By TROY MUKUPA
Timothy Muwema is a name synonymous with success and entrepreneurship in Zambia. At 34, Muwema has built an empire spanning multiple industries, including retail and real estate. As the founder and president of Jaymothy Investment Limited, Muwema has proven himself a shrewd businessman with a keen eye for opportunity.
When asked about his background, Muwema humbly introduces himself: “My name is Timothy Muwema, I’m a Zambian, 34 years old, happily married with 2 children, in the marriage of 8 years.” He holds two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Purchasing and Supply from the Copperbelt University and a Master’s Degree in Operations, Project, and Supply Chain Management from the University of Zambia.
Muwema’s journey into entrepreneurship was not part of his original plan. After graduating in 2015, he sought employment and landed a job at the Anti-Corruption Commission. However, after the banks started deducting loan repayments from his payslip, reducing his income, he had to think of alternative ways to supplement his income. This led to the concept of TM Mobile, a retail store offering phone accessories and electronics coupled with mobile money transactions.
Today, Muwema has built a successful business empire with 18 stores across Zambia and a serviced accommodation business, Jaymothy Apartments. “The name ‘Jaymothy’ is a combination of my wife’s name, Jane, and my name, Timothy,” he explains. “It’s a blend of our names, and it represents our partnership in life and business.”
Muwema attributes his success to his education, stating, “Education gave me the ability to apply my critical analysis and assimilation of information that has continuously given me an edge in the way I run and go about business.” He believes education is the greatest equalizer, improving one’s reasoning and critical thinking. “To take any person out of poverty, we must first attack their mind, and education gives a very good starting point,” he emphasizes.
Muwema’s family has been a driving force behind his success. He credits his wife, Jane Walima, as his number one cheerleader, saying, “Who you marry surely has the most impact on your life, and I thank God I got it right on this bet.” His wife’s support and financial prudence have been instrumental in their business endeavors. “She is also very good at handling money, not extravagant, and this has helped us from the beginning up to now to always invest back our earnings into our business without being wasteful,” he notes.
As a married entrepreneur and father, Muwema has found that having a family has enhanced his discipline levels and self-control abilities. “Personally, success is more meaningful and tastes better when you have a family and the people that you love,” he says. “Our little accomplishments with my wife are more meaningful knowing where we came from, and thus far the Lord has a lot to do with it.”
In addition to his business ventures, Muwema is committed to giving back to his community. He believes that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for economic development and job creation, particularly among youths. Today, he boasts of having employed youths in his businesses, providing them with valuable work experience and opportunities for growth.
“I want to inspire others to take the leap and start their own businesses,” he says. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.” By doing so, Muwema aims to make a positive impact on his community and the nation at large, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and self-reliance among young people.
Looking ahead, Muwema has ambitious plans for both TM Mobile and Jaymothy Apartments. For TM Mobile, he aims to increase the number of stores across Zambia, “We want to reach more people, especially in the rural areas, and provide them with access to quality phone accessories and electronics.” He also plans to expand the range of products and services offered by TM Mobile.