Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
ZB Financial Holdings (ZBFH) is working with local authorities in towns and cities across the country to promote sustainability through initiatives such as tree planting, infrastructure development and community empowerment.
Being the first financial institution in Zimbabwe to attain the Sustainability Standards Certification Initiative (SSCI) accreditation, ZB is walking the talk by rolling out initiatives that align with global Environmental, Social and Governance standards.
While other institutions are working towards this milestone, ZB has already set the pace, proving its commitment to embedding sustainability into its DNA.
ZBFH executive head of brand and corporate communications, Ms Emilliah Mabika, accompanied by Bulawayo and Plumtree officials, recently spearheaded a tree planting event in Plumtree in partnership with Plumtree Town Council and other stakeholders.
In her remarks, Ms Mabika said the bank was willing to partner with different local authorities to provide good stewardship for the environment in line with its ESG goals.
She said tree planting contributed to a better environment, which aligns with Government initiatives under the National Development Strategy policy initiatives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“As ZB, we want to partner the council in a lot of other initiatives. There are still talks to say what we can do to capacitate our clinic, which is doing a great job for us and this is not the first or last time you will be seeing ZB, we will be together,” said Ms Mabika.
“This initiative delivers tangible benefits to the community, which include environmental resilience, health and well-being and urban renewal
“Trees improve air quality, provide shade, and contribute to climate adaptation.”
Different species of trees were planted in front of Dingumuzi Clinic.
Ms Mabika said greening the clinic environment created a more welcoming environment for patients and staff, adding that roadside trees beautify the town, instill civic pride and support sustainable infrastructure.
“This is ZB for you, in action, improving lives through service, listening to customer feedback, and enhancing engagement by investing in resources that matter to the community,” added Ms Mabika.
Other initiatives that ZB is championing include solar-powered boreholes, SMEs empowerment, and financial and digital inclusion.
In his comment, Plumtree town secretary Mr Thembalami Nyoni said the town had been working with ZB for quite a long period of time, where different projects have been initiated.
“There are several initiatives and projects that have been undertaken in Plumtree, like partnerships in room loading for our schools, Matiwaza Primary School, we are here attending a tree planting ceremony for sustainability purposes and also ensuring that we’re also environmentally conscious,” said Mr Nyoni.
“And generally, ZB has always been a reliable partner in terms of development of the town. They provide financial services and other support services to the local authority on a day-to-day basis. They’re a friend in need and a friend indeed.”
Meanwhile, in its quest to amplify its community-based efforts, ZB also sponsored the second edition of the Nkayi Youth Football Tournament, where several academies and clubs participated, including boys’ teams and five girls’ teams.
This is meant to promote youth development through opportunities for young people, including girls, to showcase their talent and build confidence while promoting community cohesion given that sport unites communities, fosters teamwork and promotes healthy lifestyles.
By investing in the youth, ZB said it was nurturing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
Beyond sport, ZB sponsored over 500 export-grade orange trees planted at the Nkayi Soccer Academy, where the organisation said this initiative blends sustainability with economic empowerment.
“These initiatives showcase ZB’s commitment to amplifying community-based efforts, especially in the southern region,” said Mr Mabika.
“They reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, combining environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and economic empowerment.
“By embedding ESG principles into everyday actions, ZB is not only celebrating its 75 years of impact but also pivoting for relevance and sustainable growth in the decades ahead.”
Nkayi Soccer Academy founder Mr Vulindlela Sibanda said: “The nursery company that supplied us with the orange tree is coordinating farmers as they say if the fruits are ready, there is a ready market for the produce.”
He said the project had provided work for about 10 women and four youths.
