IATF2025: My journey to founding the Masikalan brand – Barbara Masikala; Hails Afreximbank

As a high-achieving student, I consistently excelled in academics, earning top honors in my high school and district. My academic prowess earned me a spot at Makerere University, where I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Development Economics and later a Master’s degree in Economic Policy Management. By age 22, I had completed both degrees, showcasing my dedication and intellectual curiosity.

However, my transition into the job market was met with unexpected challenges. Despite performing exceptionally, it was extremely hard getting a job.

Despite performing well in a marathon fitness test for an Internal Affairs position, ranking 8th among numerous candidates, I never received a callback. Another memorable conversation with the Country Director of Toyota Uganda who by the way was an American, revealed that my Master’s degree, youthful energy, and lack of work experience made me an unsuitable candidate for a role despite my academic excellence.

Though disheartening, this experience sparked the desire to follow a new path. I returned to my village and began volunteering at my father’s apple orchard, where I witnessed significant fruit wastage due to minor imperfections. This sparked an innovative idea – couldn’t I find a way to utilize these imperfect fruits? I learned to craft wine from apples and later from grapes sourced from Mbarara.

Today, I travel from farm to farm, purchasing produce that cannot be sold on the local market and transforming it into high-quality, antioxidant-rich wine that is both affordable and highly sought after. My business, Masikalan Wine, has experienced remarkable growth. I have employed 17 staff members, obtained UNBS certification which is the quality mark. and won the NSSF and Mastercard High Innovator Women Accelerator Programme awards as the Best Female Entrepreneur.

Additionally, I have had the privilege of mentoring with America’s Stanford University Entrepreneurship program, further honing my skills. Currently, I am pursuing a course in cosmetology to create cosmetics from fruits that are not easily marketable, further reducing fruit wastage and supporting local farmers.

To meet growing demand, I am constructing a fully equipped warehouse and planning to acquire delivery trucks. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative products, I am excited to bring Masikalan Wine to the Global Africa market.

My goal is to:
1. Establish a strong presence, introducing Masikalan products to international consumers and showcasing their quality and uniqueness

2. Create jobs, hiring local and international talent and contributing to the global economy.

3. Build partnerships, collaborating with distributors, retailers, and stakeholders to ensure successful market entry.

4. Share Ugandan culture, promoting the rich cultural heritage of Uganda through our products and brand story. By bringing Masikalan products to the global market I aim to make a positive impact, drive economic growth, and inspire others with the power of entrepreneurship.

Two years ago, I embarked on a new journey, returning to school to study cosmetic chemistry. This strategic move enabled me to unlock the potential of various vegetables, such as carrots and fruits like avocados, coconuts, and to harness their benefits. Today, my product portfolio has expanded exponentially.

In addition to our award-winning wines, Masikalan now offers a diverse range of products, including: – Laundry products – Hair care solutions – Cosmetics – Hand and body washes and Baby products. This diversification not only enhances our market presence but also contributes to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

I would like to express my gratitude to Afreximbank for the opportunity to participate in the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025. This experience has been invaluable, providing me with a platform to connect with professionals from various countries across the continent.

Through these interactions with fellow innovators and entrepreneurs, I have gained a deeper understanding of the power of collaboration, innovative thinking, and effective branding. The connections I have made and the insights I have gained will undoubtedly propel Masikalan’s growth, both locally and internationally.

As I continue to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, I am excited to explore new markets, forge strategic partnerships, and inspire others with our story. With a strong foundation in Uganda and a growing presence in the U.S. market, Masikalan is poised for remarkable success, driven by our commitment to quality, innovation, and social responsibility.