Jibu water Zambia Market

MARKET PENETRATION – EMPOWERING AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS

Aviva Solutions Ltd, a company based in Lusaka, Zambia, was born out of a deep desire to provide innovative solutions to the persistent obstacles the people of Lusaka face. With a background in finance and a penchant for entrepreneurship, Chisha Kumisuku, together with her Co-founder Carole Ng’andwe – a former banker, were driven by an entrepreneurial spirit that propelled them to dive headfirst into the water industry. Their approach to market penetration has enabled them to establish a strong presence in the local market, effectively addressing community needs and expanding their reach.

Recognising the need for a unique and exciting water brand, Aviva Solutions Ltd secured the Area Master Franchise for Zambia from Jibu Inc.

Jibu Inc headquartered in Uganda and present in 8 African companies, is a pan African brand that has a mission to capitalise equip and train emerging entrepreneurs to launch and grow essential service franchises with drinking water as the anchor product. This mission resonated with Chisha and Carole who went on to trade as Jibu Products Zambia under their company Aviva Solutions Ltd.

Jibu Zambia operates as a social enterprise and partners with other Zambian entrepreneurs to provide access to safe clean drinking water directly to their communities, while offering job skills training and employment.

“We launched Jibu Zambia just when COVID hit in 2020. It was a trying time, but we managed to get by as we offered door-to-door delivery services, which enabled us to navigate the movement restrictions,” said Chisha.

As is the case in most businesses, the early days were not without challenges. The water industry was unfamiliar territory, and Chisha and her business partner, had to invest their own funds to establish the business. With technical support from Jibu Inc they were quickly able to get the required certifications and approval for their first mini plant.

Jibu water Zambia premises Market

The impact Jibu Zambia has had on various communities has been immediate. With their localised production plants strategically placed within the neighbourhoods, residents no longer rely on delivery trucks bringing water from distant water plants. This brand visibility and accessibility have fostered trust and a sense of belonging within the community. To reach more customers and address the community’s needs, the company introduced a unique delivery method using tuk-tuks and selling the iconic 20Litre Tap Bottle that allows micro entrepreneurs to sell water by the cup within the local markets.

“Our mission extends beyond providing water; it is about empowering Zambian entrepreneurs. Through a loan from Kiva, we have been able to assist two aspiring entrepreneurs secure interest-free loans, enabling them to acquire their tuk-tuks and become part of the delivery network,” added Chisha. Through this collaborative effort, they have catalysed a wave of entrepreneurship, igniting the flame of ambition in the hearts of countless individuals.

The entrepreneurship landscape of Zambia is business-friendly and has minimal barriers to entry, which provides fertile ground for growth. Some difficulties may arise when formalising a business, but this is an essential aspect to a business that wants to grow.

Jibu water Zambia operations Market

As a GrowthAfrica Accelerator programme alumnus, being part of the programme allowed them to step back from the daily grind and realign their strategy and vision, ensuring that they were always moving forward in the right direction.

“The programme’s structured approach, with the quarterly growth sprints and team involvement, has become the backbone of our continuous success. We take time to review the business strategy and plan every quarter,” commented Chisha.

To those seeking to scale their businesses, Chisha shares these words of wisdom:

Take a long-term view and be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Profits take time to materialise; building a loyal client base requires dedication and perseverance.
Adequate funding and comprehensive financial planning pave the way for sustainable growth.

Aviva Solutions’ inspiring story showcases the transformative power of market penetration in Africa. By addressing community needs and empowering local entrepreneurs, they have provided safe drinking water and paved the way for economic development. Their tale serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that businesses in Africa can flourish and make a lasting impact with passion, determination, and a strategic approach.

What impact does your business create?