Ubuntu Enablers Empower a New Wave of Cooperative Entrepreneurs

In the heart of a vibrant community center in Sinazongwe District, the Ubuntu Enablers team stood ready to spark change. Known for our grassroots empowerment initiatives and deep belief in collective progress, Ubuntu Enablers organized a special workshop for a group of aspiring entrepreneurs with one mission: to guide them in setting up their own cooperative. This came about after an expression of interest from Kaluli Development Foundation through Gossner Mission Zambia representatives.
The workshop welcomed 15 eager participants from various sectors—agriculture, crafts, retail, and technology. Most were first-time entrepreneurs, bound by a common dream of creating sustainable livelihoods through collaboration.
From the start, the atmosphere was electric. Led by expert facilitators in the sector, Chippoh Mweembaand Brenda Michelo, the training blended theory and practice. The first session unpacked the fundamentals of cooperatives: democratic governance, shared ownership, and equitable distribution of profits. As the group explored success stories from around Africa, eyes lit up with possibility.
“We don’t just teach,” said Chippoh, “we co-create solutions. This is about building a culture of ‘we’—not just ‘me’.”
The second day participants were engaged in hands-on activities: developing constitutions, electing interim leadership, and drafting business models tailored to their sectors. Ubuntu Enablers provided toolkits and mentoring sessions. Local Authourities in charge of cooperatives were invited to share lessons learned and answer questions.
One participant, Simasiku….., who is one of the brains behind the cooperative idea, said, “Ubuntu Enablers didn’t just train us—they believed in us. For the first time, I see our vision clearly and know how to make it real.”
By the end of the two days workshop not only did the participants understand how a cooperative is formed and formally registered, but a network of supportive, purpose-driven entrepreneurs was formed—ready to uplift their communities through shared enterprises.
Ubuntu Enablers had done more than conduct a workshop—we ignited a movement.