Raymond Mpundu, Chairperson of the Cotton Board of Zambia, has controversially appointed himself as CEO, despite lacking the required qualifications.
The Cotton Act mandates the CEO must hold a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, but Mpundu, an economist, has taken on the role of both chairman and CEO.
This appointment raises questions as the position was never advertised after the previous CEO, Sunduzwayo Banda, departed under unclear circumstances. 
The move undermines corporate governance and calls for the dissolution of the current board, with a new, transparent recruitment process for the CEO. Concerns also arise about the concentration of power and the potential for conflicts of interest.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should investigate the appointment, and the Ministry of Agriculture must ensure the Cotton Board is led by a qualified agricultural expert.
Board members involved in Mpundu’s self-appointment should face scrutiny, and Esther Siyanda, who chaired the recruitment meeting, should also be investigated.
