The British South Africa Company (BSAC) was a chartered company established in 1889 by Cecil Rhodes and others to promote British colonization in southern Africa. It aimed to exploit the region's resources, particularly gold and diamonds, and to expand British influence. The company played a significant role in the colonization of present-day Zimbabwe and Zambia. The BSAC operated under a royal charter, granting it administrative and military powers in the territories it controlled. It established settlements, railways, and mining operations, contributing to the economic development of the region. However, its activities also led to conflicts with local populations and significant social changes.