By Adonis Byemelwa*
A trailblazer in every sense, Arnold Nyendwa is part of a bold new generation redefining Africa’s industrial future. From Zambia’s heartland, he is leading one of the most ambitious manufacturing drives on the continent—establishing Africa’s largest factories in stove manufacturing, electrical kettles, refrigerators, and stainless-steel cookware. Under his leadership, AFNON isn’t just building products; it’s building possibilities—creating thousands of jobs, reducing dependency on imports, and breathing new life into regional economies.
Arnold’s journey is a powerful reflection of what happens when visionary leadership meets strategic action. In the face of global economic headwinds, he brings sharp insights on how African entrepreneurs can leverage shifting trade dynamics, strengthen locally rooted manufacturing ecosystems, and transform challenges into catalysts for sustainable growth. This feature was conducted by a Pan African Vision Senior Reporter, capturing the essence of a new African industrial era shaped by one of its boldest voices.
How is the stove factory you opened recently in Zambia doing?
The stove factory is progressing steadily, fueled by strong internal momentum and growing external support. While delays, particularly slow responses from government ministries like Finance, have posed challenges, they haven’t derailed our mission. The African Union has stepped in with critical backing, giving our efforts an extra push. We’re now in the final stretch, and within the next ten months, we expect to be fully operational. It’s been a journey marked by resilience, perseverance, and an unshakable commitment to building something transformative.
Can you walk us through the process of setting up that factory? What motivated you to set up the factory?
It started with a personal mission—saving my community and correcting a historical wrong where black people didn’t own industries. Hardware is tough. It’s not like selling soap or sugar; it demands serious investment, approvals, regulations, infrastructure, you name it. My studies in Development Studies and exposure in South Africa taught me how the world works—and how politics often fails to uplift people. Setting up the factory was about giving back, building real industries for real people.
What is the economic impact that the company is expected to have in Zambia and the COMESA region?
We’re projecting to manufacture a million units per month—12 million stoves a year. That’s massive. It’ll not only meet COMESA market demands but also push Zambia’s energy sustainability goals, particularly SDG 9. We’ve already created over 10,000 jobs, and it’s sparking a genuine economic revolution. It’s bigger than stoves—it’s about shifting mindsets toward local innovation and trade.
Capital is a challenge that most young entrepreneurs have. How was this issue resolved for you?
Capital was a mountain. In the beginning, it felt like we were just telling stories when we pitched to banks. Here, structures differ from the West—it’s harder. No one hands you money, especially when you’re 28 like me. We had to hustle hard, build credibility, and eventually, partner with big institutions. Recently, we closed a supply deal with Morocco that opened up the Middle East market. It’s about staying patient, even when it feels impossible.
What are some of the challenges that you faced in your entrepreneurship journey?
Honestly, it’s been everything—bureaucracy, age discrimination, capital shortages, political bottlenecks. People don’t believe someone my age can build a hardware empire. You lose friends, you lose time, and most of the time, you’re on your own. No one gives you money easily; you have to survive, travel, and keep pushing even without immediate rewards. It’s a lonely, expensive, but worthwhile path.
How is the investment climate in Zambia, and what more could the government be doing to produce more success stories like yours
The investment climate today is concerning. Since the UPND took office in 2021, there’s been tighter monetary policies, stiffer regulations, and more hurdles than incentives. We need to create a local investment spirit—not just rely on FDIs that barely scratch the surface. Government needs to listen to local entrepreneurs more, create real financial support systems, and seriously cut bureaucracy. Only then can stories like mine become the norm, not the exception.
Could you also shed some light on the dry-cleanable pillows you produce and other entrepreneurial ventures of yours?
Absolutely. We developed dry-cleanable pillows back in 2016 during our early trials between Zambia and Cape Town. It was part of setting up the pillars of AFNON. Now, beyond the stoves, we’re set to expand into electrical kettles, refrigerators, microwaves, and stainless-steel cookware—all proudly made in Zambia. We’re building industries, not just products.
How has the experience been for your vision in the context of the AfCFTA, and any plans to replicate the success elsewhere on the continent?
The AfCFTA is a game-changer. We’re already expanding—our Morocco deal opened doors in the Middle East, and we have our sights set on East Africa next—Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda. Talks are ongoing even beyond Africa, looking at North America too. It’s been an incredible journey seeing countries finally open up, and we’re ready to keep pushing the African industrial dream.
The interview is being done at a time of global economic turmoil, issues surrounding aid, tariffs, and so on. What are the challenges and opportunities you see for Africa, and any recommendations to African governments on a way forward?
We’re at a crossroads. Right now, Africa is leaking billions importing goods we could easily supply to each other, often at a fraction of the cost. Take fuel: Zambia imports 660 million liters of fuel every year from Saudi Arabia, yet Angola, right next door, could supply it 40% cheaper. It’s insanity. Or look at beef: Zambia spends $500 million importing beef from Brazil, when Namibia produces some of the finest beef in Africa, ready and affordable. Mozambique, on the other hand, shells out $312 million importing coal from as far away as Australia, even though Zimbabwe, just across the border, could meet that demand domestically and more affordably. And Malawi? It imports $48 million worth of grain from the West, while Tanzania has surplus grain at much better prices. Even Angola buys $57 million worth of fish from Argentina, when neighboring countries could easily supply it fresher and cheaper. This is not just inefficiency—it’s economic folly. We must urgently build local supply chains, rebuild trust between African nations, and get serious about intra-African trade. Less dependence on aid, more action. Our problem is clear: we debate endlessly but act too little.
For those who would like to emulate your success, what message or success tips do you have for them?
“First of all, you have to commit yourself fully. It’s not enough to just have an idea—you have to put all your energy, time, and effort behind it, even when nobody is watching. You need a clear vision. Define exactly what you want to achieve, set your timelines, and stick to them. When things get tough—and trust me, they will—you must not lose momentum. Networking is another big key. You can’t build alone. Find the right people, institutions, and partners who can open doors for you. But don’t sit around waiting for perfect conditions or for someone to permit you. Invest your resources, even if it’s painful. Sometimes you’ll spend your last money on traveling to pursue opportunities, not another job. It’s about total commitment. Most importantly, do it for humanity, not just for personal gain.
*Culled From May Issue of PAV Magazine
Amazing steps Arnold. Indeed you are a visionary for Zambia and Africa. Keep pressing