BASED in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Zimbabwean Business Council UAE (ZIBCO), is a non-profit, member-based institution committed to representing the commercial interests of Zimbabwean-owned and affiliated businesses in the United Arab Emirates. Officially licensed by the Government of Dubai under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the Council has rapidly become the foremost platform for bilateral trade promotion, investment facilitation and entrepreneurial support between Zimbabwe and the UAE.
Founded on the principles of collaboration, innovation and economic diplomacy, the organisation is redefining how diaspora-led business councils operate. It seeks to connect, empower, and promote businesses, professionals, and investors from both countries through curated engagements, market intelligence, and representation in strategic dialogues with stakeholders. As Zimbabwe’s largest export destination, the UAE presents immense market potential, and ZIBCO stands ready to facilitate this cross-border growth.
ZIBCO’s mandate is to serve as a strategic bridge, offering Zimbabwean businesses a soft landing into the UAE, while guiding UAE investors to untapped opportunities in Zimbabwe. Through formal representation, policy advocacy, trade missions and capacity building, the Council enables its members to navigate the complexities of new markets with confidence and support.
Under the stewardship of chairman Simba Makahamadze, ZIBCO has undertaken a comprehensive strategy renewal process. This process has been anchored on stakeholder engagement, board restructuring, and the development of stronger governance and compliance systems. New board positions were introduced — specifically for marketing, business development and partnerships, and a Strategic Emirati Board member role to ensure broad-based leadership that reflects the Council’s bilateral mandate.
The chairman’s vision is both inclusive and ambitious: to unlock commercial opportunities that benefit Zimbabwean and Emirati businesses alike. “We are embarking on a new trajectory that prioritises the commercial interests of our members, allowing them access to opportunities in the UAE and Zimbabwe,’ he said. “This focus will unlock significant value for our members and deepen economic ties between our nations.”
In May 2025 alone, ZIBCO participated in a suite of engagements in collaboration with Dubai Chambers and ZB Financial Holdings. These included the Zimbabwe Family Businesses Event and an Exporters Indaba which the Council co-hosted with ZB Financial Holdings. During the Exporters Indaba, over 30 Zimbabwean exporters explored how to scale their presence in the UAE. The Council also facilitated investment meetings between the Dubai Chambers delegation and five Zimbabwean firms in renewable energy, tourism, mining, power generation and manufacturing. The delegation was exploring structured investment opportunities in Zimbabwe with ticket sizes between US$10 million and US$200 million in funding.
Such activities reflect the Council’s impact-driven approach. ZIBCO does not merely host networking events, it creates platforms for scalable, high-value collaboration. The organisation also works closely with the Zimbabwean Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai to ensure that business interests are integrated into diplomatic efforts.
ZIBCO’s core offerings to Zimbabwean businesses include access to strategic networking, business promotion, bilateral facilitation, and sector-specific insights. Members benefit from formal engagement with the Dubai Chamber, UAE government entities, and Zimbabwean institutions, as well as access to trade intelligence, regulatory briefings and curated investment dashboards.
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Membership is open to a wide spectrum of participants — from corporates and SMEs to individual professionals, joint ventures, agents, and students. Each membership tier offers tailored value, ensuring relevance and accessibility. Whether it's market access support, business advocacy, or event participation, members are integrated into a network designed for growth.
Looking forward, ZIBCO will expand its footprint through strategic partnerships, thought leadership and targeted events. A new calendar of high-impact activities is underway, featuring trade missions, knowledge-sharing forums and diaspora-led investment roundtables. The Council is also launching new initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship among Zimbabwean youth and professionals in the UAE.
As part of its continued efforts to raise visibility and foster strategic engagement, ZIBCO has partnered with Heart & Soul Television (HSTV) and Narratives PR for a landmark series of events in June 2025. This collaboration will feature the Dubai edition of the renowned talk show In Conversation with Trevor, providing a unique platform to showcase Zimbabwean entrepreneurial success stories, promote ZIBCO members and spotlight key opportunities within the UAE-Zimbabwe economic corridor. The event is expected to attract influential stakeholders from media, business and government, reinforcing ZIBCO’s role as a strategic connector and advocate for its members.
In an increasingly interconnected world, ZIBCO exemplifies how diaspora institutions can foster meaningful, measurable economic engagement. It is a model that other African business councils in the Gulf region are now looking to emulate.
For Zimbabwean entrepreneurs looking to scale beyond borders and for UAE businesses seeking reliable partners in southern Africa, ZIBCO offers more than opportunity, it offers a trusted path forward.
As Zimbabwe and the UAE deepen their ties, ZIBCO is set to remain at the centre of this economic renaissance, amplifying voices, unlocking value and forging lasting prosperity.
