23/09/2026
From Building Apps to Building a Software Business: My Journey,
Why should you consider a career in tech or investing in it? and what areas should you consider focusing on ?
My name is Chimwemwe Vinkhumbo, a Malawian software developer with approximately 10 years of experience and over 20 published mobile applications on Android and iOS.
One of my biggest breakthroughs came during Malawi's fuel crisis, when I developed Fuel Track, an app that helped people locate filling stations with fuel. Within just four days, the app reached approximately 10,000 downloads, showing me that locally developed software could reach thousands of people if it solved a real problem.
Since then, I've developed several digital products, including StockWatch, an investment tracking app with over 25,000 downloads, Ubale, a platform for content creators, Price Pair, a grocery price comparison app, and Easy Invoices, an invoicing solution for small businesses.
My journey started at the Malawi Polytechnic (now MUBAS), where I studied IT. However, much of what I know today came from self learning through YouTube, online courses and, most importantly, building real projects.
My advice to aspiring developers is simple: don't just learn a skill; apply it. Build something that solves a real problem. Take advantage of online learning resources, mentors and AI tools to accelerate your learning.
Where do I see the biggest opportunity in Malawi's tech industry?
Software as a Service (SaaS).
For years, many developers have focused on building websites and custom software for individual clients. While that's a great career path, there's an even bigger opportunity in developing software products that hundreds or thousands of customers can buy or subscribe to.
With Malawi's foreign currency challenges, businesses that previously relied on international software are increasingly facing difficulties paying for those services. This creates an opportunity for locally developed alternatives that accept Malawian kwacha.
I've personally experienced the potential of this business model. At the beginning of this year, I started selling my software, my products were generating around MK100,000–MK200,000 per month. I've since grown that to over MK1 million monthly, and my next target is MK10 million.
My biggest encouragement is to think beyond employment.
Technology is a valuable skill that can secure you a good job, but it can also help you build a business that serves thousands of people.
And you don't even have to be a developer. If you understand a problem and believe technology can solve it, you can partner with someone who has the technical skills to bring your idea to life.
Find a problem that many people face, build a solution they're willing to pay for, and keep improving it.
Don't just think about who can employ you. Think about what you can build and how many people you can serve.
You can contact him for business or further guidance via email:
[email protected]
