Sheya on expanding into Africa

By Rosalia David

Ayoung, local entrepreneur Max Sheya (28) is taking the business world by storm with his company, Expand Africa Investments CC currently employing more than eight Namibians.

In an interview with Confidente on how he ventured into the business of supplying specialised detergents, heavy duty equipment, machinery, safety clothing and crop farming, he said at first, it was all but a dream.

“Growing up I’ve always wanted to make a difference in terms of rendering services. I’ve always dreamed of working for myself so I was eager to always own my own thing. Fortunately, I started off by helping my uncle during my spare time and holidays who was in the same business,” he said.

After equipping himself with the necessary knowledge from his uncle five years ago who he said inspired him, Sheya took the leap of faith and branched out on his own.

Today Expand Africa Investments is a trusted supplier of goods and has also earned a huge clientele base across the country and outside Namibia.

“The saying ‘Anyone can start a business’ inspired me. You don’t need to know what you’re doing, you don’t need experience, you just need to know that persistence pays offs eventually.

You will get knocked down many times you just have to be willing to keep getting back up. So many times I could have quit but grateful I didn’t,” he said.

He added that he shed a few tears the first time he set out his first investment.

Recalling the very first time he stepped into the business world, Sheya said he had always thought he was incapable, inexperienced, and terrified to fail.

“I couldn’t deny that overwhelming power that woke me up at 4:30 am, telling me what I was going to do, how I was going to do it, and who I was going to do it with. I immediately I told my family, who luckily have been nothing but supportive, as I don’t think I could have ever even attempted it without their encouragement,” he further explained.

With a passion to elevate the underprivileged in Namibia, Sheya’s goal was to always employ his fellow young people.

He said, “I wanted to help those who were part of the poverty line and create more investment skills to the unskilled within the investment chain and through God’s will, I will employ more people in future. For now, we are still a new baby.”

Asked on where he sees his company in the next five years, Sheya said, rising to greater heights, creating huge employment, and offering exceptional services to Africa and the worldwide markets.

“Dear young generation, it is possible.

You just need to be consistent, persistent and committed. Know your goal, regardless of age, background or gender. Always associate yourself with positive and business minded people, and be eager to learn every single day.

“If you have a business idea, do it right away because you never know how many people have the same idea as yours. If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito,” he concluded.