Kupanga Global connects African artisans to the world.
“Kupanga” means to make in many African languages—and at our core, we exist to honor the hands, stories, and traditions behind every handmade product we sell.
Who We Are
Kupanga Global is a purpose-driven marketplace that connects African artisans to global audiences. We exist to celebrate craftsmanship, preserve cultural heritage, and create meaningful economic opportunities for makers—particularly women.
Through thoughtfully curated collections, Kupanga Global brings handmade, ethically produced goods to the world, while ensuring that the people behind them are seen, valued, and fairly rewarded. Our work is grounded in the principles of fair trade, fair labour, sustainability, and transparency—because we believe that how something is made matters just as much as what is made.
By bridging the gap between local creators and conscious consumers, we are building a more equitable and connected global trade ecosystem—one that honors people, process, and planet.
Kupanga Global is the international sister organization of FREE Zambia.
What we offer
Handwoven Baskets
Each basket is a work of African artistry, handwoven from sustainable materials to blend function, beauty, and tradition.
Handmade Jewelry
Kupanga Global showcases handcrafted jewelry that celebrates African culture and beauty while empowering the artisans who create it.
Wall Décor & Home Art
Our wall décor captures the spirit of Africa through unique designs that blend natural textures, cultural symbolism, and modern elegance.
Chandeliers
Our chandeliers blend traditional African design with modern style, adding warmth, creativity, and purpose to any space.
meet the artisans
Ng’ombe, Lusaka, Zambia
Jewelry & Chandeliers
A group of young women make copper jewelry and chandeliers from upcycled electrical wire and recycled hot water heaters in one of Lusaka’s peri-urban communities. FREE’s jewelry makers are largely self-taught, passing on their skills to new participants in the group.
meet the artisans
Mayukwayukwa, Zambia
Baskets & Rugs
Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement is home to our largest group of women. Approximately 70 women weave baskets from the vegetation they find in the bush. To add consistency to the incomes of the women, 10 were trained to weave banana fiber rugs in 2025. This initiative is a part of UNHCR’s Made51 program, providing opportunities for refugees to earn income through handmade products.
meet the artisans
Kanyama, Lusaka, Zambia
RUGS
A group of eight women, comprising of both refugees and Zambians are weaving rugs from fabric offcuts on simple wooden frames. The group is an initiative under UNHCR’s Made51 program which offers refugees opportunity to earn income through handmade products.
meet the artisans
Mongu, Zambia
Baskets, Bags & Brooms
Several groups of women and some men weave FREE’s bespoke designs in the Mongu area of Zambia’s Western Province. The Mongu area is known for its rich heritage of weaving, a skill that some fear is dying out as weavers are so poorly paid that the younger generation is uninterested in learning the skill. Ensuring that this skill is preserved and changing reality this is what brought FREE into basketry. Providing a living wage to our weavers is one of our core values.
Meet The Team
Dawn Close
Founder/CEO
Dawn has lived in southern Africa for over forty years. Her background in international development led her to found FREE, with a strong focus on value addition and women’s empowerment. Through FREE, Dawn continues to support women in building sustainable livelihoods and strengthening their sense of value and identity.
Memory Kunda
Training / Admin
Memory began working with the FREE women’s project in Ng’ombe at a young age. Through her involvement, she developed skills that led her to train women and refugees in weaving and craft production. Memory continues to work with FREE, supporting women’s livelihoods through training and hands-on production.
Elina Chandipo
Admin
Elina began making jewelry with the FREE women’s project in Ng’ombe. The self-confidence she acquired through her success with FREE led her to other employment though she maintained her involvement with the jewelry making activities and community engagement. Elina joined FREE as part of the administrative staff in 2025.