French Business Circle

Business Network with Success

01. STRATEGIC

Bring together influential people from the business world.

02. PROFESSIONAL

Build and establish a climate of trust within the circle.

03. NETWORK

Forge ties with leading figures in Zambia and France.

WHAT WE DO

The FBC

The FBC is an association established in October 2020 in Lusaka. It is a network of French and local leaders and decision-makers whose vision is to become an influential and leading business platform in Zambia. Its primary mission is to bring together influential people from the business world, to build and establish a climate of trust within the circle with the aim of generating value and wealth for all its members.

About Us

Vision, Mission & Values

The FBC is a non-profit association under the Zambian Law, established in October 2021 in Lusaka.  It is a network of French and local leaders and decision-makers whose vision is to become an influential and leading business platform in Zambia.  Its primary mission is to bring together influential people from the business world, to build and establish a climate of trust within the circle with the aim of generating value and wealth for all its members and a job creating economy, an inclusive, globally competitive, and sustainable society. 

It operates thanks to the contributions of its members and the revenues it generates from the events it organizes.  Its income is used for educational, cultural, social or economic development assistance activities.

The FBC’s other mission is also to actively promote economic exchanges between Zambia and France.

In particular, it facilitates commercial partnerships, the organization of events dedicated to business promotion, the provision of support services to companies to encourage bilateral investments, and participation in the creation of an environment favorable to economic exchanges.

The role of the FBC is also to help get joint projects between France and Zambia off the ground and to forge ties between leading figures in Zambia and France.

The FBC brings together entrepreneurs, leaders of MSEs, SMEs, French multinationals as well as influential Zambian decision-makers from different sectors and from the political and diplomatic world.

The members gather around the same desire: to develop their business. Several times a year, they meet around a chosen event and activities to discuss, establish contacts and consider new collaborations.

Our Objectives

  • Respond to the various needs expressed and identified by the segments making up the business communities;

  • Strengthen relations between its members;

  • Contribute by all appropriate means, and to the extent that its intervention is justified, to the defense in all places of the general interests of its members, as well as the particular interests that may contribute to them;

  • Develop exchanges of information, business flows, studies, between Zambia-France and France-Zambia; and

  • Bring together the Zambia, French and partner country business communities within the same project.

Your Advantages

  • Expand your business network.

  • Strengthen your reputation.

  • Be listed in the Members Directory and have access to business databases.

  • Develop your visibility.

  • Stay at the forefront of economic information.

  • Receive advice and support in your development; and

  • Take advantage of the national and regional network.

Board of Directors

Eric Rambeloson

Founder and Executive Director

  • Owner and founder –  Tradcoms Company
  • Board Director – Ilog Zambia and Kasanka Trust (2018-2023)

Eric started his career in Europe and the US for an international consultant firm as a specialist in productivity and re-engineering. Early 2000’s, he was hired to restructure one of the biggest agri-industry group in Zambia for couple of years. He then worked for different organizations in Zambia and accumulated experience in various sectors. Previously Commercial Director at Bolloré Transport & Logistics Zambia, Eric has recently made the choice of entrepreneurship.

“ French resident in Zambia for 20+ years, I am involved with the FBC to share my dynamism, ethics and network. I truly believe that FBC is a great way to connect with like-minded people and expand business. ”

louis Eddy bijoux

Executive Director

  • Owner and CEO– IMMERSIUM – Photography and Virtual Tours.
  • Board Member – SOCOJEB S.A Pharmaceutical Wholesale Sector
  • Co-owner – VIZUALIS Motion Graphics & Live Event Production
  • Board member  –ED2 CONTRACTORS Logistics and Distribution.

Louis-Eddy has more than 15 years of management experience in various industries including telecom, pharmaceutical, Broadcasting media, transport, warehousing and distribution. Professional photo-journalist, photographist specializing in Bespoke 360° virtual Tours, Portrait and commercial photography, helping businesses across the continent boost their SEO, marketing and get more leads and enquiries.

“ People do business with people they know, as a serial entrepreneur,
partnering with like-minded people is key. I wanted to become actively
involved in preparing, developing and promoting our Franco-Zambian
community for economic growth. I have decided to join the FBC because
the chief reward is the opportunity to be involved with a unique and
professional organization which contributes to its community with its
involvement and visibility.”

HARRIET MDALA

Director

  • Partner – MAY & Co
  • Board Member – Instapay Africorp Limited
  • Board Member – Rainbow Capital Limited
  • Board Member – Tradcoms Limited

Harriet is currently a Partner at MAY & Co and has over 11 years’ experience in various corporate and commercial law related matters in Zambia. Her areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions, energy and infrastructure, real property, regulatory and compliance matters as well as corporate governance. Harriet has vast experience with structuring, negotiation and completion of merger, disposal and joint venture transactions.

“ I have always shared the sentiments of Robin Jones Gunn who said that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with others. This is why I joined the FBC. Also, I believe that through the FBC, we would be able to enhance the development of economic and cultural relations between French and Zambian entities and individuals. ”

ERNEST K. MFULA

Director

  • International Retail Trainer – TotalEnergies Marketing

Ernest is a seasoned business manager currently working as International Retail Trainer covering English speaking countries in Africa where TotalEnergies MS branch has a presence, with over 20 years experience in the Petroleum industry. He has expertise and experience in fuel service station development and operations as well as sales and marketing, with business management skills and human capital management and development.

“ The French Business Circle has created an opportunity and platform for business people and professionals to share experiences and ideas on dynamic subjects and I am happy to share my experiences and also learn from others.”

Thomas ROSSIGNOL

Honorary Member

  • French Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia

Thomas Rossignol was appointed French Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia and Special Representative of the French government to COMESA, on 15th May, 2024.

“The French Business Circle fits perfectly with the Ambassador’s mission, which consists of strengthening the economic partnership between our two countries. Thanks to a business community of young and dynamic men and women, ambitious and creative, ready to build a better future and make a difference, the French Embassy stands ready as a dedicated, dynamic, efficient and reliable partner to the FBC.”

Celia S. Nyirenda

Attaché

  • Legal Innovation Lead – MAY and Company

Celia, MAY and Company’s Innovation Lead and her team work on innovative solutions to legal work. This includes brainstorming, testing, and training of the MAYbot, an AI chatbot available on the firm’s website. MAYbot provides easy access to preliminary legal information on Zambian law, enhancing legal literacy in the community and connecting users with relevant professionals at MAY and Company.

“Through the FBC, I am able to engage with diverse industries, gain new insights and skills that are essential in today’s global economy. Every interaction within the FBC is a chance to expand influence and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this firsthand. “

Our Partners

United by a common goal of fostering business growth and cultural exchange for our members.

Testimonials

Honorary Member
October 2021 – May 2024

– Francois Goldblatt –
French Ambassador to the Replublic of Zambia

Commodity Market Conference
5th December 2024

– Philippe Chalmin –

Historian & Economist specializing in commodity markets

Open Discussion
2nd June 2022

– H.E. Chipoka Mulenga –
Minister of Trade, Commerce and Industry

Membership

Inclusive Club

FBC is a strictly inclusive club system.  It only accepts new members based on the recommendation and invitation from FBC current members and founders, in order to further ensure the build-up of an exclusive and high standard business circle for our members.

Our Members

We currently have over 40 members, with 20 companies, committed to our mission. FBC members come from a broad spectrum of business and society since it attaches particular importance to ensuring that each sector of activity is represented in order to guarantee exchange, cross-functionality and business for everyone.

Registration

Kindly note that membership is by invitation only. However, you may submit your details here for potential consideration, and we may extend an invitation to you. 

Are you a new member?

Select Your 12-Month Membership Subscription
Click "+" for more details.

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Individual members are driven and passionate, committed to furthering their careers and sharing their knowledge and know-how with the French-Zambian Community. From business executives to active professionals and aspiring leaders, individuals are a core part of our organization, dedicating their time and expertise to the advancement of the common goals of our community.

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Small businesses with an annual turnover under K6.5million

Advantage membership is made for companies employing less than 10 people, with revenues under K 6.5 million. It is an affordable way for a small business to learn and find ways to build a sustainable business. It gives to the entrepreneurs an access to knowledge, an opportunity for business growth, and a network of like-minded individuals to communicate and enhance development.

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For NGOs, Associations, Trusts, International Institutions etc.

Non Profit membership is cost effective and provide a wide range of benefits to NGOs, Institutions and Associations as it elevates business presence, image, and reputation. It enable the member to connect with business executives and business leaders, amplify its cause, expand its reach, and find donors.

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Medium businesses and multinationals with annual turnover between K 65 million and K6.5 million

Privilege membership is made for companies employing generaly more than 10 people, with renues exceeding K 6.5 million per annum and is designed to provide comprehensive benefits for a reasonable membership premium.

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Overseas membership is available to members who are residing outside Zambia and have started or are planning to initiate the internationalization or export process into the country. It develops a comprehensive understanding of Zambian business practices and cultural sensitivities and enable to enjoy all the benefits of Elite membership, with a few exceptions.

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Large businesses and multinationals with an annual turnover of over K 65 million

Large businesses and multinationals with annual turnover over K65 million benefit from this membership.

Total: $0

Company Details for the Public Database.
Please fill in the form below. Fields marked with * are required.

6 Types of Memberships

Offer Individual Advantage
(Small Business)
Association
NGO
Trust
Privilege
(Medium Business)
Overseas Elite
(Large Business)
Criteria Private individuals < K6.5 million in annual income Not-for-profit < K65 million in annual income Companies based outside Zambia > K65 million in annual income
Annual Subscription $150 $200 $250 $400 $500 $600
Advocacy
Access to strategic roundtable discussions with French Embassy No No No No Yes (if physically present) Yes
Access to strategic roundtable discussions with French-affiliated chambers Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Business Development
Opportunity to co-create/sponsor a business forum/program No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Free annual adverts on FBC website No 1x 1x 2x 4x 4x
Priority invitation to FBC’s business networking event Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Corporate Brand Exposure
Opportunity to build company profile through sponsorship No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Logo listing on The FBC website No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Opportunity to advertise annually in FBC’s mailing list No 1x 2x 4x 4x 6x
Business Intelligence
Access to monthly newsletter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Access to French Embassy events and invitations to trade missions No No No Yes Yes Yes

Events

Upcoming Events

French Business Circle Lusaka

22nd November 2024, Beaujolais Nouveau

Sponsors & French Embassy Event

Date: Thursday 22nd November 2024
Time: 15:00 – 23:00
Location: Residence of the French Embassy

French Business Circle Lusaka

22nd January 2025, FBC 2025 Planning Presentation

Guest Welcome (Free First Visit)

Date: Thursday 22nd November 2024
Time: 18:30 – 23:00
Location: Alliance Française de Lusaka

French Business Circle Lusaka

February 2025, FBC Assembly General Meeting

Members Only Event

Date: TBC
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Location: TBC

Past Events

French Business Circle Lusaka

28th September 2024.
Meeting Zambian Olympics Athletes.
Public Event.

French Business Circle Lusaka

15th August 2024.
FBC Assembly General Meeting 
Members Only Event.

French Business Circle Lusaka

26th July 2024, Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony
Public Event.

27th March 2024.
Paris 2024 Olympics Presentation.
Sponsors and French Embassy Event.

5th November 2023.
Commodity Market Conference.
Guest Welcome Event

6th November, 2023.
Beaujolais
Nouveau 2023
Sponsors and French Embassy Event

Meeting Zambian Olympics Athletes

AGM - 2024

Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Olympics

Paris 2024 Olympics Presentation

Commodities Market Conference - 2024

Beaujolais Nouveau - 2023

Contact Us

provide your primary and secondary contact details for info on events, opportunities, and other FBC-related matters.

Contact

OUR HOURS

Mon – Fri 08h00 to 17h00
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays – Closed

LOCATION

759 Glass House, Woodlands roundabout, Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia

CONTACT

+260 975 298 370
info@frenchbusinesscircle.com