Kaembe Chisenga didn’t launch Bwangu Delivery to compete with big courier companies. He started it because people in his community couldn’t get food delivered quickly or reliably. With a small amount of savings, family support, and help from one generous customer, he built a business that’s now transforming food delivery in underserved towns across Zambia.
Here’s how Kaembe turned an idea into a growing company that’s creating jobs, solving local problems, and inspiring young entrepreneurs across Africa.
Q&A with Kaembe
Q: What pushed you to start Bwangu Delivery?
I saw a clear gap. Food delivery just wasn’t working in many towns. I used some savings from my compliance business to launch it. But the real moment was when a doctor I’ve never met — just a loyal customer — sent me money to buy our first two bicycles. That showed me people really wanted this.
Q: How did you develop your business strategy?
At first, I relied on what I saw in other delivery companies and what I learned at university. But everything changed when I joined the Anzisha Fellowship. That’s where I learned to build proper systems, manage teams well, and analyse every opportunity before jumping in. Listening to customers also shaped our strategy. If they asked for a new restaurant, we made it happen.
Q: You often talk about building systems. Why is that so important?
Systems are everything. Now, I can step away for weeks and things keep running smoothly. Every transaction is tracked. Every process is documented. Without solid systems, you can’t grow. If your business falls apart when you’re not there, it’s not sustainable.
Q: What was it like building your first team?
My first hire was full of energy and excited about what we were doing. But later, we had to let someone go for theft. That was tough. It taught me to hire people with real responsibilities — people with families or school fees to pay. They tend to take their jobs more seriously.
Q: What’s your view on competition?
I don’t see competitors as threats. We’re all doing something unique. I actually think we can work together, share ideas, and maybe even expand beyond Zambia one day. There’s space for all of us to grow.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?
Delivery bikes. We don’t have enough to keep up with demand. More bikes would mean faster deliveries and more customers served. That’s why we’re actively looking for funding to scale.
Q: How have you funded Bwangu Delivery so far?
Mostly personal savings, family, friends, and customers like that doctor who helped with our first bikes. We haven’t raised formal investment yet, but we’re working on that now. One big lesson has been learning to separate my personal money from business money. That mindset shift was huge for our growth.
Q: Do you remember your first paycheck?
(Laughs) I do. It wasn’t much, but I bought a pair of shoes and some mobile data bundles. It felt amazing because it was money I earned from something I built myself.
Q: What’s your top advice for young entrepreneurs?
Start now. There will never be a perfect time or perfect conditions. Learn fast and listen to your customers. Build for them, not for your ego.
Q: How would you sum up your journey so far?
Exciting, challenging, and worth it. I’ve learned so much about managing people, sales, marketing, finances, and delivery systems. Because of that, we’ve seen real growth in revenue and operations. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
Q: What’s next for Bwangu Delivery?
We want to be Africa’s most trusted delivery service. Right now, we’re expanding to more underserved towns. In the next few years, we want to cover all of Zambia and then look at international growth. But keeping our current customers happy will always come first.
Kaembe’s Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs
✅ Start with what you have and keep improving
✅ Listen to your customers — they’ll guide you
✅ Build systems so the business runs without you
✅ Separate personal money from business money
Kaembe’s journey with Bwangu Delivery shows what happens when you build for your community and grow step by step. For any young entrepreneur wondering when to start — his story is proof that the best time is right now.
👉 Want to see more of his story? Watch The Journey Season 3 to get inspired and start building your own impact.
