Chembo Ndinawe Litana: Redefining Social Impact Through Sustainable Entrepreneurship

The path to sustainable impact is rarely a straight line, as it is affected by challenges, experiences, and the nature of the environmental setup. Yet the inclination to drive positive change spurs the achievement of worthwhile positive change. The journey may begin with observing communities' struggle with donor dependency and develop into the conviction that solutions must be sustainable. Social enterprises are not merely passion projects, they are the catalysts of change towards a better society. Ending funding droughts and changing business models demands considerable daring and creativity. It is about dispelling myths about the impossibility of socially beneficial strategies. Leading this change is Chembo Ndinawe Litana, who is a social entrepreneur and works to promote social entrepreneurship by strategically designing and implementing sustainable impact solutions.

Chembo Ndinawe Litana’s journey into social entrepreneurship began with academic insights into poverty, but a career setback in 2013 solidified her mission. Witnessing donor dependency’s impact, Chembo dreams about creating a legacy of fostering positive impact for and with poor communities through locally defined solutions. She has founded two social enterprises, namely Kuya Kwile to support women through skills and entrepreneurship training, and Kwala Chihela, which empowers rural farmers through the sorghum value chain. Now, as Swalisano Advisory’s Founder and Director, she champions financial sustainability in social impact businesses.

Below is an excerpt of Chembo Ndinawe Litana’s exclusive interaction with The Global Women Leader magazine.

Tell us about your early years and the key influences that helped shape you as an individual.

I was raised by both my parents and my maternal grandmother, all three were very present in my life.

They were very protective and always there to provide everything for me and my four sisters. What stood out about my parents was their generosity and how they gave unreservedly to people in need. Watching that made a strong impression on why we should help people in need. As a young girl, I was happy and playful. However, witnessing my childhood best friend’s sudden shift from being well-provided to poverty deeply impacted me, shaping my resolve to work in poverty alleviation.

Chembo Ndinawe Litana believes that true impact is built on sustainability, not dependency, and that Empowerment thrives when communities own their progress

What inspired the establishment of Swalisano Advisory? Share the vision behind the venture and its core areas of expertise.

Swalisano Advisory emerged from my MBA studies at the University of Surrey, where I explored the role of partnerships in driving social impact. With a deep understanding of social entrepreneurship, I sought to examine how impact-driven businesses could leverage strategic collaborations to scale their work effectively. Upon returning to Zambia from the UK, I was committed to applying my research, which was grounded in Zambian data. Initially, my focus was on facilitating partnerships between social enterprises and key stakeholders, such as impact investors and conscious buyers.

Over time, the firm’s mission has evolved, expanding its scope to include training, coaching, and project management for impact-driven initiatives. The foundation of this venture is also anchored in my career transition, because after losing my job due to donor funding cuts, I discovered the social enterprise business model. My MBA and experience on the ground reinforced the potential of consulting, training, and project management in fostering sustainable impact for vulnerable communities.

What major challenges do you face as a business leader, and how do you overcome them?

Being a vision bearer demands immense mental strength. The responsibility of keeping the vision relevant and evolving is significant, especially when unexpected changes arise. I founded Swalisano Advisory from the university with a clear vision, and while its core impact remains, adjustments have been necessary. Managing a business requires serious commitments, especially when you have set and embraced high standards as I have at Swalisano Advisory. To manage mental fatigue, I seek coaching and mentorship every two years and rely on a strong network of business leaders for support. Another challenge is keeping pace with rapid industry shifts. Just as you grasp one concept, it evolves. Clients’ demands change quickly, requiring swift adaptation. I overcome this by leveraging my team’s diverse strengths, ensuring that we remain agile.

Human resource management is also delicate, especially when working across generations. Coaching is essential, not just as a service for clients but also internally.

What do you consider the most significant milestones in your professional journey so far?

A consistent milestone of mine is witnessing a transformation. Seeing individuals, especially rural women, apply what they have learned from our programs and later share their success stories brings me immense joy. Knowing that the tools and knowledge I provide help people break free from vulnerability fuels my commitment to impact-driven work.

Another one of my greatest accomplishments has been overcoming my timidness. Growing up in a happy and encouraging home, I somehow still struggled with confidence and expressing myself. I never imagined that I would one day articulate my vision so clearly, let alone live it. To have moved past that and create several initiatives that positively impact others is a major win for me.

How do you envision Zambia’s social development sector evolving in 2025, and what future trends emerge?

In Zambia, donor funding cuts, especially from major contributors like USAID, have highlighted the need for sustainable impact models. I hope that the country shifts towards adopting the social enterprise business model, ensuring impact work can continue without over-reliance on external donors. Politically, we must create an enabling environment for social enterprises to thrive. Additionally, tax policies should be more supportive, recognizing the unique role of impact businesses and their collaborative nature with the government’s social work. Innovation and financial self-sustainability will be key drivers in the sector’s evolution.

Chembo Ndinawe Litana, Founder & Director, Swalisano Advisory

Chembo Ndinawe Litana is the Founder and Director of Swalisano Advisory, dedicated to sustainable social impact. A social entrepreneur, her journey began after experiencing donor funding cuts firsthand. She advocates for financial sustainability in impact-driven ventures, empowering leaders to build resilient, purpose-driven enterprises that drive lasting change.