue River, supporting over 300,000 households had become a source of contaminated fish, undermining food security across the Copperbelt.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Agriculture officers barred affected farmers from harvesting crops, threatening arrests for non-compliance.

Despite this, NFC Africa denied responsibility in a letter dated August 29, 2025, distancing itself from the tailings dam disaster even though the structure sits within its surface area. The petitioners, argue that the denial directly contravenes provisions of the Minerals Regulations Commission Act, the Mines and Minerals Development Act, and Zambia’s Constitution.

The farmers, led by Peter Shula, are demanding the provision of safe water, emergency food supplies, monthly compensation, temporary accommodation in unpolluted areas, soil and water remediation, medical surveillance, and an immediate halt to earth-moving operations until a remedial plan is in place.

Most dramatically, they are asking the court to order the mining companies to set aside USD 80 billion in an escrow account to cover full environmental restoration and community compensation, a move that would rank among the largest environmental claims in Africa’s history.

“Their right to life, property, and dignity has been trampled under toxic sludge,” the petition argues, calling the spill not only a violation of environmental law but a direct assault on constitutional rights.

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Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of Ecobank Group, has reportedly confirmed the signing of a purchase agreement between Nedbank Group Ltd. and Bosquet Investments Ltd., the private investment vehicle of Alain Nkontchou, for the acquisition of a 21.22 percent stake in ETI.

The information was obtained in a statement, which further indicated that the transaction remained subject to regulatory approvals.

Enko Capital Management LLP is serving as lead advisor, while Absa Bank Limited, through its Corporate and Investment Banking division, is acting as co-financial advisor.

The sale is reportedly in line with Nedbank’s strategy to refocus on its core markets in Southern and Eastern Africa, where it owns and controls key businesses.

Read more: Ecobank Rapidtransfer: fast, secure, and borderless money transfers across Africa

Commenting on the deal, Bosquet Investments founder Alain Nkontchou expressed optimism about the future of Ecobank.

“I am very pleased to have come thus far with the Ecobank Group, and I look forward to supporting the institution in advancing its strategic objectives of growth, transformation, and returns. I am confident that, together, we will seize the opportunities ahead and lead the organisation into a new era of sustained success,” he said.

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, described the agreement as a significant milestone for the bank.

“We are pleased to welcome Bosquet Investments Ltd. as a major shareholder of ETI. Their investment is a strong vote of confidence in our Growth, Transformation and Returns strategy, our performance, and our people,” Awori stated.

He added that Nkontchou’s long-standing association with Ecobank, first as a board member and later as ETI Chairman, had been instrumental in steering the bank to profitability.

“I am grateful for his continued trust and partnership, and I look forward to working together to realise a shared vision of growth, innovation, and excellence. I also take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to Nedbank for 17 years of constructive partnership. They remain a valued commercial partner of Ecobank,” he said.

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In today’s connected world, sending and receiving money should be as easy as a phone call, especially for millions of Africans who depend on cross-border remittances to support families, trade, and business.

Ecobank has answered this need with Rapidtransfer, a groundbreaking pan-African money transfer service that seamlessly connects 33 African countries under one secure network.

What Makes Rapidtransfer Different?

Rapidtransfer isn’t just another remittance service it’s built for Africa, by Africans, with features tailored to everyday realities:

• No Ecobank account required: Anyone can use Rapidtransfer, whether you bank with Ecobank or not.
• Multiple access points: Send and receive funds at Ecobank branches, Xpress Points, or through the Ecobank Mobile App.
• Flexible delivery options: Recipients can receive funds directly to an Ecobank account, a mobile wallet, or pick up cash instantly from any Ecobank Branch.
• Cross-continental reach: With the Rapidtransfer International App, customers in Europe can send money directly to Africa at competitive rates.

How Rapidtransfer Works

At an Ecobank Branch or Xpress Point Agent

• Sending Money:
1. Visit an Ecobank branch or authorized Xpress agent.
2. Fill in a Rapidtransfer “Send” form with recipient details.
3. Provide valid identification and pay the transfer amount plus a small transfer fee.
4. Share the reference number with your recipient, the funds are usually available instantly.

• Receiving Money:

1. Present a valid ID at any Ecobank branch or Xpress Agent Point.
2. Complete the “Receive” form and collect your funds immediately.

Using the Ecobank Mobile App

The Ecobank Mobile App (available on Android and iOS) brings convenience to your fingertips:

• Register with your phone number and ID.
• Add your debit/credit card for payments.
• Select the transfer option and choose Ecobank Africa (Rapidtransfer)
• Enter recipient details, confirm with your PIN, and send instantly.
• Extra features: Save frequent recipients, check exchange rates, and track transfer history.

Via USSD (No Internet Needed)

For users without smartphones or data:

• Dial Ecobank USSD code (*324#).
• Select option 6 for transfers then select option 3 for “Rapidtransfer”.
• Follow the prompts to enter the recipient’s details, amount, and your PIN to confirm.

Read More: Ecobank unveils Omnilite to boost business efficiency, real-time payment tracking (video)

Funds are sent instantly anytime, anywhere.
Secure and Reliable

Every Rapidtransfer transaction is protected by Ecobank’s world-class security infrastructure, ensuring that funds arrive safely and quickly.

Customers also have access to Rafiki, a digital assistant, for 24/7 support on the Ecobank Mobile App.

Why Choose Rapidtransfer?
• Pan-African coverage in 33 countries
• Instant transfers to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or cash pick-up
• No account needed open to everyone
• Competitive fees and transparent exchange rates
• Accessible via branches, agents, app, and USSD

Experience the Freedom of Rapidtransfer

Whether you’re supporting family, paying for trade, or sending gifts, Rapidtransfer ensures your money moves as fast as your life does.

Download the Rapidtransfer App today (Android & iOS) or visit your nearest Ecobank branch to start sending and receiving funds effortlessly.

Lear More:

Visit: https://www.ecobank.com/zm/personal-banking/payments-transfers/rapidtransfer
Downloads:
Download the Ecobank Mobile App today!
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ecobank&hl=en-US&pli=1
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ecobank-mobile-app/id1017658759

ECOBANK, A BETTER WAY TO SEND OR RECEIVE MONEY ACROSS AFRICA.

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Ecobank Zambia has announced the introduction of Omnilite, a digital product that enables businesses to collect payments, track transactions, and reconcile accounts in real-time.

Bank Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Glenda Kamalata, said the Omnilite was a convenient and efficient tool for managing business accounts, allowing users to track profits and control their finances from anywhere.

Kamalata said this in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Friday on the sidelines of the Invest in Zambia International Conference, held at Mulungushi International Conference in Lusaka from July 16 to July 18, 2025.

She said the product had the ability to collect payments seamlessly, track transactions in real-time, and reconcile accounts automatically.

“Ecobank has various payment options including point of sale terminals for card payments, mobile money transfers, Ecobank Pay (QR code payments) and the direct account-to-account transfers,” Kamalata said.

Read More: Ecobank set to lean on Google Cloud solutions to drive AI-powered financial transformation across Africa

As one of the main sponsors of the Invest in Zambia International Conference, Kamalata highlighted Ecobank’s extensive network across three African countries and its ability to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions.

She stated that Ecobank’s participation in the Invest Zambia International Conference was aimed at showcasing its capabilities and supporting cross-border trade and investment in Zambia, and beyond.

“Ecobank is a sponsor and partner of the Invest Zambia International Conference due to its digital banking capabilities and focus on supporting investors,” Kamalata said.

She added that the bank had other platforms which clients can deploy as trade hub, and other digital tools that can facilitate transactions and support trade.

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In the heart of Zambia’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape, a huge revolution is taking root and women are leading the charge.

At the forefront stands Ellevate 2.0 by Ecobank, a transformative initiative, not just crafted for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) but inspired by them. This is not merely a financial product.

It is a powerful reaffirmation of belief in the resilience, ambition, and limitless potential of women entrepreneurs who are building businesses that uplift entire communities.

From bustling markets in Lusaka to Tech startups on the rise, Ellevate 2.0 is amplifying voices that have long gone unheard.

And in doing so, it is rewriting the story of what success looks like, one bold businesswoman at a time.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of Zambia’s economy driving innovation, creating jobs, and nurturing resilient communities.

Yet, for many women at the helm of these enterprises, the journey to success is often strewn with barriers: limited access to capital, lack of mentorship, and exclusion from key markets.

For far too long, traditional banking models have fallen short of meeting the unique realities of these businesswomen, especially those navigating the critical early-growth phase.

Ellevate 2.0 by Ecobank is rewriting that script with targeted financial and non-financial solutions tailored to the specific needs of female entrepreneurs championing not just business growth, but sustainable, inclusive prosperity.

Building on the remarkable achievements of its earlier iteration, which empowered more than 883 businesses, unlocked over US$3 million in financing, and attracted US$5.6 million in deposits, Ellevate 2.0 is raising the bar with a bold new blueprint.

With unsecured loans of up to US$50,000, reduced collateral demands, and preferential interest rates, the initiative is dismantling the financial barriers that have long hindered women-led SMEs.

By lowering the eligibility threshold to businesses with just two years of operations, Ellevate 2.0 is actively welcoming the next generation of ambitious entrepreneurs into the fold.

But its true distinction lies in a holistic ecosystem designed to nurture success beyond the balance sheet.

Women entrepreneurs now have access to practical training, mentorship, and expert-led webinars that sharpen their business acumen and fortify their resilience.

Add to that the power of MyTradeHub, a digital platform connecting businesses to pan-African markets, and what emerges is not just a proposition, but a thriving pipeline for regional expansion, innovation, and shared prosperity.

At a time when traditional banking often ends at the lending counter, Ellevate 2.0 by Ecobank dares to look further.

This isn’t just a financial proposition, it’s a full-spectrum support system where entrepreneurs not only access capital but also secure their futures.

By bringing wealth management and insurance solutions under one roof, Ellevate 2.0 ensures women-led businesses are protected as they grow, thrive, and lead.

What truly sets this initiative apart is its philosophy: banking as partnership.

In place of rigid structures and impersonal services, Ellevate 2.0 offers a relationship-driven approach anchored in trust, understanding, and long-term empowerment.

For Ecobank, this isn’t about checking boxes it is about backing ideas, investing in futures, and helping build the backbone of Zambia’s economy.

By intentionally designing a platform that centers women, Ellevate 2.0 recognizes something powerful: that inclusion isn’t just an ethical choice, it is a strategic one.

When women-led SMEs are given room to flourish, the ripple effects extend far beyond boardrooms.

Read More: Ecobank set to lean on Google Cloud solutions to drive AI-powered financial transformation across Africa

Families are uplifted, communities strengthened, and the broader economy enriched.

In a country where entrepreneurship is fast becoming the heartbeat of empowerment, especially for women, Ellevate 2.0 stands tall as both an innovation and proposition.

With tailored capital, mentorship, market access, and holistic care, Ecobank Zambia is turning ambition into action and transforming Zambia’s economic story one fearless businesswoman at a time.

In conclusion, in the bold spirit of possibility, Ellevate 2.0 by Ecobank is not simply building better businesses, it is building a future powered by women.

It’s a call to action for every aspiring entrepreneur, every policy shaper, and every community leader to rally behind the untapped force at the center of Zambia’s growth story.

To every woman with a dream and the courage to chase it your moment is now. Step into a community that sees your value, fuels your ambition, and celebrates your rise. Join the Ellevate Women and transform your vision into unstoppable momentum.

Ellevate. Empower. Excel. The future is female—and it’s already in motion.
For details please contact: Ecobank Head Marketing & Brand Communications
Glenda Masebe-Kamalata;0968458080

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Ecobank has announced a strategic move to lean on Google Cloud solutions for a transformation of its financial services through advanced analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital empowerment across Africa.

In a statement issued by the bank’s Head of Communications, Marketing and Branding, Glenda Kamalata, Ecobank said it would leverage Google Cloud’s cutting-edge technologies to deliver innovative, frictionless, secure, and universally accessible payment and remittance solutions for individuals and businesses across the continent and beyond.

The partnership will centre on enhancing Ecobank’s digital offerings by using Google Cloud’s scalable infrastructure and AI-driven solutions to accelerate the bank’s digital transformation.

“The collaboration will strive to simplify and streamline money transfers, both domestically and across borders,” Kamalata said.

She explained that the initiative, backed by tools such as Apigee (Google Cloud’s API management platform), aimed to make financial transactions faster, more affordable, and more accessible — thereby supporting families and facilitating commercial activity across Africa.

Kamalata said a key objective of the partnership was to strengthen the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by improving access to finance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Through Google Cloud’s BigQuery data analytics platform, the bank plans to develop AI-driven insights that support business growth and scalability in over 33 African countries.

“The collaboration will explore the creation of intuitive and user-friendly digital banking platforms, enhanced by Google Cloud’s AI technologies and built on its secure, scalable global infrastructure,” Kamalata added.

She noted that the partnership would empower bank’s developers and customers to connect to a unified API platform, enabling the creation of innovative financial solutions.

Read More: India joins global chase for Zambia, DRC critical minerals

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, said the partnership with Google Cloud will unlock new possibilities for individuals and businesses to grow and scale across the continent.

Meanwhile, Google Cloud Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Kurian, emphasized that the collaboration reflected a shared commitment to leveraging technology to unlock Africa’s potential and foster a digitally empowered and economically vibrant future.

“Ecobank and Google Cloud will actively explore opportunities to further expand their collaboration, tapping into the vast potential of other Google solutions and services,” Kurian said.

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Women are not mere statistics or case studies but architects of prosperity, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary, Subeta Mutelo, has said, as she challenged women entrepreneurs to rise, innovate, and contribute more productively to the economy.

Speaking during the launch of the Ellevate 2.0 Programme by Ecobank Zambia in Lusaka on Friday, Mutelo said empowering women-led businesses directly contributes to national economic growth.

“Hosting a woman’s business increases the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and boosts productivity among women,” she said.

Mutelo urged women to embrace opportunities presented by initiatives such as Ellevate 2.0, which is designed to enhance financial solutions for women-led businesses.
“You are not statistics or case studies. You are architects of prosperity. We, as women, are meant to make the much-needed impact,” she emphasised.

She added that the Ellevate 2.0 platform would give women entrepreneurs greater access to coaching, advisory services, financial literacy programmes, and financing opportunities.

“More importantly, it encourages younger women to venture into enterprise development and become fearless about their destinies,” she said, adding, “I am aware that Ellevate 2.0 is being implemented in 33 countries, and its launch in Zambia is highly commendable.”

Mutelo further outlined the Ministry’s efforts to dismantle systemic and social barriers that have historically constrained women-owned enterprises.

“Our digital transformation programme aims to bring every enterprise, including those in rural areas, into the digital space.

Read more: Ecobank pledges support for smart transport corridors to bolster intra-Africa trade

Through policy reforms, we are reshaping the financial landscape to ensure that access to capital, market linkages, and insurance products reflect the realities of women in business rather than rigid, outdated expectations,” she said.

She noted that the Ministry remained committed to promoting resilience, skills development, and business linkages for women entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, Ecobank Zambia Managing Director Aina Moore hailed the impact of the Ellevate programme, which supported over 883 businesses, extended more than US$3 million in financing, and mobilised US$5.6 million in deposits.

Moore described Ellevate 2.0 as not merely an upgrade, but a transformational platform.

“We are proud to unveil a more inclusive, more empowering Ellevate platform — offering unsecured loans of up to US$50,000, favourable interest rates, and relaxed collateral requirements to support early-stage growth. Additionally, the programme now supports businesses with a two-year track record, compared to the industry standard of three,” she said.

Moore added that the initiative also offered tailored wealth management services and comprehensive insurance solutions under one platform.

The Ellevate 2.0 initiative is part of Ecobank’s ongoing commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa.

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Ecobank has pledged its support toward the development of smart transport corridors across Africa, with a focus on enhancing intra-African trade and advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, Fabiano Zulu, the bank’s Head of Trade Finance, emphasized the crucial role that efficient transport systems play in facilitating the movement of goods—particularly copper and agricultural commodities—within the continent.

“As a financial institution, we understand that streamlined logistics and modern transport networks can significantly reduce trade costs and improve the speed and safety of goods movement between African countries like Zambia,” Zulu said.

He noted that investments in road, rail, and port infrastructure would enhance the quality and reliability of transport, while also minimizing risks such as accidents and cargo damage.

Zulu said the bank has been actively engaging with transporters and other key stakeholders to identify areas of support and investment that would help drive the development of smart corridors and unlock trade opportunities across the region.

Read More: Ecobank Zambia reaffirms commitment to AfCFTA goals, pledges support to land-linked conference

In line with AfCFTA’s trade facilitation agenda, Ecobank has also launched the Single Market Trade Hub, a digital platform aimed at enabling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), transporters, and service providers to access broader markets with reduced trade barriers.

“The platform is designed to simplify processes, making it easier for SMEs to export goods, expand into new markets, and increase their revenue potential,” Zulu said.

He added that improving the efficiency and reliability of Africa’s transportation networks would not only benefit businesses and logistics operators but also strengthen the financial sector and drive broader economic development.

Zulu further highlighted the AfCFTA’s role in accelerating trade and investment across Africa, noting that initiatives like smart corridors could support Zambian SMEs in reaching key regional markets such as Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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