Mergon’s latest initiative, Ziwani, aims to be a place of refreshment, community, and collaboration for Christian business leaders in Africa. It is a platform for business leaders to share inspiring stories, learn from one another and co-create resources.
Ziwani is a Swahili word meaning ‘at the lake’, chosen for this new initiative to express our hope that the platform would be a place of gathering, sharing and refreshing.
We believe that, as Christian business leaders, we have been called to:
- not only generate profits and thereby financially support other redemptive influences in society, but to also have a redemptive influence in and through doing business.
- be redemptive stewards of the capital entrusted to us and the influence it affords us.
- shape our business and industry practices to reflect the nature and character of God.
- inspire others to take up this marketplace calling, so that together we can creatively and positively change culture and lead the way in building a flourishing and just society.
- recognise that all of the above can only flow from an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ as our personal Redeemer.
Ziwani launch
After months of dreaming, planning and hard work, the launch took the form of a two-day virtual conference where 367 people from 28 countries attended. The launch consisted of multiple keynote speakers as well as engaging panel discussions and breakaway sessions. An advisory panel of experienced, God-honouring business leaders helped in the conceptualising of Ziwani, and also assisted in facilitating breakaway groups throughout the conference. The breakaway rooms were a hit amongst the online delegates – some of whom have committed to staying in touch and continuing their conversations post-conference.
The speakers shared their experience and hope for business to renew, rebuild and restore society by bringing God’s peace and justice into their societies. We heard how businessmen and women have redeemed industries (and even locker rooms), discovered God-inspired solutions to systemic problems, and are renewing minds around race and culture on the continent. You can access all the launch-event content such as videos and podcasts here.
What makes Ziwani unique?
As business leaders on the African continent, we believe that we can fundamentally shape our marketplace and transform society through business practices that are biblically aligned. The Ziwani platform is therefore available for business leaders to share inspiring stories and innovative local resources while equipping one another for Kingdom impact.
The Ziwani knowledge hub is a treasure chest of stimulating, thought-provoking content for Christian business leaders. There are over 100 pieces of content in the form of videos, articles, testimonies, podcasts and book reviews.
In addition, Ziwani X-Changes are community groups of passionate business leaders who support and equip each other and who want to creatively and positively change culture by leading the way in building a flourishing and just society. The X-Changes meet regularly (either virtually or in-person) and are led by trained facilitators.
Last but not least, business leaders also have access to the Ziwani ecosystem which makes it super easy to find and connect with the many other business networks that are active throughout the continent. Many also offer excellent courses and opportunities for learning and fellowship. Have a look at the directory here.
For more, go to www.ziwani.com.
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