The African Marketing Confederation (AMC) has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Matongo Matamwandi as its new President with effect from 24 April 2026.
The appointment was made by the AMC President’s Council in line with the organisation’s Constitution, following the elevation of Helen McIntee to Vice President of the World Marketing Council. The leadership changes reflect AMC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, enhance continental coordination and reinforce its role as a unifying platform for Africa’s marketing profession.
Matamwandi takes over the presidency at a time when marketing is increasingly recognised as a strategic driver of trade, tourism, investment and economic competitiveness across Africa. As President, he will serve as the official spokesperson of the AMC and chair the President’s Council, guiding the organisation’s strategic direction with a focus on professionalisation, knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration.
Extensive experience across marketing, tourism and investment
Matamwandi brings more than 28 years of experience spanning industrial marketing, tourism promotion, trade and investment facilitation, and academia. He is a Chartered Marketer and a past President of the Zambia Institute of Marketing, with a professional career that bridges both the public and private sectors.
He is currently Interim Vice Chancellor at Kenneth Kaunda Metropolitan University and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Tourism Agency from 2023 to 2026. Earlier roles include Director General and Director of Investments at the Zambia Development Agency, where he played a central role in promoting foreign direct investment, exports and small and medium enterprise development.
His professional background also includes senior roles at organisations such as Rank Xerox, National Breweries and Zambia Sugar, alongside extensive academic engagement lecturing marketing at several universities and professional institutions in Zambia. He has presented papers at international conferences and is widely regarded for his expertise in leadership, marketing strategy and international relations.
Strengthening regional representation
In addition to the presidential appointment, the AMC also announced the election of Gillian Rusike as Vice President for the Southern African Region within the AMC President’s Council.
In this role, Rusike will represent Southern Africa at Council level, contributing to strategic decision-making and ensuring that regional priorities are effectively integrated into the AMC’s continental agenda. His appointment reinforces AMC’s emphasis on strong regional representation as a foundation for promoting professional standards, ethical practice and skills development across Africa’s diverse marketing markets.
Continuity and global positioning
The AMC paid tribute to for her leadership and continued contribution to marketing collaboration, noting that her appointment to the World Marketing Council enhances Africa’s voice within global marketing governance structures.
According to the AMC, the new leadership configuration marks an important phase in the organisation’s evolution, as it seeks to deepen member value, strengthen institutional credibility and position marketing as a key enabler of Africa’s economic growth.
With its renewed leadership team, the AMC aims to accelerate its work in harmonising professional standards, expanding knowledge-sharing platforms and fostering collaboration across borders, industries and institutions – reinforcing its vision of a connected, professional and globally competitive African marketing community.
AMC’s continental mandate
Founded in 2011, the African Marketing Confederation is a ground-breaking pan-African body bringing together national marketing institutes and professional associations to advance the highest possible standards of marketing across the continent. The organisation serves as a collaborative platform for the exchange of expertise, intellectual capital and best practice, while promoting marketing as a key driver of economic development.
By unifying marketing bodies from across Africa, the AMC provides a high-level forum for like-minded professionals, while actively nurturing current and future leaders in the discipline. Central to its philosophy is respect for Africa’s diversity – recognising the continent’s varied cultures, languages, education systems and stages of development – and promoting home-grown marketing approaches designed and led by Africans.
With its renewed leadership, the AMC is positioning itself to accelerate its impact, strengthen professional standards and reinforce Africa’s voice within the global marketing ecosystem.
