By: Greshum Chikoti – The Conqueror and Vinjeru Ngwira
The advent of internet has changed many business circles in Malawi, let alone banking.
Emmanuel Saidi Investiment, situated at Mbamba Market in Likoma provide TNM Mpamba, Airtel money and National Bank(NB)’s Fast Serve cash transaction services to Islanders.
The founder, Emmanuel Saidi capitalised on the absence of banking services to start that business.
“During its commencement,it was like mere dream, but now it is the main cash serving place for Likoma residents.The most interesting thing is that,it allows residents to receive their salaries, through FAST SERVE, especially for those having National Bank Account, Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba services included,” he explained.
Mr Abubakar Maidah is one of the customers and expressed gratitude to the initiative.
Though Emmanuel Saidi Investiment is just a small scale business, it has challenges too.
Lack of capital and hiccups to obtain loan from banks due to huge surety demands.
However, Saidi dreams big and plans to have a bank at the Island to salaries challenges faced by civil servants.
Government and other employees travel to Nkhatabay to draw salaries a development that cripple already meager wages.
Born in Likoma district at St Peters’ Hospital, on 1 July,1969. Saidi is a father of four.
Though the Island seems to separated from the mainland, one of his children is studying at Kamuzu College of Nursing, second born is doing teaching course at Karonga Teachers Training College while the other two are primarily school learners in Likoma.