Don't happily be a spectator in your own economy | Monica Katebe Musonda | TEDxEuston

Do u want to be a spectator or participant in your country?
Monica narrates her journey into entrepreneurship as a Zambian woman. Working for the richest man in Africa, her
former employer Dangote asked “Where are the Zambian Banks & Factories?” Monica reflected on how Nigerians run their economy and this inspired her to actively participate in her own country’s economy.
Monica Musonda is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods, a Zambian based food processing company. It is committed to providing high quality and nutritious food from local products at affordable prices. Java Foods’ first product was “eeZee Instant Noodles”, which is Zambia’s leading instant noodle brand today. Monica is a dual qualified English solicitor and Zambian advocate. She has held senior positions in private practice with Clifford Chance & Edward Nathan. She has also worked as in house corporate counsel at International Finance Corporation and for Dangote Group. Her experience working with Aliko Dangote, one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs, gave her the impetus to start Java Foods.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@mathewsisimwaa9075]

As a Zambian am very proud that we have people like you, this is really inspiring, the future is bright for our country, it’s high time as Zambians we take a leading role.

[@aminashikupilwa5283]

You've definitely made a lot of impact, because Zambians lack role models especially female ones. wishing you all the success that you deserve, We Zambians need each other to grow.

[@TawongaMusuku]

say it louder!!

[@chrisparsonson420]

I think one of the most meaningful things this lady said, in passing, was talking about work, not jobs. Too often somebody else has to make the company, so that people can be offered jobs without having to think about, or take the risks of, creating a business. Here in South Africa there are lots of opportunities, but not many jobs. You have to go out there and make your job

[@mumbamutanuka2455]

Zambians need this information they have to understand that your dreams are limited by your information and exposure I love this monica

[@mykeleze]

This woman is a source of inspiration to all Africans , including we Nigerians.

[@kensimiyu5926]

Africa rising ,we are ready to roar like lions to change Africa's economic fortunes. From Kenya

[@rapulammonkwe9488]

That's an amazing narration from Zambia, it's a food for thought. Africans have the best weather in the world and yet we are living one month from bankruptcy. Let's help our government to create jobs it's all about perseverance. We can do it

[@kariukikiragu]

Well done Monica. You are tenacious and will show many of us the way. Congratulations!!!

[@strawberrylala5529]

We (Zambians) need exposure!

[@mwenyakaunda3155]

Great speech Musonda, so mind provoking... I always get up and work towards realizing my entrepreneurial dream. Thanks for encouraging a Zambian like me...

[@jodecip]

Learned about this gem only recently on BBC Radio ( How to be a good a boss) and straightaway came to KZbin to search for her. I love Zambians. They have quaint accent.

[@dalisombewe1431]

Thanks for the talk, this now fires up my plans. let's go Java!!

[@planstore4531]

Amazing, we are proud of you Monica! Java Foods for life.....

[@discerninggroup6181]

Something I have been pondering for a long time. Your speech has made a profound impact upon me.. That is why African's need a mass exodus (by the millions) back to Africa including our children, to develop our economy. You cannot participate in the growth of your economy by residing in the Western hemisphere. Thank you Monica Musonda for opening our eyes

[@lydian5762]

They do not need mass exodus, they need mass investment in infrastructures and factories that make absolutely everything and for the continent to only export value added products.

[@lekis5975]

@@lydian5762 Well said! Africans in the diaspora need to obtain education (knowledge and skills), business opportunities, and send remittances to be invested ( as you rightly pointed out) in infrastructure and factories.

[@nyembezilesa7038]

I will participate! I will not spectate! Thanks Monica, great talk!

[@sarahdeecreates]

A very inspiring and well spoken lady. Best wishes for the future.

[@happyhenrykenya1814]

I love this; thank you Monica. Keep sharing and shinning. God bless you

[@re-knewcoachingwithpriscilla]

Well done Monica. very encouraging indeed.

[@bdoye4021]

Inspirational. She looks so much like Nigerian.❤

[@TosinAnimashaun]

And speaks like one too.

[@stanbeyani5089]

​@@TosinAnimashaun, we Zambians don't sound like this..

[@wayawaya2504]

Thank you, Monica! Incredible inspiring!

[@sunofman2008]

Thank you TEDx and Monica I love you!

[@KathyKateShort]

Awesome talk Monica,i celebrate you.

[@ChristineROdera]

This inspires. Sometimes it takes calling us out to get us to realize that we can.

[@chetassecret7200]

It took me forever to watch this .... but am glad I actually watched it 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌how inspiring and motivating ✌️🙏bless you Monica

[@toots.1]

Thank you Monica. This was really good.

[@davidayoko7799]

Inspirational! This underlines the importance of Government suplements and interventions in local SMEs. Govt stimulus has so much multipliers effect on the economy! It encourages young enterpreneurs to tackle unemployment and build their nation!

[@annetaylor4683]

Thanks for sharing your inspiring message 🙏

[@jabulanijama7569]

This is good. I'll be on the lookout for your products.

[@ritasianga6006]

Well said. Thanks for the motivation

[@alidonsakala9744]

Very important question and very inspiring.

[@wahaulechesa8105]

well done, you have inspired some of us that's for sure, it's up to us to act on it

[@mauluhamunjele1319]

It's great to hear this sharing about our business realities and challenges!!

[@noelachota4607]

Thank you Monica, I totally relate on many issues you have mentioned as a young female food processor, it’s been a challenge but you are a force to recon

[@simpexm94]

love it!!

[@vanessagalbreath8569]

Thank you so much for your talk🤗

[@manishadadlani2086]

Enjoyed this talk tremendously

[@mwangala3723]

Thank you Monica. I love you for the encouragement!

[@ruthnyirenda9925]

I am encouraged...

[@mashufaamaat9631]

Powerful✊🏿

[@chaxshamz9485]

Inspiring! Well done

[@nathaliesachi4881]

Very much encouraged

[@mncedisinkomo89]

Monica you are amazing.

[@ngomasamuel4299]

wow, on point

[@sureshruparel9114]

Genius mind she talk lot of sense to me to understand I'm willing to guide help her as value added items to go for

very good I loved your speech 👍

[@Chikabella758]

Bravo

[@sibesomofya5997]

Goals!!! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@LuzEngineering]

She speaks so nice

[@omodiagbedominicedeoghon4607]

Great talk!

[@benjamintembo9590]

Well said !

[@musakam]

You may hate the Nigerians, but they are the best in Africa. I saw that for myself in Nigeria, when I visited the country from the UK. I was very PROUD.

[@zeferinosamahina9887]

WOW INSPIRING

[@moraaangeline8713]

Inspired here in Kenya. Thanks

[@lucygacheru2658]

same here....KE❤

[@martinchisenga445]

Powerful

[@leokangwa9422]

An inspiring story of exceptional determination! Thank you for sharing this!

[@jasminasinanbegovic6225]

First tought:"This woman is so beautiful"

[@fortunemasiye4973]

CONGRATULATIONS MONICA.....

[@AClassesMedia]

That's a success story. If we wait for someone else to do it, it will probably not be done.

[@playhousefilms368]

Everything is not for public consumption. You should be speaking directly to your target audience.

[@bouroudji]

Senegal is good example. Senegalese, today are spectators of their economy!

[@nuwankundaimmaculate9887]

you are AMAZING Monica.

[@TheZamgunner]

I am challenged!

[@sureshruparel9114]

Country needs youth take initiative that country future is what it's citizens make it up to became, time for all africa needs awakening time to create that strong wake up awareness CAMPAIGN PUBLIC AWARENESS LOVE YOUR COUNTRY

[@michaelhambozi6726]

wow

[@lytacious]

I love this, very inspiring.

[@neglilet]

That woman is beautiful.

[@cliffmulenga7979]

There's a 'Zambian story' to tell...more often than not we are our own enemy.. Many a Zambian business person that has come out of the diaspora has literally been hounded out of business by our own people...its tough!

[@KampambaMwiche]

If we can have 50 weman like her in zambia eshh

[@dboydboy6640]

Everything shining but eye glass

[@geoxlalachief2450]

I was eating ezee noddles back in high school but i never knew it was owned by a Zambian woman

[@kelzwells282]

🥰💋💘

[@natashabwalya2273]

Easy noodles also happen to be awesome. just putting it out there. :)

[@TheBangTV]

Great talk. And is this the way Zambian speak? Sounds Nigerian. Really nice.

[@Royal29B]

She sounds more British to me. I was born and raised in Zambia

[@harrietacquah2545]

I didn't hear an ounce of nigerian accent there so how does she sound nigerian?🤣🤣 she sounds more like a ghanaian

[@yvonnehyatt8353]

Jack Ma -study him , please thanks.

[@jacobfudo386]

Interesting talk and I appreciate Monica Musonda sharing her journey. I understand that she faced significant challenges from the existing business forces in Zambia however she engages in some abhorrent practices during this talk like race-baiting. Is there a need to constantly refer to foreigners in Zambia as muzungus and insidiously create an "us-vs-them" theme? The truth is that I've visited the Java Foods website, I've seen images of eeZee Instant Noodles and it may well be the worst instant noodle brand I've ever seen. The flavours, images and packaging are bland and generic and they don't come close to matching up to major brand expectations. I can't identify the value proposition of this product - why should anyone (Zambian or otherwise) buy this product vs other brands? It may make sense if she's offering additional nutritional value, or catering to a specific taste, but these are not the case. Of course major retailers would be reticent about stocking this product on their shelves. On the topic of nutrition, it's interesting that Monica wanted to bring value to Zambians by introducing a clearly unhealthy product to the marketplace. I don't see why it's good for Zambia and the average Zambian that your product becomes successful - in fact it would be bad for their health! Having said that, if you're satisfying an unmet consumer want and making money that way, good for you, but please don't pretend you're doing more for the average Zambian because of your skin color and last name. Monica, you've achieved most of your life's success so far outside Zambia. No one questioned you and stopped you from working for the Dangote Group because you're not Nigerian. Your identity does not give you greater right to success in Zambia - only your actions and the value you bring can do that. The Muzungu and Asian business folks that you accuse of being prejudicial are bringing value to Zambia and Zambia desperately needs them. I wish to see all kinds of people prospering in Zambia at the highest levels, and of course that includes indigenous Zambians like yourself (though I would argue you are less Zambian than some of the muzungus or Asians because some have likely lived in Zambia longer than you). I only wish for everyone in Zambia to be inclusive and equally respectful to all the diverse communities in Zambia (and this message is meant for white people and Asians in Zambia, as much as it meant for native Zambians).

[@diamond852]

Jacob Fudo Your comment is ridiculous. The term for Caucasian in Kiswahili is mzungu. Terming her use of the word race-baiting only exposes your own personal issues.

[@jacobfudo386]

You literally addressed nothing from my comprehensive post, much of which pointed out the various hypocrisies of her talk. Get lost troll, come back when you can critically think through my post and start an actual dialogue.

[@cocodahf5664]

I Agree Respect goes both ways,the fact she is Zambian by birth does not give her right to address the other races in Zambia as she does. Good for her she chose not to be a spectator in the economy but the so called "mzungus"have played a bigger role in making of the economy.

[@sureshruparel9114]

I'm Indian spiceman I'm been pursuing from now almost two yrs to help sme units self sustainable projects and tried Zarudi forum agriculture etc sad to say most slow motion moving action to do work just absolutely nothing got implemented or put into action Mary yuvi Lusaka was my big hope I send pressure cooker gave formulations tried guide but still not seen any outcome SAD VERY SAD UR most definitely self destruction doing by being irresponsible atittude mostly

[@nicolechemai3995]

Fun fact , in Kenya , or Swahili language in general , "muzungu" is a white person :) all in all, good talk .

[@user-xe2io2go1f]

Yes, that's what she meant. In Zambia it is also a white person

[@sureshruparel9114]

Power shortage how can mfg workable ever

[@sureshruparel9114]

What's wrong in Indian by your side what's wrong get help of business sensible deals and join efforts be made

[@JJ33438]

So where are the Zambian politicians on this? It's the politicians that can ban foreign products and welcome home grown products. Also they can create the culture for women to have ownership of land and businesses. But the Politicians sell out their constituents to line their own pockets. Kick out your current politicians and get new ones.

[@bigevil1001]

Kill the traitors!

[@sureshruparel9114]

I can see her pain as she struggled so hard yet kept facing no good help from own people shamelessly ignored her efforts mostly 🙄🤔

[@allenchilekw5698]

Inspired, Buy Zambian, eat Zambian

[@chico_god_disciple9259]

This is all a lie as long as your happy for yourself

[@eappea9109]

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