The Bush Engineer: Redefining Malawi Through Innovation and Grit
Ted Kwelepeta’s story is an inspiration, a challenge, and a beacon of hope – a reminder that even in the face of adversity, human ingenuity and determination can pave the way for a brighter future.
LILONGWE, MALAWI – Ted Kwelepeta’s workshop, a hive of activity nestled amidst a leafy suburb of Lilongwe, pulsates with the rhythm of metal clanging against metal, writes Winston Mwale.
Sparks fly as welders meticulously join steel frames, their faces illuminated by the orange glow.
A young man carefully assembles an intricate gearbox, his brow furrowed in concentration.
This is no ordinary workshop. It's the birthplace of innovation, a testament to the audacious spirit of Malawian entrepreneurship, and a challenge to the prevailing narrative of poverty that often defines this southeast African nation.
At the helm of this enterprise stands Ted Kwelepeta, a self-taught engineer affectionately known as the “Bush Engineer.”
His calloused hands bear witness to years spent toiling in his workshop, transforming metal into robust wheelbarrows, powerful construction machinery, and even a prototype electric car.
Kwelepeta’s journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, ingenuity, and a determination to redefine the image of Malawi on the global stage.
From Humble Beginnings to Engineering Prowess
Kwelepeta's path to engineering wasn't paved with formal education or prestigious degrees.
It was forged in the crucible of necessity, fuelled by a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to learn.
"I’m not even an engineer," he says with a chuckle. "I’m just a bush engineer."
His engineering education came from an unlikely source – the vast repository of knowledge available on YouTube and Google.
Countless hours were spent poring over videos, dissecting complex diagrams, and absorbing the intricacies of mechanical engineering.
This unconventional learning approach, dismissed by some as inadequate, became his pathway to expertise.
“On YouTube I can go and learn anything,” Kwelepeta asserts. “All the things that you’re going to see here, I do my research and learn from YouTube.”
His workshop, powered by a solar system boasting 29 panels, stands as a testament to his self-reliance and a beacon of hope in a country grappling with unreliable electricity supply.
Building a Business on Trust and Quality
Kwelepeta's entrepreneurial journey began in South Africa, where he spent 15 years honing his business acumen.
After marrying a South African woman and starting a family, he felt a pull towards his homeland.
"I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur," he reflects. "I don't like nine-to-five. In my family, nine-to-five jobs? No. I don't like it."
He returned to Malawi in 2010, not as a "bush engineer" but as an entrepreneur seeking opportunity in the property market.
He renovated a dilapidated house in Lilongwe, selling it within a month and discovering his calling.
Kwelepeta's business model is rooted in a simple yet powerful principle: honesty.
"When I came here," he explains, “the first thing I told myself – in South Africa, I’ve learnt that to be honest in the business is the most important. It's the key thing in the business."
He embraced social media, particularly Facebook, to showcase his work, his life, and his commitment to transparency.
His openness initially drew scepticism, but it proved to be a masterstroke. “I knew if people can see who I am, they will now know that we can trust this guy,” he says.
This trust translated into a loyal customer base. Kwelepeta's reputation for quality and reliability attracted clients from across Malawi and even overseas.
He boasts of customers who deposit the full amount for his machines, costing as much as K3 million, without hesitation.
Challenging Perceptions, Forging a New Narrative
Kwelepeta's success is a direct challenge to the often-simplistic portrayal of Malawi as a country defined by poverty and dependence on aid. He has never taken a loan from a bank or the government.
His capital comes from customer deposits, a testament to the viability of bootstrapped entrepreneurship in Malawi.
"My loan, I get it from my clients,” he states.
"Because my loan, my customers come and they say, ‘Ted, I want you to make a machine for me,’ and then they give me half down deposit. So, that is a loan for me without interest."
His focus on quality sets him apart. Kwelepeta understands that to compete with imported goods from China and South Africa, his products must be superior.
He targets the upper class and construction companies that demand durability and reliability.
His relentless pursuit of excellence, however, is sometimes met with resistance.
“Now to get the people to do the right thing in the workshop becomes very very difficult because people don't understand why I want...I have a quest for perfection,” he laments.
“They think that I'm crazy for demanding more than what they feel that is enough. I want more, to give my customers the best, you see.”
The Electric Car: A Symbol of Malawi's Potential
Perhaps the most striking example of Kwelepeta's innovative spirit is the electric car under construction in his workshop. It began with a request from a disabled individual who struggled with transportation. Touched by this need, Kwelepeta decided to take on the challenge.
The car, still in its prototype stage, is a powerful symbol of Malawi's potential to leapfrog technological hurdles and embrace sustainable solutions.
It's a testament to Kwelepeta’s conviction that solutions to local challenges can be found within Malawi, rather than relying solely on imports or external aid.
Inspiring a Generation, Building a Legacy
Kwelepeta's impact extends beyond his workshop's walls. He has become a mentor and an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, success can be achieved even in challenging circumstances.
A former technical college student who trained under Kwelepeta has now established his own machine-making business, becoming a competitor. Kwelepeta sees this not as a threat but as a sign of progress.
"He's my competitor right now, which is a very good thing,” he says with a smile.
Kwelepeta's story is a compelling argument for a shift in perspective when it comes to African development. He believes that rather than focusing on limitations, Africans should see the continent's challenges as opportunities.
"The fact that we feel like we are behind," he says, "gives us the opportunity to be able to start rising up."
He advocates for a pan-African approach, urging Africans to learn from the mistakes of developed nations and chart a unique path to progress. "We have been given room to learn and improve," he emphasizes.
Kwelepeta’s vision for the future hinges on fostering a culture of innovation, supporting local industries, and celebrating African ingenuity.
He dreams of a day when young Africans aspire to be doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs, contributing to the continent's growth and prosperity.
"I feel sad when I see a young kid, their role model is an influencer who comes out on social media saying bad stuff," he says.
He firmly believes that by promoting positive role models and encouraging a mindset of self-reliance, Africa can overcome its challenges and achieve its full potential. "Imagine a kid like this learning from a doctor," he muses.
"That would be an amazing thing!"
### The Bush Engineer's Gate: A Metaphor for Ingenuity
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across Kwelepeta's workshop, he leads the way to his home, a testament to his success built through years of toil. But even here, amidst the comfort of his family home, Kwelepeta’s innovative spirit shines through.
He proudly displays his “floating gate,” a marvel of engineering that glides effortlessly open with no visible wheels or tracks.
“There are no wheels, guys, look at this! This gate, it’s moving with no wheels. Look, there’s nothing here," he exclaims.
The secret lies in a clever arrangement of bearings, a testament to his resourcefulness and his ability to find innovative solutions using readily available materials. It's a fitting metaphor for Kwelepeta’s journey - a testament to the power of ingenuity to overcome obstacles and create something truly remarkable.
The "Bush Engineer" is more than just a moniker; it’s a symbol of a new breed of African entrepreneurs, driven by a passion for innovation, a commitment to excellence, and a belief in the transformative power of homegrown solutions.
Ted Kwelepeta’s story is an inspiration, a challenge, and a beacon of hope – a reminder that even in the face of adversity, human ingenuity and determination can pave the way for a brighter future.