John Phiri

John Phiri – Biography
John Phiri is a Zambian entrepreneur, SME growth strategist, trainer, and customer service expert with extensive experience in business development, operations management, and enterprise formalisation. He is the Managing Director of Topchem Eco Care Solutions Limited and General Manager at Toplife Investments Limited, a multi-service construction and maintenance company specialising in general construction, aluminium works, security burglar bars, roller shutters, plumbing, tiling, ceilings, and property maintenance.

John holds a Diploma in Marketing, a Degree in Business Administration, and a Master of Commerce in Development, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. He is a former President of the Youth Entrepreneurs Association of Zambia, where he championed youth-led enterprise development and mentorship initiatives.
Through his consultancy brand, Paradigm Consult Zambia, John supports small and medium enterprises with practical guidance in financial discipline, customer experience, operational systems, HR policy development, performance management, and strategic growth. His work focuses on helping entrepreneurs transition from informal hustles to structured, sustainable businesses.
John is also the author of the upcoming book *From Hustle to Strategy: The Guide to Formalising Your Small Business*, which blends storytelling with practical strategy to empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
Passionate about inclusive economic growth, John is actively involved in SME advisory services, safety programme implementation, agribusiness development initiatives, and capacity-building programmes. He believes strongly in building enterprises that are profitable, ethical, well-governed, and sustainable.