DAVID MPANGA: A BICYCLE COURIER’S GROWTH STORY
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LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – For 27-year-old David Mpanga of Mutendere East in Lusaka, life is as much about the journey and the growth that comes with it, as it is about the destination. This outlook has pushed him to think outside the box and take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.
Faced with financial uncertainty, David was able to transform his bicycle, once a simple mode of transport, into a vehicle of earnings generation; his story being one of resilience, determination, and the power of taking that first step.
Born in Chililabombwe, David first learned to ride a bicycle in grade six – a skill that would later become his ticket to financial independence. After completing his secondary education in Lusaka, he worked various jobs – cleaner, shift supervisor, fry chef, bakery assistant – he even ran an Airtel Money booth. Each experience laid the groundwork for his future ventures and ambitions, but wasn’t sufficient to cover all needs his family had.”
Starting the Journey
David’s journey with Yango began with a Facebook advert for partner couriers. He decided to give it a try.
“All I needed was my NRC, a bicycle, and a smart phone with internet,” David recalled.
Prior to becoming a courier, David was faced with financial instability but he found a way to move forward and begin to turn things around.
Yango provided David with a starter pack and the necessary training, giving him the confidence to launch out. But he knew he couldn’t stop there. Good results, he quickly realised, would require more than just enthusiasm – it needed strategy.[caption id="attachment_19156" align="alignright" width="1192"]
27-year-old David Mpanga of Mutendere East in Lusaka
Starting off with a start-up capital of K300, he later invested K1,500 into his Yango float – i.e., the amount of credit available on a courier account to cover expenses such as fuel and most importantly accept and complete orders. Not enough float to pay for the order – no order assigned to deliver. Increasing the balance available in his digital wallet allowed him to secure and deliver more orders in an hour; thereby maximising his weekly earnings. A decision that became the turning point in his occupation as he has since grown it to K2,500.
“The more you invest in your float, the more orders you secure. Having enough float meant I could accept every order without delay, and that changed everything. Also getting paid weekly has helped me budget better and plan for my future,” he added.
What sets Yango apart for David is its accessibility: “This isn’t about qualifications or connections. It’s about your determination. If you’re willing to put in the effort, the results speak for themselves,” he said.
Growing on his own terms
For David, the freedom to fulfill orders on his own terms has been life-changing. Coupled with his attention to detail and excellence, he was able to work out an effective operation model which has allowed him to grow over time; including keeping his equipment in good condition, having enough float, and exceeding customer expectations.
“As a partner courier, I decide when and how I operate – whether in the morning, evening, or even the whole day. That flexibility and freedom is priceless as it allows me to grow in other areas on my terms,” he said.
This has further enabled David to balance his courier engagement and personal ambitions, coupled with the stability of weekly pay – an advantage he values deeply.
Yango’s system allows courier partners like David to book dedicated four-hour slots, offering higher earnings for consistency. This approach not only rewards hard efforts but also gives partners the stability of reliable income.
“I’m able to earn over K4,000 kwacha in a month. Those earnings help me considerably: enough to pay rent and cover bills, but also easily afford all the day-to-day essentials and everything I need,” noted David.
David’s passion for what he does goes beyond financial gain: “My life is based on growth and relationships. What I love most is seeing customers happy. Cooperation with Yango has taught me to handle customers professionally and find joy in what I do.”
He remembers one delivery to an elderly woman: “She wasn’t expecting her order to arrive so quickly. Her joy reminded me that all this isn’t just about money – it’s about making people’s days a bit brighter and easier.”
Investing in the future
Beyond courier experience, David is using his earnings to build something bigger. He reinvests profits into a mobile accessories shop managed by an employee of his. “Courier earnings have given me the stability to grow elsewhere,” he says. “Now, I’m planting seeds for tomorrow.”
Family anchors David’s ambitions. His mother and wife, both talented cooks, inspire his passion for food – a dream he nurtures alongside his courier gig.
“I want to open a bakery or fast-food business someday for them,” he shares. “But for now, I’m building step by step.”
Health and spirituality also play vital roles in his life. Each day begins with prayer and ends with gratitude: “Cycling keeps me fit, and wrestling – my mental escape – teaches me to tackle challenges like a match: outthink, outmanoeuvre, never give up.”
A Bigger Vision
27-year-old David Mpanga of Mutendere East Lusaka
Having recently obtained a driver’s licence, he plans to upgrade to a motorbike or car, thereby expanding his capacity with the platform, with a view to one day owning his fleet of vehicles.
“It’s about climbing the ladder, one delivery at a time, with the bigger goal of starting and growing my businesses,” he says.
As David pedals toward his dreams, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity and a partnership that values his independence. His advice for anyone considering the journey: “Dare to start! Dare to do it! With a bicycle, a smartphone and a K300, you can start changing your life – I did.”
About Yango Group
Yango Group is a tech company that transforms global technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we reshape and enhance leading cutting-edge technologies from around the world into seamlessly integrated daily services for diverse regions.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between leading world innovations and local communities, fostering connections and enhancing everyday living experiences.
For more information, please visit https://yango.com/en_int/
