Yamikani Nicholas Kachingwe, who worked as a waiter at a restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa for 13 years before venturing into business in Malawi said his journey has been full of ups and downs.
Aged 38, the Managing Director of Thuyamizi Import and Export Company told projectM that when he returned to Malawi in 2019, he started looking for a job but he could not find it.
After struggling to get a job for quite some time, he decided of creating an employment for himself and others to earn a living.
Kachingwe, who is gifted in marketing and advertisement, says working in a restaurant in South Africa equipped him through the entire process of creating and launching a successful business.
He also added that it also gave him a chance to turn his entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
‘’As an established entrepreneur, I am urging those aspiring for entrepreneurship to develop business ideas and concepts and let them understand what they want to do in life and what kind of services they would like to offer to Malawians. Behind every business there is a story of passion, determination and the desire to make one’s own mark. Let us venture into a world where potential meets opportunities,’’ Kachingwe said.
Kachingwe, however, said there is also a need for small-scale business owners to network with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in order to gain valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies in the business world.
He said this will give them an opportunity to learn how to develop a plan, raise capital, manage finances and build a team market for their products or services.
However, he bemoaned a number of challenges that entrepreneurs are facing in the country.
He said for one’s business to thrive they need to have a good working capital which is a big challenge among up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Additionally, he said a lack of information among start up business owners, saying most of them are not compliant with the regulatory laws and industrial requirements.
He said registration provides entrepreneurs with legal identity and credibility to gain more customers.
Currently, Thuyamizi Import and Export company established in 2021, offers services such as corporate uniforms, hardware tools, stationery, baby and children accessories.
His major clients include MDF and government ministries.
For more on entrepreneurship skills, you may contact Yamikani Nicholas Kachingwe on:0994037954
