Anzisha Prize Hall of Fame: Mutoba Ngoma, Young African Entrepreneurs

While working at Zambian Airlines, MutobaNgoma decided to leave and try his hand at being an entrepreneur. This would not be the first time he was an ‘entrepreneur’. 

Upon his return to Zambia after leaving to study in the UK, Mutoba became interested in the renewable energy industry. He was just 21 years old and had obtained an aeronautical engineering degree. He would process vegetable oil to be used as biodiesel for cars. 

He got as far as testing the product on his friend’s car. It worked, but lack of funding would make him stop. In 2009, when Zambian Airlines went under, Mutoba, now aged 25, took a leap of faith to give all his focus to being an entrepreneur and launching Tapera Industries. Interestingly, before his retrenchment, Mutoba was already selling his products to his colleagues. 

Now, at the age of 35, Mutoba believes the advantage of starting early is paramount in achieving tangible results in a business. Now that Tapera Industries is doing well, and has received worldwide recognition, Mutoba recalls his early days and the many challenges he had to overcome. 

For him, the technicalities behind running Tapera Industries were what stood out the most, along with the fact he had to wear many hats in the business. To combat any shortcomings of knowledge about operating equipment and running a business, Mutoba obtained a Diploma in manufacturing. He also received entrepreneurship training as part of the SIDA-funded International Labour Organization (ILO) Youth Employment Project in the country. This helped him in developing a business that would not only thrive but evolve alongside Zambia’s changing economy.

Through his works and recognitions from around the world, he hopes society can begin to perceive youth in Zambia as a more proactive population that can help address global challenges.

To know more: Anzisha Prize Hall of Fame: Ten Young African Entrepreneurs!