At just 22 years old, Alex Phiri has already established himself as a promising force in Malawi’s car rental industry with his company, Myride Car Rental Mw.
What began as a small venture in 2021, driven by passion and resourcefulness, has turned into a successful business offering luxury and off road vehicles, including BMWs, Mercedes Benz, and Ford Rangers, among others.
Alex’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in his early experiences and determination.
Raised in Blantyre in a modest home, Alex was always inspired by his father, who emphasised the value of hard work and perseverance.
However, it was not just his family’s support that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit it was also the desire to prove his own capabilities.
“As a Business Management and Entrepreneurship student at Malawi College of Accountancy, Alex was determined to make a name for himself, starting small and working his way up,” Phiri told ProjectM.
Alex recalls how a simple idea stemming from a wedding gig, where he drove a newly restored car, sparked the creation of Myride Car Rental Mw. This pivotal moment led him to purchase more vehicles, expanding his fleet and solidifying his vision for the business.
“I remember asking my father for something to do, and he advised me to wait. But I wanted to prove myself. I saved up, fixed an old 1998 car, and sold it. The profits went toward fixing another car, and soon enough, I had enough to buy a luxury vehicle,” Alex recalls.
“When I met other car owners at a wedding gig, it was a joke at first, but it sparked an idea. That’s how Myride Car Rental MW was born.”
Despite early challenges, including a lack of steady work and financial setbacks, Alex persevered.
His dedication to quality customer service and maintaining high standards for his cars set his company apart in a competitive market.
Today, Myride Car Rental MW offers not only rentals for weddings and photoshoots but also nationwide tours, chauffeured services and more.
The company’s growth has been nothing short of impressive, with six employees, Alex’s business is known for its attention to detail and premium service.
Alex attributes much of his success to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to build meaningful relationships.
He has worked with high-profile clients in the fashion and music industries and his network continues to grow, providing continuous opportunities for expansion.
“I have learned the importance of connections. Networking has been key to my business success. I go to events, offer my services for free sometimes and look for opportunities to meet new people. These relationships have opened doors to lucrative business opportunities,” Alex explains.
Alex’s journey has not only shaped him as a businessman but also as an individual.
He believes in the power of persistence and shares advice with other aspiring entrepreneurs.
“At first, people may doubt you, but only you know what you want to achieve. The harm lies in not trying,” he advises.
Reflecting on his progress, Alex is proud of how far Myride Car Rental Mw has come. From a single car to a fleet of high-end vehicles, he credits his success to the unwavering belief in his vision and the support of his close-knit team.
Looking forward, Alex remains excited about the future, driven by a passion to further elevate the car rental service industry in Malawi.
“I’m genuinely happy with how far we’ve come, and we’re just getting started,” Alex concludes, ready to tackle the next phase of his entrepreneurial journey.
Maria Chekani, one of the customers that hired Myride Car Rental Mw’s experience.
“I had a generally positive experience, with the car being in good condition and the booking process being straightforward.
“A lot of people complain about car hire companies, but realistically you just have to be reasonable and use some common sense,” she said.
