Entrepreneurship is very popular, especially among young people. The youth from all over the country are coming up with business ideas, trying to succeed. And they should.
By investing in entrepreneurship, they not only benefit themselves but their communities as well as the economy. This week, got the opportunity to chat to Joel Mwatilefu, one of the emerging young entrepreneurs in the north to discuss how he plans to benefit his community with his entrepreneurial initiatives.
Mwatilefu (26) is an electrical general graduate from Valombola Vocational Training Centre who now runs his own business, JJJJ Investment, which was recently awarded with the best customer service award at the 2018 International University of Management (IUM) Ongwediva cultural festival.
Born at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto region and raised at Ongwediva, Mwatilefu told YouthPaper that he started being an entrepreneur when he was a student. He opened a barbershop which he used to operate after his classes and over weekends. “As a barber, I used to interact with my customers, some of whom were successful entrepreneurs, and the conversations I used to have with them inspired me to take entrepreneurship seriously.”
Today his business offers services ranging from renovations, transportation, catering and printing. “After completing my studies in 2015, I registered my company which is now an umbrella company and under it I have a printing shop located in Zola Complex at Ongwediva and a restaurant which officially opened last year,” said Mwatilefu.
“Being an electrical general graduate, I have been an inspiration to my employees as I am able to do most of the work myself and this has made me a role model and proved that anything is possible in life. It all requires hard work, faith and dedication.”
He mentioned that his source of love for entrepreneurship comes from his late dad, a man he described as his role model who taught him all he knows.
As someone who runs a small scale business, he mentioned that his highlight so far is being able to have taken part in expos and cultural festivals within the northern regions.
On helping his community, Mwatilefu shared that his company has sponsored numerous beauty pageants and shows in the north. “My company has been one of the sponsors at events such as the Amazonkies HP Campus Bash, Mr and Miss Ogongo Campus and many more.”
Thomas ‘;Tommy’; Kanime from the Afro-pop and kwaito group Amazonkies said the group seriously appreciates the help from Mwatilefu. “The Amazonkies HP Campus Bash would have not been possible without his help. It is not only about having a business, it is about what you do for your community and it is important for entrepreneurs to give back to their communities in this manner,” said Kanime.
Mwatilefu encourages young people who aspire to be entrepreneurs to take interest in events like expos and cultural festivals. “These events provide a platform where you can learn about entrepreneurship and you can also network with other entrepreneurs.”
“My advice to my fellow entrepreneurs is to take risks. I believe taking risks is how you get started in the business world, and remember owning a business shouldn’;t be only about you – it’;s about serving others,” said Mwatilefu.
He said his biggest challenge as an entrepreneur is a lack of resources and not having enough funds, which he deals with by utilising his savings. He also sometimes receives assistance from his brother.
Mwatilefu told that his ultimate goal in life is to become a successful businessman and have the means to help others and subsequently make the world a better place. “Like many people, I am also driven by the will to make my family proud. It was not easy for my mom funding my studies and she always told me to chase my dreams so I believe realising my dreams will be a good way of repaying her because that will make her super proud and happy,” he said.
