A better life
Chapter 10: A Better Life
Chanda's journey from a humble boy in Kaoma to a rising entrepreneur in Zambia was nothing short of remarkable. Now 19, he had begun to see the fruits of his hard work not only in his business but in his personal life. For years, Chanda had lived frugally, pouring every kwacha he earned into his growing enterprise. But as his income stabilized, he decided it was time to improve his quality of life.
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A New Home
Chanda's room in Kanyama had served him well during his early days in Lusaka, but it was cramped and lacked basic amenities. With a steady profit of 15,000 ZMW monthly and savings of over 400,000 ZMW, Chanda rented a modest two-bedroom house in Makeni, a quiet suburb near his office.
The house cost 3,500 ZMW monthly, a significant expense, but it gave him space to work and relax. For the first time, he had access to electricity, running water, and a proper kitchen.
"This is a small reward for my hard work," Chanda thought as he settled into his new home.
He furnished the house simply, buying essentials like a desk for his office work, a second-hand couch, and a bedframe. Though modest, it was a far cry from the bare floors and kerosene lamps of his earlier years.
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A Smarter Routine
With his new home, Chanda also adopted a more organized lifestyle. He woke up at 5:00 a.m. every day, dedicating the first hour to reading and planning his day. Books like "The Art of Negotiation" and "Scaling Small Businesses" had become staples of his routine.
He hired a part-time assistant to manage household chores, freeing up more time to focus on expanding his business. The assistant, a friendly woman named Mutinta, was paid 1,000 ZMW monthly.
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A Stronger Business Strategy
Chanda's rural stalls were thriving, primarily because they filled a gap in underserved communities. In towns like Monze, Kapiri Mposhi, and Mumbwa, there were no large stores, and most residents relied on small, inconsistent vendors. Chanda's organized approach gave him an edge.
Consistency: His stalls were always well-stocked, ensuring customers could rely on him.
Affordability: By buying in bulk, Chanda kept prices lower than smaller vendors.
Trust: Hiring locals to run the stalls made communities feel invested in his success.
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Expanding the Rural Model
Seeing the potential of rural markets, Chanda doubled down on his expansion. Within a year, he opened ten more stalls in smaller towns and villages, focusing on areas with no competition.
Key Towns Added to His Network
Kalomo (Southern Province)
Mpika (Northern Province)
Choma (Southern Province)
Serenje (Central Province)
Petauke (Eastern Province)
Each new stall required an initial investment of 30,000 ZMW for stock, setup, and training. Chanda funded these expansions using his profits and savings, ensuring he never stretched himself too thin.
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Dominating the Rural Market
With over 15 rural stalls, Chanda's business had become the dominant supplier in many areas. His strategy involved identifying not only what customers needed but also how to deliver it efficiently.
1. Food Stalls: Expanded to include salt, cooking oil, soap, and detergents. These products were always in demand.
2. School Supplies: Introduced affordable backpacks and geometry sets, which became instant hits with students.
3. Seasonal Goods: Sold seeds and fertilizers during planting season, catering to the needs of rural farmers.
Key Metrics by the End of the Year
Monthly Revenue from Rural Stalls: 120,000–140,000 ZMW
Net Monthly Profit: 50,000–60,000 ZMW
Savings: Over 600,000 ZMW
Chanda had effectively cornered the rural market, outpacing any potential competitors. His focus on quality, affordability, and reliability set him apart in areas where other businesses often failed to deliver.
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Improving His Team
As his business grew, Chanda realized the importance of a strong team. He invested in training his employees, organizing monthly workshops to teach them inventory management, customer service, and basic bookkeeping.
He also implemented an incentive program, offering bonuses to employees who met or exceeded sales targets. This boosted morale and productivity across his network.
One of his star employees was Temba, his childhood friend who managed deliveries. Temba's knack for logistics had saved the business thousands of kwacha by finding faster and cheaper transport options.
"I couldn't have done this without you, Temba," Chanda said one evening.
Temba grinned. "We started dreaming about this back in Kaoma, didn't we? Now look where we are."
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Giving Back
True to his father's advice, Chanda made giving back a cornerstone of his business philosophy. Every month, he allocated 5,000 ZMW to community projects, including:
1. Donating School Supplies: Distributed notebooks and pencils to rural schools in Kaoma and Monze.
2. Supporting Farmers: Provided small discounts on fertilizers to help local farmers.
3. Youth Employment: Hired young people as part-time workers, giving them a chance to earn and learn.
These efforts earned him respect and loyalty in the communities he served.
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A Growing Vision
One evening, Chanda sat in his Makeni office, surrounded by maps of Zambia and spreadsheets tracking his business growth. At just 19, he had achieved what few could imagine: a thriving enterprise spanning both urban and rural markets.
Yet, Chanda felt he was only scratching the surface.
"The rural areas are just the beginning," he thought. "If I can dominate here, I can take on the cities next. And after that, maybe the whole region."
He opened his notebook and wrote his next goal: "1 million ZMW in savings by 21."
Chanda leaned back in his chair, smiling. The boy from Kaoma was no longer just a trader—he was a force to be reckoned with.
And he was just getting started.