My inspiration to become an accountant came from a friend who had had an accomplished career, rising to CFO by his early 30s. However, when I was choosing which direction to take, the chances of someone like me, who had not walked the corridors of a university, landing a job in an accounting firm were very slim, so I believed my best opportunity to work in finance lay in the corporate world.
I started out in the logistics sector with DHL International in Malawi as an accounts assistant. After that, I gained experience in a variety of sectors, first in tobacco manufacturing at Limbe Leaf Tobacco and Premium Tobacco, then later at Seed Co Malawi as chief accountant, and life sciences group Bayer Malawi as financial controller. Keen to expand my horizons, I studied for the ACCA Qualification alongside my work and became a member in 2013.
I always wanted to rise into executive leadership positions. ACCA gave me an internationally recognised qualification and awoke in me a desire to learn more about the workings of business. I went on to complete an MBA at Heriot-Watt, one of the top universities in Scotland, with a good world ranking.
The strategic roles I had performed in multinational businesses gave me a springboard to my current position
In a quest for new challenges, in early 2021 I joined Macsteel Malawi, a leading manufacturer and supplier of steel, wire and roofing products, as CFO and company secretary. The strategic roles I had performed in multinational businesses gave me a springboard to my current position.
What I enjoy about my job is that it is not just about numbers, but also about engaging in business strategy and commercial activities. Currently, I oversee factory operations at the head office and work with many of our high-level customers, including big construction firms.
Undeniably, Malawi faces many challenges. Businesses operate in an unconducive economic environment, with too little foreign exchange available and a chronic lack of energy. The country needs more reliable electricity generation to attract investment. The government could help in this, by removing bureaucracy in obtaining purchase agreements.
The low level of industrialisation means Malawi has great prospects for growth
Malawi does have opportunities, too. There are vast natural and mineral resources and an abundance of land, and the low level of industrialisation means the country has great prospects for growth.
If I had law-making powers, I would develop and pass a new companies act. Among other measures, it would stipulate that local shareholders be a mandatory part of any foreign investment, with a minimum of 40% coming from domestic shareholders.
The biggest achievement of my career? Undoubtedly that was to be part of the team that raised the financing for the procurement of machinery and construction of a factory for Kanengo Tobacco Processors.
If I wasn’t working in finance, then I would be a pilot, which is something I always wanted to do. In my spare time I have organised a great many weddings and corporate events. I also enjoy singing gospel music in a choir.
