Commodities trader Trafigura has announced the appointment of Chipokota Mwanawasa as executive director in Zambia.

In her new role, Mwanawasa will coordinate Trafigura’s activities in Zambia across metals and minerals, energy and associated logistics operations, including strategic business development.

She will be based in Lusaka and lead engagement with commercial, institutional and government stakeholders across Zambia.

Mwanawasa will also support the group's subsidiaries operating in Zambia, including fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy and Servara – the group's wholly-owned logistics, storage and transport platform.

Trafigura explains that Mwanawasa is a Zambian national and brings more than ten years of experience across the mining, energy, infrastructure and agriculture sectors.

She joins Trafigura from her previous role as policy advisor to the President of Zambia, where she advised on economic policy, foreign investment and sectoral reform.

Her previous positions include deputy head of the presidential delivery unit, where she supported implementation of Zambia's National Development Plan. The company says she has direct mining industry experience, having previously worked at Konkola Copper Mines, one of Zambia's largest copper producers.

“Zambia is central to the world’s supply of copper and other metals and minerals, and its energy sector underpins the country's economic development,” says Mwanawasa.

“I am proud to be joining Trafigura and look forward to working with the team to strengthen our relationships within the country, and to building on the strong foundation the group has already established in Zambia.”

Trafigura has been present in Zambia for over 20 years, serving customers across energy, metals and minerals.

The group, together with its subsidiaries, employs about 300 people in-country and operates 29 000 m² of storage space in Ndola through Servara.

For example, Puma Energy operates 74 fuel retail sites, four terminals and three aviation fuel sites in-country.

“We are pleased to welcome Chipokota to this role. Her extensive experience across Zambia's mining, energy and policy landscape makes her well placed to lead our activities in the country.

“Zambia is an important market for metals, minerals and energy, and this appointment reflects Trafigura's long-term commitment to Zambia and to the customers we serve in the region,” says Trafigura metals and minerals global head Gonzalo De Olazaval.