By TROY MUKUPA
In a remarkable display of philanthropy and commitment to empowering local businesses, celebrated Zambian entrepreneur Emmanuel Nkole, CEO and proprietor of Young Phiroz General Dealers Limited, has pledged K500,000 to support five deserving entrepreneurs.
This latest initiative comes on the heels of a triumphant October 2024, where Young Phiroz General Dealers Limited and Mr. Nkole were honored with three prestigious awards at the Zambia Business Awards. The company took home the awards for Businessman of the Year (General Trading Services Industry), Entrepreneur of the Year (National), and Company of the Year (General Trading Services Industry). The accolades continued to pour in for Mr. Nkole, as he was also awarded the Most Influential Personality Of The Year Award at Diamond’s POTYAS in November 2024. These awards are a testament to the company’s excellence and Mr. Nkole’s significant impact on the business community and his visionary influence as a leader.
According to Nkole, the initiative to support local entrepreneurs is driven by his desire to help fellow entrepreneurs overcome financial constraints and grow their businesses. “I have seen a lot of people doing business, but due to financial constraints, they are unable to boost their business,” he explained.
Nkole’s initiative seeks to identify and support five entrepreneurs who have demonstrated persistence and a deep understanding of their business. Each selected entrepreneur will receive K100,000 and guidance from Nkole himself until they are independent enough to run their business.
“I want to empower entrepreneurs who are passionate about growing their businesses and creating job opportunities for others,” Nkole emphasized. “I’m not doing this as a show-off, but to help a brother or a sister grow this country.”
Nkole’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs is further demonstrated by his willingness to share his suppliers and negotiate favorable prices on their behalf. “Our suppliers will also be their suppliers, and the prices at which we get our goods will also be the prices given to them,” he assured.
As Nkole prepares to embark on this philanthropic journey, he has called on the community to recommend deserving entrepreneurs and to support the selected individuals. “I will ask people to support the chosen ones, and this will only work well for those who are very well-disciplined,” he cautioned.
Nkole’s selfless initiative is a shining example of the positive impact that successful entrepreneurs can have on their communities. As he so eloquently puts it, “As Young Phiroz, I’m not selfish, but I sell fish at Young Shima Butchery.”