Building an empire
Chapter 7: Building an Empire
With 12,000 ZMW saved, Chanda's small business was thriving. His contracts with schools and Mr. Phiri's retail chain had given him a steady stream of income, but he knew that true success required expansion. The Soweto Market, while pivotal to his early growth, was becoming too small for his ambitions.
He began exploring new opportunities, aiming to take his business to the next level.
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Expanding the Network
Chanda decided to expand his reach by establishing connections with regional suppliers and wholesalers. He ventured to the bustling City Market, one of Lusaka's largest trading hubs, where goods from all over Zambia and neighboring countries arrived daily.
One afternoon, Chanda met Mr. Tembo, a seasoned wholesaler specializing in school supplies. Mr. Tembo was impressed by Chanda's professionalism and offered him exclusive discounts if he could buy in larger quantities.
"If you can handle bulk orders, I'll make sure you get the best prices," Tembo said.
Chanda knew this was an opportunity to reduce his costs and increase his profits, but it required a significant investment. After careful planning, he used 8,000 ZMW of his savings to place a large order of notebooks, pencils, and rulers.
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New Challenges
Managing such a large inventory came with new challenges. Chanda now needed more storage space, and renting a secure room near his stall cost him 500 ZMW monthly. Additionally, transportation fees to deliver bulk goods to schools and shops added another 300–400 ZMW to his monthly expenses.
Despite these costs, the expansion paid off. By the end of the first month, Chanda had earned 18,000 ZMW, a profit of 6,000 ZMW after deducting expenses.
But with greater success came greater scrutiny.
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A Growing Target
Kangwa, Chanda's long-time rival, had not given up his vendetta. One day, as Chanda returned to his stall from a delivery, he found a group of market traders gathered around his space.
"What's happening?" Chanda asked, his heart pounding.
An older vendor stepped forward. "Kangwa says you're selling counterfeit goods," she said. "He's reported you to the market council."
Chanda felt a surge of anger but kept his composure. He knew Kangwa's accusations were false, but the council's investigation could damage his reputation.
Over the next week, Chanda worked tirelessly to clear his name. He presented receipts, supplier contracts, and even invited council members to inspect his stock. His meticulous record-keeping proved invaluable.
In the end, the council dismissed the accusations, and Kangwa's plan backfired. Customers rallied behind Chanda, impressed by his integrity.
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A Partnership with a Bank
Around this time, Chanda caught the attention of Chilimba Microfinance, a local bank that provided small loans to entrepreneurs. The branch manager, Mrs. Mwewa, approached him after hearing about his success.
"Chanda, I've been following your story," she said during their meeting. "We offer low-interest loans to help businesses grow. With your track record, you could qualify for a loan of up to 25,000 ZMW."
Chanda hesitated. A loan would allow him to expand faster, but the idea of debt made him nervous. After careful consideration, he decided to take the risk. He borrowed 15,000 ZMW, using the funds to diversify his inventory and hire his first employee—a young man named Mutembo, who managed deliveries and helped at the stall.
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Dominating the Market
With his expanded inventory and additional help, Chanda's business flourished. He supplied goods to schools, small shops, and even government offices. His monthly income soared to 25,000–30,000 ZMW, and he repaid the loan within six months.
Chanda reinvested most of his profits into the business, renting a second stall at City Market and purchasing a used van for 12,000 ZMW to streamline deliveries.
His competitors, once dismissive of the "boy from Kaoma," now viewed him as a force to be reckoned with. Even Kangwa grudgingly admitted defeat, his stall languishing in Chanda's shadow.
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Learning from the Streets
Despite his success, Chanda remained humble and hungry for knowledge. He spent his evenings reading business books and practicing English, which had now become fluent. One book, "Think Big, Grow Rich," left a profound impact on him.
The book's lessons reinforced what Chanda already knew: success wasn't just about hard work—it was about strategy, persistence, and the ability to adapt.
One particular line stayed with him:
> "The man who dares to dream big and acts boldly will outgrow any obstacle."
Chanda wrote these words in his notebook, vowing to live by them.
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Facing New Rivals
As Chanda's business grew, so did his competition. Large, established companies began noticing his success and entering the school supply market. They offered lower prices and flashier marketing, making it harder for Chanda to compete.
Rather than panic, Chanda used his local knowledge to his advantage. He focused on building personal relationships with customers, offering flexible payment plans, and tailoring his services to meet their needs.
He also invested in branding, designing simple but professional packaging for his products. Each notebook and pencil bore the name "Chanda Supplies Co." in bold letters, signaling his growing ambition.
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A Glimpse of the Future
One evening, as Chanda sat in his office—a modest room he rented near City Market—he reviewed his financial records. His business had grown beyond his wildest dreams.
Monthly Revenue: 30,000–35,000 ZMW
Expenses: 15,000 ZMW
Net Profit: 15,000–20,000 ZMW
Yet, Chanda felt he was only scratching the surface. Lusaka was just one city, and Zambia had ten provinces. If he could replicate his success in other regions, his dream of becoming the richest man in the country would come closer to reality.
That night, as the city lights twinkled outside his window, Chanda made a bold decision: he would expand beyond Lusaka.
The journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but Chanda was ready. He had overcome curses, sabotage, and cutthroat competition to get this far. Nothing could stop him now.
The boy from Kaoma was becoming a man—and an empire builder.