Empowering Creativity, Stitching Futures
African Vema is a Tanzanian-based creative manufacturing company that designs and produces high-quality bags, shoes, and tailoring products
while training and uplifting young talents into self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Shaping the Future with Innovation & Impact
Impact
Over 170+ Youth Trained
Heritage
Eco-Conscious Designs, African Pride
Innovation
Innovative Bags with GPS Tracking
(Coming Soon!)
About Us
African Vema is a proudly Tanzanian-owned social enterprise committed to transforming lives through creativity, craftsmanship, and community impact. Since our founding, we have specialized in the design and production of high-quality bags, shoes, and apparel that celebrate African identity while solving real-world challenges.
Rooted in purpose, we go beyond business. We use fashion as a tool to empower youth, especially through practical tailoring and design training programs. So far, we have trained over 170 young people, many of whom have started their own businesses or found dignified employment in the fashion and design industry.
Our Mission
To produce innovative, high-quality products while transforming the lives of young people through hands-on vocational training and economic empowerment.
Our Vision
To become a leading African brand in creative manufacturing while equipping the next generation with skills to thrive in a competitive economy.
Our Core Values
- Innovation
- Empowerment
- Quality
- Sustainability
- Community
Our Products
Bags
- School Bags (Standard & GPS-Enabled)
Our bags are more than just accessories—they’re tools for transformation. Designed with creativity, comfort, and durability in mind, our school bags have helped ignite pride and excitement in learning among children across Tanzania.
- Laptop Bags
- Tote & Travel Bags
Shoes
- Casual Footwear
- Custom Leather Sandals
- Work Boots
Tailoring
- Custom Clothing
- Corporate Uniforms
- Creative Apparel
- Tents (Mahema)
- Seat Covers
- Sofa Upholstery (Kutengeneza Makochi)
Learn. Create. Earn.
Through our partnership with SIDO and other institutions, African Vema offers hands-on tailoring and shoemaking training to young people, especially those from underserved backgrounds.
Program Highlights:
- Practical training in tailoring and shoemaking
- Business mentorship and entrepreneurship coaching
- Support to start your own business or get employed
- Over 170 youth trained and counting!
Social Impact
African Vema contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by:
• Creating decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)
• Promoting quality education and skills development (SDG 4)
• Reducing poverty through income-generating opportunities (SDG 1)
• Encouraging responsible consumption and production (SDG 12)
We are not just a brand — we are a movement building Africa’s future.
Meet Our Team
Samweli
Founder & Creative Director
A passionate artisan with 7+ years in business and tailoring, started the craft at a young age.
Omary
Production Manager
Experienced in operations and tailoring logistics, ensuring timely delivery.
Our Partners
We proudly collaborate with:
- SIDO Tanzania – Skills development and mentorship
- Local schools & institutions – Distribution and student outreach
- Community organizations – Youth recruitment for training