Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Ben Malunga Phiri, has called on First Capital Bank (FCB) to continue innovating and rolling out solutions that address digital challenges affecting local councils across the country.
Dr Phiri said embracing modern banking and digital systems is critical to improving efficiency and ensuring effective service delivery to citizens at council level.
He made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with FCB management at Capital Hill, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the ministry and financial institutions.
The minister emphasized that banks entrusted with managing council funds have a responsibility to provide sound financial advice and tailored solutions that support councils in meeting their mandates.
He noted that well-structured financial management and digital platforms can help councils enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to public needs.
Dr Phiri further stated that the ministry intends to partner with leading financial institutions to realize its vision of modern local authorities that offer up-to-date, accessible, and citizen-centered services.
He added that such partnerships are especially important in extending services to hard-to-reach and underserved areas, where digital solutions can bridge long-standing gaps.
Responding to the call, FCB Chief Executive Officer Agness Jazza expressed the bank’s willingness to collaborate, highlighting FCB’s presence in most districts and its commitment to a win-win arrangement that safeguards government funds while supporting the ministry’s development agenda.
