VENTURES AFRICA – “I’ve learnt to listen to my intuition. And it has helped me make better decisions around managing people and my business.”

Ugandan Noah Walakira was just 14 when he started Namirembe Sweater Makers, a community-based organisation that started off by manufacturing knitted jerseys for schools in Kampala. It was a skill his grandmother taught him during school holidays, and while no longer around today, Walakira knows she’d be proud to see what he’s done with the skill.

Today Namirembe Sweater Makers employs around 20 people in his community and has diversified its offering to manufacturing various uniforms – from sportswear to ties – for over 45 schools in Uganda, as well as for other organisations such as security companies. On an average month, the company can produce around 500 sweaters, with each costing a school about $7. And Walakira, now 23, has managed to put himself and other young employees through school with the earnings.

His success had not gone unnoticed, with the Anzisha Prize – a pan-African organisation which celebrates young entrepreneurs between 15 and 22 – naming Walakira a finalist for its annual award last year.

Furthermore, his company has provided many youths in his community with vocational skills and employment. Uganda has the largest percentage of people under the age of 30 in the world, which has translated into high numbers of youth unemployment. This is something he hopes to continue tackling.

Being a young employer

Having run a small factory from the age of 14, Walakira has learnt a number of business lessons, including how to manage employees double his age... CONTINUES