In a country where the furniture market is flooded with imports that often lack quality and are priced out of reach for the average citizen, Matick Ligomeka saw an opportunity to make a difference.
At 28 years old, Matick, a graduate of Medical Microbiology from the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), turned his attention away from sciences and into the world of furniture.
Speaking in an interview with ProjectM Ligo Furniture was co-founded by his younger brother, Alex Christopher was dedicated to providing high-quality, locally made furniture.
“I was inspired by the challenges in the local market and saw an opportunity to create something meaningful for Malawians,” Matick explains.
Specialising in custom designs, as well as furniture maintenance and refurbishing, Ligo Furniture offers everything from sofa sets to office desks.
His journey into the furniture business was not by design.
“I never imagined I would be in this line of work. My dream was to be a scientist. But after his brother, Alex, a skilled carpenter, faced exploitation in his previous job, I saw the potential in starting our own business,” recalls Matick.
Together, they established Ligo Furniture, a name derived from their family name, Ligomeka.
The brothers’ hard work and resourcefulness paid off with a loan from MyBucks Corporation, they set up a workshop in Chilomoni and produced their first pieces of furniture, two sofa sets and four Ottoman stools.
“When we first put the furniture out for sale, they were sold out in no time, the demand quickly grew and we were able to expand our reach,” he said.
Social media played a key role in their success. “We started advertising on Facebook and WhatsApp, and soon enough, people started recognising our work.”
However, the journey has not been without its struggles, Matick shares the challenges of competing against imported furniture, which some customers prefer despite its higher price and lower quality.
“It’s difficult when people overlook locally made furniture in favour of imports. But we are working hard to change that mindset,” he said.
There have also been operational difficulties, such as outdated tools, frequent power outages and a lack of delivery vehicle, which limits the company’s reach.
On top of these obstacles, defaulters who pay only part of the price and disappear after taking furniture, have also been a setback.
“It’s frustrating when people don’t honour their commitments,” Matick adds.
Despite these setbacks, Ligo Furniture continues to thrive with the company employing six people and is planning to expand its operations to other areas, including Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
“We are aiming to grow this business into a nationwide supplier, and we’re excited for what the future holds,” Matick says with confidence.
To young people dreaming of starting their own businesses, Matick offers advice.
“It takes time and persistence. It’s not an overnight success, but with determination and hard work, you can achieve your dreams. I’m a living proof of that,” he said.
