In Ndola, young people are earning income by turning used clothes into useful products through the DAPP Zambia Clothes Value Addition Project. The project works with second-hand clothes and shoes that remain after sales cycles in DAPP Clothes and Shoes shops.

“Through the Clothes Value Addition Project, young people are working with second-hand clothes and shoes that remain after shop sales cycles. Instead of being thrown away, the clothes are sorted into two groups. Usable items are given to youth groups, while the remaining materials are passed on to recycling partners so that nothing ends up in the landfills,” said Mubita Mubita.

Before receiving the materials, youth groups are trained in cutting, sewing, repairing, and reshaping clothes and shoes into products for home use and sale.

“We do not want any piece of cloth or shoe to go to waste. Through the training, young people begin to see that these materials still have value and can be reused. Instead of throwing them away or burning them, they learn to repair, reshape, and turn them into items for home use or resale. In this way, they reduce waste while creating a source of income for themselves,” Mubita added.

After the training, old clothes are turned into bags, doormats, reusable sanitary pads, ribbons, and other items. Torn shoes are repaired and sold again. What was once treated as waste is now being used to support daily needs and small businesses.

“So far, about 20 youth groups have taken part in the training. Many have started earning income from the products they make. Some have also started small businesses, such as selling food and other items in their communities. The income helps them support themselves and their families,” he said.

The project is also helping to reduce waste in communities. Clothes that could have been burned or dumped are now reused or sent to recycling companies for further processing.

Members of the Group say the project has helped them learn new skills and start saving together.

“When we receive second-hand clothes from the DAPP Clothes Value Addition Project, we learn how to make products such as bonnets, ribbons, sanitary pads, and doormats. We sold seven doormats at the 2025 Zambia International Trade Fair and raised K1,050.00. Instead of sharing the money, we saved it in our group savings club so members can borrow and support their small businesses and families,” said Gift Kasongo.