The Zimbabwean is a weekly newspaper produced in the UK by exiled Zimbabweans and targeted at other exiled Zimbabweans globally, to give them a real picture of what is happening within the country; to foster a sense of community in exile and also to achieve a commercially successful publication.

The Zimbabwean had reached a critical point in its 'then' short existence. It could no longer depend on continuing donor support, and the publishers’ objectives were to produce a commercially viable product, through advertising and newspaper sales. We were called in to give advice and help prepare a business plan.

The overall objective was to further develop the newspaper and employ key staff members to cover advertising sales, newspaper sales, marketing & promotional extras.

Wilf Mbanga, Editor

Discussions got underway with two donors – Freevoice who were considering a proposal for ownership by the publishers of a printing press in South Africa to print The Zimbabwean;  and Open Society  who were considering a part ownership scheme for a printing press to be located in Zimbabwe which would bring savings in print costs for The Zimbabwean. In both cases there would be spare capacity to print NGO materials and take on revenue-earning jobbing work.

Eventually with our advice, renewed efforts, continuing donor support and (importantly) the growing success of the newspaper, the Editor and Publisher, Wilf Mbanga managed to find enough support to continue publishing.

It is now still recognised as a leading source of information with a high reputation for its quality content attracting a wide and rapidly growing readership from around the world for all those with an interest in Zimbabwe. There is also an online version. See: http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/