Astute businessman Brian Kafunda has worked hard to dominate the Zambian sawmilling market representing Wood-Mizer, a global leader in portable sawmill technology. From small beginnings, Kafunda has expanded Wood-Mizer's presence in Zambia to 11 outlets throughout the country, capturing the market and transforming the sawmilling industry.
Before discovering Wood-Mizer, Kafunda started as a general trader, buying and reselling automotive parts from South Africa. At that time, the sawmilling industry in Zambia primarily relied on circular sawblades, which were fast but wasteful. When Kafunda came across the Wood-Mizer office in Johannesburg, he saw an opportunity to introduce more efficient and eco-friendly bandsaw blades to the Zambian market.
Mark Thompson, Africa Team Lead at Wood-Mizer, says, "Brian first asked if he could buy a box of bandsaw blades. When he returned, he said he would like to sell a machine, but he didn't have the finances to do so." Wood-Mizer made an arrangement with Kafunda, and the Zambian success story began.
Kafunda was soon ordering a number of machines at a time, and invested in the industrial blade maintenance and resharpening equipment provided by Wood-Mizer. "To support clients, he offers free blade sharpening for customers who purchase equipment, parts, or blades from him," says Thompson. "This sharpening program has been a fundamental key to his success, with Brian setting up branches throughout Zambia while creating employment and skills development opportunities."
To keep pace with his expansion and provide support in various locations, Kafunda then bought 20-foot containers and painted them bright orange. He initially hand-painted the Wood-Mizer logo on the side in true Zambian style, creating a unique and eye-catching way to showcase the brand. Thompson says Wood-Mizer is now looking at using this bright orange container solution as a kickstarter for setting up businesses in other African countries.
Zambia’s timber resources primarily consist of some commercial forests that produce pine and gum. The remainder is harvested off the country’s Miombo and mountain woodlands and includes Mahogany, Rhodesian Teak, Mukwa, African Rosewood and Mbula to name a few. Although the Zambian government has incentivised local benefication, a big percentage of the harvested timber is exported as unprocessed logs and the country loses out on the value-added benefits, says Kafunda. The government is working to attract foreign investors to build new sawmills and timber-processing facilities which could create jobs, generate revenue, and provide a market for sustainable Zambian timber resources.
Kafunda explains that specially formulated metals, blade profiles, hook angles and blade thicknesses from Wood-Mizer, including the company's thin-kerf technology, can process the exotic hardwoods found in Zambia accurately, consistently, and affordably. "By using Wood-Mizer products, many small sawmillers in Zambia are already growing profitable sawn timber export companies."
With his innovative approach and commitment to customer service, Kafunda has grown the market to about 450 machines, making Zambia a showcase for Wood-Mizer in Africa. There are currently around 1,000 sawmillers in Zambia, many of whom rely on Wood-Mizer machines, bandsaw blades and Kafunda's support. The Zambian government offers financing programs for sawmillers to purchase machines at a lower rate over a longer time. The government has also donated Wood-Mizer sawmills and forest allocations to the youth, allowing Kafunda to provide them with training and a new skillset.
Through Kafunda’s efforts, Wood-Mizer currently has a strong position in the market in Zambia. While it's not difficult for sawmillers to make a bandsaw machine, by partnering with Wood-Mizer, Kafunda ensures that he provides an international standard of safe, high-quality machines and support to the Zambian sawmilling industry.
Brian Kafunda's entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring example of how determination, innovation, and customer-focused strategies can lead to success in a competitive market. His collaboration with Wood-Mizer has not only transformed his own business, but has also contributed to the growth and sustainability of the sawmilling industry in Zambia.
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