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 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 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, 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.
- Build business brand awareness via our platform
- Showcase video or editorial reports featuring business
- Create new opportunities and pathways for growth
- Help local charities with philanthropic events
- Attend networking events
- Market products and services
- Display business's logo on website
- Celebrate success and accomplishments with FBC
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.
- All
- Agriculture / Fishing / Forestry
- Banking / Insurance / Investment Holding
- Construction Industry / Building Material
- Consultancy / Legal / Financial Services
- Energy / Electricity
- Health Care Services
- Hospitality Services / Tourism Industry
- Manufacturing
- Mining & Extraction / Quarrying
- NGO / Development Organisation / Association
- Public Service / International Institution
- Real Estates
- Retailing / Wholesale
- Transport / Logistics
- Other
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.
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
22nd November 2024, Beaujolais 2024
Sponsors & French Embassy Event
Date: Thursday 22nd November 2024
Time: 15:00 – 23:00
Location: Residence of the French Embassy
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
February 2025, FBC Assembly General Meeting
Members Only Event
Date: TBC
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Location: TBC
Past Events
28th September 2024.
Meeting Zambian Olympics Athletes.
Public Event.
15th August 2024.
FBC Assembly General Meeting
Members Only Event.
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
Photo Gallery
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