In the vast, often turbulent landscape of African entrepreneurship, few stories shine as brightly as that of Professor Clemence Jaricha, the indomitable founder and chairman of CJ Global Express Group Unlimited.
Hailing from Zimbabwe, Prof Jaricha’s journey from humble beginnings to a business empire spanning over 32 countries is not just one of financial success—it’s a testament to resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to transformation.
Today, Prof Jaricha’s name is synonymous with diversified ventures across industries like transport, construction, hospitality, real estate, beauty, and mining. But what truly sets his story apart is his unrelenting drive to make a difference, both through business and philanthropy.
A Diverse and Expansive Business Empire
CJ Global Express Group Unlimited, the parent company of Clemence’s sprawling conglomerate, is a behemoth with interests in sectors crucial to Africa’s economic growth. From the bustling nightclubs of Zimbabwe and South Africa to the high-end construction projects shaping the region, CJ Global Express Group is a symbol of Prof Jaricha’s belief that Africa’s future is bright if we dare to invest in its core industries.
“We are passionate about changing the face of Africa,” Prof Jaricha once said, “by investing in sectors that are critical for economic transformation.” This ethos has not only fueled the growth of his businesses but also guided his approach to corporate social responsibility, ensuring his impact is felt far beyond profit margins.
CJ Global Express Group’s portfolio reads like the blueprint of a visionary. The company has made significant strides across various industries, including CJ Night Clubs and Restaurants, CJ Global Beauty Spa, CJ Global Construction, CJ Global Mall, and CJ Global Mine.
Each subsidiary, while successful in its own right, reflects Prof Jaricha’s strategic acumen and unwavering focus on diversification. “Our growth as a group is primarily premised on the entrepreneurial culture that has been the driving force for the diversification of our organisation over the years,” Prof Jaricha explains.
This diversification has ensured CJ Global Express Group’s resilience even amidst changing market dynamics, positioning the conglomerate as a multi-sectoral powerhouse.
Take CJ Global Construction, for instance, a company which has made waves in both Zimbabwe and South Africa with its commitment to quality, timely execution, and social responsibility. Prof Jaricha’s company has worked on various projects, from residential housing developments to massive infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. CJ Global Construction is also dedicated to building affordable housing in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, ensuring that low- and middle-income families have access to safe, comfortable homes. “Affordable housing for all—this is our promise,” Prof Jaricha asserts. The project is just one example of his company’s commitment to making a tangible, positive impact on the communities it serves.
CJ Global Mall, is a project born from CJ Global Construction. Located in Johannesburg, the mall has become a landmark in the city, with over 100 stores, a variety of dining options, and entertainment venues that make it a key economic driver in the area. But for Prof Jaricha, it’s about more than just retail space.
“CJ Global Mall is not just a shopping center; it’s a catalyst for job creation and economic growth in Johannesburg,” he proudly notes. Through this venture, his company has not only added value to the retail sector but also provided jobs for thousands, directly contributing to the community’s prosperity.
Prof Jaricha is proud to announce the launch of the CJ Global Mall, a landmark development in the Greenville Rural Area, Eastern Cape Province, marking the company’s second major mall project in the region. This ambitious initiative is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy, creating “employment opportunities for hundreds of people” and contributing significantly to the region’s growth.
For investors, a unique opportunity awaits: “A limited number of shares in the CJ Global Mall project are now available for purchase,” offering a chance to be part of a “visionary project that promises to transform the region.”
CJ Global Properties is another integral part of Prof Jaricha’s business empire, focusing on real estate development and management. Operating across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and other countries, the company is dedicated to creating commercial and residential properties that cater to both individual buyers and businesses.
From acquiring land to developing properties, CJ Global Properties is involved in all aspects of the real estate market, ensuring that each project is built with a focus on quality, sustainability, and value. The company’s ongoing projects include residential developments and commercial spaces that have contributed to the economic growth of local communities.
Through CJ Global Properties, Prof Jaricha’s vision for affordable housing and the development of thriving urban centers is brought to life, solidifying his commitment to transforming not only the economy but also the living standards of people across the region.
The mining sector is another pillar of Prof Jaricha’s empire. Through CJ Global Mine, the group is engaged in the extraction of vital resources like chrome, coal, platinum, and lithium, primarily in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The company’s mining interests are aligned with the Prodessor’s broader vision for Africa’s industrial growth—resources critical to the continent’s economic future.
Philanthropy and Education Initiatives
Beyond the physical structures that bear his name, Prof Jaricha’s philanthropy shines as a beacon of hope for many. His company’s foundation, the CJ Global Express Group Unlimited Foundation, is focused on creating lasting change for vulnerable children and grandparents in Southern Africa.
With initiatives ranging from life insurance for orphans to educational support through donations of computers and school supplies, Prof Jaricha’s work as a philanthropist reflects his deeply held belief in giving back.
“As an orphan myself, I understand the importance of education,” Prof Jaricha shares. Through the Foundation, he has provided essential resources to schools in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia, demonstrating his commitment to empowering future generations.
Global Growth and Future Ventures
CJ Global Express Group Unlimited has continued to make strides internationally, with recent expansions into Europe, signaling the company’s growing global influence. “We are thrilled to bring our unique brand of entertainment, dining, and wellness to the European market,” Prof Jaricha states, referring to the acquisition of a prime building in London.
With this acquisition, his company has taken a significant step in furthering its global footprint and diversifying its operations across continents. CJ Night Clubs and Restaurants and CJ Global Beauty Spa are already preparing to make waves in the competitive London market, with the launch expected in just a few months.
However, it is the people behind the business that make it truly special. Prof Clemence Jaricha has long understood that the heart of any successful enterprise is its team. With thousands of employees under the CJ Global banner, from logistics drivers to construction workers to beauty therapists, his businesses are not only a source of employment but also a pathway to economic empowerment for many. “Creating jobs, investing in our people, and giving back to our communities have always been at the forefront of our mission,” Prof Jaricha affirms.
From humble beginnings to a global business empire, Prof Jaricha’s journey is an extraordinary story of persistence, vision, and a deep desire to uplift others. In just 25 years since he founded CJ Global Express Group Unlimited in 1999, Prof Jaricha has not only created a multifaceted conglomerate but also positioned himself as one of Africa’s most influential business figures. His commitment to making a difference in the world, whether through business ventures or philanthropic work, is what sets him apart as a true visionary in the African business landscape.
As CJ Global Express Group continues to expand its reach and diversify into new sectors, Prof Clemence remains focused on his ultimate goal: to transform Africa by investing in its future and leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come. For him, the work is far from over. “We aspire to be the most recognized and preferred brand in all sectors that we operate in,” he concludes. And with his track record, there’s little doubt that Prof Clemence Jaricha will continue to rise—taking Africa with him.
