FRENCH BUSINESS CIRCLE IN ZAMBIA

Business network for 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

Help get joint projects between France and Zambia off the
ground and forge ties between 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.

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.

Who we are

Board of directors

HARRIET MDALA

President

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

LinkedIn

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. ”

ERIC RAMBELOSON

Vice President & Treasurer

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

LinkedIn

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 almost 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. ”

HACHEM EZZEDINE

Vice President

Founder, owner and CEO – Zamastone

LinkedIn

Hachem is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience. He is also the founder of Zamastone Quarries which has had over 10 years market leading presence. In addition, Hachem has founded other companies and made investments in various sectors including Agriculture, Finance and Real Estate Development.

“ Being a part of this circle has exceeded the expectations, that us the founding members thought we could achieve. It has become such a privilege belonging to this overachieving group responsible for the most success screaming events of Zambia. As an entrepreneur, founder of Zamastone Quarries with a +10 years market leading presence, I would consider co-founding, working for the French Business Circle and joining its board of directors with my friends and colleagues, is an equally great pin of success ”

ARSHAD DUDHIA

Secretary

• Managing Partner – Musa Dudhia & Co.
• Board Member – Africa Legal Network
• Board Member – Banc ABC
• Board Member – Nestle Zambia
• Board Member – Pick n Pay
• Board Member – Wollies Zambia

LinkedIn

Arshad was appointed as the Managing Partner of Musa Dudhia & Co in its drive for growth and pan African expansion and the firm has more than tripled in size under his tenure. Arshad has particular expertise in commercial transaction, representing public and private companies, investment and retails, banks and financial institutions, private equity providers and international development finance institutions. He has renowned expertise in providing advice and preparation of the full spectrum of financial products. Arshad is also widely acknowledged as being a specialist in helping clients resolve disputes efficiently and effectively through arbitration, litigation or other techniques that promote their business objectives.

“ The FBC is great platform to meet new people and network. Networking is an investment in your business and in the FBC, we believe that networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, people with opportunities and through the FBC, I believe that this is achievable. ”

ERNEST K. MFULA

Board member

• Head of Retail & Digital – TotalEnergies Marketing Zambia Limited
• Board Director – Lublend Limited

LinkedIn

Ernest is a seasoned business manager and currently working as Head of Retail and Digital for TotalEnergies Marketing Zambia Limited and has over 20 years experience in the oil marketing industry. He has expertise and experience in fuel service station development and operations as well as sales and marketing, and human capital 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 to share my experiences and learn from others. ”

FRANçOIS GOLDBLATT

Honorary member

French Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia

François Goldblatt was appointed French Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia and Special Representative of the French government to COMESA, on 30 September, 2020.

“ As a strong believer in the necessity for the French business community operating in Zambia to rely upon a dynamic institution, the Ambassador has been keen to support the French Business Circle since its inception.

Hence, the French Embassy has been closely associated to a number of events and activities organized by the FBC.

As a result, the French Embassy and the FBC work hand in hand on all issues related to the promotion of French business interests in Zambia. ”

Mark Eldred Chomba

FBC Attaché

Associate – MAY and Company

LinkedIn

Mark is an associate at MAY and Company and has acquired valuable experience in an array of subject matters including commercial and corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, real property, mining, information and communication technology and general corporate advisory.

“ As a young professional, I joined the FBC because I believe it’s a valuable platform through which I could meet and connect with various individuals whom I can learn from and collaborate with in an effort to advance my career goals and growth. ”

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.

We currently have over 40 member companies

FBC members come from very diverse sectors. FBC attaches particular importance to ensuring that each sector of activity is represented in order to guarantee exchange, cross-functionality and business for everyone. Ultimately, the FBC would like to respect the following proportions in the allocation of its members: 1/3^rd members (entities or individuals) of French nationality, 2/3^rd members (Zambian companies or nationalities other than French).

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