Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLWtBX_h2qA
The story of Sumz foods is an inspiring Ugandan journey from a teacher’s side hustle to a major snack brand, starting in 2010 with just 43,000 UGX ($12) from his wedding money, inspired by street food in Mombasa, and growing through resilience, innovation (using ripe plantains), and strategic reinvestment, becoming Psalms Food Industries Ltd., now a significant player in African manufacturing with modern facilities and farmer partnerships.
The Humble Beginnings
- Inspiration: In 2009, while on his honeymoon, Ngabirano encountered a street vendor frying banana chips, sparking the idea for a business using Uganda’s ripe plantain (gonja).
- Academic Spark: The idea became a formal business plan for a university coursework, starting with a capital of just 43,000 Ugandan Shillings (about $12).
- Early Production: He began production from his veranda, using simple tools like charcoal stoves and manual packaging, even borrowing neighbors’ stoves to meet demand.
Growth & Innovation
- From Teacher to Entrepreneur: Ngabirano, a math teacher, transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship, focused on adding value to local produce.
- “Small Pockets, Big Ideas”: The company, Psalms Food Industries (Sumz), followed a philosophy of organic growth, reinvesting profits into quality and professionalism.
- Product Expansion: From banana crisps, Sumz expanded to include potato crisps, cookies, nuts, seeds, and nut butters, spotting an opportunity as supermarkets were filled with imported snacks.
Building an Industry
- Modernization: The journey led from verandas to production houses and eventually to a modern factory in Nansana, and a new, larger plant in Nkoowe.
- Strategic Partnerships: Sumz collaborates with local farmers and organizations like the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to strengthen supply chains and support agro-industrialization.
- Core Values: Faith, discipline, resilience, and a commitment to quality have been central to building Sumz into a multi-billion-dollar company.
Market:
The company sells its products in Uganda and neighbouring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
Note: Sourced from various sources.
