THE BUSINESS MIND OFDr. CLEVER MPOHAThe Group ManagingDirector who builtSAVENDA GROUP OFCOMPANIESinto an AfricanConglomerate.
Dr. Clever Mpoha has long been recognized in Zambia as a leading businessperson and philanthropist, and his humble beginnings make his life story an incredible source of inspiration.
Coming from the Nyikya Tribe, a people well-known for their “merchandizing culture,” he took lessons from herding cattle and working in the small family shop to his business and management style. His father and mother set up a business to sell commodities in the small shops of Nzonde, the small and remote village in rural Zambia where Dr Mpoha grew up. Throughout his entire childhood, he accepted all his tasks with pride thanks to his parents, who instilled within him a positive work ethic. His mother taught him the value of always doing one’s best no matter how humble the task. She was telling young Clever that, in this world, “one must be brave, strong and resilient.” He took this sage advice to heart.
Watching his parents make deals and make trades instilled in Clever Mpoha the fundamentals of business . As he grew older and excelled in his high school studies, Mpoha developed a determination to continue his parent’s strong merchandizing bent –- but he harbored dreams on a much larger scale.
A major milestone came in his life after he travelled from Kitwe to Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in a business leadership conference headlined by the famous Dr. Myles Munroe, world-respected for his powerful ability to motivate people, who Dr. Mpoha had long been admiring deeply. This experience inspired Dr. Mpoha and instilled with a new sense of determination when he returned home. That determination was an all- encompassing desire to stop working for others and to start building something for himself.
That’s what he did –- and that was the beginning of SAVENDA Group.
Savenda Group started as a supply management and logistics firm and, through the years, diversified into several other sectors, including agriculture, defence, manufacturing, and printing. The growth of Savenda Group coincides with Dr. Mpoha’s continued commitment to the Zambian people. Savenda participates in several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across arts and culture, healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment, sports, disaster relief, community infrastructure development and even animal welfare.
These initiatives have had a major positive effect on the many beneficiaries, with Dr. Mpoha, most recently, realising the impacts of the COVID-19 disaster on Zambians and deciding to invest even more in his people. Amid COVID-19, Dr. Mpoha spearheaded initiatives to provide ventilators to hospitals, build infrastructure, support struggling artists, continually support marginalised students (particularly young women), construct important infrastructure and sponsor sports events.
Knowing the struggles children from rural Zambia often face, Dr. Mpoha became a strong supporter of empowering African entrepreneurs, and a believer in the growth potential of businesses within Zambia and beyond. That is why, he has committed Savenda Group to invest heavily in youth initiatives, with strong support to various childcare organisations, rural health centres and community schools.
A recent recognition of Dr. Mpoha’s leadership and philanthropic spirit comes through the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, which has appointed him as a member of its Advisory Board. Dr. Mpoha, who has contributed greatly through different cultural, social, sports and humanitarian efforts to Zambia as the Founder of Savenda Group, has been offered this prestigious position by the Foundation’s Chairperson, Ms Ndileka Mandela.
As a member of the Advisory Board of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, Dr. Mpoha will be able to channel his energy, experience, expertise, and leadership toward the philanthropic causes of the organisation. The board has recognised his leadership and business expertise as helpful additions to the Foundation’s leadership team, emphasising its appreciation for the shared vision between Dr. Mpoha and the Foundation. His strong commitment to creating a better and brighter Africa, particularly for its youth, women, and next generations, is a dream and intent shared by Ms Mandela and the Foundation. Dr. Mpoha will work closely with the board and management team of the Foundation to clarify its future objectives and effectively execute its strategy.
Dr. Mpoha’s recognition by the Mandela family comes as a recognition of his lifelong commitment to grow and develop the Zambian economy and support its people. Dr. Mpoha launched Savenda Group with just $1,000 and, through his energy and dynamism, grew the company into a $300 million enterprise today.
Dr. Mpoha also has a strong passion for conservation and the climate. He has committed to turning his company into an energy and waste conscious enterprise. Savenda Group has invested heavily in green technologies, with Savenda Electric being the first company in Zambia to manufacture and sell energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
Dr. Mpoha keeps a clear eye on the future – he has invested heavily in innovative emerging industries like Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), implementing new and emerging technologies throughout the company. He sees the adoption of software and dynamic management systems as strong drivers of development within the economy. The focus of Savenda Group on always innovating and looking ahead has ensured that it best serves the needs of both its customers and employees.
‘The Business Mind of Clever Mpoha’, Dr. Mpoha’s recently released autobiography, explores the values necessary to turn a small business into a true success in Zambia. The book has been a valuable help to many other Zambian businesspeople. The experience picked up by Dr. Mpoha over multiple decades of developing Savenda Group has seen him lead and mentor many other Zambians to professional success. As one of the premier employers in Zambia, Dr. Mpoha’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit has transformed the lives of many people in the country. Within this space, Savenda has played a critical role in empowering young women within
the business community through awards, as well as sponsoring the PUSH Women Network at the Lusaka Business Expo. So too, it is committed to economic development in the regions, acting as a sponsor to both the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo as well as the North-Western Province Investment and Trade Expo.
Link to SAVENDA GROUP Dr. Clever Mpoha Page
This book gives a reader the perspective of building a business from scratch until you become successful beyond imagination. The book shares the early village life of Clever Mpoha, how he met his beautiful wife, the decision to quit his job together with his wife, the diverse culture, he has embedded in the company, the tough times in business and the political side of the business.
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Book Details:
ISBN-13 : 979-8503056013
Weight : less than 500 g
Dimensions : 12.7 x 1.17 x 20.32 cm
Physical Book ASIN: B096TLBH1X
Kindle ASIN: B096VHTWGH
Dr. Clever Mpoha, head of the Savenda Group, a Zambian procurement and logistics solution conglomerate, has been nominated for triple honor for his contribution to entrepreneurship and youth development in Africa.
He will be honoured with the coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement Award accolade from Myles Leadership University, an auspice of Myles Leadership University (MLU), an institution committed to raising and empowering the next generation of change-makers and world leaders who will champion change and lead in whatever industry they find themselves in.
A nomination letter signed by the Registrar of MLU, Nana Arnold (PhD) and addressed to Mr Mpoha, stated, “The President, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Directors, and staff of the MLU heartily decide to confer on you an honorary doctorate award. The University is giving this award to you for your outstanding contribution in the areas of youth development, business development and management, supply chain and logistics solutions, mentorship, leadership and philanthropy. Your leadership qualities and profundity of thoughts have placed you on a pedestal above all your equals.”
Dr. Clever Mpoha will be inducted as a fellow of the institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management which is the highest class of induction.
He will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate from Prowess University, Delaware USA. Successive to being conferred with the award at a ceremony scheduled for May 19th, 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia, Dr. Mpoha will grace the cover of the maiden edition of the Myles Leadership Magazine to celebrate people who have contributed their time and resources to making their world a better place.
Dr. Mpoha supports girl child education through academic sponsorships under the Savenda Award of Excellence, St. Mary’s Secondary School – Lusaka), serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Thembekile Mandela Foundation in South Africa, partners with the Hand of Hope Foundation in Zambia and serves as an honorary member of the Lusaka Lions Club (Zone 413).
ABOUT IBAKM
The IBAKM® Global Group comprising of the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management®, Chartered Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management® and the Association of Business Administration and Knowledge Management Professionals® is a leading global professional certification body for Business Administration and Knowledge Management professionals and practitioners with membership network across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. The group promotes the Chartered Certified Business Administrator (CBA®) and Chartered Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM®) professional certifications, Chartered Certified Business Administration Practitioner (CBAP®) and Chartered Certified Knowledge Management Practitioner (CKMP®) professional public practice licences as well as the Certified Global Manager (CGMgr®), Certified Global Management Consultant (CGMC®), Certified Information Systems Manager and Auditor (CISMA®), Certified Strategic Auditor (CSA®) and the Certified Engineering Manager (CEMgr®) specialized certifications.
ABOUT PROWESS UNIVERSITY
Prowess University has a high reputation for academic excellence and educational integrity. PU is a non-profit making University, one of the most prestigious professional universities in the United State of America which provides flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults and o ers degree programs in several areas of study. The University operates its programs of study and awards its Degrees in accordance with its Regulatory Framework and Quality Assurance Documents. Prowess University is an institution of international repute, registered and recognized by the State Government of Delaware, United States of America (File Number: 6940453) and also accredited with (Authentication Number: 202930750). Prowess University is serving so many students worldwide via distance and online learning programs through our team of highly qualified and experienced instructors worldwide. At Prowess University, an honorary doctoral degree is only given to an individual with sustained lifetime achievement. However, Prowess put more emphasis on the prolonged bearing of an individual’s accomplishment.
ABOUT DR. CLEVER MPOHA AND THE SAVENDA GROUP
Dr. Clever Mpoha, heads the Savenda Group, a Zambian procurement and logistics solution conglomerate which has business interests in mining, telecommunications, and energy, agriculture, automotive, insurance, ICT, aviation, petro-chemical and the health sector. As a global supply chain management company established since 1997, significant synergies exist in Savenda, due to a network of associations in the USA, Middle East, Africa, European Union and Asia pacific regions. From its headquarters in Lusaka, Savenda Group has developed a global reach over the last two decades, starting with an operational capital of US$1,000 to creating more than 1000 direct and indirect jobs as a multi-million-dollar firm for Africans and others.
Zambian business mogul and Group CEO of Savenda Group of Companies, Clever Mpoha has been nominated for an Honorary Doctorate Award by the Myles Leadership University of Benin as a champion of entrepreneurship.
The conferment ceremony is scheduled for October 24, 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia.
Myles Leadership University (MLU), a 21st century technologically oriented institution is committed to socio-economic wellbeing and bridging the leadership gap in society by raising exceptional leaders across different sectors of endeavor. A nomination letter signed by the Registrar of MLU, Nana Arnold (PhD) and addressed to Mr Mpoha, stated, “the President, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Directors, and staff of the MLU heartily decide to confer on you an honorary doctorate award”.
“The University is giving this award to you for your outstanding contribution in the areas of youth development, business development and management, supply chain and logistics solutions, mentorship, leadership and philanthropy. Your leadership qualities and profundity of thoughts have placed you on a pedestal above all your equals” the letter indicated.
The Honorary Doctorate Award from MLU acknowledges that the recipient deserves to be recognized for his unsurpassed abilities due to life’s learning and experience. Equally, Esther Chanda, the wife of Mr Mpoha, will also be honoured on the same day by the Myles Leadership University of Benin and 28 Credentials of Entrepreneurs (28COE) – an international organization of entrepreneurs, which is rigorously spreading its wings and has been incorporated in 85 countries.
About Myles Leadership University
The MLU is affiliated with top universities in India, Benin, Togo and Cameroun and is accredited and recognised by higher education and research systems in Francophone Africa (CAME0S) and the International Association of Universities (IAU, WHED in collaboration with UNESCO).
About Clever Mpoha and the Savenda Group
Mr Clever Mpoha, heads the Savenda Group, a Zambian procurement and logistics solution conglomerate which has business interests in mining, telecommunications, and energy, agriculture, automotive, insurance, ICT, aviation, petro-chemical and the health sector.
As a global supply chain management company established since 1997, significant synergies exist in Savenda, due to network of associations in the USA, Middle East, Africa, European Union and Asia pacific regions.
From its headquarters in Lusaka, Savenda Group has developed a global reach over the last two decades, starting with an operational capital of US$1,000 to creating more than 1000 direct and indirect jobs as a multi-million dollar firm for Africans and others.
It all began in the Village where young Clever Mpoha learned how to survive the hurdles of village life through hunting, herding cattle and helping with running a small village shop. From the time he was a kid, he was always curious about Africa and decided to explore it so he could build a better future for himself, his family and the community.
And with the survival skills he learnt in the village, he was ready to conquer the world of business. With an initial capital of $1,000, he started a cell phone selling business in 1997, and built Savenda Group of Companies into an African conglomerate with group annual turnover exceeding $300 million dollars.
Savenda has helped to build lives in Africa with a diverse investment in manufacturing, insurance, construction, express printing, logistics solutions, medical supplies, mining services and risk assessment for ISO certification.
He has always had passion of helping with transforming the lives of African men and women who would like to pursue a career of entrepreneurship. It was from this history that he decided to pen down his story about how he made a barefoot journey from the village to the global stage.
This book shares with you his early life stories, business challenges and opportunities, and the tough decisions he made along the way to make The Savenda Group of Companies a conglomerate it is today.
Dr. Mpoha’s story will shape your entrepreneurship journey and give you insights on what it takes to build a global stage business from humble beginnings. This book will not just inspire you, but will give you practical ideas on building a successful business.
"It is not common to see a man who appreciates the contribution of his wife after the business becomes successful. Personally, the chapter on The Touch of a Woman, and The Political Side of Business, stands out. A must read."
- Edwin Ngwane – Entrepreneur/Author
"I strongly recommend this book. How many times do you have a Zambian raised in the village who goes on to build a $300 million business from $1,000?"
- Susan Mwenda-Mulongoti – Engineer/Author/Speaker
"The book gives a Zambian context to success and the challenges therein. I have Clever Mpoha and he is someone who is poised, composed and clever with numbers."
- Angel Chishimba – Lawyer
"It is the CBU School of Business condensed into one single book. A must read by people who wants to build a business."
- Kalenga “K-Plus” Chambatu (The Host of THATZEDPODCAST)