By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
THE Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZiCA) has developed a robust programme to make accountancy,  a world class profession.
ZiCA president Jason Kazilimani cited the introduction of Chartered Accounts Zambia (CA Zambia) has one such measure aimed at  producing top notch accountants ready to enter the industry.
“We have been putting in place measures to produce professionals who can sail across borders and CA Zambia is one such intervention, this is the premium accounting qualification, it is an internationally recognisable programme,” he said.
The ZiCA chief said under this program students were picked on the basis of having a merit and not a credit, as it was more acceptable across borders.
He was speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the accountants special forum in dubbed “Meet the Accountants” at Moba Hotel in Kitwe last week.
Mr Kazilimani said CA Zambia had been developed to respond to the current industrial demands which had a practical aspect, and producing a cadre of accountants ready for the industry.
The CA Zambia flagship programme incorporates knowledge, advisory and practical levels among others which was perfect brand.
Mr Kazilimani said ZiCA was in the process of establishing chapters in regions like Copperbelt to enhance effective member representation.
“ZiCA finalising guiding principles which will see the establishing of Copperbelt ZiCA chapter to broaden access to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for our members in regions like the Copperbelt,” he said.
Meanwhile, ZiCA has established a property fund, a special purpose vehicle for its property investment to give an opportunity to members to buy shares.
Equity Capital Resources chief executive officer Fungai Musana said the asset management company targets to raise US$ 50 million on behalf of ZiCA through equity mobilization from ZiCA members.
“We have been engaged as fund managers to raise money by selling units ,under property fund which will  help ZiCA build its office park and any other property they may want to venture in, the minimum, one unit costs $10 ,if  someone invests $500 ,you start building it like the way you have shares in a company ,these units that is, the money is being managed by fund managers,”  he said.
Mr  Musana  said in an interview in Kitwe last week that the property fund was a worth the investment and that the company has used the dollar to hedge against fluctuations.
He said the first target would be ZiCA members and later the fund would look at raising the remainder from financial institutions.