LUSAKA, (The Southern African Times) – The governor of Zambia’s central bank has resigned, a presidential spokesperson said.
Anthony Bwalya, special assistant to the president, on Tuesday said Christopher Mvunga has resigned as governor of the Bank of Zambia (BoZ).
Mvunga’s August 2020 appointment drew criticism as he was seen to be a close ally of then-President Edgar Lungu. The International Monetary Fund responded at the time by urging central bank independence and credibility. Zambia is seeking a $1.3 billion economic program from the fund, and an independent central bank will be critical in securing the financing.hey
In a statement, the spokesperson said president Hakainde Hichilema has since appointed Francis Chipimo, who was deputy governor, to start acting as governor with immediate effect.
Mvunga was appointed governor in October last year.
Meanwhile, the Zambian president has terminated the appointment of Fredson Yamba as Secretary to the Treasury and replaced him with Felix Nkulukusa.
Hichilema has been making changes to senior public offices after emerging winner of last month’s general elections.
