Education
UNZA students create errand app so youths can earn money
A GROUP of University of Zambia (UNZA) students have launched a digital application called Pokelela, designed to help people send errands while creating income for
Picture: Kalemba
A GROUP of University of Zambia (UNZA) students have launched a digital application called Pokelela, designed to help people send errands while creating income for fellow youths.
Instead of only using phones for TikTok dances, relationship fights and checking who viewed WhatsApp status, the students turned theirs into a business tool that now connects customers to people who can buy groceries, make payments, deliver food and handle errands.
The youth-led platform, founded in late 2022 and fully operational from the first semester of 2023, has now grown into a structured enterprise employing eight young people.
Founder and company chief executive officer Immanuel Njovu said the idea was born after noticing that many people needed help with simple but time-consuming tasks.
“We identified a gap where people needed assistance with simple but time-consuming tasks. Pokelela was developed to bridge that gap while also creating income opportunities for young people,” Njovu said.
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He explained that the business currently employs three school leavers working on the ground, four part-time students and one full-time customer service agent who handles client requests.
Njovu said the platform was also helping to fight youth unemployment by giving students and school leavers flexible jobs.
“Our model allows young people, especially students, to earn an income while still pursuing their education. It is about empowering them to utilise their time and skills productively,” he said.
The platform that started as a basic delivery service for groceries and food has now expanded into a full errand-running platform.
Customers can now use the app to send someone to make payments, help with school processes, buy items and deliver goods across different locations.
Njovu said once a request is placed, a service provider is quickly assigned to carry out the task.
“Once a request is placed, a service provider is assigned almost immediately to confirm details and carry out the task. We have built the system around speed, responsiveness and trust,” he said.
According to Njovu, the business now handles an average of at least 20 requests per day, ranging from small deliveries to more demanding errands.
“With consistent service delivery, our clients have become our biggest marketers. Their recommendations have helped us grow organically,” he said.
Source: Kalemba — Read more
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