Zambia's handloom movement empowers rural women through textile training

Women in rural Zambia are transforming traditional weaving skills into sustainable commercial livelihoods through increased access to training, machinery, and markets. This movement is being driven by the Lusaka-based Handloom and Textile Technology Association of Zambia (HATTAZ), which focuses on empowering rural women and youth within the country’s cotton value chain.

Historically, while weaving has been a long-standing practice in rural communities, many women struggled to translate these skills into consistent income due to a lack of business training and market access. Technical assistance provided by the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the ACP Business-Friendly programme has helped address these gaps. The support has enabled HATTAZ to provide training in advanced weaving techniques, product development, branding, quality control, and market linkages.

Under the coordination of leaders like Doris Phiri, the initiative has helped formalize cooperatives in regions including Chadiza, Mazabuka, Ndola, Choma, Petauke, and Katete. By establishing master trainers within these communities, the program has moved beyond basic instruction to help women understand quality standards and gain visibility in broader markets.