Ecobank’s K1 million Solwezi investment hailed as boost to local economy, healthcare

North-Western Province Minister, Robert Lihefu, has praised Ecobank Zambia for investing more than K1 million in Solwezi, saying the move represented a major step toward strengthening the local economy and improving access to essential health services.

Speaking during the official opening of Ecobank’s new Solwezi branch, Lihefu said the investment would not only expand financial services in the province but also support specialized medical procedures at Solwezi General Hospital, benefiting more than 200 patients.

Lihefu said the initiative went beyond traditional banking and reflects a commitment to uplifting communities.

He described the investment as a catalyst for transforming lives and creating opportunities in the region.

Lihefu said said Ecobank’s presence in Solwezi would enhance financial inclusion, support small businesses, and create jobs.

The minister urged residents to open accounts with the bank, noting that participation in the formal banking system was essential for economic growth and improved livelihoods.

Ecobank Zambia Board Chairperson, Joseph Chikolwa, said the bank’s more than K1 million commitment demonstrated its dedication to driving tangible social and economic impact.

Chikolwa said the healthcare initiative, implemented in partnership with Upright Africa, will allow patients to access specialized treatment locally, reducing the need for referrals abroad.

He described the opening of the Solwezi branch as a transformative milestone that represented empowerment, inclusion and long-term prosperity for the people of North-Western Province.

Chikolwa said the bank aimed to unlock the region’s economic potential by offering accessible financial services to farmers, entrepreneurs and local businesses.

Both Lihefu and Chikolwa emphasized the importance of public–private partnerships in promoting inclusive development, and expressed confidence that Ecobank’s investment will yield lasting benefits for Solwezi and the wider province.

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