BREAKING YOUR BOUNDARIES

Written and published by: Promise Edem Nukunu

 Patrick Ngowi is a younger entrepreneur with the dream of harnessing the power of the sun to propel his nation forward. He launched Helvetic Solar Contractors with “humble beginnings” at the tender age of 22 and in just five years expanded it into the renewable energy solution provider of choice for the Tanzanian government and international clients, including the United Nations. Helvetic was also named the number one company in Tanzania’s Top 100 mid-sized companies of 2012. African Business Journal recently had an interview with the prolific young entrepreneur.. What is your idea of perfect happiness? I believe that happiness is a state of being. For me, this state is achieved in numerous ways. I am most happy with my family. I value that. Our day-to-day work makes me incredibly happy; having satisfied clients, and being able to put a smile on my client’s face the first time they get solar power in some of the rural areas is remarkable. What’s your greatest fear? I fear God. What turns you on creatively? People and travel turns me on creatively. I have the pleasure of meeting so many people through all walks of life throughout my regular day. Up-and-coming Africans doing serious work in their relevant industries is inspiring. Traveling is mind blowing; the cultural, social and economic differences makes one get creative. Creativity remains a key element in business growth especially if one engaged in a rapidly changing industry like renewable energy. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? I’m a realist; I believe in making myself better. In turn, I hope that in my own simple way, I make the world around me better. No superpower needed in achieving that. When and where were you happiest? My family and work makes me happy every day. If you were a mind reader, whose mind would you like to read? I prefer not to ever read minds, too much goes on in them. If you could travel to any point in time, which era would you visit? Every era or point in time has its joys and pains. I live in the present and work towards the future. What is your most marked characteristic? Trustworthiness. Who are your heroes in real life? My real life heroes are: our Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere; President H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, his current leadership and government has led to the economic growth and stability of our country; Environmentalist and Nobel Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, her great work with Green Belt Movement; My lovely parents, who raised me who, at present, runs the fastest growing solar supplies company in the region. Where would you most like to live? I like living in Tanzania. There is so much green, wildlife and beaches here. We have Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro and many more. I encourage more people to visit this beautiful country. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I’m way too punctual. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Not helping others in need. How would you make the world a better place? Encouraging my fellow youth of today to work harder and follow their dreams. One shouldn’t lose hope or slow down. Be creative and always think outside the box when met with challenges. Raise your bar. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being able to provide much needed employment for my fellow citizens, and at the same time, lighting up some rural parts of Tanzania with solar power. As well as contributing towards Tanzania’s advance in renewable technology. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? I believe everything happens for a reason, even the lows. I change my mind to think positively. In life, there is so much we don’t have control over. We have to live positively. What is your most treasured possession? I avoid attachment to possessions because they can be taken away at the blink of an eye. I value people. What’s your motto? Enjoy life while making others smile. - helveticsolar.com