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Harare Bureau
The African Medallion Group owned by South African based Zimbabwean businessman Mr Frank Buyanga has availed nearly $35 million to procure and deliver fuels, pharmaceuticals and other products that are in short supply in the country.

This comes after Government gave the firm approval to do so following its request to assist.

AMG chairman Ms Estee Mamman wrote to RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya recently requesting Government to assist with the procurement.

Dr Mangudya on Monday responded to the request and gave nod to AMG.

“The bank appreciates your desire to contribute to the solution to the challenges facing the country and wishes to advise that you directly approach the importers of the proposed commodities,” he wrote. “This is due to the fact that the buyers will be using their free funds to pay for the imports.”

In response, Ms Mamman said the group was now commissioning the process.

“African Medallion Group will immediately begin to engage Zimbabwean entities, including, but not limited to, African Medallion (Pvt) Ltd Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and any other necessary bodies in an effort to assist the people of Zimbabwe together with the Government,” she said.

“African Medallion Group will proceed to contact the relevant authorities in Zimbabwe to obtain the necessary approval, import permits and other documentation deemed necessary for the procurement and delivery of fuel, pharmaceuticals, cement, cooking oil and other commodities through a bonded infrastructure.”

“African Medallion Group will avail a ZAR500 million (US$34 800 000) facility to the African Medallion (Pvt) Ltd Zimbabwe entity for the inward procurement of all commodities. The facility will be redeemable in free funds.”

Ms Mamman said in line with their transparency policy, they were inviting RBZ agents to supervise AMG in all its endeavours and practice.

“This is a non-profit making initiative,” she said. “The benefit is mainly for the Government and people of Zimbabwe.”

Ms Mamman has since requested Zimra to provide them with the necessary import permits.

“We urge you to assist African Medallion Group with processing of the necessary import documentation expediently so that we can address the needs of the people with the urgency this matter requires,” read part of the letter addressed to Zimra Commissioner General Ms Faith Mazani dated November 12, 2018.

“Within seven days we will be commissioning the process.”

Ms Mamman said they will be responsible for local logistics and distribution and also invited Zimra agents to supervise the entire process.