Zambia: A Lusaka Bag Maker Is Sewing a Bigger Future For Zambia's Youth

A young Zambian entrepreneur, Brian Hamubotu, is expanding his bag-making business to provide job opportunities for numerous young people in the country. Hamubotu, 25, established Hillight Manufacturers Limited in 2025 with just one worker, but the company has since grown to employ 14 individuals who produce and sell customised bags across Zambia.

Initially, Hamubotu sold bracelets to save money for his manufacturing venture, and he later began making and selling bags after receiving a heat press from a friend. The business now produces travel, toiletry, and laptop bags for businesses, schools, and individual customers, with the team capable of manufacturing up to 600 items per day depending on the order specifications.

Despite the growth, Hamubotu's workshop is still limited by the small City Market workspace, the cost of larger premises, and reliance on imported equipment. He is requesting assistance from the government or well-wishers to acquire a larger facility and modern industrial sewing machines, enabling the business to produce more items, take on larger orders, and train additional young people in various skills.

For Hamubotu, the social aspect of empowering young people is as important as increasing production or profits. He describes the workshop as a place of love, harmony, and unity, where members share ideas and move together as a family.