Mizamili Jamali still remembers the disappointment he endured in 2018 after narrowly missing out on a business opportunity after failing to submit all the bidding documents.
“I was chasing some business opportunity from an international organization and by then I had the experience and resources to execute the project. However, I was asked to present my company profile and other related bidding documents to meet the procurement requirements, which I failed to submit,” Mizamili says.
Determined never to let another opportunity slip away, Mizamili resolved to formally register his business, leading to the birth of Figad Multibusiness (FMB). Seven years down the line, Mizamili is making a name for himself as an entrepreneur in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) space.
“At FMB we provide sustainable WASH, energy and climate smart Agricultural services within communities and refugee settlements in Uganda, East Africa and other areas on the continent,” Mizamili explains.
Educational Journey
The 32-year-old entrepreneur was born in Mule-Mule Village, in the Yumbe District of Northern Uganda.
“After completing my higher secondary education, I was selected and offered a mentorship opportunity by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) through Amecon Engineers Uganda to get a tailored mentorship support on feacal sludge management.
“At the time, that was not what I was dreaming of. Upon completion of the training, I sought advice from my coach who also doubled as our facilitator. What I got later was so inspiring and insightful.
“I remember him highlighting that, Africa and Uganda in particular was grappling with huge challenges of water sanitation and hygiene and that investing and specializing in the sector presents great business opportunities and would be a game changer for me if I got involved in that space,” says Mizamili.
A Dream Come True
Mizamili’s dream of owning a business came true in 2021 when he successfully applied for the Young Water Fellowship 2021 Uganda programme, a seed funding support venture for WASH entrepreneurs.
“The venture was funded by Young Water Solutions in collaboration with the Water and Sanitation Entrepreneurs Association of Uganda. This funding really opened up many opportunities for me in the industry.
“FMB is headquartered in Yumbe District and at the moment I currently employ over 30 people in the various projects that we are involved in. We also have a robust team of volunteers who we always engage when the need arises.
“Since the business was established, we have grown from strength to strength because of increased customer focus, compliance regarding the applicable policies, sustainability focus, data analysis as well as digital transformation,” says Mizamili.
From Challenges to Successes
Like many other entrepreneurs in the WASH space, Mizamili has faced several challenges such as a lack of resources, poor visibility and brand awareness, self-doubt as well as a lack of proper direction.
“One thing I have learned from being an entrepreneur is that you must focus on your dreams and believe in your vision. Ignore negative people in your life, be consistent and never give up in chasing your dream.
However, along the way, Mizamili has achieved many milestones that prove he is on the right track.
“I have successfully implemented a water source protection tree planting projects in Uganda in the districts of Yumbe and Terego respectively within communities and refugee settlements of Bidibidi and Imvepi.
“I have also successfully implemented WASH and climate smart energy solutions in Uganda within communities and the refugee settlement in Bidibidi, with generous support from the World Food Programme under Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator Programme while at Waterkit as an operations manager.
“I have also been selected by Young Water Solutions and Water Sanitation entrepreneurs Association (WASEU) to participate in the Uganda water and environment week that was facilitated by the Ministry of Water and Environment,” Mizamili says.
Looking Ahead
Mizamili is very passionate about the gulper technology of pit emptying which has been a game changer in the industry. He is also ready to embrace technological advancements which are critical to enhancing his business.
“I am exploring some other new innovations such as the FMB Mobile Wallet System which is a digital financial platform powered through a USSD code for tracking business, beneficiaries, reporting concerns, paying bills, initiating loans as well as acting like fundraising tool and sharing information in timely manner.
“My advice for the young entrepreneurs who want to join the space is that it takes discipline, consistency and hard work to make it in this journey. An entrepreneurial journey is for the risk takers, those who might lose it all in the blink of an eye.
“You must be ready to learn from your mistakes and those who are in this journey with me know that you must be wiling to embrace technology and innovation,” Mizamili says.
Success is a Process
As he continues his journey as an entrepreneur, Mizamili is aware that he still has a long road to travel ahead until he achieves his dreams. His determination and resilience, however, give him an ideal platform to continue flourishing.
“The most significant lessons I have learnt as an entrepreneur is that success cannot be achieved in one day. It is a process which calls for patience and perseverance. I have also realized that your success is just the reflection of the impact you have created.
“These lessons have truly inspired and shaped my approach to the business and leadership roles by connecting me to the right people who truly inspired me in my journey,” Mizamili concludes.
