Today, we proudly join the nation in celebrating Farmers’ Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the resilience, dedication, and hard work of our farmers who continue to feed the nation and drive economic growth. At HATTAZ, we celebrate the invaluable contribution of farmers, especially those embracing cotton value addition, sustainable agricultural practices, and entrepreneurship to improve livelihoods and strengthen rural communities. Through the Women Economic Empowerment in the Cotton Value Chain (WEE CVC) Project, we remain committed to supporting farmers with skills development, market opportunities, financial inclusion, and value addition initiatives that create lasting impact. As we commemorate this special day, let us continue working together to build a more resilient, productive, and prosperous agricultural sector. Happy Farmers’ Day to all our hardworking farmers! Your commitment is the foundation of our nation’s food security and economic development. We Effect Southern AfricaEmbassy of Sweden, Addis AbabaMinistry of Agriculture, Zambia #FarmersDay2026 #CelebratingOurFarmers #Agriculture #CottonValueChain #WomenEconomicEmpowerment #HATTAZ #WEECVC #SustainableAgriculture #ValueAddition
HATTAZ successfully concluded a 10-day Flying Shuttle Loom Weaving Training held in Lusaka, facilitated by an experienced weaving expert from Tanzania. The intensive training brought together 10 women weavers from different parts of Zambia, equipping them with advanced weaving techniques to enhance the quality, efficiency, and market competitiveness of their handwoven textiles. This skills development initiative is a significant step towards strengthening women’s participation in the textile value chain by promoting knowledge exchange, innovation, and regional collaboration. The newly acquired expertise will enable the participants to produce high-quality woven fabrics, create sustainable livelihood opportunities, and contribute to the growth of Zambia’s handloom and textile industry. Together, we continue to invest in women and build a stronger, more competitive textile sector. #HATTAZ #WomenEmpowerment #HandloomWeaving #FlyingShuttleLoom #SkillsDevelopment #TextileIndustry #MadeInZambia #RegionalCollaboration International Trade CentreWe Effect Southern AfricaEmbassy of Sweden, Addis AbabaMinistry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development
HATTAZ was proud to participate in the Petauke and Mambwe District Agriculture and Commercial Shows under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment.” Which provides an important platform for showcasing how agriculture can drive inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods in Zambia. For the Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Cotton Value Chain (WEE CVC) Project, this theme strongly reflects the project’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in agriculture not only as producers, but also as entrepreneurs, investors, and key players in value addition and market systems. Through the project, women and youth are being empowered with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage meaningfully across the cotton value chain. From cotton production and value addition to savings and investment through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and Cooperatives as well as alternative livelihood activities such as honey and mushroom production, weaving and other small enterprises, the project is fostering a culture of trade, innovation, investment opportunities, resilience, and economic inclusion in Zambia. We are especially honoured that our collective efforts and innovations earned 1st place in both districts—a reflection of the hard work, commitment, and progress being made by women and youth in transforming livelihoods through the WEE CVC Project. #PDACS #MDACS #weecvc #fosteringTradeandInvestment We Effect Southern AfricaEmbassy of Sweden, Addis AbabaMinistry of Agriculture, ZambiaCotton Board of ZambiaCotton Development Trust -CDTMinistry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development
Cotton harvesting season is a critical stage in the cotton value chain, where months of hard work, dedication, and good agronomic practices begin to yield results. We encourage smallholder cotton farmers to harvest mature cotton carefully, maintain cleanliness during picking, and properly store seed cotton to preserve quality and maximize market value. Quality harvesting not only improves farmer incomes but also contributes to a stronger and more competitive cotton sector. Wishing all cotton farmers a productive and successful harvest season. We Effect Southern AfricaMinistry of Agriculture, ZambiaCotton Board of ZambiaCotton Development Trust -CDT ESACO #CottonHarvest2026 #SmallholderFarmers #QualityCotton #Agriculture #CottonValueChain #FarmersFirst #SustainableAgriculture #weecvc
Three successful Cotton Field Days hosted by Handloom and Textiles Technologies Association of Zambia (HATTAZ) through the WEECVC project were held in Mambwe, Katete, and Lusangazi Districts, bringing together farmers, demonstration plot holders, the Ministry of Agriculture, cotton ginners, and other key stakeholders in the cotton value chain. The field days provided a platform for farmers to showcase best agronomic practices, share experiences, and learn innovative approaches aimed at improving cotton productivity and sustainability. The events were also graced by a Seed Breeder from the Cotton Development Trust, who encouraged farmers to implement agronomic practices timely and correctly in order to achieve improved yields and quality cotton production. The gatherings further strengthened collaboration among stakeholders committed to supporting smallholder farmers and enhancing the growth of the cotton sector. Together, we continue promoting knowledge sharing, innovation, and economic empowerment within farming communities. We Effect Southern Africa Cotton Development Trust -CDT Cotton Board of Zambia Ministry of Agriculture, Zambia ESACO
Students from University of Lusaka University of Lusaka (UNILUS), in collaboration with University of South Carolina (USC), paid a visit to HATTAZ to gain firsthand experience in handloom weaving. The visit provided an opportunity for the students to deepen their understanding of the craftsmanship behind handloom fabrics, appreciate their cultural and economic value, and engage directly with artisans. This immersive experience forms part of their ongoing work to explore and develop a tailored marketing strategy for HATTAZ, blending innovation with tradition. #handloom #weecvc #wovenfabric
ANNOUNCEMENT OF PASSING It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the Handloom and Textile Technologies Association of Zambia (HATTAZ) announces the passing of one of our esteemed Master Trainers in Weaving. She was not only a highly skilled artisan but also a dedicated teacher, mentor, and pillar of our association. Through her tireless commitment to skills transfer, she directly impacted over 2,000 farmers, empowering them with weaving skills, designs, and practical business knowledge that transformed lives and livelihoods. Her contribution went beyond training. She played a critical role in the foundation and registration of HATTAZ, as it is the very skills she and others imparted that form the core business and identity of the association today. We have lost a teacher, a colleague, and a friend. Her legacy will live on through the many hands she trained, the families uplifted, and the thriving weaving enterprises she inspired. On behalf of the HATTAZ Board, Management, members, and partners, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
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