Building A Legacy of Growth: Reflections from A Year of Tangible Impact
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30
In a recent gathering that carried a dual significance, the Zimbabwean Business Council (ZIBCO) came together for the 4th Annual General Meeting, held in Dubai on Saturday 18 April 2026. This event coincided with the 46th anniversary of Zimbabwe’s independence and celebrated the building of an institution that continues to deliver on its mandate.
In a heartfelt address, ZIBCO Chairman Simba Makahamadze took stock of a year defined by milestone achievements, emphasizing that ZIBCO is not just a council but a platform dedicated to raising Zimbabwe’s commercial profile in one of the world’s most competitive markets.
Turning Potential into Tangible Success
Reflecting on last year and into 2026, the Chairman highlighted the Exporters Indaba, co-hosted with ZB Financial Holdings and the Dubai Chambers. This initiative provided informative and network-building sessions for over 30 Zimbabwean exporters, further validating how ZIBCO, licensed under Dubai Chambers, can help facilitate opportunities for expansion for Zimbabwean business owners looking to trade in the UAE. Many of the attendees would be navigating the UAE market for the first time.
The Council’s role as a bridge for high-value investment has never been clearer. Over the past year, ZIBCO also facilitated five strategic investor meetings across renewable energy, tourism, and manufacturing, with deal ticket sizes ranging from $10 million to $200 million. These are not just numbers; they represent credible capital meeting credible opportunities, fueled by the connections made through our community.
Reshaping the Financial Landscape
A standout milestone for the trade corridor is the ongoing incorporation of ZB Bank into the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). As the first Zimbabwean banking institution to establish a licensed presence in the DIFC, this move, consistently enabled by ZIBCO, is set to unlock unprecedented access to trade finance and capital markets for our members.
Our global partnerships continue to deepen, evidenced by our work with DFP World to navigate licensing and operational landscapes in Zimbabwe. With a ZIBCO-convened Roadshow planned for Harare and Bulawayo in the third quarter of this year in partnership with DP World, we are bringing global opportunities directly to our doorstep at home.
A Community That Transcends Borders
ZIBCO’s influence is felt deeply within Zimbabwe as well. Members recently returned from the 2nd Zimbabwean Family Business Summit in Harare, organized by one of our newest members, Red Couch Advisory . The Summit was a powerful reminder of our mission: ensuring that Zimbabwean family enterprises have a structured, successful pathway to global expansion through the UAE.
This commitment to the diaspora and national growth was also recently honoured by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which awarded ZIBCO the Zimbabwe Diaspora Achievers Award for Business Excellence. For a Council driven by commitment, this recognition from home confirms that our collective work truly matters.
The Road Ahead: An Invitation to Lead
As we look toward a season of institutional transition, the Chairman’s message was clear: this is a moment of opportunity for our community. The Zimbabwean Business Council continues to build upon a solid track record, a pipeline, and a profile that belongs to all of us.
"An institution is only as strong as the people willing to serve it," the Chairman noted, inviting members to step into leadership roles as board members, committee leads, or senior volunteers.
“We invite you to be more than an attendee; we invite you to be an active participant in one of the most consequential business platforms in the UAE-Zimbabwe relationship,” Simba said.
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