Corporates Power Wonderful Marathon

Business rallies behind women empowerment, health and girl child initiative ahead of Lusaka race

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (21-05-2026) -- The Wonderful Group Marathon has attracted strong corporate backing, with leading institutions across banking, insurance, healthcare and the private sector aligning behind an initiative aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, supporting the girl child, and encouraging healthier lifestyles in Zambia.

Scheduled for 30 May in Lusaka, the event has been positioned as more than a sporting competition, but as a national platform for community development, gender equality and public health awareness indicating that the growing support reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a tool for social impact, with plans already underway to establish it as an annual national event.

Speaking during the launch, Wonderful Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roy Mwamba said the marathon was inspired by the company’s desire to give back to society while celebrating its corporate growth.

He said the group has expanded over the past 10 to 15 years into a diversified business structure with six subsidiaries and hundreds of affiliated companies, with projections to reach a one-billion-dollar revenue target by 2028.

Mwamba said the initiative was chosen as a way of marking that growth through social impact.

“We settled for the Wonderful Group Marathon because it is for the girl child and women empowerment,” he said, adding that empowering women strengthens households, communities and national wellbeing.

He said the response from sponsors and the public has been overwhelming, describing it as a strong indication of shared national values.

Mwamba also emphasised that the initiative promotes preventive health, urging citizens to prioritise healthier lifestyles to reduce pressure on families and the health system.

A major boost to the initiative came from Zanaco, which donated K500,000. Chief Marketing Officer Chali Mwefyeni said the marathon aligns with the bank’s commitment to community development, women empowerment and inclusive growth.

He noted that Africa’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and responsibility, adding that sustainable development depends on investing in people and communities.

Zanaco also highlighted its ongoing women’s banking programmes aimed at expanding financial inclusion and supporting women-led enterprises.

“The initiative creates a platform that advances both well-being and empowerment, which are essential for sustainable progress,” Mwefyeni said.

Trade Kings Corporate Affairs Manager Dr. Bridget Kambobe said sport plays a vital role in reconnecting communities in an increasingly digital world, while also promoting healthier lifestyles and awareness of non-communicable diseases.

In the healthcare sector, International Hospital Zambia reaffirmed its support, saying the marathon aligns with its mission to improve women’s health services and expand access to healthcare as part of community outreach.

Insurance partners, including ZiSC General Insurance and Goldman Insurance, also pledged support, with Goldman Insurance contributing K100,000. Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank, FNB (K50,000), Absa Bank (K100,000), and Indo Zambia Bank (K25,000) further reinforced backing from the financial sector, reflecting growing private sector investment in social impact initiatives.

Other contributors include Trade Kings (K230,000), United Capital Fertiliser (UCF) (K500,000), Marcopolo (K300,000), Wonderful Group (K300,000), Mirakies (K50,000), and Media Key Marketing, among others, as donations continue to grow across sectors.

UCF said its involvement is driven by the belief that good health is central to national development and that empowering women and girls strengthens society as a whole.

Wonderful Group Chief Financial Officer Harikimrishna Bommareddy said the marathon was designed as a social intervention rather than a purely sporting event, aimed at promoting unity, empowering women and showcasing Zambia’s athletic spirit.

“We realised this cannot be just a sporting or wellness event. It is about empowering the girl child and women who are part of our everyday lives,” he said.

He added that the success of the initiative reflects strong partnerships, assuring stakeholders of transparency and high organisational standards.

Event coordination is being led by Katai Choola and the Lusaka Fitness Squad organising team, who say preparations are in advanced stages.

Choola said logistics, route planning and race-day coordination are being prioritised to ensure a smooth event.

“Our role is demanding, but we are committed to delivering a high-quality experience for runners and sponsors,” he said.

He added: “We are going to have a wonderful marathon. Everybody is going to have a wonderful time.”

Total corporate contributions continue to grow, including Zanaco (K500,000), UCF (K500,000), Marcopolo (K300,000), Wonderful Group (K300,000), International Hospital Zambia (K100,000), Goldman Insurance (K100,000), Absa Bank (K100,000), Trade Kings (K230,000), FNB (K50,000), Mirakies (K50,000), and Indo Zambia Bank (K25,000), alongside additional support from banking, insurance and private sector partners.

The marathon is expected to attract wide participation and strengthen messages around health, unity and empowerment, with stakeholders expressing confidence that continued collaboration will ensure its successful delivery and long-term community impact across Zambia.