Getting To Know Ms. Subeta Mutelo Permanent Secretary, Msme

Meet Ms. Subeta Mutelo, Permanent Secretary for MSMEs

Ms. Subeta Mutelo is a dedicated public servant driving Zambia’s socio-economic transformation through the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). With a strong background in economics and public policy, she has focused her career on bridging government policy with the aspirations of ordinary Zambians, promoting inclusive growth, and creating opportunities for women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs.

Under her leadership, Zambia’s SME policy emphasizes access to finance, business skills development, market access, and innovation, aiming to grow sustainable businesses that create jobs and strengthen the economy. Through programs like the Rural Enterprise Development Program and targeted support for women in agro-processing, her initiatives are transforming local businesses and empowering communities.

Ms. Mutelo believes leadership is about service, integrity, and enabling others to thrive. Her advice to aspiring leaders and the girl child underscores education, courage, and seizing opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Tell us about yourself, who is Subeta Mutelo?
I am a passionate public servant with a deep commitment to advancing Zambia’s socio-economic transformation through the empowerment of MSMEs. I see myself as a bridge between government policy and the aspirations of ordinary Zambians. Over the years, I have dedicated my professional journey to creating spaces where innovation, enterprise, and inclusive growth can flourish. At my core, I believe leadership is about service, integrity, and inspiring others to reach their fullest potential.

Give us highlights of your upbringing, and education background.
I grew up in a humble environment that taught me the values of hard work, resilience, and community. My early education was grounded in rural Zambia, where I witnessed first-hand the challenges that ordinary families face when opportunities are scarce. Later, I pursued higher education in economics and public policy, both locally and internationally, which gave me the tools to merge practical solutions with strategic thinking. These experiences shaped my appreciation for education as a true equalizer.

Where did you start your career journey?
My career began in public administration, where I worked on community development programs. Over time, I transitioned into enterprise development, with a focus on unlocking opportunities for SMEs. This foundation gave me an in-depth understanding of how government systems work and how they can be reformed to better serve citizens.

What interested you to start your political journey?
For me, politics was never about power; it was about impact. I was motivated by the realization that policy decisions—whether good or bad—have a direct impact on people’s lives. My political journey has been about ensuring that the voices of small businesses, women, and youths are not left out of national planning and economic strategies.

What shaped your path into public service and enterprise development?
Growing up, I saw many talented individuals unable to progress because of lack of access to finance, markets, or mentorship. That reality compelled me to dedicate my career to leveling the playing field. Enterprise development became a natural fit because it is not just about business—it is about dignity, empowerment, and national growth.

Can you share a defining moment that influenced your leadership style?
One defining moment was during a community program in a rural district where we worked with women farmers. I saw how a small intervention—a revolving loan scheme—transformed lives in a short time. It reaffirmed my belief that leadership is about enabling others. Since then, my leadership style has been participatory, focused on listening, empowering, and building consensus.

How do you balance the demands of national policy work with your personal life?
Balancing is not always easy. I rely on discipline, time management, and the support of my family. I make it a point to dedicate quality time to my loved ones, no matter how busy the schedule gets. My philosophy is that a leader who neglects personal balance risks burning out and losing touch with reality.

Who are your mentors or role models, and how have they shaped your approach to leadership?
I have been fortunate to be mentored by senior women in government and the private sector who broke barriers before me. Their courage, humility, and resilience inspired me to believe that women can lead effectively while still holding onto their values. I also admire global leaders who put people at the center of policy.

What values guide your decision-making, especially during challenging times?
Integrity, inclusivity, and fairness. I firmly believe that even in challenging times, decisions must not compromise the trust that people place in government. Every decision I make, I ask myself: How will this affect the ordinary Zambian entrepreneur?

What are the core objectives of Zambia’s SME policy under your stewardship?
Our SME policy aims to create an enabling environment where enterprises can thrive. This includes improving access to affordable finance, enhancing business skills, supporting innovation, ensuring market access, and building resilience against external shocks. Ultimately, the goal is to grow SMEs into sustainable businesses that contribute to job creation and national development.

What strategies are in place to support women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs?
We have mainstreamed inclusivity into all our programs. For women and youths, we provide tailored training, dedicated financing windows, and mentorship networks. For rural entrepreneurs, we are focusing on improving access to markets and infrastructure through the Rural Enterprise Development Program, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Project for Women and Youths under AfDB. Inclusivity is not a side program; it is central to our SME development agenda.

Can you share a recent success story that reflects the Ministry’s impact on local businesses?
Recently, we supported a group of women in agro-processing (currently onboarded in one of our Industrial Yards) who, after receiving training and funding, expanded their operations and began supplying products to chain stores and supermarkets. Their story reflects how targeted interventions can elevate small businesses into formal markets.

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to lead in public service?
Public service is not about titles and positions, it’s about commitment to the people and country. It requires sacrifice, patience, humility and integrity. My advice is: serve with humility, be patient, stay grounded and keep learning. Never lose touch with the people you represent, and always remember that leadership is about making life better for others.

What are your future career aspirations?
My focus now is to continue building institutions that outlive individuals. In the long term, I aspire to play a role in shaping regional policies that promote African enterprise and trade, because our future lies in collective prosperity, built on stronger regional integration, cooperation and trade across Africa.

What is your advice to the girl child?
To every girl child: believe in yourself, pursue education relentlessly, and never let circumstances define your potential. The world is full of challenges, but also opportunities which come once, and when they do, you must be ready to seize them with courage and determination. Remember that your voice, your skills, and your dreams are valid, always.