Global commodities trader Trafigura has appointed former presidential policy adviser Chipokota Mwanawasa to lead its Zambian operations.

This is aimed at strengthening its leadership in a market critical to global copper supplies and regional energy trade.

The group, which employs approximately 300 people in Zambia alongside its subsidiaries, operates 29,000 square metres of storage space in Ndola through Servara and has an extensive fuel distribution network through Puma Energy.

Mwanawasa, a Zambian national with more than 10 years of experience across mining, energy, infrastructure and agriculture, joins Trafigura after serving as Policy Adviser to the President, where she advised on economic policy, foreign investment and sectoral reforms.

She previously served as Deputy Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, supporting implementation of Zambia’s National Development Plan, and worked at Konkola Copper Mines Plc, giving her direct experience in the country’s copper industry.

In her new position, Mwanawasa will coordinate Trafigura’s activities across metals and minerals, energy and associated logistics, while driving strategic business development and engagement with government, institutional and commercial stakeholders.

She will also support the group’s Zambian subsidiaries, including Puma Energy and Servara, its wholly owned logistics, storage and transport platform formerly operated under the Impala Terminals brand.

Trafigura has operated in Zambia for more than 20 years, trading and financing commodities while investing in physical infrastructure.

Puma Energy operates approximately 74 fuel retail sites, four terminals and three aviation fuel sites across the country, giving the group a substantial presence in Zambia’s fuel supply chain.

Mwanawasa said Zambia’s position in global copper and minerals supply, alongside the importance of energy to economic development, made the country strategically significant.

She said she looked forward to strengthening relationships with stakeholders and building on the group’s existing foundation.

Gonzalo De Olazaval, Trafigura’s Global Head of Metals and Minerals, said Mwanawasa’s experience across mining, energy and public policy positioned her to lead the group’s activities.

He said the appointment demonstrated Trafigura’s long-term commitment to Zambia and its regional customers.

The leadership change comes as Zambia seeks to expand copper production and strengthen the energy and logistics infrastructure needed to support mining investment and broader economic growth.