Meet the Founder: Catherine Shembilu - Tanzania 🇹🇿
Updated: 2 days ago
This week, BySheAfrica is delighted to introduce Catherine Shembilu, Founder and Managing Director of Vikapu Bomba, a Tanzanian social enterprise creating beautiful, handwoven baskets while empowering rural women through sustainable employment.
Founded in 2011, Vikapu Bomba works with women artisans across Southern Tanzania, helping preserve traditional basket-weaving skills while connecting their craftsmanship to premium local and international markets.
Today, the business supports over 300 rural women artisans.
At BySheAfrica, we believe businesses like Vikapu Bomba represent the future of African entrepreneurship: purpose-driven, sustainable and rooted in community.
About the Founder
"I founded Vikapu Bomba with the aim of providing rural women with economic opportunity and control over their financial well-being through provision of a sustainable source of income."
Why BSA Loves This Business
✓ Empowering rural women through sustainable income
✓ Preserving traditional Tanzanian craftsmanship
✓ Creating access to regional and international markets
✓ Building a business with meaningful social impact
Opportunities and connections
Vikapu Bomba is interested in connecting with:
International retailers and stockists
Wholesale buyers
Interior and lifestyle brands
Corporate gifting partners
Fashion and design collaborations
How can the BySheAfrica community support this founder?
At BySheAfrica, we're proud to shine a spotlight on women building businesses that create both economic opportunity and lasting social impact. If you're a retailer, buyer, interior designer, corporate gifting manager, collaborator or simply passionate about African craftsmanship, we'd love for you to discover Vikapu Bomba and support the women behind every basket.
Follow Vikapu Bomba
📍 Iringa, Tanzania
🌐 Website: www.vikapubomba.com
📸 Instagram: @vikapubomba
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