Solwezi-based youth manufacturing shoes using goat skin - Zambia

Solwezi-based youth manufacturing shoes using goat skin

Solwezi-based 34-year-old businessman Mr Aaron Menda started out in 2006 as a cobbler. Having only gone up to the 12^th Grade, Mr Menda was constantly frustrated by the thought of being a cobbler all his life. Without a tertiary education, he had little hope of getting a job, so he decided he would study the art of manufacturing shoes.

His first few attempts where not good enough for the market, but he didn’t give up. He then began inquiring what exactly was required in the shoe manufacturing process and he discovered that he needed a machine and moulds. Due to financial constraints, he couldn’t acquire the machine but managed to acquire the moulds as a start-up for his business.

That was the beginning of his journey as a shoe manufacturer. He however recalls that it was not easy when he started, requiring two days to make one pair of shoes. Through determination and hard work, Mr Menda is now an established business owner of a company called “Smart Manufactures” with six employees who make nine to 10 pairs of shoes in a day. Because of the magnitude of his work, he has a small workshop at a renowned market in Solwezi district. Currently, their market extends as far as Livingstone, Lusaka, Ndola, Lumwana and Kalumbila.

Not that the buisness does not face challenges. Smart Manufactures still lacks professional machinery although the firm is able to manufacture shoes using small hand sewing machines, moulds and grinding motors. Some of the products used are conveyer belts and goat skin to make canvas and dress shoes. Additionally, the company buys leather bags from local traders to make leather shoes.

“I have never done any sort of training concerning the shoe manufacturing process. Everything I am able to do today is self-taught,” explained the 2017 and 2019 winner for the national youth-owned business.

Mr Menda’s wish is to attend a skills training centre as this will help him broaden his understanding and better his skills.

Smart Manufactures are working towards growing their company and begin exporting their shoes not only to African countries but to other continents as well. In this regard, the company appeals to government to assist them with machinery that will enable them speed up the manufacturing process as their goal is to one day be one of the world’s largest shoe manufacturers.