Young business brain in Balaka

In the heart of Balaka today lives 22-year-old Aubrey Amos who is on a path to success.

Unlike many young people who after failing to proceed with education think their life has come to an end, Amos diverted his attention to a business opportunity that has changed his life.

The young man dropped out of school when he was in standard eight due to poverty as his parents who could not afford school fees for him and his five siblings.

“When I dropped out of school, I initially thought that was the end of me. But I later started nursing a dream of running a business,” said Amos.

In 2003, Amos started working at a shop owned by a Burundian who was selling cooking oil.

“From this job, I raised K7 000 which I used as capital to start my own business,” he said.

He first ventured into a paraffin business before shifting to cooking oil.

“I did not want to be employed forever. I wasn’t working for the salary alone; I wanted to gain experience in the business, so, I observed keenly and asked a lot of questions.

“I realised then that the income one gets from a business is more than what a lot of people earn from employment; for me, business was the way to go,” he said.

Amos, who gets his oil from Mozambique, also networks with other business-minded people who, he says, help him with ideas on how to make more money.

“In life, it is important to make more money if you want to have peace, joy and satisfaction. I work hard because I want to have more money and live a peaceful life,” said Amos.

Using proceeds from the business, Amos has built a house at his original home, Ng’onga Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka and he is able to support his parents financially.

The young man, who plans to build another house at Balaka Town, is also looking at possibilities of diversifying into another business.

“Shortly, I will open a shop at Balaka Town. This shop will be selling phone accessories such as batteries,” he said.

Amos urges young people to take risks and embark on businesses.

“Take a step forward and face your fears. Fear is just a feeling; you have power to change that feeling into a more powerful vision and mission. Proclaim that ‘I can do it and I will do it now,” he says.