Trafigura has appointed Chipokota Mwanawasa as Executive Director, Zambia.

Chipokota is a Zambian national and brings more than 10 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. She has direct mining industry experience, having previously worked at Konkola Copper Mines Plc, one of Zambia’s largest copper producers.

In her new role, Chipokota 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. Chipokota 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 (formerly operated under the Impala Terminals brand).

Trafigura has been present in Zambia for over 20 years, serving customers across energy, metals and minerals. The Group, together with its subsidiaries, employs around 300 people in-country and operates 29,000 square metres of storage space in Ndola through Servara. The Trafigura Group is also active in Zambia through its subsidiary Puma Energy, which operates approximately 74 fuel retail sites, 4 terminals and 3 aviation fuel sites in-country.

Chipokota Mwanawasa, Executive Director, Zambia, at Trafigura, commented: “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. Trafigura has been present in Zambia for over 20 years – trading and financing commodities, while also investing in assets on the ground through Puma Energy and Servara. 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.”

Gonzalo De Olazaval, Global Head of Metals and Minerals at Trafigura, commented: “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.”