Chapter 2: Lessons in the Market
By the time Chanda turned twelve, he was no longer just a boy running errands. He had become a recognizable face in the Kaoma market. The vendors, initially skeptical of his determination, now greeted him with respect. Some even offered him tips on trade, while others warned him of the dangers of ambition.
"Chanda," an older vendor named Banda said one morning, "this market can chew you up and spit you out. You've got a sharp mind, but remember, it's not just about making money—it's about keeping it."
These words stuck with Chanda as he ventured deeper into the world of commerce. His mango sales had been a success, but he knew that he couldn't depend on a single product. Kaoma's market had its seasons, and so did its customers. Mangoes might sell well in the hot months, but what about when the rains came?
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Diversifying His Trade
Chanda decided to expand. With his growing savings—now around 400 ZMW, after months of small trades—he began buying different goods to sell. He purchased bundles of second-hand clothes, which were in high demand among the market-goers. A bundle cost him 300 ZMW, and after sorting and selling the individual pieces, he could make as much as 500 ZMW, earning a profit of 200 ZMW.
He also began selling small bags of maize meal, a staple for most families. The profit margins were smaller—buying for 20 ZMW and selling for 25 ZMW—but it was steady business. He learned quickly that having a variety of goods kept his cash flow consistent.
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A Brush with Loss
One day, Chanda made his first big mistake. A traveling trader from the nearby town of Mongu offered him a deal on a bulk purchase of dried fish for 600 ZMW. Tempted by the potential profit, Chanda spent nearly all his savings on the stock. But by the time he brought the fish to market, the demand had dropped—several other traders had brought similar stock, and the prices plummeted.
Chanda struggled to sell the fish, barely managing to break even. The experience stung, but it taught him a valuable lesson: never put all your money into a single gamble.
That evening, Banda approached him. "Chanda, you've learned the hard way today," he said, patting the boy on the shoulder. "In business, patience is your greatest weapon. Sometimes, the best deal is the one you walk away from."
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Building a Reputation
Chanda bounced back quickly, determined not to let one failure define him. He started keeping a notebook, recording every kwacha he spent and earned. He noted which products sold best during certain seasons and what prices fluctuated most. Over time, he became a master of market timing, knowing exactly when to buy low and sell high.
His meticulous nature earned him a reputation among the other vendors. They began calling him "Kalapula," a Lozi word for "profit-maker." Even adults came to him for advice, asking which goods they should invest in or how to price their wares. Chanda answered them humbly but kept his most valuable insights to himself.
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Dreams Beyond Kaoma
By the time Chanda turned fourteen, he had grown his savings to over 2,000 ZMW. It was more money than most people in his community ever saw at once. But for Chanda, it was just the beginning.
Sitting under the shade of a baobab tree one afternoon, he confided in his best friend, Temba.
"Kaoma is too small, Temba," Chanda said, his voice brimming with ambition. "If I stay here, I'll only grow as big as this market. I need to see what's out there—in Lusaka, maybe even beyond Zambia."
Temba looked at him with a mix of admiration and skepticism. "You really think you can do that? Lusaka is a big place, Chanda. People there are different."
"I don't just think it," Chanda replied, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "I know it. One day, I'll be trading with the biggest names in Zambia. And I won't stop until I've made enough money to change lives."
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A New Opportunity
Chanda's chance to expand came sooner than he expected. A man named Mr. Zulu, a wealthy trader from Mongu, had taken notice of Chanda's success. One day, he approached the boy with an offer.
"You've got a good head for business, Chanda," Mr. Zulu said. "I've got connections in Lusaka. If you're willing to work hard, I can help you get started there. But it'll cost you. I'll need 1,500 ZMW as an initial investment, and I'll teach you how to trade in the city."
It was a daunting sum, nearly all of Chanda's savings. But he saw the opportunity for what it was—a stepping stone to the future he dreamed of. After careful consideration, he agreed.
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A Leap of Faith
The night before Chanda left Kaoma, his mother sat beside him, her hands clasped tightly around his.
"Chanda, you're going far from home," she said, her voice tinged with worry. "But remember, wealth without kindness is empty. No matter how much kwacha you make, never forget the people who helped you."
Chanda nodded, her words etching themselves into his heart.
With 1,500 ZMW packed in a small satchel and a heart full of ambition, Chanda boarded a battered minibus bound for Lusaka. The journey ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the boy from Kaoma was ready to make his mark on the world.