Staff

Peter Mumba is an economist and policy researcher who serves as Research Fellow – Fiscal and Financial Sector Management at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR). His research focuses on macroeconomics, public finance, sustainable finance, and economic transformation, with particular interest in post-restructuring fiscal dynamics, tax policy, revenue mobilisation, and long-term economic transformation.

Before joining ZIPAR, Peter held roles in public finance research and policy advocacy, including serving as National Coordinator of the Zambia Debt Alliance and lead public finance researcher at the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD). He also served as a Socio-Economic Monitoring Specialist at the Zambia Tax Platform, contributing to research on public finance and domestic resource mobilisation.

Earlier in his career, Peter worked with the British Council in Namibia and South Africa, supporting international education and assessment programmes, including IELTS, as well as higher education and professional examination initiatives.

Peter is an alumnus of the Africa Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and holds an MSc in Economics from the University of Namibia and a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Cavendish University Zambia. He is a member of the Economics Association of Zambia and the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s Technical Working Group on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment.

Jones Bowa is the Research Fellow – Market Economy Development at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where his work examines how markets and public policy interact to shape Zambia’s development. With more than 8 years of experience in public finance, macroeconomic and human development research, Jones brings a wide range of expertise and perspectives across economic and development themes to his work.

At ZIPAR, Jones focuses on policy analysis and research on digital transformation and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy, supporting the Institute’s mission to provide evidence-driven policy for Zambia’s development agenda. He has contributed to national budget analyses, tax-benefit microsimulations, illicit financial flows measurements, and non-market economic studies.

Jones previously worked in project management at One Acre Fund, an agricultural social enterprise serving smallholder farmers, and as an economic consultant providing economic analyses, research, and strategic reports for public and private clients.

Jones holds an MSc in Development Evaluation and Management from the University of Antwerp and a BA in Economics from the University of Zambia. He is also a member of the Economics Association of Zambia and serves on ZIPAR’s Integrity Committee Secretariat.

Bob Hang’andu Cheepa is a Policy Analyst at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where he contributes to applied economic research and policy analysis on Zambia’s development challenges. His work focuses on macroeconomics, monetary and financial economics, trade, investment and economic development.

At ZIPAR, Bob contributes to research that supports evidence-based policymaking, including work on monetary policy, exchange rates, investment, commodity trading, trade and national development planning. He has also contributed to research related to the African Continental Free Trade Area and Zambia’s economic transformation.

Before joining ZIPAR, Bob served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Zambia, supporting courses in Money and Banking, Macroeconomics and Mathematics. He also held leadership roles in the University of Zambia Economics Association, including serving as President.

Bob holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with Demography (with Merit) from the University of Zambia and is pursuing an MSc in Economics at Copperbelt University. His research interests include monetary policy transmission, financial markets, exchange rates, trade and development policy.

Zambwe Shingwele is the Research Fellow – Non-Market Economy and Human Development at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where she conducts research and policy analysis that informs practical policy recommendations. With more than seven years of experience in applied research and policy advisory, Zambwe brings a multidisciplinary perspective to understanding Zambia’s development challenges.

At ZIPAR, Zambwe contributes to research on transport and infrastructure policy, sustainable mobility, regional connectivity, institutional assessments and public-private partnerships, alongside broader research on human development. Her work supports the Institute’s mission to provide evidence-based policy advice that contributes to Zambia’s socioeconomic development. She previously interned at the Office of the Vice President, Copperbelt Provincial Administration, supporting internal audit functions and advising government departments on compliance with public financial regulations.

Zambwe holds a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Lusaka and has undertaken further professional development at various institutions, including the University of Oxford. She is also a member of the Economics Association of Zambia and an alumna of the African-European Network on Development and Sustainability.

Francin Mvula is a Policy Analyst – Monetary and External Sector Management at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where her work focuses on climate change, energy and environmental issues and their implications for Zambia’s development. With more than five years of experience in policy research and urban planning, Francin has worked across economic, environmental and development issues.

At ZIPAR, Francin contributes to national budget analyses, research studies, policy reviews, research reports and policy briefs. Her research has included renewable energy, climate resilience, circular economy and the water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus.

Francin previously worked as a Policy and Research Associate at the Charter Cities Institute, where she contributed to research on urban development, governance and economic development and supported projects involving governments and international stakeholders. She also worked in land governance and spatial planning at Medici Land Governance.

Francin holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Lusaka, a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Copperbelt University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Programme Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation from Mulungushi University.

Lushomo Ng'andu is a Policy Analyst in the Market Economy Development Unit at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where he contributes to evidence-based policy research and analysis on broader socio-economic issues. With more than four years of experience in socio-economic research, urban planning, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis, he brings a rare blend of planning and policy insight to the formulation of sound policies.

At ZIPAR, his work spans applied research, data collection and analysis, and translating research findings into policy recommendations. He also contributes to national budget analysis, assessing public expenditure and sector allocations and their implications for infrastructure development and service delivery.

Previously, Lushomo worked at Medic Land Governance, where he supported the issuance of title deeds under the Systematic Land Titling Programme (SLTP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands. He also taught research methodology at the University of Zambia, and his career spans both academia and industry research.

He holds a Master of Science in Geography and a Bachelor of Arts with Education from the University of Zambia.

Joe Mwape is a Knowledge and Data Associate at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where he supports the management, analysis and communication of research and knowledge. His experience spans data management, knowledge management, graphic design, information technology and digital content creation, allowing him to combine technical and creative skills in supporting research and policy communication.

At ZIPAR, Joe supports data collection, cleaning, visualisation and analysis, manages digital knowledge resources, and develops visual and multimedia content for research publications, presentations and other communication platforms. He also supports the dissemination of research outputs and the management of digital platforms.

Before joining his current role, Joe worked as a Graphic Designer and IT Assistant at ZIPAR, providing design, technical and digital support. He has also worked in IT support, communications and project management.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies with Education from the University of Zambia, completed in 2023.

Robert Mwale is the Policy Analyst for Monetary, Fiscal, Financial and External Sectors at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where he turns rigorous economic analysis into practical advice on public finance. With more than eight years of experience in tax administration, public debt and fiscal policy research, Robert brings a practitioner’s understanding of how fiscal systems work.

At ZIPAR, Robert contributes to fiscal and financial sector research and modelling, policy briefs and post-budget dialogues, and mentors junior researchers, supporting the Institute’s mission to inform evidence-based policy in Zambia. He has previously worked at the Zambia Revenue Authority, the Economics Association of Zambia and the Centre for Trade Policy and Development, where he led public finance research, coordinated civil society coalitions on debt and tax, and led a study on Zambia’s debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework.

Robert holds a Master of Science in Economics and a Master of Science in Financial Services, and is pursuing a Master of Science in Public Finance and Taxation. He also lectures part-time in Economics at the University of Zambia.

Malita keeps the Institute's technology running smoothly and its data working well. With more than 18 years of experience across systems administration, data management, infrastructure management and strategy development, she brings a rare blend of technical depth and policy insight to her work.

At ZIPAR, Malita oversees the systems and data that power the Institute's research and contributes directly to research that informs evidence-based policy in Zambia. Her career spans both academia and research, where she has made a lasting contribution to how institutions use technology and data to deliver their best work.

Malita holds a Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management and a Bachelor of Science in Computing, a combination that lets her bridge technology and economic policy with confidence and clarity.

Thomas Mwimba is a Policy Analyst in the Fiscal and Financial Sector Management Unit at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where he provides evidence-based research on fiscal policy and financial sector management matters. With more than three years’ experience across Africa and Asia, he brings a cross continental approach to his work.

Thomas previously worked at the African Center for Economic Transformation in Ghana and the Korea Africa Foundation in South Korea, and consulted for Zambian civil society organization’s on public debt governance. He has taught economics at the National Institute of Public Administration and Mulungushi University. He also supervised undergraduate research projects.

Thomas graduated top of his class with a Bachelor's in Economics from Mulungushi University. He holds a Master's in Finance and Macroeconomics from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea, and a Master's in Governance and Regional Integration from the Pan African University, Cameroon, where he is pursuing a PhD.

Thomas is a distinguished, published and well cited scholar with more than five Scopus-indexed journal publications. His interests include macroeconomics, public finance, governance, regional integration, green energy transitions and critical minerals.

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Kapondeni Manasseh Phiri is a Policy Analyst at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), where he contributes to empirical research, policy analysis and recommending evidence-based economic policies for Zambia’s development. With more than Five years of experience in socio-economic research, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and institutional governance, Kapondeni assists in the formulation of evidence-based and sound policies.

At ZIPAR, Kapondeni Contributes to core research themes, data collection frameworks, and strategic reporting supporting the Institute’s mission to formulate evidence based and sound policy recommendations.

He has previously worked as a Research and Statistics Officer at the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption where he researched on different thematic areas to strengthen the Anti-Corruption frameworks in Africa including research on the effective whistleblower protections mechanisms.

Kapondeni holds a Master of Science in Economics and Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He is also a Member of the Economics Association of Zambia.