By Chisomo Phiri
Oasis Brands, in collaboration with Nxtgen Labs and Save the Children, on Tuesday hosted an exceptional ‘Startup Branding Workshop’ in the Malawi’s capital city, Lilongwe aimed at inspiring and motivating the participants to revolutionize their business endeavors.
Held under the project name ‘FUTURE-MALAWI’, the workshop showcased the importance of branding for startups and emphasized the significance of building globally recognizable brands.
With presentations from industry expert Ian Khonje, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oasis Brands, the event provided invaluable insights into defining brands, identifying unique selling propositions, and understanding ideal customer profiles.
Among others,the participants( entrepreneurs) explored the vast potential of effective branding as a catalyst for success and through harnessing the power of storytelling and strategic marketing, they were also equipped with the tools necessary to captivate their target audience and create lasting impressions.
In one of his insightful presentations, Khonje, the visionary behind Oasis Brands, emphasized the importance of startups going beyond developing innovative products and services.
He stressed the need for entrepreneurs to prioritize building globally recognizable brands, which resonate with customers on a profound level.
Khonje’s words resonated deeply with the participants, inspiring them to transcend traditional notions of entrepreneurship and strive for greatness.
“The partnership between Oasis Brands, Nxtgen Labs, and Save the Children exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malawi by pooling their expertise and resources, these organizations are fostering a supportive environment where startups can thrive and flourish.
“The Startup Branding Workshop serves as a testament to the commitment of these entities to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and pave the way for a brighter future.
“In the wake of this remarkable event, the entrepreneurial landscape in Malawi is poised to witness a surge of innovative startups that prioritize brand building and strategic marketing.
“As the participants return to their respective ventures armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, the ripple effect of this workshop is bound to create a lasting impact on the business community,” said Khonje.
He added: “It is important that innovators move from just building services and products but to building globally recognizable brands.
“It is this shift in mindset that will shape the future of entrepreneurship in Malawi and pave the way for a generation of startups that leave an indelible mark on the world stage.
“If you are looking for more information on upcoming workshops and initiatives by Oasis Brands, Nxtgen Labs, and Save the Children, visit their respective websites and stay tuned to witness the transformative power of entrepreneurship in action.”
On his part,Chrispine Botha, Innovations Manager at Save the Children related the Future Malawi project as FUTURE-Malawi project hackathon which Save the Children Malawi once conducted with the support of its partner, Mzuzu E-Hub.
“During this incubation period, the young innovators shall have access to the innovation lab’s specialistic equipment, emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, technical support, and mentorship.
“They will also be introduced to the digital innovation ecosystem and shall have the opportunity to network with people in practice,” he said.
One participant, Naomi Rachel Kambeja, an Administrator from Inspire Learn, initially joined the workshop to enhance her knowledge of branding for her new role.
She however, thanked Oasis Brands for the workshop saying with a newfound determination and skills gained from the workshop, she will embark on her own entrepreneurial journey and build one of the greatest brands in Malawi.
“The workshop not only expanded my understanding of branding but also ignited a fire within me to take control of my own destiny,” expressed Kambeja.
Oasis Brands is a digitalization design company combining innovation and creativity to drive growth in companies and impact in organizations.
