To effect social change, business executives must first establish essential principles most importantly, socially responsible initiatives. These ideals are frequently focused on concerns affecting society, such as climate change, poverty, and other critical social and environmental challenges.
- Businesses must seek effective ways to improve their communities and society as a whole.
- ZRL assists its community through sponsorships that empower the environment either directly or indirectly.
Outstanding socially responsible businesses in Zambia
In this article, we will consider some of the firms that have contributed to improving socially responsible initiatives in Zambia.
1. Zanaco
Zanaco, in its efforts to achieve its socially responsible goals, designated four areas of focus: environmental sustainability, education, financial education/literacy, and health. Under its green approach, the bank is on a mission to safeguard its world for future generations.
Zanaco has subsequently initiated the ‘Plant a Million’ tree effort, to plant a million trees by 2025. Since the project’s inception on May 5, 2022, its branches and departments have planted trees in schools across the country.
The Bank also worked in alliance with World Vision on the Strong Girls, Strong Zambia Campaign. The aim is to ensure the removal of 15,000 girls from early marriages while empowering them with education and other life skills. The Bank financed the Keep Her in School Program, which was targeted at giving menstruation supplies to young ladies.
2. PwC Zambia
For the past four years, PwC Zambia has held its annual race to cure cancer at East Park Mall. The Race is the firm’s charity contribution to the fight against cancer with all earnings geared towards treatment. Overall, the first two years’ revenues from the race totaling K162,000, were donated to the Kayula Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Also, PwC collaborated with the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) in December 2018. The aim was to provide support in the first phase of the collaboration. The chemotherapy reconstitution unit was renovated using profits from the firm’s third annual run to combat cancer. The entire amount donated was K109,000.
PwC also assisted CDH by donating K137,160 from the revenues of the fourth race to combat cancer.
3. Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL)
ZRL seeks to assist its community through sponsorships that empower the environment either directly or indirectly. ZRL is the sole sponsor of the Kabwe Warriors Football Club. Also, the firm continues to sponsor the Kabwe Golf Club Championship annual event.
Zambia Railways assisted in refurbishing and furnishing the building of the Bwacha Transit Home in Kabwe. Also, the firm donated train materials to community schools for the construction of footbridges along the train line. Several other clubs and institutions in other cities and stations along the rail line have benefited from ZRL initiatives.
4. Access Bank Zambia
Access Bank’s socially responsible initiatives are generally determined by ‘the Triple Bottom line’: People, Planet, and Profit. Likewise, all CSR efforts are supported by a well-articulated Staff Volunteer Scheme.
The Access Bank School of Banking Excellence has trained successive batches of Zambia’s fresh university graduates through its four-month intensive Banking Boot camp.
5. FINCA Zambia
FINCA Zambia has received awards for its Corporate Social Investment in community empowerment through financial literacy projects and community participation. By and large, the bank has provided support to numerous clinics, care centres and farmers.
FINCA recently held a financial literacy teaching event for women’s saving organisations. The goal was to promote financial inclusion and boost economic prospects for Zambia’s unbanked women. Over 50 women groups from various saving groups around the country took part in the interactive event.
6. ZGCL (Zambia Gold Company Limited)
ZGCL firmly believes that it can only be successful when both the internal and external stakeholders prioritise environmental stewardship in social and economic activities. As a result, the firm is devoted to supporting the promotion of the communities’ cultural heritage, education, health, water and sanitation, and general well-being.
ZGCL, in 2021, contributed over 160 desks and building materials to the Mwinilunga District Education Board.
7. Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM)
KCM’s socially responsible initiative includes the creation of hospitals, schools, and other social programs. By and large, the firm has spent US$150 million on CSI programs since 2005. KCM is a British Safety Council member and is subject to regular audits by the British Standards Institute (BSI).
The firm continues to maintain two hospitals and eight clinics, offering free medical services to over 63,000 Zambians each year, including KCM employees and their dependents. Also, KCM offers free healthcare to the general populace.
Between 2008 and 2012, KCM funded eye screenings, distributed 15,000 reading glasses to schoolchildren and the elderly and performed 171 cataract eye procedures.
8. Svar
As part of its dedication to providing healthcare solutions that improve people’s lives, Svar believes in spreading awareness about the value of education and gender equality.
Svar is passionate about the Musamaria organisation, which provides education to children in impoverished areas on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia. Hence, the firm provides donation assistance to enhance access to education for local children, uniform supplies, and the creation of additional facilities.
9. MTN Zambia
MTN Zambia earned three awards at the 4th Annual CSR Business Awards 2023. The MTN foundation’s primary areas of focus include health, education (with a special emphasis on the Digital Skills Academy), women and youth empowerment, and other critical national priorities.
The leading telecommunications company donated material assistance to the Ministry of Health in an effort to aid the government’s efforts to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, MTN partnered with Impact Hub to build a 3-day youth incubator program called Y’ello Ma Youth. This project enables the company to deliver significant information, coaching, and networking opportunities to early-stage entrepreneurs.
10. IHS Zambia
Access to electricity for local people is one of Zambia’s most crucial concerns. Hence, IHS Zambia, in 2016, launched a generator recycling program through the upgrade of power generation equipment at tower locations.
Overall, 12 reconditioned generators have been donated to needy local orphanages, medical clinics, and schools. Also, about 7,000 people have enjoyed access to a stable power source through the distribution of 12 repaired generators.
Conclusion
Climate change, social inequality, and poverty are pushing individuals and firms across the globe to take action. By and large, through socially responsible initiatives, businesses can seek effective ways to improve their communities and society as a whole.
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