Meet Olly Moonga, who joined Cellulant a year ago as an account executive in our Zambia market. He describes himself as driven by passion and the desire to impact and contribute meaningfully to the world positively.

Mr Moonga is also an author, a communications and leadership skills coach. Olly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies and Demography from the University of Zambia and is pursuing a Master of Science in Corporate Communication Management at the same university. 

Olly Moonga tells us his Cellulant story and his life as an author and mentor:

Tell us about yourself.

I am a second born in a family of four, an author, a mentor, and an Account Executive at Cellulant Zambia. My professional journey began as a teaching assistant at the University of Zambia. I then transitioned to working at Ecobank Zambia as a relationship manager, supporting corporate and commercial bank clients. 

I am deeply passionate about leadership and communication skills. I dedicate myself to training and coaching individuals in my free time in these areas. I also have a passion for singing and playing the guitar. Additionally, I am the author of five published books, showcasing my love for writing. 

Let us know more about your passion for writing and your journey as an author. 

My journey as an author began in 2013 when I wrote my first book, “THOUGHTS ARE THINGS.” It was a labour of love, pouring my thoughts and ideas onto the pages, driven by a deep passion for storytelling. After two years of dedication and refining my work, I finally saw my efforts come to fruition with its publication in 2015.

The taste of accomplishment and the thrill of sharing my words with the world propelled me forward on my writing journey. Inspired by the positive reception of my debut work, I delved into the creative depths of my imagination and penned five more books since that initial publication. Each one holds a special place in my heart, representing the growth and evolution of my craft.

Among my published works are LIFE DOESN’T BEGIN AT 40, “To My Future Wife,” “To My Future Husband, and Lastly, “This Time Next Year.”

It fills me with immense pride to share that all of my books are published here in Zambia, and looking back on my journey thus far, I am grateful for the unfolding opportunities. I am thankful for the support of readers who have embraced my words.

What advice would you give to someone who aspires to be an author?

To all aspiring authors, embrace your dreams, nurture your passion, and let your words become the bridge that connects hearts and minds. May your journey as an author be as fulfilling and transformative as mine, and may your stories inspire and resonate with readers worldwide.

Who is your favourite African Influencer ? and Why?

One of my favourite African influencers is Chinua Achebe. He was a Nigerian author widely regarded as one of the most influential African writers ever. His work has profoundly impacted African literature and continues to resonate with readers worldwide. Achebe’s ability to capture the nuances of African culture, challenge prevailing narratives, and advocate for cultural pride makes him an enduring and influential figure in African literature. 

Now on to your Cellulant journey. What attracted you to Cellulant?

What attracted me to Cellulant was my exposure to their work while working at a bank. I came into contact with the projects and initiatives undertaken by Cellulant and was impressed by their creativity and innovation. Witnessing their ability to bring fresh and progressive ideas to the table sparked my admiration for the company. I was motivated to be part of a trendy, innovative, and forward-thinking organisation like Cellulant.

What’s the one problem you are solving for clients in this market? Or rather, what does a workday look like for you?

The problem we are addressing in this market is the need for a solution that enables merchants to capture and collect digital payments from their customers efficiently. Much of my workday involves visiting merchants to understand their businesses and identify their pain points. By doing so, I can determine how our tools and services can assist them in streamlining their operations, particularly in digital payments.

It is a dynamic and rewarding experience to contribute to the growth and success of our clients by providing them with the tools and support they need.

What has been the most rewarding moment?

The most rewarding moment in my career was when I successfully onboarded Heartlands, an enterprise merchant, at an above-cost rate. Within just a month of partnering with us, Heartlands made a substantial contribution to the overall success and growth of the company.

Witnessing the immediate impact of our collaboration with Heartlands was incredibly gratifying. It affirmed the value of our solutions and the positive outcomes they can generate for our clients. This achievement validated our expertise and efforts and reinforced our commitment to delivering exceptional results.

The experience with Heartlands stands as a testament to the power of building strong partnerships and providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. It is a constant reminder of the rewarding nature of my work and the meaningful impact we can make on the success of the businesses we serve.

What has been the most significant challenge/learning opportunity about the job?

The most significant challenge and learning opportunity in my job has been adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and staying abreast of the latest industry trends. The digital payment industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, presenting challenges and opportunities.

Maintaining emerging technologies, industry regulations, and customer expectations requires continuous learning and adaptation. I must constantly expand my knowledge and skill set to navigate these changes effectively. This challenge has taught me the importance of being agile, adaptable, and open to continuous learning.

Who has been the most significant influence in your career & why?

Mr Gilbert Lungu, the Country Manager, has been the most significant influence in my career. Firstly, his friendly approach and servant leadership style have made it easy for me to establish a strong rapport with him. His approachability has encouraged me to ask questions and seek guidance, which has been instrumental in acquiring skills necessary for my career growth. His influence on my career has been profound. I am grateful for his guidance and positive impact on my career journey.

What do you love most about working at Cellulant?

What I love most about working at Cellulant is the vibrant and dynamic work environment. The company fosters a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, which creates an exciting and inspiring atmosphere.

At Cellulant, there is a constant drive to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and develop avant-garde solutions. This culture of innovation enables me to continuously learn and grow, as I am encouraged to think outside the box and contribute my unique perspectives and insights.

Additionally, the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration at Cellulant is something I genuinely appreciate. Working alongside talented and passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds allows for rich and meaningful interactions. Furthermore, Cellulant’s commitment to positively impacting the market and society is truly inspiring. Knowing that our work directly empowers businesses and individuals in the digital payment ecosystem brings excellent fulfilment.

How do you want to be remembered?

I aspire to be known as someone who made a positive difference in the lives of others and brought value, inspiration, and support to those around me.

Ultimately, I want to be remembered for my impact in my chosen field, whether through innovation, leadership, or my positive influence on individuals and organisations. My contributions will have a lasting effect and inspire others to reach their full potential.

What do you do during your free time to relax?

During my free time, I find relaxation and enjoyment in several activities. Firstly, I love to unwind by singing and learning to play the guitar. I also pen down thoughts, ideas, and stories in my free time. It serves as a form of self-expression and helps me explore my creativity.

Furthermore, I find great fulfilment in helping others improve their communication skills. Whether through coaching, training, or mentoring, I enjoy supporting individuals in their journey toward becoming better communicators. Witnessing their growth and development brings me a sense of satisfaction and joy.

In your own words, what does Cellulant want to do in Africa, and why is that inspirational for you?

Cellulant aims to revolutionise and transform the digital payment landscape in Africa. The company strives to provide innovative solutions that empower businesses, individuals, and communities to embrace the benefits of digital transactions.

What makes Cellulant’s mission inspirational for me is the potential impact it can have on the continent. Africa is a diverse and dynamic region with immense untapped potential, and digital payments can play a significant role in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and societal development; by providing accessible and secure digital payment solutions, Cellulant enables businesses to expand their reach, streamline their operations, and tap into new markets, enhancing their competitiveness and contributes to job creation and economic empowerment.

Overall, Cellulant’s vision to revolutionise digital payments in Africa aligns with my aspirations to make a positive impact and contribute to the growth and development of the continent. Being part of a company dedicated to empowering businesses, fostering financial inclusion, and driving innovation is truly inspiring. It motivates me to work towards a brighter future for Africa.