THE Australia Zimbabwe Business Council (AZBC) was launched in Sydney earlier this week to help strengthen bilateral relations and foster greater business and investment interactions between Harare and Canberra.
Political relations between the two countries have remained frosty since Canberra, along with other Western countries imposed sanctions against Zimbabwe which President Robert Mugabe’s administration says were aimed at punishing its land reforms.
But promoters of AZBC said the diversity of business and financial markets in Australia and the expanding economic environment in Zimbabwe have created excellent opportunities for successful bilateral trade.
The organisation would seek to assist Australian businesses and investors take advantage of opportunities emerging in Zimbabwe.
“We are excited about the business opportunities between the two countries that will be created through AZBC’s business matching service and our through trade and investment promotion activities,” said Samuel Sebenzo, Co-founder and National Chairperson of AZBC.
“Via the AZBC, Australian businesses are provided with the opportunity to network and trade with Zimbabwean businesses using a customised business matching service. Likewise, the AZBC introduces Australian investors to unique investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.”
AZBC would liaise with the Australian government and authorities in Zimbabwe, to represent the business, trade and investment interests of its members in the two countries.
AZBC has partnered with the Council for Young Africans Living Abroad (CYALA) which provides global support for young Africans living abroad by encouraging and facilitating entrepreneurship.

“As a an example of its purposes and goals, AZBC is proud to announce that the world renowned Australian sporting goods company Spartan Sports made a generous donation of sporting equipment to the Zimbabwe Cricket Union on behalf of Australia Zimbabwe Business Council (AZBC) after the launch,” Sebenzo said.
Sebenzo can be reached at ssebenzo@urimbogroup.com.auAdvertisement