Profiles of Purpose: Back from the Ashes

TL;DR

Faraz Ramji's journey from a family affected by political turmoil to founding Norda Industries, a snack food business that positively impacts smallholder farmers in Kenya.

Transcript

Sometimes it's really nice to tell a story, a farm to fork story and a success story and now we're all happy and it's all win-win and that's not how it works. It has been tough. [MUSIC] My name is Faraz Ramji. The company is Norda Industries. And based here in Kenya. My parents are both from East Africa. So my dad is born in Uganda. My mom is actua... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Political upheaval can lead to displacement and create challenges for individuals and families.
• 🗯️ Finding the right partners and suppliers can be crucial for the success of a business.
• 🧑‍🌾 Smallholder farmers are often vulnerable to exploitative middlemen and can benefit greatly from fair partnerships.
• ❓ Adversity and challenges can contribute to personal growth and resilience.
• 🛟 Access to education and stable markets can transform the lives of local communities.
• ❓ Entrepreneurship can blend profit-making with social impact.
• 👨‍💼 Online platforms like Google can connect businesses and individuals across different regions.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Faraz Ramji's family end up in the UK?

Faraz Ramji's family was exiled from Uganda due to political tensions instigated by dictator Idi Amin, who targeted Asians. They settled in the UK, where Faraz was born.

Q: How did Faraz Ramji start Norda Industries?

After studying development in London, Faraz Ramji was looking for job opportunities and decided to start a business with his grandfather. This led to the establishment of Norda Industries, a snack food company.

Q: How did Faraz Ramji find the farmers in Bomet, Kenya?

Faraz Ramji searched online and found a group of farmers in Bomet who had been trained in growing specific varieties of potatoes for crisps. He reached out to them and formed a partnership for potato supply.

Q: How did Norda Industries impact the smallholder farmers in Bomet?

Norda Industries provided a stable market for the farmers' potatoes, allowing them to improve their livelihoods and provide education for their children. The farmers were able to expand their farms and gain financial security.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Faraz Ramji's parents were exiled from Uganda due to political tensions and settled in the UK where he was born.

• Ramji's love for East Africa led him to start Norda Industries, a snack food business in Rwanda.

• Through Google, he discovered farmers in Bomet, Kenya, who were trained in growing potatoes for crisps and formed a partnership with them.