Dangote inspires me, says Ngalula

Congolese entrepreneur, Hamisi Ngalula, says Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote’s business journey has shaped how he thinks about ambition, growth and building a company in Africa.

“Aliko Dangote is particularly a source of inspiration to me. When I look at his achievements and the scale of his investments, I see an example of courage and long-term vision. What I take most from his example is the importance of building progressively without limiting your ambitions,” he said.

Ngalula’s business journey began in Dubai, where he sourced products for clients and arranged shipments to Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and other East African markets. He later specialised in iPhones before opening his first shop on Kasaï Avenue in Lubumbashi in July 2024.

iPhone Congo now has two official branches in Lubumbashi, with a commercial presence in Kolwezi and Kalemie.

But growth has brought financial pressure. Ngalula said his customer base grew quickly, but he struggled to maintain sufficient stock. Limited access to credit also restricted his ability to respond to demand.

“My biggest challenge was financing. Our customer base grew quickly, but I did not always have enough stock to meet demand,” he said.

The experience shaped his approach to managing business finances. “The first lesson concerns money management. A business has to deal with many expenses and financial demands. I have learned that selling is not enough: you must control your expenses, establish priorities, and preserve the resources needed to continue operating and growing,” he said.

He also identified shipping delays, freight costs and customs clearance as challenges for businesses sourcing products across borders and called for more accessible financing and support suited to small businesses.

Ngalula said he admires the ambition of Nigerian entrepreneurs and is open to partnerships, particularly in electronics sourcing and distribution. Although he has met Nigerian businesspeople in Dubai and Turkey, he has yet to establish a direct collaboration.

“I bring my knowledge of the Congolese market, our commercial presence and the relationships we have built with our customers. On their side, Nigerian partners can contribute their experience, contacts, and knowledge of other markets,” he said.