FIZ Show - Zambia Sugar - CFO Series

Summary

In this episode of the Financial Insight Show, Hezron M, the newly appointed CFO of Zambia Sugar, shares insights about his background, extensive experience in the banking sector, and transition into agribusiness. He emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency, financial optimization, and sustainability for Zambia Sugar’s growth. Hezron discusses his goals of diversifying the business, navigating economic challenges, and enhancing shareholder value. With a focus on transparency and effective communication, he aims to lead the company through dynamic changes, ensuring its continued success in the competitive sugar industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hezron M, the CFO of Zambia Sugar, shares his background, including his education in accountancy and professional qualifications from the University of London and the COA Bel University.
• 😀 Hezron highlights his previous experience, which includes roles at KPMG, Bank ABC, Bank of China, and Access Bank, where he contributed to significant acquisitions and financial growth.
• 😀 Zambia Sugar is Africa's largest single sugar mill, and Hezron is excited to join the company due to its strong reputation and growth potential.
• 😀 Hezron's key goals at Zambia Sugar include optimizing financial processes, creating a collaborative work environment, and driving strategic growth.
• 😀 Hezron plans to build on Zambia Sugar's legacy by focusing on operational efficiency and exploring opportunities for business diversification.
• 😀 The company has achieved consistent performance over the last three years, with significant profit after tax, which Hezron views as both an opportunity and a challenge to maintain.
• 😀 Hezron aims to continue the company’s growth by strengthening financial sustainability, enhancing operational efficiencies, and committing to environmental sustainability.
• 😀 There are significant opportunities for Zambia Sugar in both the local and regional markets, particularly in increasing sugar production capacity and diversifying revenue streams.
• 😀 Despite challenges in the macroeconomic environment, Zambia Sugar’s production capacity and regional demand present a solid foundation for future growth.
• 😀 In preparation for Zambia Sugar's half-year results, Hezron emphasizes transparency, accuracy, and clear communication with shareholders, especially in light of environmental challenges like climate change.

Q & A

Can you tell us a little bit about Hezron M’s background?

Hezron M is the Chief Financial Officer of Zambia Sugar. He has a diverse educational background, including a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from COA Bel University, a Master’s in Professional Accounting from the University of London, and a postgraduate diploma in Banking and Financial Services. He started his career in external audit at KPMG before moving to the banking sector and later transitioning to his current role at Zambia Sugar.

What was Hezron M's experience before joining Zambia Sugar?

Before joining Zambia Sugar, Hezron worked in various finance roles, starting with external audit at KPMG. He then worked in the banking sector, where he rose from a graduate trainee to finance manager at Bank ABC. He also served as CFO at Bank of China and Access Bank, playing a key role in several major acquisitions.

What attracted Hezron to the manufacturing and agriculture sector, particularly Zambia Sugar?

Hezron was attracted to Zambia Sugar due to its strong reputation as the largest sugar mill in Africa and its potential for strategic growth. He saw an opportunity to contribute to a diversified agribusiness and bring his financial expertise to a company with a dynamic and sustainable future.

How does Hezron plan to optimize Zambia Sugar’s financial processes?

Hezron plans to focus on optimizing financial processes by ensuring collaboration across all business functions, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting sustainable growth. He aims to build on Zambia Sugar’s legacy while creating value for stakeholders, including shareholders.

What is Zambia Sugar’s long-term strategic vision?

Zambia Sugar’s long-term strategic vision includes building a diversified agribusiness that focuses on customer satisfaction and sustainability. Hezron also highlighted operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and environmental sustainability as key areas of focus for the company’s future.

What are some of the key challenges Hezron expects to face in his role?

One of the key challenges Hezron expects to face is navigating the supply-side constraints, as Zambia Sugar aims to reach its maximum production capacity. He also mentioned the external environmental challenges, such as climate change, that may affect operations and supply chains.

How does Hezron view Zambia Sugar’s position in the regional market?

Hezron views Zambia Sugar as well-positioned in the regional market, with growing demand for sugar not only in Zambia but also in neighboring countries. The company has significant potential to expand its market share, and Hezron aims to explore opportunities for further growth and diversification.

What role does sustainability play in Zambia Sugar’s strategy?

Sustainability is a core part of Zambia Sugar’s strategy. Hezron emphasized the importance of both financial and environmental sustainability. The company is committed to ensuring its operations are sustainable in the long run, with a focus on creating value for shareholders and minimizing its environmental impact.

How does Hezron plan to handle Zambia Sugar’s upcoming half-year results presentation?

Hezron plans to approach the half-year results presentation with a focus on transparency, accuracy, and communicating the resilience of the organization. He aims to highlight how Zambia Sugar has adapted to external challenges, such as climate change, and ensure that shareholders are confident in the company’s performance.

What are the immediate financial goals Hezron has set for Zambia Sugar?

Hezron’s immediate financial goals for Zambia Sugar include maximizing production capacity in a sustainable manner, enhancing operational efficiency, and diversifying revenue streams. He also aims to focus on improving the company’s financial processes and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.