ZAM Reconstitutes New Leadership



Ms Ruth Chande Ironside

Ruth Chande Ironside of Mupapa Wood and Mupapa Initiative joins the Advisory Board.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, 5th December 2025 — The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has unveiled its new leadership at the 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM), with Ruth Chande Ironside, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mupapa Wood and the Mupapa Initiative, elected to the Advisory Board.

Reacting to her election, Ironside said her key priority will be strengthening SME manufacturing, particularly among women-led production enterprises. 

She noted that while the work ahead is substantial, she is ready to serve diligently and described her appointment as an honour and a privilege.


Ironside stressed the need for SMEs to have a stronger voice on issues affecting growth, market access and competitiveness. 

“I am here to put all queries to the board,” she said, emphasising her commitment to ensuring that small-scale manufacturers are heard and supported.

She also highlighted her passion for environmental restoration through tree planting, encouraging Zambians to take practical steps to sustain the country’s natural resources. 

She echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call to action on tree planting, saying, “The President said, ‘Let’s just do it,’ so we are doing it.”


The AGM, officially opened by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, MP, brought together industry leaders to formalise the appointments that will guide ZAM’s strategic direction and support the growth of Zambia’s manufacturing sector.

Mr. Umar Mohammed of Pharmanova Zambia Limited was elected President, succeeding Mr. Ashu Sagar of Carribea Beverages Ltd, who assumes the role of Immediate Past President.

The Vice Presidents are Mr. Ruben Selvapandian (North) of Strongpak Limited and Mr. Eugene Katuta Chungu (South) of Zambia Sugar Plc.

Joining Ironside on the Advisory Board are:

Mr. Tawanda Hojane – Zambian Breweries Plc
Mr. Naveen M. K. Varghese – Afripak Limited
Mr. Narendra Bhati – Supreme Pipes and Polymers Ltd

The newly elected Trustees include:

Mr. Peter Cottan – Delicious Milling Limited
Ms. Roseta Chabala – Muyindu Farms Limited

Mr. Richard Franklin – Zamleather

ZAM emphasised that the incoming leadership takes office at a pivotal moment, with the manufacturing sector currently contributing about 8 percent to Zambia’s GDP.

The board is expected to champion initiatives that increase local value addition, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to national economic growth.

The Association expressed gratitude to the outgoing Board for their service while welcoming the new team, whose combined expertise—including leaders like Ruth Chande Ironside—is expected to reinforce ZAM’s role in shaping industrial policy and promoting sustainable manufacturing development for greater economic impact.

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