Reviving a craft: From shadows to the spotlight of Artistry

Mr Wafo Abel, a resident in the municipality of Bafoussam, for many years had dedicated himself to the craft of shoemaking, perfecting his skills and refining his techniques. However, despite his expertise, he struggled with limited visibility for his products and a lack of innovation to keep up with market demands. The situation worsened following the death of his grandparents, leaving him without financial means and forcing him to put his business on hold. Determined to rise above these challenges, Abel embarked on a journey to revitalize his trade, seeking new opportunities to relaunch his activity and secure a sustainable future.

The project’s intervention focused on equipping Abel with the necessary skills and resources to transform his shoemaking business into a sustainable enterprise. Through an incubation program (), he developed an entrepreneurial mindset, enabling him to reassess his business from a fresh perspective. With allowances received during the incubation program, he successfully relaunched his activity. Additionally, leveraging the digital marketing training he received, this helped to enhance the visibility of his products on social media. This holistic support not only revitalized his business but also positioned him for long-term growth in an increasingly digitalized market.

Today, Abel has significantly expanded his product range to include men's, women's, and children's shoes, as well as sandals and custom-designed footwear. He has increased his production capacity and invested in a computer, which he uses to create innovative designs. As a result, he has built a larger customer base and now offers a one-year after-sales service.

His work has attracted the attention of the Regional Delegation for Small and Medium Enterprises, which is closely monitoring his progress and expressing interest in his business. Looking ahead, Abel envisions establishing a modern footwear production unit dedicated to crafting high-quality, Made in Cameroon shoes.