Research the world over continues to indicate that entrepreneurship is one of the solutions to fostering economic growth, poverty alleviation as well as reducing income inequality in any country.
To achieve this, aspiring entrepreneurs, must be willing to take risks. Kristian Nghishidimbwa, 39, a Namibian businessman dedicated to making a success of his business, is one such individual.
In 2010, Nghishidimbwa quit his job, started a transport business and became an employer when he. Today, he is the sole owner of Nghishidimbwa Tours and Transport CC, a registered transport company offering daily transport services for commuters between Windhoek and Oranjemund. Listed with the Namibian Tourism Board, Nghishidimbwa Tours and Transport CC also offers school and church tours within and outside the borders of Namibia. The company presently employs five people; two female administrators and three male drivers with a fleet of seven vehicles.
Asked why he chose this business venture, Nghishidimbwa gave a few reasons. He said that he has always dreamt of owning his own transport business that could offer him financial independence. The other reasons he mentioned were to use his skills and knowledge, creating ownership and employment for others.
Risk taker
Nghishidimbwa was born in Walvis Bay. After completing his primary education in northern Namibia, he returned to the coastal town for his secondary education. “Due to financial constraints, I could not further my studies,” he said. After that he immediately looked for a job. He secured one as a casual worker at a fishing factory.
In 2006, he pursued his dream. To achieve it, he first drove a taxi on a part-time basis. Then, equipped with first-hand experience, Nghishidimbwa decided to open his own business. “I studied the southern market and identified a significant demand for public transport. I saw an opportunity in the market and grabbed it,” he said.
In 2010 Nghishidimbwa sought financial assistance from Bank Windhoek’s Emerging Small and Medium Enterprises (ESME) Finance Branch to purchase his first company bus.
Bank Windhoek’s ESME Finance Branch was established to offer support and assistance to promising Namibian entrepreneurs with feasible business ideas. “This is some of the areas the Bank positively contributes to Namibia’s financial inclusion agenda,” said Bank Windhoek’s ESME Finance Branch, Credit and Sales Manager, Aune Hamukonda. “Nghishidimbwa is a confident, positive, organised and hardworking individual. He displays some the attributes of a successful entrepreneur. We wish him all the best as his business continues to expand.”
Challenges
Like with most aspiring entrepreneurs, acquiring start-up capital is challenging – Nghishidimbwa was not spared. “Getting financial assistance can be a tedious. But at Bank Windhoek, they understood what I wanted to achieve and assisted me in a timely and professional manner. I am grateful to Bank Windhoek,” said Nghishidimbwa.
Another challenge pointed out by Nghishidimbwa is competition from established businesses who conduct business with each other’s instead of giving it to Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s).
Despite the challenging economic environment, Nghishidimbwa’s business continues to do well. Fuel price increases has amplified customers demand for public transport. Nghishidimbwa emphasised that his motivation is to provide the best service to his customers. “I strive to provide excellent, efficient and reliable service to my customers, ensuring a long lasting relationship,” he said. He advised young aspiring entrepreneurs to be patient, consistent and hardworking and to never give up on their dreams.
Nghishidimbwa concluded that with Bank Windhoek’s support, he is certain that his business will further grow into a well-established transport company operating from all corners of Namibia creating employment for the country’s youth.