Kubu Crafts are manufacturers and retailers of high quality household, business, and lodge furniture and items, combined with the best of arts, crafts and gifts from both Zambia and the region.
The company was started by Lucy Renew and Roelf Bosman in 1997 with furnishing and decorating up-market lodges along the Upper Zambezi River, from a small workshop, employing three carpenters and two finishers.
From 1997 to 2003, the business was run from a small workshop in Livingstone, using tools, which were inherited, from Lucy’s father’s extensive home woodwork workshop. With the opening of three stores in Livingstone, and the main store at Manda Hill Centre Lusaka, the workshop has now evolved into a very modern workshop with sophisticated woodworking machines for maximum quality and efficiency. Goods are transported by road weekly from Livingstone to Lusaka.
With extensive and ongoing assistance from International volunteer organizations such as P.U.M, I.E.S.C and P.S.D.P, the quality and efficiency has been upgraded to International export standards. The workshop is based in Livingstone. Kubu Crafts works closely with the Danish Organization Danida and PUM, in a program aimed at bringing in expert instructors from the Netherlands, to train the lecturers at the technicons, who will in turn further train staff at all levels of furniture manufacture in the use of all the new machinery introduced in the last year.
Kubu Crafts are export-ready, and participate in export programmes such as Aid to Artisans, and are developing a steady export client base. The expertise of one of IESC’s timber technology advisors has been very instrumental in preparing Kubu Crafts for the process of exporting timber furniture professionally.
Kubu Crafts works mostly with indigenous teak and rosewood, sourced from environmentally responsible and licensed lumber suppliers in the Southern Province region, which Kubu Crafts cut and dry themselves in solar kilns. Timber is treated to eliminate borer infestation before drying and production. Everything possible is done to ensure the stability and protection of furniture items, and clients are encouraged to understand that timber is ever-changing according to temperature and humidity levels.
An extensive catalogue for viewing the entire product range on computer display is available. Knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through the catalogue and assist with ordering the furniture of your choice. Procurement officers of diplomatic missions have the opportunity to order furniture in advance of their destined arrival via the catalogue. Completion time for orders ranges from 6-12 weeks, depending on the type and quantity of items. Furniture carries a guarantee against product faults of manufacture.
Kubu Crafts are committed to the social upliftment of all the people of Zambia, through providing not only fair employment, but also the training of artisans both technically and inspirationally.
Kubu Crafts believes that the tremendous creative talent amongst Zambian crafts people and artists, if correctly channelled and aided, could become a large revenue provider and therefore improve the quality of life for all, as well as facilitate an environment in which people can earn a living wage.
