By 
By Theresa Nana Timothy
At just 36, Mr. Sharfuddeen Sadiq Maisikeli is not only navigating Nigeria’s tech landscape but is reshaping it as a creator. A native of Kano State and a graduate of Agricultural Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, Maisikeli’s foray into entrepreneurship was born out of necessity. Faced with the all-too-common challenge of unemployment post-graduation, he refused to wait on the sidelines for a government job. Instead, he forged his own path, driven by the desire to create opportunities for others.
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Spotting a gap in the Nigerian market, Maisikeli realized that the USB data and charging cables in use were mostly imported and often of poor quality. This sparked the idea: why not manufacture high-quality USB cables locally, reducing the nation’s dependence on substandard imports?
The Birth of Mucstar Cables and Accessories
With no previous experience in the tech manufacturing sector, Maisikeli spent over a year and a half researching how to produce USB cables. From understanding the raw materials to acquiring the necessary machinery, his determination led him into uncharted territory. Supported by his family, Maisikeli secured the capital to purchase machinery from China, and in May 2024, Mucstar Cables and Accessories produced its first batch of USB data and charging cables.
Mucstar specializes in customized USB cables, ranging from Type A, B, and C to Micro USB variants, all designed for smartphone users and tech device owners. These cables boast key features such as fast charging, durability, quick synchronization, and the use of pure copper for enhanced quality. The company primarily caters to bulk buyers in Kano who distribute the products across Nigeria.
“There are lots of job opportunities in the country and our local communities, all you need to do is look carefully and identify the problem in the society and come up with a solution and once you have a solution then you have a job”
Overcoming Challenges in a Competitive Market
Running a tech-based manufacturing company in Nigeria presents numerous challenges. One of the most pressing is the devaluation of the Naira, which has significantly increased the cost of importing raw materials. Additionally, the company’s reliance on electricity has been strained by rising power tariffs, driving up production costs. Maisikeli also faces the challenge of needing more advanced machinery to produce raw materials locally and reduce import dependency.
Despite these hurdles, Mucstar Cables has thrived under Maisikeli’s leadership. The company, which now employs 12 staff members, has been registered with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and trademarked since January 2023.
Seeking Growth Through Support and Sponsorship
While Mucstar continues to grow, its operations remain primarily self-funded. Maisikeli is actively seeking sponsorships and investments from government agencies, the private sector, and individual investors to scale production and enhance the company’s capabilities. His vision extends beyond USB cables, with plans to diversify into other tech accessories like phone chargers and earpieces. In the long term, he also hopes to manufacture electrical bulbs using existing machinery.
Maisikeli firmly believes that Nigeria’s future lies in local manufacturing, advocating for increased investment in production facilities over the construction of shopping malls. He envisions a Nigeria that is self-reliant, with more opportunities for its citizens through homegrown industries.
A Visionary With a Passion for Innovation
Much of Maisikeli’s success can be attributed to the unwavering support of his family, particularly his father. His entrepreneurial journey, fueled by a desire to create employment opportunities for fellow Nigerians, has garnered attention from his peers, many of whom have approached him for job opportunities at Mucstar.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s economic landscape, Maisikeli remains critical of the focus on consumerism. He argues that a shift towards manufacturing everyday products locally would lead to greater economic independence and empowerment for the youth.
A Bright Future for Nigerian Manufacturing
At the heart of Maisikeli’s vision is the ambition to uplift Nigeria’s youth through job creation and innovation. His story is one of resilience and forward-thinking leadership. By producing high-quality products locally, he not only contributes to Nigeria’s economic growth but also sets an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs. As Mucstar Cables and Accessories continues to expand, Maisikeli’s goal remains unwavering: to create opportunities for young Nigerians while establishing Nigeria as a hub for tech manufacturing in Africa.
