Malawi’s flag is set to fly on another African stage, this time through the work of shoe maker Chimwemwe Mwenyemasi.
The renowned Malawian shoe maker is taking his craft beyond the country’s borders as he has now secured deals with several African chain stores.
“I have secured a big deal with a number of African chain stores to be supplying shoes, so I need a big workforce to deliver,” he said.
Mwenyemasi has now opened a shoe-making school in Machinjiri, Blantyre, where the 65 young people from across the country are currently undergoing training.
He says he is now turning to young Malawians after spending years sharing his skills with young people from other African countries.
“I have shared my talent with many young people from other countries, but it is high time I give back to the country that raised me,” he said.
The training is also expected to move beyond the Machinjiri school, with Mwenyemasi planning tours in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
Some of the students will take part in the tours as trainers, helping pass the skills on to more young people.
Mwenyemasi’s work will also take him to Lagos, Nigeria, in November, where he is expected to speak at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND 2026).
His appearance at the continental event will give him another platform to carry Malawian shoe-making into a wider African audience.
