Batanai Bambanani Zimbabwean Association (BBZA)

  BBZA has come into existence because of the need to benefit Zimbabwean community in the diasporas and to leverage that community in assisting in the development of Zimbabwe. It is aimed as a platform for discussion with the business community and the government of Zimbabwe mainly and also the host country.

As an organization, BBZA hopes to interact more effectively with governments, private sector and other communities in order to bring positive developments both to Zimbabwe and the Region as a whole.  

Value systems based on selflessness, unity of purpose, toleration, respect, honesty and shear hard work which endure over time as our generation’s legacy, is the ultimate aim.  

Regardless, Zimbabweans remain the most educated population on the continent and advantage on the continent which is in dire need of sustenance through talking about our experiences and educating people to instill these ethics.  We believe that when entering foreign markets your primary market is you own in the diasporas, BBZA will also assist to create a business friendly climate for Zimbabweans both in the diasporas and at home.  The idea is to create strong linkages between Zimbabwean businesses and creating a diaspora economy.  Local community structures have to be engaged to ensure the success of the organization.  This will be achieved by:

    Lobbying and providing incentives and profiling of our institution, so BBZA is well known

    Organizing a business investment mission to Zimbabwe which will include our sisters and brothers from the region. Lobbying the governments to lift some restrictive policies such as tariffs on imports, exports and investment from the diaspora community since regulations restrict such.

    Encouraging the government to involve diaspora professionals to participate in the decision making bodies of state institutions. BBZA also aims to run a series of workshops with business people from various sectors of creating a platform for business networking and sharing of information to help the organization exploit opportunities which were not so obvious.

    Lobbying directly, relevant ministries and other organs to lift impediments to diasporas participation in the economy.  

    Negotiating with various service providers to extend the reach of their services to Zimbabweans. 

Database of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

The association is developing a database of SMEs conducting business in host countries to ensure that they encourage cooperation among these SMEs. The word is empowerment, you can either be empowered through legislation or as a community you can self empower by cooperating and ensuring that you use each others services.

A number of projects have been lined up for Zimbabweans in the diaspora and back home.  A scholarship fund to help the disadvantaged children of host countries to learn in Zimbabwe so as over time increase the awareness that we are one, a seed and fertilizer campaign to help Zimbabwean farmers recapitalize will also be a project on the cards in the coming several months.  

Socially, charity work is not to be excluded as there are so many needy people who need our hand. Some money has to be channeled towards helping the needy and this is one of the organization’s goals. Fundraising activities like social dinners and other networking events will be held in order to contribute towards charity work. We plan to have a big event every year to celebrate our independence day, where we hope to raise money for the numerous initiatives.

The association is supported mainly by contributions from members and member organizations who share the same vision. The vision that together we stand divided we fall, and that we are more effective in tackling problems and increasing our standard of living through Unity of Purpose.

Joining the association is easy; one needs to contact the BBZA office either by email, telephone or visiting their offices in Randburg.  BBZA email address is bbza@iburst.co.za and telephone is +27877215700.