Chad Chawanda is a name synonymous with innovation, entrepreneurship, and intra-Africa trade. As the founder of Size Chunk Group and Insights on Africa, Chawanda has established himself as a key figure in Africa’s evolving business ecosystem. His journey, spanning over two decades, reflects not only his business acumen but also his dedication to driving sustainable economic growth and creating value for stakeholders across the continent.
The Birth of Size Chunk Group
Chawanda founded Size Chunk Group in February 2002 in Harare, Zimbabwe with a clear vision of diversifying and tapping into multiple sectors of the economy. The group initially operated as a trading house, engaging in a variety of industries. Over the next 13 years, Size Chunk Group flourished, making a significant impact as a trading entity. However, in 2015, Chawanda made a pivotal decision to pivot the group’s strategy toward backward integration. This shift allowed Size Chunk Group to focus on the food sector while expanding into other industries in which it had previously traded.
Size Chunk Group is a diversified conglomerate with a portfolio of brands operating across Africa and beyond. Its subsidiaries span various industries, including agriculture (Chams Agri), energy solutions (Alpic Gas), logistics (Last Mile and Gonyeti), media (Advocado), real estate (Palm Properties), and food and beverage (Coffee Republik). The group also has a philanthropic arm, the Good Heart Initiative, dedicated to giving back to the community. Together, these brands form the core of Size Chunk Group’s operations, driving growth and innovation across multiple sectors.
Today, Size Chunk Group’s focus is on manufacturing locally within Africa, exporting goods within the continent, and opening new global markets for African products. Central to this vision is the use of technology to enhance supply chain efficiencies and add value to every operation the group undertakes.
The group’s overarching vision is to become Africa’s most desirable company to work for, creating value for stakeholders, improving lives, and delivering high returns for shareholders. Its mission is ambitious: to rewrite the manual of how business is done in Africa and with Africa, forever.
Insights on Africa: A Digital Bridge for the Continent
Chawanda is also the founder of Insights on Africa, a global digital community platform designed to connect like-minded individuals committed to building a better Africa. Through this platform, entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, job seekers, and anyone interested in Africa’s opportunities can connect and collaborate.
The inspiration behind Insights on Africa stemmed from Chawanda’s travels across the continent and his extensive experience as an entrepreneur. After realizing that there was no platform that effectively connected Africans across borders, he decided to create one. He envisioned a space where entrepreneurs could find funding, mentorship, and resources to help their businesses grow.
“I realized there’s still no platform that truly connects us across the continent,” Chawanda said, reflecting on his travels and experiences. “So, I built one to bridge that gap—a platform for entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, job seekers, and anyone eager to explore Africa’s opportunities.”
Chawanda’s efforts to bridge gaps in the African business landscape are transforming the way entrepreneurs connect and collaborate, creating a robust network of resources and opportunities for growth.
Intra-Africa Trade: A Long-Standing Passion
Chawanda has been involved in import and export in Africa for over 21 years, establishing himself as a seasoned entrepreneur with deep knowledge of the continent’s business landscape. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2002 when he rented a warehouse in Willowvale, which he transformed into a panel-beating shop. He began purchasing accident cars from Global Insurance Company, which was owned by his late uncle, John Meda, a past president of the Zimbabwe Insurance Industry body. This early venture marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial career, which would later expand into multiple sectors.
He recalled his early inspiration for pursuing business in Africa: “I went to Botswana by bus with my dad when I was 9, and I liked the country. When I was 16, I went back to see what opportunities I could get from there, and this is where my intra-Africa trade journey started.”
Chawanda’s work has not only shaped his entrepreneurial path but also helped to highlight Zimbabwe’s significant role in intra-Africa trade. As one of the top countries in the sector, Zimbabwean passports enable easy travel to nearly half the continent, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries. Chad continues to champion intra-Africa trade through his role as a media partner with the Intra-Africa Trade Fair, raising awareness about the importance of intra-continental trade.
Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges
Chawanda’s journey has not been without its challenges. As an entrepreneur, he has faced numerous setbacks, including going bankrupt twice. However, he believes that behind every setback lies a golden opportunity. His approach to challenges is to think outside the box, which has often led to higher levels of success. His experiences have taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance.
“Behind every setback lies a golden opportunity to change your narrative or move you to a higher level,” Chawanda reflected. “Challenges come to make us stronger, and when we think outside the box, chances are we will succeed.”
Chawanda emphasizes that success should not solely be measured by financial gain but by the number of people one can impact. He recalled a time when his business employed 100 individuals—a moment he considers one of his greatest successes. “I measure success by the number of people I can impact,” Chawanda said. “There was a time when I had 100 employees, and that was really a great time.”
Building a Platform for Education and Growth
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Chad started a podcast aimed at helping others learn about business opportunities in Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Within just six months, the podcast became a media partner of the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF), an initiative of Afreximbank, in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Union. Through the 130 episodes published, Chawanda realized the need to educate more people on the vast opportunities in Africa, as well as share valuable lessons on how to build global brands and businesses.
“I realized the need to get more people educated on the opportunities in Africa and share lessons on how to build global businesses,” he said. “The podcast allowed me to amplify these messages and connect with a wider audience across the continent.”
A Prestigious Milestone
In a significant milestone for his career, Chawanda was recently appointed to the advisory board of Enlightened Minds, making him the first African to join this prestigious group. This appointment is a testament to his growing influence and recognition as a thought leader in the African business landscape.
Embracing Technology and Future Opportunities
Looking to the future, Chawanda is excited about the potential of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He encourages others to embrace these technological advancements rather than fear them. In his view, AI is here to stay, and its applications can revolutionize industries across Africa, making business operations more efficient and opening new opportunities for growth.
“I am excited about the development of AI and the things that are becoming possible because of this technology,” Chawanda shared. “I encourage everyone to learn more than criticize or fear this change. It’s here and here to stay.”
In addition to his work with Size Chunk Group and Insights on Africa, Chawanda is actively involved in several initiatives aimed at improving intra-Africa trade and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs. His advice to small businesses looking to enter the industry with limited resources is clear: “Resources are plenty out there. Get known, be attractive, and you will be able to attract the right resources or get customers, which is what every business needs more than funding or resources.”
The Most Significant Lesson
Reflecting on his journey, Chawanda highlights the importance of humility and helping others. He believes that no one should underestimate where life can take them. He has seen people who were once considered irrelevant become powerful forces in their communities, and he has personally received significant opportunities from individuals in low-paying jobs. For Chawanda, staying humble and helping others are central to his leadership philosophy.
“Never underestimate where God can take people,” Chawanda said. “I have seen some people who were irrelevant in society become powerhouses in a few years. I have gotten a great opportunity from someone who works a low-paying job. Always stay humble and do your best to help others.”
Chawanda’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies a powerful blend of vision, determination, and commitment to shaping the future of business in Africa. Through his companies and initiatives, he is paving the way for a new generation of African entrepreneurs, contributing to the economic growth of the continent, and creating lasting impacts on communities across Africa and beyond.