Febby, Salifyanji, Elizabeth & Lucy: The Zambian creatives driving social impact through art and design

7 minute read

CAMFED Ghana’s Agnes Atanga met with Febby, Salifyanji, Elizabeth and Lucy to learn about their artisan craft businesses. All are members of the CAMFED Association — the network of young women supported through school by CAMFED — from Zambia and are proudly honing and passing on their enterprise skills.

On November 8, 2024, their crafts will be exhibited at a Christmas Fair in Homerton College, Cambridge, UK.  

Agnes: Tell me about your business, and what inspired you to launch?

Febby: I decided to start my tailoring business, Febby Chitenge Wear, in 2021, using chitenge cloth — a traditional printed fabric that is popular here in Zambia — to create stylish garments. I’m very interested in fashion, and I love that I can make a sustainable living from my passion, while gaining new skills and experience.  

Salifyanji: My fashion accessories business, Sally’s Beads, focuses on high quality beaded jewelry and accessories, created using a range of different materials. I have a focus on sustainability so use recycled or up-cycled materials in my products where possible. 

I fell in love with the art of beading after taking part in CAMFED’s Transition program where we learned a range of artisanal crafts. After graduating from secondary school, I needed to gain financial independence quickly, so I wanted to launch an accessories business. Thanks to a start-up grant from CAMFED, I was able to turn my passion for beaded crafts into a sustainable business. 

Elizabeth: I launched my business, Elizabeth Crafts, in 2014, focusing on handmade pots and sculptures of Zambian animals. I make them by first creating a skeleton frame out of wire, and then using recycled materials such as paper to lay over the frame and create the shape. Finally I paint and decorate the sculptures. I first started out creating flower pots and small birds, but over time I have developed my techniques, to create larger, more impressive animal sculptures. 

I was inspired by a man from my community, Mr Chikuswe, who owns an arts and crafts business. Seeing his financial stability, I was inspired to start my own. He has been a great mentor to me, providing lots of encouragement and advice. 

Lucy: I have always loved art, and seeing other female artists in Zambia doing so well inspired me to follow my creative passions. CAMFED provided me with a start-up grant, and I launched my business  — Lucy’s Mosaics — in 2020. I create my mosaics from a wide range of materials, including colorful beads and natural materials like seeds.

Lucy (left) and Salifyanji (right) at the National Arts Festival in Zambia, August 2024. Lucy uses colorful beads, and natural materials like seeds to create her eye catching mosaics (far right).  (Credit: CAMFED)

Agnes: How has your business grown over time?

Febby: My business has grown as more people have become aware of my products. Since securing several small business loans from CAMFED, I have been able to purchase an overlocking machine, enabling me to operate my business more efficiently. I have also bought a mobile phone to take high-quality photos to advertise on social media and reach more potential customers. These investments will help me grow even further. 

Salifyanji: Due to increasing demand for traditional clothing, my business is growing as more people look for traditional beaded jewelry and accessories to complement their outfits. 

CAMFED has helped me to participate in exhibitions, like the National Arts Festival, held in Lusaka, which have been great for branding and advertising. By attending these events I have learned a lot more about the industry and acquired more customers. 

Elizabeth: As my business has grown, I have been able to develop my skills and source the materials to create more products and larger sculptures. I received a business loan from CAMFED, which has helped me expand both my sculpture business and to diversify into other areas like agriculture, growing tomatoes and cabbages.  

Agnes:  How has your business impacted you, your family, and your wider community?

Febby: Because of my business, I am financially independent and able to support myself, as well provide for my mom and siblings. 

Salifyanji: Because of my business, I am able to support myself and my mother. I thoroughly enjoy creating beaded accessories and intend to teach the skill to other young women so they can support themselves as well. 

Elizabeth: Due to my business growth, I have been able to support my younger siblings with groceries and school fees. I also teach art and sculpture to other CAMFED Association members, providing them with important skills to achieve a secure livelihood.

Additionally, because of my expansion into farming, I am able to provide my community with low-cost, nutritious food. 

Lucy: Since starting my business, I have personally grown as an artist as I have learned and developed new skills. I have also been able to identify other young artists in my community, helping them to start their own venture in the industry.  For example, I mentor a girl who is in her final year of secondary school in business and practical skills, with the aim that she will start her own business one day. 

Elizabeth creates stylized animal sculptures using wire, recycled paper and paints. (Credit: CAMFED)

Agnes: What keeps you motivated?

Salifyanji: It is good to have a career, but it is even better to have a talent or a skill. When you have a skill, you can decide your own path and sustain yourself. This is what keeps me motivated and moving in my business.

Agnes: What advice would you give a young woman who wants to start out in business?

Febby: For a woman who wants to start a business, the most important thing to do is start! You must turn your dreams into something real, otherwise you may never realize your potential. If I had not started my business, I would not have gained the knowledge and skills I have now of the fashion industry. There may be challenges when starting a business, but it is important to keep going and one day you will excel.

Salifyanji: Use the talent and skills you have to start a business. Have a strong heart and a strong mind to prepare for the challenges of business. Be positive and enjoy your journey into entrepreneurship.

Elizabeth: Business is the best thing someone can do to achieve financial stability, especially here in Zambia where formal jobs can be scarce. I would advise a young woman to venture into business even if they have little capital to start with. 

Lucy: Remember that business is a skill that cannot be taken away from you. My encouragement to my fellow women is to start with what you have, be positive, and always motivate yourself.

Salifyanji creates intricate beaded accessories like necklaces and bracelets. (Credit: CAMFED)

Agnes: How has securing your right to education changed your life?

Febby: I truly believe that with education I can make a significant impact in my life and my community, helping to end poverty. When women are educated, they can become leaders and create a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable and underserved communities.  

I am currently studying Public Administration and Human Resource Management at the University Of Zambia. With CAMFED’s support, I have been able to continue my business, in addition to my studies at university. 

Salifyanji: Growing up, my parents could not afford to pay the school fees for both my brother and me, so a secondary education was unattainable until CAMFED stepped in to support me. Very few women in my community have had the opportunity to receive an education, so completing school has been a key milestone in my life. Education has provided me with the opportunity to help my community and ensure other young women achieve the same. 

Elizabeth: Because I am educated, I feel more equipped with the skills and knowledge to support my family and community in any way I can. CAMFED supported me all the way through secondary school, which relieved a great burden from my family who could not afford to pay my school fees.

Lucy: Gaining an education with CAMFED’s support, and being able to read and write has really improved my confidence levels. I am now respected in the community. Today I am an inspiration to other young women, mentoring and encouraging them to focus on education.

Agnes: Thank you so much for your time, it’s been great. 

CAMFED Association members from across four provinces took part in the 2024 National Arts Festival Zambia, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts. They exhibited a variety of artworks and products that included: animal art, mosaics, baskets, beaded jewelry and shoes. Left-right: Manyando, Mary, Lucy, Salifyanji, Nancy, and Catherine. (Credit: CAMFED)