In picture: Muleya the Shoe maker and Ms Brenda from Ubunthu enablers

Twayanda Innovation Shoe-Making Project continues to make remarkable strides, demonstrating how the right support and opportunity can unlock real growth for local entrepreneurs.

One of the start-up shoemakers, Muleya Mutanda participated in the first Ubunthu Enablers Start-Up Business Symposium in 2025. During the symposium, he received an electric shoe-sewing machine an investment that has significantly transformed his production capacity and business performance.

Previously, Muleya relied on an old cloth stitching machine, producing between 4 and 8 pairs of shoes per day. Today, with the new equipment, he is able to produce at least 20 pairs of shoes daily, in addition to carrying out repairs. The improvement has not only increased productivity but has also brought renewed motivation and excitement to his work.

Building on this progress, Muleya has begun collaborating with Rocky, a professional shoemaker from Lusaka who has been working closely with Ubunthu. Plans are currently underway for Rocky to relocate to Choma, a move that will further strengthen the partnership and support the continued growth of the business.

The project is currently experiencing strong demand, since the reopening of schools. Muleya has been actively producing shoes for school-going children and continues to receive additional orders from members of the surrounding community.

Overall, the Twayanda Innovation Shoe-Making Project is showing encouraging growth, increased productivity, and consistent market demand clear evidence of the positive impact that Ubunthu’s support and skills development initiatives are having on local livelihoods.

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