Zimbabwean Culture

Zimbabwe• Formerly known as Rhodesia

• Population of 12 million

• Total Area of 390,757 sq. meters

Slightly larger than Montanta

ZimbabweGreen= AgricultureYellow= Mineral wealthRed= Blood shed for independence Black = Native people

Ethnic GroupsShona 82%Ndebele 14%Other Africans 2%Mixed & Asian 1%Caucasian 1%

LanguageOfficial Language – British English

Shona

Ndebele

ReligionSyncretic (Christianity & Traditional beliefs)

50%

Christianity 25%

Traditional 24%

Muslim and Hindu 1%

SportFootball (Soccer)

Cricket

Swimming

Athletics

CuisineStaple food is Sadza

Eat using hands

Women cross legged

CuisineDried foods eg Kapenta

ArtSculpture

ArtMusicians

ArtAuthors & Poets

Business Culture

• Major Industries: Mining, steel, wood products, cement, chemicals, fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs, and beverages• Tourism has declined

• Gross National Product: 6 billion• Gross National Income: 6.16 billion• Average Yearly Income: 400 to 1,200

Business CultureIn 2010, the economy had real growth of 5.9% Government helped with economic

improvement:End of hyperinflation

Government has also hurt the economyIndigenization regulations

Business CultureLanguages and Greetings:

Official business language is EnglishHandshakes are the most appropriate greetingLearning basic greetings in local language is

appreciatedAlways be sure to use professional titles

Administrative Interactions:Respect is highly important and leads to a clear

structural hierarchyCrucial for foreigners to build working relationships

Business CultureBusiness Meetings:

Schedule a meeting well in advancePunctuality is not considered a virtueAttire should be business formal Expect long personal conversations prior to a

meeting Do not discuss politics or the status of the economy

Include delivery dates in contracts since deadlines are often viewed as fluid rather than firm commitments

Begin negotiations with a realistic figure since they do not like haggling over price

Business CultureGifts:

It is not taboo to ask for a giftBecause of this practice and widespread corruption,

bribery is not uncommonOutside of the Office:

If invited to social dinner, bring a small gift.Fork is held with the left hand and knives with the

right. If unsure about eating practices, follow your neighbors

Zimbabweans sometimes wear their traditional clothing. Non-Zimbabweans should not follow suit

Many businessmen enjoy playing golf, rugby, and cricket.

The Republic of Zimbabwe Parliamentary

DemocracyLegislative Branch

determines Government

Government had Dual Responsibility The People Parliament

Branches of Government Executive

President , Prime Minister

Co-Vice Presidents Cabinet

Legislative House of Assembly

(Parliament) Judicial

High courts (Supreme), Court of Appeals, Local

Government Cont…Administrative Sub

Divisions Town and District

Councils Political Parties

Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF)

Movement for Democratic Change - Tsvangirai (MDC-T)

Movement for Democratic Change - Mutambara (MDC-M)

Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU)

Executive President Robert Gabriel MugabeIn office since 1980Election every 6

years Popular Majority

Vote Chief of State Head of

Government Cabinet

Zimbabwe Economy Downturn for the

Past Decade State of

Rehabilitation Government of

National Utilities Multi-Currency

Regimes Importation Exportation

Restricted and Prohibited Goods

Restricted Prohibited Wildlife Agriculture Produce Plants/ Plant

Products Firearms RelicsLocal/ Foreign

Currency Apparatus

Pornographic Materials

Flick Knives/ Lock Blades

Skin Lightening Creams

Indecent or Obscene Goods

Spirituous Beverages

Tax and Customs Requirements for New BusinessesZIRMA Registration

Bank Account Business Partner

Number (BP)Taxes

ProvisionalPresumptiveValue AddedPaye

Tax and Customs Requirements for New Businesses, Cont..Customs and

Excise Clearing Agent ImportsExports

Indigenization Unapproved

Regulation Mining Companies 51% Black

Zimbabwean Ownership for all Foreign and Locally Owned Companies