Zambia banks have their work cut out for them, as Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Poverty and other problems, such as a high rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Zambia, are just a few of the challenges the Zambian people face. The republic of Zambia, located in sub-Saharan Africa, has several major Zambia banks charged with the major task of helping to build up the economy through investing in business growth and helping individuals.

There are several programs established to help Zambian banks train their employees. Some of the programs are partnerships with world organizations that have targeted reform for banks in Zambia. Education and training is available through university programs as well.

To find out more about education and training for banking in Zambia, consider the following points.

1. Look to Zambia banks for employee education and training commercial projects, small businesses and individuals.

2. Find education and training for Zambia banks through international programs.

3. Rely on Zambia universities for training collaboration with banks.

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Look to international groups to boost Zambian bank health

Several international programs are helping developing countries strengthen their financial picture. Zambian banks and the people of Zambia benefit from these programs, as they encourage the growth of small business growth in Zambia and investment in sub-Saharan Africa.

I recommend: The Emerging Markets Group assists banks in Zambia, and in other developing countries, by training banks to give loans that will help build up the local economy. The First Initiative, a program sponsored by a group of country donors and managed by the World Bank is helping the Bank of Zambia with training and education. Modern Management Initiative provides financial training for organizations in developing countries, such as Zambia.

Find training for Zambia banks at universities

Higher education is one of the ways to strengthen a developing country's economic and financial health. Several universities in Zambia collaborate with Zambian banks to educate the banking workforce.

I recommend: Commonwealth Education Online presents information on Zambian bank training opportunities through a collaboration with Copperbelt University. Access Bank Zambia created The School of Banking Excellence to create a highly educated banking staff.

Find education and training for the workforce through banks in Zambia

The best way to build a highly trained workforce is through education and training. Global banks in Zambia, national banks and smaller local banks offer ways for employees to build their careers and teach financial literacy to the Zambian society.

I recommend: Barclays Bank Zambia offers career training for bank employees of all education levels. Zambia National Commercial Bank, also known as Zanaco, has established the goal of promoting the financial literacy of the Zambian people, starting with their own staff and including a program for children.

If you’re thinking of moving to Zambia or doing business in the country, then finding the right Zambian banks to handle your financial business is going to be at the top of your To Do list.

Take the time to research Zambia banks carefully. Volatility in the financial sector of all countries is not uncommon these days. Here a few things to keep in mind:

1. Collect all of the information you can on banks in Zambia before you move or conduct any business in the country.

2. Seek help with finding the right bank in Zambia from people who have already gone through the process. Ask friends, family, expatriates or anyone who has banked in the nation for information regarding the steps you need to take to get things done.

3. Use the largest commercial bank in Zambia for personal use since they will have the most branches throughout the nation as well as provide more services.

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Assemble general information on banks in Zambia

It is important to know all you can about business banking in Zambia before you begin the process of opening a bank account in the country. You want to know about the banks' policies, foreign investment, the exchange rate and any other information you can think of to make your business or personal transactions easier.

I recommend: Financewise.com has a list of banks in Zambia with basic information on what type of services they offer and links to their web pages. iConnectOnline has an article that discusses electronic banking in Zambia.

Contact expatriates for advice on Zambia banking institutions

If you don't know where to begin when banking in Zambia, seek out expatriates for advice. They have already made the transition from the US to Zambia so they can give you the information you need to begin that process.

I recommend: Allo’ Expat offers a wealth of information on business and finance in Zambia. Expat and Travel Forum is a site where you can communicate with expats and tourists regarding all aspects of life and business in Zambia.

Use the largest Zambia commercial banking institutions for everyday business

Just as there are benefits to using the big banks here in the US, there are advantages to using the biggest of Zambia commercial banks for your everyday banking. Using the largest of Zambia banks will give you more access to branches throughout the nation, more access to ATM's as well as just making your transition to Zambia much easier.

I recommend: Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZNCB) has over 40 locations throughout the country and a branch in London. Stanbic Bank is a multi-sector bank that handles commercial, retail and investment banking interests.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pay attention to the actions of the Bank of Zambia. The Zambia Central Bank makes decisions that will affect monetary policy, other banks in Zambia, and the economy as a whole.

Banking in Zambia or any developing country comes with certain risks and opportunities. Because of the government's involvement in the banking system, politics plays a larger role than is typical in developed countries. The political instability is but one of the reasons for this risk; there are also wider currency valuation fluctuations in countries such as Zambia. That doesn't mean, however, that there aren't opportunities within the banking system and in the country in general. It just means that you need to study the available banking options in greater detail than you would for other countries. Below are a few key terms to begin this examination.

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Central Bank of Zambia

The Central Bank of Zambia is the bank of the government of Zambia. The Central Bank of Zambia is responsible for monetary policy, the licensing and regulation of the banking and financial services industry, and the management of the banking payments systems.

I recommend: Review the functions and values of the Central Bank of Zambia for more information.

Investrust Bank

The Investrust Bank is a registered commercial bank in Zambia with offices throughout the country. The Investrust Bank opened for business in 1996.

I recommend: Examine the corporate profile of Investrust Bank for further details.

Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The purpose of the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to promote foreign trade within the country. This organization also acts as a link between the private sector and the government of Zambia.

I recommend: Assess the mission statement of the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Zambia Investment Centre

The Zambia Investment Centre is a governmental organization that facilitates all business activities within the borders of Zambia. Any applications or issues relevant to doing business in the country are available at the Zambia Investment Centre.

I recommend: Evaluate the definition of the Zambia Investment Centre available at MBendi Information Services.

African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group is a continent-wide effort to use banking resources to reduce poverty, increase the standard of living and spur economic development in Zambia.

I recommend: Explore the goals and function of the African Development Bank Group for more details on this banking entity.

Zambian Kwacha

The Zambian Kwacha is the official currency of the nation of Zambia. The stability of the currency is directly correlated to that of banking system. Therefore, it's important that you monitor currency exchange rates prior to making any deposits in the Zambian banking system.

I recommend: Use the currency converter at Coin Mill for the latest exchange rates for the Zambian Kwacha.