30/03/2025
Two weeks ago, I was deeply honored and humbled to have been named the Zanaco Zee Woman in Finance 2025, and to be honest Iโm still processing the significance of this recognition. A heartfelt thank you to Zanaco for shining a spotlight on women driving change. As we close Womenโs Month, I wanted to sign off with gratitude- grateful to be a woman, grateful to be in finance, and grateful to be recognized for work that Iโm deeply passionate about. A kind reminder of the power of consistency, the importance of investing and financial inclusion
The more I process these beautiful accolades, the more Iโm drawn to the critical role of women in shaping the finance and investment industry-not just as participants but also as leaders driving change. I feel womenโs leadership in finance is not just symbolic, itโs a strategic imperative than anything.
Did some digging, and research has consistently shown that diverse leadership in financial institutions lead to better decision making, improved risk management, and even stronger financial performance.
While progress has been made, the numbers still highlight the gaps. Only 29% of women globally engage with financial assets, compared to 46% of men. Women control 32% of global wealth but remain underrepresented in capital markets. Women are 20% less likely to access formal credit in Sub-Saharan Africa, limiting their ability to invest and build wealth. The gender retirement gap is another pressing issue. According to the OECD, women face a 25% pension gap, often due to wage disparities, interrupted career paths, lower lifetime earnings due to caregiving responsibilities, and longer life expectancy, which requires extended financial security.
In Zambia, NAPSA data shows that womenโs pension contributions tend to be irregular and insufficient, leaving many vulnerable in retirement. Bridging this gap requires proactive intervention, including tailored financial products (as most institutions have done), and increased participation in long term investment vehicles and fixed income assets for stable returns, mutual funds, unit trusts, tailored investment products and equities for long term growth.
Despite these challenges, women are increasingly taking up space in investment and financial decision making, and the numbers show on the year-on-year growth stats. One key trend is the rise of gender lens investing, a movement that ensures capital is allocated to businesses that support womenโs financial and economic empowerment. The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) reports that gender lens investment assets grew by 27% between 2020 and 2023, reflecting a shift in capital allocation strategies. In Zambia, we have initiatives such as FSD Zambiaโs Womenโs Financial Inclusion Framework and partnerships with Womenโs World Banking are actively working to dismantle barriers. Additionally, the rise of mobile based micro-investment platforms and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds has created new entry points for women investors.
At Money Acumen Advisory, we recognize the unique financial needs and challenges that women face. Over the past three years, we have expanded from a boutique investment advisory and wealth management firm into a fully licensed securities brokerage, committed to democratizing access to Zambiaโs capital markets. Our focus remains on middle-income earners, high-net-worth individuals, institutional investors, funds, SMEs, corporate clients, and retail investors. And also being a female led business, we do have a subtle bias towards women, who evidently need tailored investment solutions. The recognition mentioned earlier, is a testament to the work that still lies ahead. It serves as a reminder that the future of the investment market is not just about inclusion-it is also about leadership. Women should not only be encouraged to invest but should also shape the financial systems that determine economic outcomes.
As I look ahead, my commitment remains clear, to do my part: to tailor investment vehicles, derive investment strategies, create robust portfolios, drive financial inclusion, investment access, and wealth building opportunities for women in Zambia and beyond. The journey is far from over, but with each milestone, we move closer to a more equitable, financially inclusive environment.
With a heart of gratitude,
Lyapa.
