NOC/CGA Commends NSCZ and Absa Bank for Financial Literacy Initiative Ahead of Glasgow 2026

The National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (NOC/CGA) has commended the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) for collaborating with Absa Bank Zambia to provide financial literacy training for Team Zambia athletes preparing for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking during the financial literacy session held in Lusaka, NOC/CGA Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi said the initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to preparing athletes not only for international competition but also for life beyond sport.

NOC/CGA Secretary General/CEO Mr. Boniface Kambikambi

Kambikambi said success in sport goes beyond physical training and technical excellence, emphasising that athletes also need practical life skills that will benefit them throughout their sporting careers and after retirement.

“Excellence in sport must be complemented by financial responsibility, personal development, education and career planning. Through partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Absa Bank Zambia, we can empower our athletes to become champions both on and off the field of play,” he said.

He added that financial literacy has become an essential life skill, enabling athletes to budget effectively, save, invest wisely, plan for retirement and safeguard their financial future.

Speaking at the same event, National Sports Council of Zambia Chief Executive Officer Sombwa Musunsa expressed gratitude to Absa Bank Zambia for hosting the training and acknowledged the financial management challenges many athletes face.

NSCZ CEO Mr. Sombwa Musunsa

Musunsa described the session as timely, noting that NSCZ, NOC/CGA and partners such as Absa Bank are committed to equipping athletes with the knowledge needed to manage their finances responsibly.

Meanwhile, Absa Bank Zambia Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs Mato Shimabale revealed that Absa Bank Zambia and NSCZ are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the coming months to formalise their partnership and expand financial literacy programmes to athletes across various sporting disciplines in the country. He added that the bank remains resolute in promoting financial literacy among sportsmen and women, adding that the training would help athletes plan for their future beyond competition.

Absa Bank Zambia Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs Mr. Mato Shimabale

Also speaking at the event, IOC Believe in Sport Ambassador Nchimunya Mweetwa urged athletes to be financially responsible and make informed decisions that would secure their future during and after their sporting careers.

NOC/CGA Athletes’ Commission Chairperson Esther Siamfuko thanked Absa Bank Zambia for the initiative, saying the training had equipped Team Zambia athletes with valuable financial knowledge ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.