Mpunga Chipepo Simukwai’s entrepreneurial journey focuses on purposeful storytelling, utilizing media to inform, educate, and inspire positive change in her community. The Zambian entrepreneur and founder of Awanachi Magazine, is at the helm of a publication dedicated to celebrating unsung heroines and giving a voice to the voiceless.
“I established the magazine in March 2022. I also produce and host Awanachi Conversations, a talk show that gives a voice to inspiring individuals,” Mpunga says.
Mpunga brings over 15 years of experience in media, communications, and public relations to the table. Throughout her career, she worked across various sectors, developing a strong expertise in areas such as media management, public relations, marketing, communication for development, and project management.
Amplifying Women’s Voices
Placing girls and women’s issues at the forefront of discussions and shaping policies that enable them to achieve their dreams has become a central focus of Mpunga’s work as an entrepreneur.
“I know my purpose is to create a platform where the voices of girls and women can be heard and remind them that no matter what life throws at them, they can rise and achieve their dreams with faith, resilience and determination,” she says.
She explains how her drive, passion, and commitment come from her tragic experience as a young girl who had to deal with grief and loss from a very young age.
Loss And Grief
“My father passed away when I was very young. After his passing, my mother, a nurse, was left to raise five children all by herself. Life took a downward spiral.
“I experienced firsthand, through my mother, the challenges that women go through to navigate the loss as they try to find their feet again.
“Sadly, I lost my mother too three months ago. My journey has been shaped by a deep passion for storytelling, media and communication.
“Growing up, I was always fascinated by the power of narratives and how stories could shape perspectives, amplify voices, and inspire change,” she says.
Passion for Journalism
Mpunga’s passion for storytelling inspired her to pursue a career in journalism and communication. She began by obtaining a Diploma in Journalism from Evelyn Hone College and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science from the University of South Africa.
“To further deepen my expertise, I obtained two master’s degrees, one in Communication for Development from the University of Zambia and another in Business Administration from Lancaster University in the UK, where I was awarded the prestigious Lancaster University Management School 30th Anniversary Scholarship.
“I started my career in broadcasting, serving as a Radio Manager at the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication Educational Trust (ZAMCOM) and later as a Public Relations Officer at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).
“Currently, I serve as the Public Relations and Communications Manager/Spokesperson for the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO), where I play a key role in public engagement and strategic communication.
“Beyond my corporate career, I have always been passionate about creating platforms that highlight untold stories, especially those of women making an impact in their communities and industries. This passion led me to establish the magazine.”
Expanded Impact
Awanachi Magazine is based in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city. The company has a team of around 17 people. The magazine features engaging stories, insightful interviews, and thought-provoking articles centered on women’s empowerment and advocacy.
“Beyond print media, we have expanded our impact through Awanachi Conversations, a YouTube podcast that I host. This platform allows us to delve deeper into critical conversations affecting women in Zambia and beyond, featuring diverse voices and perspectives.
“Through the Awanachi Foundation’s Pads & Panties Campaign, we also champion Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) by donating reusable pads and panties to schoolgirls in rural Zambia. So far, we have reached and supported 3500 girls, ensuring that they can stay in school with dignity and confidence.
“At its core, Awanachi is more than just a magazine – it is a movement dedicated to uplifting women’s voices, fostering a supportive community as well as driving meaningful change through the content we create,” Mpunga says.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Since launching Awanachi Magazine, Mpunga has noticed that the media and publishing landscape has undergone significant changes, especially with the rise of digital content consumption and the growing influence of social media storytelling.
“Audiences now seek engaging, interactive and accessible content, which has pushed us to evolve beyond traditional print media. One of the key shifts has been the demand for multimedia storytelling.
“Recognizing this, we expanded Awanachi into a multi-platform brand with the launch of Awanachi Conversations on YouTube. This podcast allows us to reach a wider audience and engage in in-depth discussions on topics that matter to women, extending the magazine’s impact beyond the pages.
“Another major evolution is the increased focus on advocacy and social impact. Beyond telling stories, people now expect brands to drive change and contribute to their communities.
“In response, Awanachi strengthened its philanthropic efforts through the Awanachi Pads & Panties Campaign, ensuring that our work directly empowers young girls in rural Zambia. To stay ahead of the curve, we employ several key strategies such as leveraging digital platforms,” Mpunga says.
Important Lessons
As she reflects on her journey as an entrepreneur, Mpunga recognizes the crucial lessons learned along the way, highlighting how these insights have profoundly shaped her approach to both business and leadership.
“The most significant lesson I have learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. The path to entrepreneurship is rarely smooth and I have faced numerous challenges that have tested both my determination and ability to pivot when necessary.
“One of the hardest lessons I encountered was learning to embrace failure as a learning experience rather than a setback. In the early stages of Awanachi Magazine, there were moments when things didn’t go as planned, whether it was a project that didn’t resonate with the audience or a financial challenge.
“Instead of viewing these moments as obstacles, I began to see them as opportunities to reassess, learn and improve. This shift in mindset has been pivotal in how I navigate both business decisions and leadership challenges,” Mpunga explains.
