Victor Chambayika Mhango’s journey from agricultural consultant to CEO of a publicly listed company is a testament to the power of identifying a need and relentlessly pursuing a solution. His company, Ziweto Enterprises, has not only capitalized on opportunities within Malawi’s agricultural sector but has also become a symbol of entrepreneurial success in the region.
Ziweto’s story begins with a simple observation: small-scale livestock farmers lacked access to essential animal health and nutrition products. “People lose livestock [because of] very simple challenges,” Mhango explains, citing the example of readily available and affordable poultry vaccines that were out of reach for many farmers. This realization sparked the creation of Ziweto’s chain of agrovet shops, essentially pharmacies for livestock.
Starting with modest seed funding, Mhango and his co-founder, Byton Simwela, opened their first three stores in northern Malawi. Their initial success, generating $30,000 in revenue in the first year, was a sign of things to come. A pivotal moment arrived with their acceptance into Fledge, a US-based venture capital fund and business accelerator. This not only provided crucial funding but also invaluable mentorship and business acumen.
A game-changing opportunity presented itself when the owner of Alfa Medics, the sole Malawian distributor of Kepro veterinary products, decided to sell his business. Despite the asking price of $255,000 dwarfing Ziweto’s current revenue, Mhango and Simwela didn’t flinch. Through a combination of strategic negotiation, securing investment from Fledge, and a personal bank loan, they acquired the distribution business. This acquisition proved to be transformative, propelling Ziweto’s revenue from $30,000 to over $250,000 in a single year.
Ziweto’s expansion didn’t stop there. Recognizing the growing demand for quality animal feed, the company secured further funding to establish its own production facility. This strategic move allowed them to control their supply chain and cater to the specific needs of local farmers.
The company’s latest venture, and perhaps its most ambitious yet, is a move into poultry production. Urbanization and increasing demand for poultry products have created a significant market opportunity, and Ziweto is poised to capitalize on this by establishing a hatchery for day-old chicks and eventually venturing into commercial poultry production and processing. With inquiries already coming in from neighboring countries, Ziweto’s reach could soon extend beyond Malawi’s borders.
Ziweto’s remarkable growth culminated in its listing on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius in late 2024, a first for a Malawian company. This milestone not only raised significant capital but also solidified Ziweto’s position as a leader in the Malawian agribusiness sector.
Mhango sees Malawi as a land of untapped potential. “Malawi is a virgin country in terms of business,” he asserts, highlighting opportunities in food processing, livestock products, and even the manufacturing of veterinary products. He also points to the growing middle class and their demand for higher-quality food as a key driver of growth.
However, doing business in Malawi comes with its share of challenges. High interest rates, foreign currency shortages, and inconsistent government policies are just some of the hurdles that entrepreneurs must overcome. Yet, Mhango’s story demonstrates that with vision, resilience, and a willingness to seize opportunities, success is within reach. Ziweto’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across Malawi and a testament to the transformative power of agribusiness.
of a publicly listed company is a testament to the power of identifying a need and relentlessly pursuing a solution. His company, Ziweto Enterprises, has not only capitalized on opportunities within Malawi’s agricultural sector but has also become a symbol of entrepreneurial success in the region.
Ziweto’s story begins with a simple observation: small-scale livestock farmers lacked access to essential animal health and nutrition products. “People lose livestock [because of] very simple challenges,” Mhango explains, citing the example of readily available and affordable poultry vaccines that were out of reach for many farmers. This realization sparked the creation of Ziweto’s chain of agrovet shops, essentially pharmacies for livestock.
Starting with modest seed funding, Mhango and his co-founder, Byton Simwela, opened their first three stores in northern Malawi. Their initial success, generating $30,000 in revenue in the first year, was a sign of things to come. A pivotal moment arrived with their acceptance into Fledge, a US-based venture capital fund and business accelerator. This not only provided crucial funding but also invaluable mentorship and business acumen.
A game-changing opportunity presented itself when the owner of Alfa Medics, the sole Malawian distributor of Kepro veterinary products, decided to sell his business. Despite the asking price of $255,000 dwarfing Ziweto’s current revenue, Mhango and Simwela didn’t flinch. Through a combination of strategic negotiation, securing investment from Fledge, and a personal bank loan, they acquired the distribution business. This acquisition proved to be transformative, propelling Ziweto’s revenue from $30,000 to over $250,000 in a single year.
Ziweto’s expansion didn’t stop there. Recognizing the growing demand for quality animal feed, the company secured further funding to establish its own production facility. This strategic move allowed them to control their supply chain and cater to the specific needs of local farmers.
The company’s latest venture, and perhaps its most ambitious yet, is a move into poultry production. Urbanization and increasing demand for poultry products have created a significant market opportunity, and Ziweto is poised to capitalize on this by establishing a hatchery for day-old chicks and eventually venturing into commercial poultry production and processing. With inquiries already coming in from neighboring countries, Ziweto’s reach could soon extend beyond Malawi’s borders.
Ziweto’s remarkable growth culminated in its listing on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius in late 2024, a first for a Malawian company. This milestone not only raised significant capital but also solidified Ziweto’s position as a leader in the Malawian agribusiness sector.
Mhango sees Malawi as a land of untapped potential. “Malawi is a virgin country in terms of business,” he asserts, highlighting opportunities in food processing, livestock products, and even the manufacturing of veterinary products. He also points to the growing middle class and their demand for higher-quality food as a key driver of growth.
However, doing business in Malawi comes with its share of challenges. High interest rates, foreign currency shortages, and inconsistent government policies are just some of the hurdles that entrepreneurs must overcome. Yet, Mhango’s story demonstrates that with vision, resilience, and a willingness to seize opportunities, success is within reach. Ziweto’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across Malawi and a testament to the transformative power of agribusiness.
