In the world of business, few stories capture the essence of resilience, vision, and adaptability quite like that of Kishan Vaghela. Born in the UK and raised in Ndola, Zambia, Kishan’s path to success is not one of immediate glory but of determination, strategic thinking, and an unshakable belief in the power of networks and ideas.
His story is one of constantly evolving through challenges—one that began with the dreams of a young man educated in London, fighting to survive in the aftermath of the 2007 global financial crisis, to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of The Quorum, one of Zambia’s first premier business clubs.
It’s a journey that intertwines his education, his family’s legacy, and his unrelenting pursuit of a vision that would bridge the gap between Zambia and the rest of the world. But his story doesn’t end with a successful corporate career—it begins there.
Early Life and Education
Kishan’s educational journey started in Ndola, where he completed his secondary schooling before heading to the UK for his higher education. “I always knew that I wanted to go beyond the borders of Zambia and get a global perspective,” he shares. His drive to learn and improve led him to the London School of Economics, one of the world’s leading institutions. There, he graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Business, Mathematics, and Statistics. It was during this period that his passion for finance began to take shape.
“I was always drawn to the world of finance and markets. They fascinated me—the way they shaped economies and businesses,” he says, explaining his initial interest in investment banking and commodities.
Yet, as with many entrepreneurs, the path to success is not always linear. In 2007, the global financial crisis loomed large. “Graduating during the financial crisis was a challenge. The entire industry was reeling, and opportunities were scarce,” Kishan recalls. Despite the economic turbulence, he managed to secure a role at ConocoPhillips, one of the largest American oil companies. This opportunity marked the beginning of his professional journey, but it was also a period of significant growth and reflection for him.
After his time at ConocoPhillips, Kishan also became one of the founding shareholders of Solaris Offgrid, a company focused on providing micro-renewable energy solutions to the African market. “We started with a simple idea: how do we help power mobile phones and other essential devices in rural Africa?” he reflects. What began as a hardware solution quickly evolved into a Software as a Service (SaaS) business, powering millions of people in Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The company’s innovative approach to energy access has had a profound impact, transforming the lives of families and businesses in some of the most remote corners of Africa. “Seeing how we are able to improve people’s quality of life, especially in rural areas, is incredibly fulfilling,” Kishan says.
However, despite his success in renewable energy, Kishan felt a pull to return to Zambia. His family owned a textiles manufacturing plant supplying industrial uniforms and PPE to the mining sector, and it was here that his entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape more seriously. “Watching my father run the business was an education in itself. He was a tireless worker, and I admired his ability to adapt and innovate. It really inspired my vision,” Kishan says, acknowledging the influence his family had on his approach to business. Yet, even with his growing role in the family business, his passion for financial markets never waned.
Kishan saw an opportunity to combine his education in finance with his newfound experiences in Zambia. When a major financial institution offered him an opportunity to help establish an investment banking unit in Lusaka, he seized it. “It was an exciting opportunity. I could take the knowledge I had gained and put it to work in a growing economy like Zambia’s,” he explains.
His time in the financial sector allowed him to meet key people who would later play pivotal roles in his entrepreneurial ventures. It was during this time that he met his current business partner, and together they began discussing the potential for creating a platform—a place where like-minded individuals in Zambia could come together to collaborate and network.
The Birth of The Quorum: A Vision Realized Amid a Global Pandemic
This idea became The Quorum, an innovative business members club and hotel, which opened in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. “Launching a business in the middle of a pandemic was the ultimate challenge. The whole world was locking down, and here we were trying to create a space designed for people to meet and connect,” Kishan recalls.
Despite the odds, The Quorum opened its doors, becoming the first of its kind in Zambia. The club offers not just a meeting place for executives, business owners, and diplomats, but an entire ecosystem to foster growth.
The space includes two restaurants, a lounge, a library, a cigar lounge, a wine cellar, hotel accommodations, banking facilities and is currently employing over 80 workers. Kishan continues, “Zambian business people didn’t have a platform to exchange ideas and grow their businesses. International networks exist, but there was no space that added value to them. The Quorum was created to change that.”
The idea behind The Quorum was simple but powerful: a space that promotes business collaboration in a relaxed, luxurious environment. Through exclusive events like the Expert Series and Power Lunches, The Quorum has fostered partnerships and business deals that have had tangible impacts on the Zambian economy.
“The members at The Quorum are constantly exchanging ideas and finding ways to help each other grow. It’s not just a business club—it’s a community,” Kishan proudly asserts. In less than five years, The Quorum has become a symbol of modern Zambian entrepreneurship, bringing a global touch to the heart of Lusaka.
Overcoming the Challenges
But Kishan’s path to success hasn’t been without its struggles. The greatest obstacle, by far, has been the impact of COVID-19. “The pandemic hit us hard, especially in the hospitality and tourism sector. We had to rethink everything—our strategies, operations, and even our funding,” he admits. Many of the projections that had originally been laid out had to be re-negotiated, and the business capital structure was altered to ensure survival.
“I’ve learned the hard way that projections can often be inaccurate, and it’s important to always prepare for the worst-case scenario,” he reflects. Despite the setbacks, The Quorum has not only survived the pandemic, but emerged stronger, with Kishan continuing to apply the lessons learned during that time.
Expanding Horizons
Looking back on his entrepreneurial journey, Kishan’s success stories are not limited to Zambia alone. His early work with Solaris Offgrid has been transformational in Kenya, Tanzania, and DRC. “Since leaving an executive role, the business has continued to grow and has brought power to millions of homes and businesses that previously had no access to electricity. It’s a humbling feeling to know that our work is making a real difference,” he says.
Additionally, the recent launch through Altus Capital of investment products backed by US Treasuries is a game-changer for Zambia, allowing investors to manage currency risks and diversify their portfolios and we look forward to having a substantial impact in the market.
Beyond business, Kishan is also passionate about the global surge in technology and the demand for raw materials, particularly those essential for the tech industry. “Zambia has an opportunity to add value to its mined commodities and service global tech firms. I’m currently researching new projects that could transform Zambia’s role in this supply chain,” he says, excited by the potential for further growth.
Building Cross-Border Connections
Reflecting on his journey, Kishan’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Surround yourself with professionals who share your vision. A business is only as good as the people behind it. Never underestimate the power of a strong team, and always remember that you don’t have to know everything—what matters is finding people who can complement your strengths and fill in the gaps.”
As he looks to the future, Kishan remains focused on growing The Quorum’s impact across Africa. “The goal is for The Quorum to be in every major African city. We want to create a space where Africa’s business leaders can come together, share ideas, and connect across borders. That’s how we’ll build a stronger, more collaborative Africa,” he shares.
