A Journey of Growth: How the CAUSEWAY Project Transformed Jonathan Murwira’s Poultry Business
Jonathan Murwira’s enterprise reflects his determination and hard work. The support he received in 2024 under the CAUSEWAY Project and funding from AFC Bank, helped to scale up his business.
Overcoming Challenges and Starting Small
Despite facing challenges as a young entrepreneur, Jonathan remains committed to expanding his business and improving his operations. He started on his poultry journey in 2020 after leaving formal employment. With initial capital secured through a partnership with a friend and a $500 prize from a Telecel Zimbabwe promotional draw, he started with just 200 chickens and no prior experience. Through perseverance and learning from mistakes, he perfected his poultry farming skills, gradually scaling up his operation to 9,500 chickens at Plot 117; Schider Drive Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. In 2021, Jonathan received financial support under Inclusive Value Chain Programme under the European Union (EU) funded Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP) implemented by Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT).
Strategic Support and Business Expansion
In 2024, Jonathan attended the Mustard Seed Business Expo and Networking Event, where he learned about the ZADT CAUSEWAY Project. At that time Jonathan was struggling to access funding from banks to scale up his business and remain sustainable. He later participated in a CAUSEWAY Project training session on financial literacy and business planning at Dawnview Farm in Marondera. With guidance, he submitted his business plan to AFC Bank, successfully securing a $15,000 loan in August 2024. This funding enabled him to expand his production capacity from 6,000 to 9,500 broilers by introducing a second batch of chickens, positioning his business for greater market reach and profitability.
Whilst Jonathan had received financial literacy training before and guidance on preparing business plans, it was ZADT’s involvement in the process of reviewing his loan proposal, submission of the loan request to the bank, follow up, and assistance in addressing the concerns of the bank under the CAUSEWAY Project that was of great help. On his own he had been struggling to access the loan and handholding by ZADT was a game changer.
“I never envisioned myself as a farmer, let alone a thriving one, but here I am—running a successful poultry business and creating employment opportunities for other young people. Accessing finance on my own was a major challenge, and without collateral, securing a loan seemed impossible. However, ZADT’s support changed everything. Through their guidance, I was able to refine my business plan and successfully submit it to AFC Bank. This funding allowed me to expand my operations, improve my financial management skills, and establish a reliable market for my birds. The training and mentorship I received through ZADT were instrumental in my growth and success.”
Building a Sustainable Poultry Enterprise
Jonathan’s dedication and strategic planning led to the establishment of Poultry Plug, which now sells live birds in bulk. He secured an offtaker agreement with Pro-Agromark Abattoir, ensuring a steady market for his products. He also installed an automated water system and purchased inputs. In addition, he invested in infrastructure, including compressors and blowers, to set up a cold storage facility with a capacity of 1.5 to 2 tonnes. However, he now requires a solar system to operate it efficiently which he hopes to purchase with proceeds from his business.
Financial Management and Sustainability Practices
With a target net profit margin of 15%, Jonathan has positioned himself as a competitive player in the poultry market. Through financial literacy training and mentorship provided by ZADT, he has improved his ability to manage cash flows effectively, ensuring the long-term sustainability of his business despite economic fluctuations. ZADT’s support also helped him align his repayment schedule with his production cycle, allowing him to meet financial obligations without straining resources.
Jonathan prioritizes biosecurity measures such as foot baths, sprays, and protective gear for his workers. With guidance from ZADT, he maintains detailed records of operational costs, sales, and profits, which enable him to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, he promotes environmental sustainability by selling manure and implementing a staggered budgeting system.
Looking Ahead
Jonathan Murwira’s journey from a novice to a thriving poultry entrepreneur is an inspiring example of resilience and strategic business growth. With financing and business support from the ZADT CAUSEWAY Project, he successfully scaled his poultry business. As he continues to expand, CAUSEWAY remains a key enabler, providing ongoing mentorship and market linkages to ensure his long-term success.