That choice led to the founding of Wangarau Foods, a venture that began in her kitchen in 2014 and has since grown into a food processing and distribution business employing more than 35 people, with a growing footprint across Nigeria.
Popularly known as “Urban Market Woman” on social media, Mamza’s journey reflects both resilience and a keen eye for opportunity. What initially appeared to be a setback—her inability to secure employment—became the catalyst for a larger vision.
“I was supposed to become a job seeker, but I realised I could create jobs instead,” she said.
Identifying a Market Gap
The idea for Wangarau Foods emerged from a simple but widespread problem: busy professionals struggling to find time for market runs and meal preparation. A conversation with a neighbour who worked in a bank proved pivotal.
That moment revealed a broader gap in the market—one that Mamza quickly moved to fill. Starting with small-scale production from her kitchen, she began supplying cleaned, packaged food items and ready-to-cook ingredients to people within her immediate environment.
From the outset, her focus went beyond selling food. She aimed to simplify cooking by eliminating the stress of preparation while maintaining quality and hygiene.
Building from the Ground Up
As demand grew, so did the need for structure. Determined to build a credible brand, Mamza invested in training and obtained certification in food processing. Operations gradually expanded—from her kitchen to her living room, and eventually into a physical store.
Funding, however, remained a major hurdle.
Undeterred, she adopted a grassroots approach, marketing her products door-to-door, including visits to banks and offices. This phase not only sustained the business but also shaped its evolution.
Custom requests from clients led to a broader product range, tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences. This adaptability would later become one of the company’s defining strengths.
Breakthrough and Expansion
A turning point came in 2018 when Mamza participated in a business reality show, finishing as a runner-up. That same year, she secured a grant that enabled her to scale operations, invest in equipment, and hire her first employees.
By 2019, Wangarau Foods had transitioned into a brick-and-mortar business, marking its shift from an informal setup to a structured enterprise.
Growth accelerated further during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses struggled, Wangarau Foods adapted quickly, securing supply partnerships and operating through lockdowns to meet rising demand for food delivery and convenience products.
“At a time when people were staying home, we were working around the clock,” Mamza recalled.
By 2021, the company expanded again to meet demand, growing its workforce from a small team to over 20 employees, and later exceeding 35.
Strengthening the Value Chain
Today, Wangarau Foods offers a wide range of products, including African food commodities like egusi and crayfish, roasted proteins, snacks, and ready-to-use ingredients.
A key part of its business model is direct sourcing from farmers across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Mamza has built long-term relationships within the agricultural value chain, emphasising trust and mutual understanding.
“Understanding the farmer is key. It’s not just business; it becomes a relationship,” she said.
The company has also evolved its logistics strategy, initially managing deliveries internally before partnering with third-party providers to improve efficiency and scale.
Navigating Challenges, Eyeing Growth
Like many Nigerian businesses, Wangarau Foods faces structural challenges, including high fuel costs and infrastructure limitations. Yet Mamza maintains a solution-driven mindset, focusing on adaptability rather than constraints.
Looking ahead, the company is targeting expansion into major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, with ambitions that extend beyond national borders.
Despite already seeing demand from international customers, Mamza envisions a future where Wangarau Foods operates physical outlets globally.
Her goal remains clear: to make food preparation easier, more hygienic, and accessible—one customer at a time.
As the business continues to grow, its story stands as a reflection of how innovation, persistence, and a deep understanding of everyday problems can transform a modest kitchen idea into a scalable enterprise.