Heartland International Ministries and Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) Meeting Marks Milestone in U.S.-Zambia Business Relations Ahead of IBEx 2025
L-R: Mwami Munansangu, Special Projects Coordinator Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce ZDCC, Freud Musanu, President of Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce, Byron Whetstone Founder and Executive Director, Heartland International Ministries and Francis John, Editor Publisher, TipsNews Kansas City.
By Francis John, Editor Publisher, TipsNews Kansas City
Kansas City, October 4, 2024—In an era where international cooperation is pivotal to economic progress, the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) made a significant stride in strengthening U.S.-Zambian relations. On October 4th, ZDCC convened a pivotal meeting at Homer’s Coffee House in Overland Park, Kansas, bringing together business leaders and international stakeholders. The discussions set the stage for further collaboration, particularly in anticipation of the International Business Exchange IBEx 2025 trip, designed to deepen ties between Kansas City entrepreneurs and Zambian business interests.
Under the visionary leadership of Freud Musanu, President of ZDCC, the organization has set an ambitious goal: to expand the U.S.-Zambia investment portfolio and boost trade volume to $1 billion by 2028. The October 4th meeting underscored this commitment, offering U.S. investors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), insights into the growing opportunities in Zambia.
Freud Musanu’s Vision: Creating Sustainable Wealth in Zambia
Musanu, accompanied by Mwami Munansangu, ZDCC’s Special Projects Coordinator, delivered an impactful presentation, focusing on a variable solar kit proposal aimed at both rural and urban economic development in Zambia. This proposal, presented to Byron Whetstone, Executive Director of Homer’s Coffee House and a prominent advocate of Heartland International Ministries, outlined a solution for addressing Zambia’s critical energy needs.
Musanu highlighted how the solar initiative could pave the way for sustainable wealth creation, skill development, and economic independence in local Zambian communities. The proposal is a part of ZDCC’s broader strategy to use renewable energy as a key driver of economic transformation, linking U.S. investors with Zambian entrepreneurs in a way that benefits both nations.
Byron Whetstone: Bridging Communities and Opportunities
Whetstone, a respected leader with over 15 years of experience at Homer’s Coffee House, is no stranger to fostering international partnerships. His extensive travel across Africa has made him a trusted figure in connecting U.S. businesses with African markets. During the meeting, Whetstone expressed enthusiasm for the ZDCC’s initiatives and the upcoming IBEx 2025 trip, which aims to bring Kansas City business leaders face-to-face with Zambian SMEs.
Freud Musanu emphasized that he expects Whetstone to help rally more participants for the IBEx 2025 program, pulling in members and associates from Heartland International Ministries, as well as the broader Kansas City business community. This outreach would further enrich the resourceful program, expanding opportunities for engagement beyond just church members.
Whetstone’s involvement in projects that empower SMEs across Africa perfectly aligns with ZDCC’s mission to address critical needs such as energy access and entrepreneurship. His gesture of offering complimentary coffee and beverages to attendees at Homer’s Coffee House exemplified his inclusive leadership style and dedication to community engagement.
Weekend Invitation and Spiritual Reflection
In a heartwarming conclusion to the meeting, Byron Whetstone extended a personal invitation to everyone in attendance, inviting them to his upcoming sermon on the resurrection of Jesus Christ this weekend. Whetstone’s commitment to both his faith and community resonated with attendees, with Mwami Munansangu immediately promising to attend. Several others expressed interest in joining as well, reflecting the meeting’s blend of business, faith, and personal connection.
Looking Ahead: Ambassadorial Talks and Micro-Business Plans
The ZDCC is awaiting a confirmed appointment with the Zambian Embassy for discussions in Washington, D.C., where further negotiations on U.S.-Zambian partnerships will take center stage.
Additionally, a follow-up meeting is scheduled for next Friday, where Heartland International Ministries, Kansas City business leaders, and ZDCC members will gather. During this meeting, Musanu is committed to presenting five carefully developed start-up business plans, ensuring that the next phase focuses on actionable projects. Detailed micro-business plans will also be presented, focusing on innovative solutions for rural electrification, agriculture, and technology sectors, with a particular emphasis on small-scale solar kits to provide energy to off-grid Zambian communities.
A Bright Future for U.S.-Zambia Partnerships
The ZDCC continues to champion increased trade and investment between the U.S. and Zambia, with SMEs playing a crucial role in this effort. By creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration, ZDCC is poised to reshape economic landscapes in both countries. The meeting underscored Kansas City business leaders’ eagerness to explore these opportunities, bolstered by the addition of new entrants like Mwami Munansangu, who will bring fresh insights into Zambia’s business climate.
Closing on a High Note
The meeting concluded with a prayer and a shared sense of optimism. Whetstone’s deep ties to both local and international communities were evident in the lively atmosphere at Homer’s Coffee House, where over 50 individuals engaged in discussions ranging from business to spirituality.
As I, Francis John, Editor Publisher of TipsNews Kansas City and a ZDCC board member, listened intently, it was clear that a capable and dedicated team is forming, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead. The excitement for what’s to come is palpable, with the next steps in the ZDCC’s mission eagerly anticipated.
With follow-up meetings on the horizon and a promise of further deliberations on solar initiatives, the ZDCC is well-positioned to meet its ambitious goal of expanding the U.S.-Zambia investment portfolio and creating a lasting economic impact.
About ZDCC: The Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting trade and investment between the U.S. and Zambia. Through initiatives like the International Business Exchange (IBEx 2025) trip and renewable energy projects, ZDCC aims to transform economic landscapes and foster sustainable growth for future generations.
ZDCC Membership Drive with Successful Business Leaders in Kansas City:https://www.tipsnews.info/zdcc-goals-and-membership-drive-a-collaborative-shocking-path-forward-at-kansas-city-meeting/ 
