On the 30th of November, 2021, Nthanda Manduwi was invited to deliver a lecture at Lilongwe Technical College on Digital Entrepreneurship. She shared her journey, lessons, successes, and essential insights for aspiring digital/ICT entrepreneurs.
During the lecture, she addressed 10 thought-provoking questions:
- Why she chose a career in business
- What business she does
- What benefits she gains from being in business
- What benefits she expected when starting out
- What nature of the work/job she performs
- What challenges she takes on
- What problems/issues she faces
- What potential business opportunities she perceives
- Who helps her, and how she is helped
- Who motivated her to enter digital business
Reflecting on these questions made Nthanda think about her entrepreneurial journey over the past decade years, where she stands now, and her future goals. Below, her answers to the above questions, in her own words:
Why I Chose to Take Up a Career in Business
I chose a career in business to create opportunities for myself and others, especially in Malawi, where unemployment rates are high. I wanted to use my skills and passion for innovation to address this challenge.
What Business I Do
I run multiple initiatives, including Bien Corporation Africa, Ntha Foundation, and By Ntha Media, focusing on entrepreneurship, digital skills training, and media production.
What Benefits I Get by Being in Business
Being in business allows me to make a tangible impact, create job opportunities, and foster innovation. It also provides me with financial independence and the ability to pursue my passions.
What Benefits I Expected When Getting into Business
I expected to gain financial stability, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a difference in my community.
What Nature of the Work/Job I Perform
My work involves strategic planning, managing teams, securing funding, and overseeing the execution of various projects. I also engage in public speaking and mentorship.
What Challenges I Take Up
I tackle challenges such as securing funding, navigating regulatory environments, and balancing multiple ventures. Additionally, I work to ensure sustainability and scalability of our initiatives.
What Problems/Issues I Face
I face issues like limited resources, fluctuating market conditions, and the need to continuously innovate. There are also challenges related to managing diverse teams and projects across different sectors.
What Potential Business Opportunities I Perceive
I see opportunities in expanding digital skills training, developing tech solutions for local problems, and growing the creative economy. There’s also potential in forming strategic partnerships and leveraging emerging technologies.
Who and How I Am Helped
I am helped by a network of mentors, advisors, and partners who provide guidance, resources, and support. My teams across my ventures also play a crucial role in our success.
Who Motivated Me to Get into Digital Business
I was motivated by the need to address the digital divide and the potential of technology to drive economic growth. Additionally, mentors and industry leaders who showcased the transformative power of digital business inspired me.
Want to engage Ms. Manduwi as a research/presenter/speaker, in other professional capacity? Get in touch. Email her EA prisca@kwathucentre.org with your details, or fill the form below.
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