Taxi Business

Hi

My name is Ernest Zimba. I live in Lilongwe the capital of Malawi. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world ranking 174 of 189 countries on the Human Development Index, however, it is known as the Warm Heart of Africa because of the kindness of its people.

I reside in a highly populated semi-urban area in Lilongwe, area 24. The area comprises a majority of low income families most of whom are trying to work small businesses in and around the old town or City Centre. Also, a smaller portion of the population is of middle income families, people who have built personal houses in the area and commute every day to and from work or their business premises.

Being a semi-urban area, house rentals are relatively cheap as compared to other parts of the city. The staggering Malawian economy and the huge increase of living cost has also resulted to a population boom in the area as most people scramble for cheap housing.

The constant everyday need for people to travel to and from work has presented a huge need transportation in the area. 85% of the residents cannot afford personal vehicles for transport because of the financial status and rely on public transport. The demand for transport is just so overwhelming the current Taxi and minibus drivers almost double the transport cost during pick hour because people have no option but to get to work. People are living day to day.

These foregoing dynamics presented me a transport business opportunity and I immediately started operating a family vehicle as means to earn for myself and self-growth. With a Degree in Marketing Psychology I quickly adapted and settled in business as a natural. Unfortunately, as I write, the vehicle has been taken by a relative and is being used where he works.

I therefore have started raising funds to purchase my own vehicle to continue operating the business but I am terribly struggling to raise the required funds as my teaching job does not earn much to meet ends with and save enough for the project. At present, I have 500 Thousand Malawi Kwacha (about 250 US Dollars) towards my goal.

The vehicle I aim to purchase is a DAIHATSU HIJET because of its loading capacity, they are preferred by customers and I also have a mechanic who specialies in the model. This model also consumes less fuel which is ideal for this business. Finally, and most importantly, this vehicle is relatively cheap on the market; a semi-used one in good condition should cost about 3 Million Malawi Kwachas (about 1500 US Dollars).

On average these businesses makes 15 Thousand Malawi Kwacha a day (about 7.5 US Dollars) and with the purchase of the vehicle is projected to reach breakeven point in 200 days.

I realise we are all facing global financial challenges but I still feel need to reach out for help. With your assistance, I envision fully settling in this business and growing it into a full Transportation Company.

Malawi isn't listed as a country that you can use a Go Fund Me account so I am working with my good friend living in London to help me with this endeavour.

Many thanks

Ernest.