Mpoha’s global recognition deserves applause, not pulling down
By Bengu Wambuyi
WHEN The Economist magazine described Clever Siame Mpoha’s extraordinary life of rising from a village boy in Isoka district to the dizzy heights of the business world as “one of the most inspiring stories for any young Zambian”, it knew what it was talking about.
Equally, when the same magazine referred to Dr Mpoha’s autobiography as “a touching book which could be taught in every school”, it was because of the rich and inspiring contents which prove that, with hard work, dedication and discipline, success is a possibility for any ordinary person. The book, titled “The Business Mind of Clever Mpoha: The Group MD Who Built SAVENDA Group of Companies into an African Conglomerate”, clearly demonstrates that to become successful in life, one does not necessarily need to have been born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouth.
The accolades about Dr Mpoha’s amazing achievements, despite his humble childhood, have been recognised not only by The Economist but also many other institutions and organisations both in Africa and overseas. For instance, to be recognised by another respected international magazine, LEADERS, as being among 15 global business leaders and influencers, is no mean achievement and is something the Zambian people ought to celebrate.
In its January, February, March 2024 edition, LEADERS, which has been described as “the exclusive boardroom of the best and the brightest”, wrote the following:
“Dr Clever Mpoha, one of Zambia’s leading businessmen and philanthropists, is the founder and Group managing director of SAVENDA. Through Dr Mpoha’s humble upbringing in a small village, it was there where he learned the principles of social responsibility. His company actively participates in several initiatives concerning art and culture, healthcare funding, education, and women and youth empowerment to support the socio-economic growth of his country and give back to his fellow Zambians. SAVENDA is one of Zambia’s leading companies, with an annual revenue of more than $500 million, and has achieved lucrative partnerships with other enterprises from Asia, Europe, and North America.”
Despite his massive business success, which he began building way back in February 1997 when he registered a small business company with his wife Esther Chanda Mpoha, Dr Mpoha does not brag and, instead, carries an air of humility. This can even be felt in the following interview he gave to the LEADERS editorial team:
“I come from a rural village, and I know the struggles that communities and people can face. I founded SAVENDA to strongly support empowering Africa and our entrepreneurs to realise the potential of growth for businesses in Zambia and beyond. It’s all in our name – SAVE Nations, Develop Africa. We’ve developed a pan-African approach to nature, a culture of pushing to make a positive impact for ourselves, our country and our continent. I’m proud to have a company with strong corporate social responsibility values across various sectors, including women and youth empowerment, disaster relief, community infrastructure development, and biodiversity welfare,” Dr Mpoha said.
His humility is something acknowledged even by one of Zambia’s most respected retired judges of the Supreme Court, Philip Musonda. Writing the foreword in Dr Mpoha’s autobiography in May 2021, Dr Musonda, who is also a university lecturer in the school of law, said the following:
“A man who rises from nothing to building an empire worth $300 million is not an ordinary man. I have known Mr Mpoha for more than 20 years, and I have witnessed his determination, perseverance, faith and humility. Having begun business in 1997, Dr Mpoha has been in the game for 28 years, meaning that he has worked with and supported all the governments of the day, beginning with the Movement for Multiparty Democracy under presidents Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa and Rupiah Banda; the Patriotic Front under presidents Michael Sata and Edgar Lungu; and now the United Party for National Development under President Hakainde’s leadership.
Dr Mpoha’s principle in his conduct of business, throughout the years, has been to always work with and support the government of the day. However, recently, enemies of progress went on rampage with online defamatory and false articles alleging that Dr Mpoha was involved in political schemes, propaganda financing and associations intended to subvert the Zambian government. The motive was, obviously, to tarnish Dr Mpoha’s hard-earned reputation in the eyes of the government and the general public.
Dr Mpoha, who does not like issuing media statements, was, this time, compelled to respond.
“I am not involved in any political plot, propaganda campaign or clandestine meetings with any individuals or groups to unseat the elected government of President Hakainde Hichilema. These false claims are not only baseless but also maliciously fabricated to tarnish my personal reputation, discredit my business achievements and draw me into divisive political narratives for ulterior motives,” he wrote.
He added that his life’s work had been grounded in business development, job creation, investment in local industries and contributing to Zambia’s economic transformation through ethical enterprise.
“I am not a politician. My focus remains firmly on growing regional businesses, fostering international partnerships and building African capacity across sectors including health, energy, logistics, telecommunications, and transportation, through UBZ, and other platforms.
“The continued attempts by political propagandists and irresponsible media sponsors to drag my name into partisan battles are deeply irresponsible, defamatory and legally actionable,” he wrote.
He further urged all media houses, bloggers and social media commentators to exercise responsibility, verify facts and refrain from becoming tools for political manipulation.
Dr Mpoha also assured that the SAVENDA Group remained non-political, committed to business excellence and dedicated to Zambia’s development under the framework of peace, law, and national unity.
As judge Musonda puts it, “a man who rises from nothing to building an empire worth $300 million is not an ordinary man”, therefore deserving support and celebration; not pulling down.
