Turning challenges into opportunities on two wheels

WHEN Christian Kaembe started Bwangu Delivery, he wasn't trying to copy big courier companies. He was solving a problem that nobody else was paying attention to. In under-served towns in Angola, food delivery wasn't just slow, it was almost impossible. Christian saw an opportunity to build something meaningful, not by following the playbook of global delivery giants, but by creating a local solution that truly served his community.

- STAFF REPORTER

With limited resources, little personal savings, and the support of family, friends, and one incredibly supportive customer, Christian grew Bwangu Delivery into a fast-rising logistics business. Along the way, he has navigated tough hiring decisions, the growing pains of entrepreneurship, and the power of truly listening to his customers.

For young entrepreneurs ready to start but unsure where to begin, Christian's story is a reminder that you don't need perfection to build something valuable. You just need to start, stay focused, and keep learning.

Q: Christian, what inspired you to start Bwangu Delivery?

It began with seeing a clear gap. People struggled to get food delivered quickly and reliably. I had some savings from a compliance business I used to run, so I used that to get Bwangu off the ground. But what really motivated me was seeing how excited people were about the idea. In fact, a doctor I've never met in person, just a loyal customer, once sent me money to buy our first two bicycles. That's when I knew this business mattered.

Q: Tell us about your early team-building experience.

My first hire was a young guy who was genuinely excited about what we were building. The energy was great at first. Unfortunately, we later had to fire one of our first employees for theft. That was one of the toughest moments. It's hard to let someone go, especially when you hope they'll change. After that, I realised I needed to hire people with more responsibility, such as people with families, school fees, and real commitments. They tend to take the job more seriously.

Q: How did you shape your business strategy?