Business

Telecommunications, Mining, Agriculture, Retail, Professional consultancy and property development

Websites

www.drjamesmakamba.com

www.jamesmakambafoundation.org.za

www.telecel.co.zw

www.ibbamo.org.za

Year of birth

1952

Residence

South Africa

Dr James Makamba’s career started in Zimbabwe in broadcasting. He also had a political stint which saw him elected as Member of Parliament for Mt Darwin constituency in 1995. He often travelled with former President Robert Mugabe internationally to promote investment n the country. Dr Makamba founded Zimbabwe’s first independent commercial television station Joy TV in 1997.

His success as a consultant at Old Mutual saw him become a member of the Million Dollar Round Table after securing US$1 million worth of insurance and investment business in a period of a record 8 months. Globally, most top insurers only reach this target after 30 months. Dr Makamba has always had an eye for new business opportunities. As a government relations consultant for Lonrho Plc, he worked on several key initiatives which included promotion of the Mercedes Benz franchise in Sub Saharan Africa, the establishment of tea plantations, building of railways, tourism and agriculture development. He is also credited with bringing the Soft ‘n Free range from America to Africa.

Dr Makamba sits on many boards including Telecel Zimbabwe, Kestrel Corporation, Makamba & Associates, JHL Investments, Anglo African Minerals, Thurlow and Company, Ibbamo Foundation and African Business Connect.

As a Philanthropist, Dr Makamba founded the Ibbamo Foundation which was inspired by the election of Barack Obama as the American President. The foundation assists underprivileged children attain high quality educations and prepares them for future leadership. As a result of the success of the Ibbamo Foundation, Dr Makamba decided to consolidate his philanthropic efforts under the James Makamba Foundation which focusses on education, social development and entrepreneurship. It incorporates the work done by Ibbamo.