Power of Loyalty

Huang applauds his workforce’s lasting contribution, saying employee dedication drives Wonderful Group’s success story.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (24-05-2025) - Wonderful Group has reaffirmed its commitment to employee retention and growth, celebrating 12 long-serving employees at its Fourth Long Service Awards Ceremony in Lusaka.

The event marked a decade of service by staff members whose loyalty and dedication continue to shape the company’s success.

Group Chief Operating Officer Frank Mulenga praised the honourees, stating that staying with one company for 10 years is a testament to both personal commitment and a supportive working environment.

“Remaining with a single company for 10 years is no small feat; it speaks to loyalty, commitment, and a supportive working environment,” Mulenga told guests, including senior representatives from Hacienda Management, Wonderful Industries, and Bofu Machinery.

Out of the 12 awardees, nine hailed from Wonderful Industries Zambia Limited and three from Bofu Machinery and Equipment.

"One employee was notably honoured for returning to the company after a brief absence, reaffirming the group’s inclusive and welcoming employment culture," said Mulenga.

Mulenga explained that the Long Service Awards initiative, which formally launched in 2023, is gaining momentum.

“We started with one recipient in 2012, and last year, we honoured 10 more. Today, we celebrate 12. By next year, we expect over 100 employees to become eligible for this prestigious milestone,” he said.

Since its establishment in 2012, Wonderful Group has evolved into a diversified conglomerate, with subsidiaries such as Wonderful Industries and Boffar Machinery.

The growing number of long-serving employees reflects the group’s continued expansion and dedication to workforce development.

Chairperson Gilbert Temba, also speaking at the event, spotlighted the company’s role in Zambia’s agro-industrial transformation since its founding in 2011.

He credited the bumper harvests and Zambia’s independence from fertilizer imports to the Group’s investments in local manufacturing and skills development.

“Zambia no longer imports fertilizer because local capacity has matured,” Temba said.

“This progress is largely due to the innovation and dedication within our companies.”

Temba highlighted the group’s self-reliant production model, such as manufacturing packaging materials internally through Wonderful Industries, which has improved efficiency and sustainability.

With over 6,000 employees, the Wonderful Group ranks among Zambia’s largest private-sector manufacturers.

Temba emphasized that its success stems from the loyalty and resilience of its staff. “Your dedication has shaped this company into the force it is today,” he said while presenting certificates.

“We hope to celebrate even more milestones with you in the future.”

Group CEO Mr. Yauchi Huang echoed this sentiment during the ceremony, applauding the workforce’s commitment and celebrating Zambia’s strides toward fertilizer self-sufficiency—progress in which the Wonderful Group has played a leading role.

“Today, we are manufacturing nearly all the fertilizer the country needs,” Huang said, referring to United Capital Fertiliser, a key group subsidiary.

“This is a major factor behind the bumper harvest recently reported by the Minister, and we are proud to be part of that success.”

He also stressed the strategic integration of the company’s operations, pointing out that fertilizer from United Capital Fertiliser is packaged using materials produced by Wonderful Industries.

“This level of integration strengthens our efficiency and sustainability,” he noted, before personally presenting certificates to employees who had served the company for a decade or more.

“We deeply value their loyalty and dedication. Without them, the Wonderful Group would not be what it is today,” he added, expressing optimism about the company’s future.

“We hope to honour you again in another 10 years as we celebrate 20 years of service together.”

One of the awardees, security officer Oscar Mambo, joined the company in 2014 and praised its remarkable transformation. From a ceiling board manufacturer, he noted, the Group has grown into an industrial powerhouse.

Mambo highlighted the imminent launch of a urea fertilizer production plant and encouraged his fellow employees to remain committed.

“I’ve seen all of this development with my own eyes,” he said. “Our hard work as employees has helped this company grow from the ground up.”

He described his 10-year journey as “not easy, but rewarding,” and urged continued unity and dedication.

“With continued teamwork and dedication, the Wonderful Group will become one of the top 10 companies in Africa. When that happens, our country—Zambia—will also benefit and rise along with us,” he concluded.

The event, attended by executives, staff, and members of the press, served as a powerful affirmation of the value Wonderful Group places on its workforce and its role in shaping Zambia’s industrial future.