Ngwao Snacks takes nibbling back to the roots
While a number of afternoon snacks in major retailers across the country are made from high glycemic index ingredients, one local entrepreneur is using readily available grains that are not only low in sugar but are delicacies to make something to nibble on.
Ngwao Snacks is a thriving business that specialises in making sorghum and millet-based snacks, specifically biscuits. Established in October 2022 by Tebogo Filipo from Molepolole, the entity has quickly gained popularity for its unique and culturally inspired products.
Filipo, the founder and owner of the business, says she started the venture after retiring in July 2022. With a passion for preserving and promoting culture, she saw an opportunity to create delicious snacks using traditional ingredients that include sorghum and millet—the country’s staple grains. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing and the rich culinary traditions of Botswana, Filipo set out to create a line of products that would not only satisfy customers’ taste buds but also celebrate the country’s heritage.
“I also sat down and I asked myself that since I have retired and don’t have an income and I don’t want to depend on my children full time, I thought why not come up with something that’s unique and using nature products, then I thought of biscuits,” explains Filipo on how she started.
“With the help from my children I managed to start my business in October 2022 but from October till December, I wasn’t selling, instead I was just giving out samples in order to know more about the market base, target market and have feedback from different people.”
Ngwao Snacks’ flagship product is its range of sorghum and millet biscuits, which have become a favourite amongst both locals and tourists alike. Made from locally sourced grains and traditional recipes, the biscuits are not only tasty but also nutritious, as sorghum and millet are known for their health benefits. The two grains have been touted by nutritionists as being good in controlling blood sugar levels because of their high fibre and protein content, which means they release energy slowly throughout the day. Hence she also said her products are essential for people living with diabetes and other related diseases as they have low added sugars.
Whether enjoyed on their own as a snack or paired with tea or coffee, Ngwao Snacks’ biscuits are a delicious treat that embodies Botswana’s cultural and culinary traditions.
The business owner also takes pride in using only the highest quality ingredients like chia seeds, sesame seeds, ginger, cinnamon and a little bit of sugar carefully crafting each product to ensure a superior taste and texture.
With a commitment to authenticity and a dedication to excellence, Ngwao Snacks has established itself as a leader in the market for sorghum and millet-based snacks.
Filipo explained that her biscuits cater for everyone from children to adults because of their nutritional value. Looking at the fact that children at times refuse to eat sorghum and millet,
the biscuits are an added advantage as they will be able to eat them through snacking. One of the key factors driving the success of Ngwao Snacks is Filipo’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
With a deep passion for her work and a keen understanding of the market, she has been able to navigate the challenges of starting a new business and build a strong and sustainable brand. By focusing on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Ngwao Snacks has been able to carve out a niche in the competitive snacks space and establish a loyal customer base. Another key element of Ngwao Snacks’ success is its commitment to social responsibility and community development.
Filipo is actively involved in supporting local farmers and businesses, as she sources ingredients from small-scale producers and in the process promoting sustainable farming practices.
By working closely with the community and contributing to economic empowerment, Ngwao Snacks is not only a profitable enterprise but also a force for positive change in Molepolole and beyond. Looking to the future, the business is poised for continued growth and expansion. With an increasing demand for healthy and culturally authentic snacks, Filipo plans to introduce new products and expand the business’ reach both locally and internationally. With a strong foundation in tradition and a vision for innovation, Ngwao Snacks is well-positioned to become a leading player in the global snacks market.
Filipo highlighted that Ngwao Snacks is a business that embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and community development. With its focus on sorghum and millet-based snacks, commitment to quality and authenticity, and dedication to social responsibility, the business has established itself as a respected and beloved brand in Botswana. As Filipo continues to grow her business and inspire others with her passion and vision, Ngwao Snacks is sure to remain a staple in the hearts and homes of customers for years to come.