Hamisi breaks down how he leveraged digital tools from the Inclusive Digital Participation Programme to grow his clothing business.
Hamisi Mwajembe, hailing from rural coastal Kenya, encountered his first computer in grade six, sparking a fascination with its potential. Learning foundational computer skills and internet navigation opened up a world of possibilities for him.
As a member of the wildlife club, he used his newfound internet access to research mangroves, eagerly awaiting each school computer session to delve deeper into his studies.
Inspired by his initial experiences, Hamisi decided he wanted to pursue a career in IT. He chose Computer Studies as a subject in his early secondary education. However, his dreams were thwarted when his school could not provide a computer teacher for forms three and four.
This setback diminished his chances of pursuing an IT related course at university, leading him to opt for a course in procurement for his college education.
While studying at the Mombasa Technical Training College, Hamisi had an entrepreneurial epiphany. He decided to establish a clothing business named Swiss Collection, starting by selling primarily to his classmates. It was during this period that a friend suggested he apply for the British Council’s Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation Programme. This programme is designed to enhance participants’ digital skills, thereby positively impacting their businesses. The timing was perfect for Hamisi, as the programme equipped him with significant digital skills that directly benefited his venture.
‘The Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation Programme by the British Council was transformative for me,’ Hamisi recalls. ‘The skills we were taught were practical and could be immediately applied to my business. We learned how to create a digital presence and market our business online. When I implemented these skills, my business’s revenue doubled within a few months. I expanded my client base and received orders from far beyond my local area.’
The programme’s curriculum included essential skills such as building a website and utilising various social media platforms to attract and engage customers. These newly acquired skills were invaluable to Hamisi. Not only did he create a website, but he also started attracting clients from distant locations. ‘I am immensely grateful to the British Council for allowing me to participate in this programme. I urge them to continue offering such courses, as they had a direct and profound impact on me and my business.’
Our Impact Stories is a curated collection of individual stories showcasing the impact of British Council programmes across Arts and Culture, English and Schools Education, Higher Education, Non-Formal Education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across Sub-Saharan Africa. From fashion entrepreneurs in Ethiopia and Kenya to educators in Rwanda, animators in Nigeria, and heritage preservationists in Zimbabwe, the book captures the breadth and depth of what our programmes make possible when ability meets opportunity.
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