09 Sep 2015

Despite high unemployment rates in the country and urban migrations, 31-year-old Ms Wame Maika is among entrepreneurs who are determined to drive their businesses to greater heights operating from rural locations. Situated in Tsamaya in the North East District, Ms Maika said Chedza Changu Milling was established in February with the aim to grind, package and distribute grain products to supermarkets, wholesalers and individuals in the region. 

Ms Maika shared her story in an interview recently, noting the strategic position of her milling to serve farmers from at least five villages in the vicinity of Tsamaya while also reaching for targeted supermarkets and wholesalers in the Francistown area. 

Ms Maika said the company was a concept she felt strongly about, adding that she realised a gap that presented itself as an opportunity in grain milling in the area.

She ultimately sought funding from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC) to bring her dreams to life. Ms Maika said she was fortunate to have had exposure to the trade through a neighbour’s milling business while growing up. She cited how her passion for milling grew as she paid visits to the business. Although it has only been seven months since operation, Ms Maika said her business has so far accommodated one more employee. 

“Grain milling requires skills, especially in operation of machinery and I was fortunate to employ a fellow youth who brings experience to the business,” said Ms Maika.

Furthermore, she said she benchmarked a lot while mapping the way forward for her business and credits several milling businesses for training and mentorship. 

“I am very thankful for Ndadziila Milling in Tati Siding, Tshesebe Milling and Freddy Zwebangu of Freddy Milling in Tonota, who shared insights in the whole milling process and some tips to becoming a reputable supplier,” commented Ms Maika.

Some of the challenges identified so far include sourcing of machine parts, which she said can be a hurdle to get as they are mostly obtainable from South Africa. She added that another challenge has been the low quantity grain.  Ms Maika said anyone who was determined to live their dreams could make it, and urged Batswana to embrace government schemes which could lighten the burden of starting up small and medium businesses. 

In future, Ms Maika said she dreams to expand operations to create more vacancies, especially for the needy in the area as a way to give back to the community she works in. Ends