Zambian youths turn reeds into trendy crafts

LUSAKA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) — In the rural district of Luangwa in Zambia, some enterprising youths are turning reeds, a type of wild grass, into trendy summer hats, baskets and table mats.
What started as a traditional skill passed down through generations has now become a source of income for these young artisans, allowing them to support their families and make a living.
Among them are Innocent Phiri, 24, and Thomas Zulu, 26, who earn an income by selling their handmade crafts on the bustling streets of Lusaka, the country’s capital.
Phiri and Zulu, both natives of Luangwa in central Zambia, have over five years of experience crafting beautiful and practical items from the reeds that grow along the riverbanks in their community. They gather the reeds and create handicrafts in various sizes and designs before traveling to Lusaka to sell them.
“We saw an opportunity to make handicrafts out of the reeds that are abundant in our area. We started by making baskets and table mats and later expanded to summer hats, which have become quite popular with tourists and city dwellers,” Phiri explained.
The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail in each piece have earned the duo a loyal customer base and a reputation for producing high-quality items. The summer hats, in particular, have become a must-have fashion accessory for those looking to shield themselves from the scorching African sun in style.
“We take pride in our work and constantly experiment with new designs and techniques to stay ahead of the competition,” Zulu said.
The income generated from selling their reed products has enabled Phiri and Zulu to support their families and invest in their small business. The young people said they are now looking to expand their market reach beyond Lusaka and Luangwa.
“We hope to inspire other young people in our community and beyond to explore their skills and turn them into sustainable livelihoods,” Zulu added.
Mary Habenzu, 38, an art and fashion enthusiast from Lusaka, commended Phiri and Zulu for utilizing their skills and available materials to earn an income instead of waiting for formal employment opportunities.
“It is encouraging to see these youths making and selling pieces of art and earning a decent amount of money from it,” Habenzu said before buying a hat costing 30 Zambian Kwacha (about 1.15 U.S. dollars) from Phiri. ■