Izundu Chukwuemika Ignatius Lawrence
Founder & CEO
Building the future of e-commerce and service connectivity in Africa
The Founders
Izundu Chukwuemika Ignatius Lawrence
Founder & CEO
BSc Computer Science & Mathematics - Godfrey Okoye University
Izundu Ekenedilichukwu Eusebius Sylvester
Co-Founder & CFO
Business Administration - Babcock University
Damian Ohaike Paschal Chibukem
Co-Founder & COO
BSc Computer Science & Mathematics - Godfrey Okoye University
Obi Chibuke Christopher
Co-Founder & CMO
BSc Mass Communication - Godfrey Okoye University
The Meaning of Zempaa
Zeal
Zeal to always work, keep going no matter what
Empathy
Empathy for customers, putting the customers needs first
Accessibility
Making shopping accessible for everyone
The Zempaa Story
Zempaa was conceived in a small room at Godfrey Okoye University. The idea emerged from the challenges students faced while waiting in long queues at the school bookshop and dining areas, trying to purchase books, food, and other essentials. This frustration led to the birth of Zempaa, a platform designed not just for students but for people everywhere, to provide fast and easy access to the items they need.
Zempaa focuses on convenience, customer-first solutions and making online shopping feel like physical shopping by building products like bargaining AI, split payments for orders, and staying at the forefront of technological innovation. Its mission is to simplify shopping while prioritizing customer satisfaction.
🚀 Official Launch
After more than a year of meticulous planning and effort, Zempaa was officially launched on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at 12:00 AM.
🛠️ Technology Stack first Version 1.0
Frontend
React & Next.js
Led by Izundu Chukwuemika (Founder & CEO)
Backend
Python & Django
Led by Nzekwe Leonard (CTO)
💪 The Struggle
Zempaa encountered failure three times during its development, but after persevering, the fourth attempt proved successful, establishing the platform as a reliable e-commerce solution.
Key Connections That Shaped Zempaa
Nzekwe Leonard - CEO of Kralis & Netrobase, Now Co founder & CTO of Zempaa
Led the backend development with Python and Django. A meeting that would define our technical future.
Damian Ohaike Paschal - Co-Founder & COO
Joined as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, bringing operational excellence to the team.
Obi Christopher - Co-Founder & CMO
Lawrence's bunk mate at university, known from Dominican Sisters College Abatete, now CMO at Zempaa.
Mr. Dickson Nsofor - Founder & CEO of Korapay
Insights from a fintech pioneer that shaped our payment infrastructure strategy leading to why we use Korapay as Zempaa's payment gateway. He also taught me how to set goals and plan. 'The fear of self accomplihment is greater than the fear of failure'.
Mr. Victor - CEO of Kaiglo
Meeting through my brother Izundu Ekenedlichukwu during his internship at Kaiglo opened doors to e-commerce expertise.
Mr. Ifezue Somotochukwu - Founder & CEO of Piggyvest
Insights from a master in the habits of saving during my internship at Korapay 2023
CEO of QUIDAX
Valuable lessons in financial technology and innovation.
Zempaa Digital City
Connecting clients to trusted service providers, promoting digital entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment across Africa, especially Nigeria.
Skilled Trades
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Carpenters
Tech Services
- Programmers
- Web Developers
- IT Support
Professional Services
- Cleaners
- Mechanics
- And more...
Background & Family
Family Foundation
Born into a family of entrepreneurs, with my father running Jogoz Industry and Unigo Spare Parts, and my mother managing alongside him. Their example shaped our path into business and innovation.
Education
Ignatius: BSc Computer Science and Mathematics at Godfrey Okoye University
Eusebius: Business Administration at Babcock University
Key Influences
- Dad & Mum - Our greatest inspiration
- Elon Musk - Visionary thinking
- Jeff Bezos - Customer obsession
My Philosophy
Seeing vs Believing
Average people see then believe. Entrepreneurs believe then see.
Work Like Hell
The price of progress is pain.
Mental Strength
Meditation first thing in the morning - exercise for the mind. Reading books as well.
Long-term Thinking
Always think long-term when making decisions.
Focus on One Thing
Multitasking is distracting. Focus shifts, success drifts.
Quality over Quantity
One great experience beats a thousand mediocre ones.
Hard-Earned Lessons
Wrong Leadership = Failure
Why many Nigerian startups fail: wrong choice of leaders in various team sectors.
Temptation Circumstances
Terminating employments due to lack of finance and more - the hardest decisions.
Talent is Not Enough
Passion drives success. Don't chase what's hot, chase what matters.
Never Give Up
Keep going. The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow.
Business Jealousy
Don't worry about competitors. Just keep running as fast as you can.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Success is rarely a solo journey. Build bridges, not walls.
My P*5 Formula
My personal formula for success
Pray - Passion - Perseverance - Pain - Patience = Progress
Life Principles
Needs vs Wants
Understanding the difference between what you need and what you want is crucial for sustainable growth.
Life Plan
Have a clear vision. Without a plan, you're planning to fail. The purpose of clarity is important.
Pride and Ego
Leave them at the door. They're the enemies of progress.
Read Books
Knowledge is the only asset that grows when shared.
Work-Life Balance
Find harmony, not balance. Some days work wins, some days life wins.
Take Action
What makes you exited about the future ?. If you want to make the future good, take action 'NOW' and it will be.
Choices
Don't be too happy about your gifts but be grateful and thankful for them because they were given to you. It's the choices you make that actually matters. In the end, we are our choices
Building Together
Amazing women who work with me across Zempaa companies
To All Women Pushing Forward
I see you. I celebrate you. Building a business, raising families, breaking barriers you do it all. Keep going. The world needs your brilliance.
Innovempia: Built While Working With Me
While working alongside me at Zempaa, this incredible team of women founded Innovempia a software solutions and training company. They continue to work with me across Zempaa companies while building their own dream.
From late nights coding after Zempaa meetings to landing their first clients, I've watched them balance both worlds with grace and determination. They prove that you can build your own empire while contributing to something big.
"We built Innovempia while working with Lawrence at Zempaa. He didn't just support us he worked alongside us, celebrated our wins, and pushed us to dream bigger.
The Innovempia Team
Oguelina Olivia
Founder & CEO at Innovempia
BSc Computer Science & Mathematics - Godfrey Okoye University
Also leads backend development at Zempaa
Amadi Jessica
Co-Founder & CTO at Innovempia
BSc Computer Science & Mathematics - Godfrey Okoye University
Also leads Product design at Zempaa
To every woman balancing multiple dreams you are seen, you are celebrated, and you are unstoppable.Keep building. We're in this together.
Book An Appointment
Invite me to speak, collaborate, or get personalized business advice