3 DAYS TO GO! Women in Business: The Powerhouses of Kasama

Kasama, a town known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant markets, is also home to some of Zambia’s most resilient and innovative businesswomen. From the bustling streets lined with traders to the modern offices where CEOs and entrepreneurs strategize, women in Kasama are proving that success knows no gender.

Meet Mwila: A Dream in Motion

Mwila, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, always dreamed of running her own business. Growing up in Kasama, she watched her mother wake up before dawn to prepare vegetables for the market. It was from her mother that Mwila learned the value of hard work, resilience, and financial independence.

Determined to take things a step further, Mwila saved up to start her own agribusiness—processing and packaging organic dried fruits for sale. Despite the challenges of securing funding and navigating a male-dominated industry, she never backed down. She attended entrepreneurship workshops, connected with mentors, and took advantage of business grants for women. Today, her products are sold in major stores across Zambia, and she employs other young women in her community.

“I want to create opportunities for other women,” Mwila says. “When women succeed in business, families and entire communities thrive.”

The Women Transforming Kasama’s Business Landscape

Mwila is just one of the many women changing the face of business in Kasama. Across different sectors, women are making an impact:

• Market Vendors: The heart of Kasama’s economy beats in its markets. Women sell fresh produce, fabrics, and handmade crafts, providing for their families and keeping the local economy alive.
• Retail and Trade: Women own and operate shops, salons, and restaurants, creating jobs and contributing to Kasama’s economic development.
• Agriculture & Agribusiness: Women farmers and entrepreneurs are innovating in food production, livestock, and value addition.
• Finance & Leadership: More women are stepping into leadership roles, managing banks, running cooperatives, and influencing major financial decisions.

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite their undeniable contributions, women in business still face hurdles—lack of access to funding, cultural stereotypes, and gender disparities in leadership opportunities. However, through government programs, NGOs, and women-focused business training initiatives, these barriers are being broken.

The Gender Division under the Office of the President is playing a crucial role in promoting women’s participation in economic activities. With their support, more women in Kasama are receiving training, grants, and networking opportunities.

Kasama’s Businesswomen: A Future Without Limits

As Kasama prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize the hardworking women shaping the town’s economic future. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Empowering Women in Business for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

For Mwila and countless other women, business isn’t just about making money—it’s about creating a lasting legacy.

👉 Tag a woman in business and celebrate her journey!

#IWD2025 #WomenInBusiness #KasamaCelebratesWomen #SupportWomen #EmpowerHer