In recent years, many people in Malawi have been purchasing shoes from renowned labels like Adidas, Boss, Gucci and others.
But now, things are different. Local individuals are beginning to craft their own shoes to sell within their communities.
Daniel Mkama is one of these individuals. He creates handmade shoes under his company, Steplite Handmade Shoes.
His business is located along Kamuzu Highway/Masauko Chipembele Highway, adjacent to the Total Energies Head Office and near the UDF offices in Limbe, Blantyre, the company’s factory enjoys a strategic location.
The company offers an impressive range of footwear, including descent shoes, school shoes, sandals, meticulously crafted leather belts, wallets, as well as shoe repairs.
“I spend the whole day making shoes, and it has been a journey of self-discovery,” Mkama says.
He is optimistic, saying: “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. I can see the hand of God lifting me up after struggling to establish myself in the shoe-making industry.
“So far, many customers have shown willingness to buy my shoes. For now, I am planning to approach institutions to acquire new clients.”
Mkama says although things have started bearing fruit, his artistic journey was not easy.
He recalled: “My mother used to run a shoe repair shop. As the oldest child, I grew up learning from various employees she had since 1999. In 2006, I went abroad to study business administration, but instead, I developed a strong interest in the shoe manufacturing.
“After completing my studies, I had the opportunity to work while also attending classes on shoe designing and production,” adds the 40-year-old shoemaker.
After returning home, he worked in various organisations while saving resources to start his business.
He also worked as a shoemaking instructor at DAPP Mikolongwe Vocational School in Chiladzulu.
“In 2018, I developed my five-year business plan while producing shoes at home. I opened the first shop in Nkolokoti, Blantyre, but due to a heavy workload, I had to close it.
“In 2019, I quit my job to focus on my personal business plan, still operating from home.”
Later, he opened a shop in Area 7, Machinjili. Unfortunately, natural disasters severely affected the business.
According to Mkama, the location was not conducive. That’s why he moved to Limbe in March 2023.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Mkama, through his business, has established itself as Malawi’s foremost leather brand.
As one sign that the company is registering massive progress, the company currently employs a dedicated team of seven professionals, which helps Mkama achieve the company’s vision of producing quality shoes at large numbers.
“One of our biggest achievements is customers’ trust in our products. You know we have many shops where people can buy shoes, but still people flock to us to buy our high-quality standards and durable shoes. Can we say this is not a mean achievement? No way,” says Mkama while repairing a shoe in his hand.
The company has also extended its services to encompass the restoration of car dashboards, ceilings, and panels.
“We also cater for the needs of schoolchildren through their school shoes and belts, office workers seeking refined and casual footwear options and heavy-duty workers requiring durable safety boots,” says Mkama.
Mkama’s products leave one amazed as his work does not only give waste a second life but also adds value to fashion.
He says he feels accomplished seeing a customer wearing any of his products.
Speaking about his shoe designs, Mkama says they are durable and are not affected by weather.
However, the business faces significant challenges, particularly in accessing affordable long-term financing.
Furthermore, given the challenging economic climate prevailing in the country, implementing the desired growth plans proves taxing.
Mkama, who hails from Masanjala Village, T/A Mpama in Chiradzulu, also bemoaned the lack of appreciation of local talent among many Malawians as a major factor hindering the development of his talent.
He said some Malawians have used and dumped him without benefiting from their deals.
“I was born to do this. But some Malawians came just to use and dump me. Malawians should appreciate and know that a fellow Malawian can also produce something very original and very durable,” said Mkama.
Moving forward with his artistic journey, Mkama, who is also a chairperson for Kabula leather and leather products, a group formed under the Ministry of Trade to develop the leather supply chain, wants to share his skills with youths because he believes the career is lucrative and has a future as his customer base is usually made up of students, people having weddings, engagements and many others in society.
“Not only that, it is my wish to expand my production by having good machines as well as employing more people, especially the youths. By doing so, I can help to reduce unemployment that is affecting many youths in the country,” concluded Mkama, a proud father of two.
Simeon Makuwila has this to say about the shoe-making company: “The shoes are really comfortable, the leather is soft and the fit in so well. I have already gotten so much compliments on the shoe,” he said.
Ivy Masiye another customer praised the shoe company, saying the shoes are so good.
“Well made shoes. I love that the shoes are also so comfortable. I can’t believe these shoes are made in Malawi,” she said.
