Ndola youth builds brand via content
Before AmaSkillz, AmaPJ, and Zamplace existed, Wrakie Kunda was working a mechanical job at the Dangote limestone mine in Ndola.
It was 2021, and the goal was simple: raise enough money to get into university.
For two years, Wrakie worked at the mine, saving toward tuition.
By September 2023, that money had been raised, and Wrakie enrolled as a computer science student, beginning a journey that would eventually merge software development with content creation and entrepreneurship.
That same year, 2023, Wrakie also began creating content online – starting what would grow into a personal development and financial literacy brand reaching African youth across multiple platforms.
Now, he has over 200, 000 followers online.
In 2025, Wrakie was awarded a student exchange placement through the Erasmus program, spending six months studying in Europe.
The experience sharpened both technical skills and a broader perspective on building technology for real-world problems – knowledge that would soon feed directly back into projects built for African users.
Wrakie’s content – spanning personal development, investing, and business skills for African youth – has grown into a following of over 200,000 across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Rather than treating content and software as separate pursuits, Wrakie used the trust and reach built with that audience as the foundation for three real products: AmaSkillz, AmaPJ, and Zamplace.
“AmaSkillz is an education marketplace that uses Android + amaskillz.com offering investing and skills courses tailored for Zambian and African audiences, including a full playbook on buying shares on the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE).
As for AmaPJ, it is an on-demand services app connecting users with plumbers, electricians, cleaners, and other trades people.
Zamplace is a classifieds and buy-and-sell marketplace app for Zambians to trade,” explains Wrakie.
Wrakie’s path, from mine worker, to self-funded computer science student, to Erasmus exchange participant, to founder of three platforms, reflects a broader story playing out across Africa’s tech scene: young people using whatever means available to fund their education, then turning newly acquired skills directly back toward solving problems in their own communities.
“I wanted to go beyond just talking about financial literacy and actually build something people could use to act on it,” Wrakie says.
Young people in Zambia can make money through content branding by offering direct digital marketing services to local businesses or building targeted social media influence.
As internet access and mobile coverage expand across cities like Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, digital platforms offer real economic opportunities.
Startup applications such as Imisepela App are already digitizing the world of empowerment.
Imisepela is a platform designed to connect Zambian youth with jobs, internships, funding, and business opportunities.
Launched by President Hakainde Hichilema on Youth Day, March 12, 2026, it serves as a central hub to bridge the information gap for young people seeking economic advancement.
Through the app, young people can browse job openings, internships, apprenticeships, and freelance gigs from both the public and private sectors.
The young people can also evaluate and match their personal skills against the requirements listed for specific jobs.
In terms of funding and empowerment, they can also access information on business grants, loans, and youth empowerment programmes, including support via the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission.
Social development expert Fabian Chewe says instead of wasting time insulting elders and leaders, young people can manage social media pages to make a fortune.
“Many Zambian small businesses such as restaurants, salons, and gyms have funds for marketing but lack the time or skill to run social media. Young people can use free tools like Canva to design digital flyers, price lists, and promotional graphics for local shops,” Mr Chewe said.
He said young people can create video content by recording and editing short promotional videos for small enterprises looking to attract customers on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
“Focus on a specific commercial area – like streetwear, local food, tech, or fitness – rather than random topics.
Engaged, specific audiences attract brands faster than large, unfocused follower counts.
Partner with nearby boutiques or emerging Zambian product lines to showcase their items in your daily posts,” he said.
Mr Chewe said the youths can also leverage multiple platforms by combining platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which dominate local business engagement, with TikTok to reach wider demographics.
He tipped young entrepreneurs to understand the local framework because regulatory bodies like the Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) require creators with commercially promoted products or services to register and follow professional standards.
Government and industry talks are underway to bring better social media monetization options and support for creative industries in Zambia.
As for Wrakie, his vision continues to grow his brands, all while maintaining an active content presence across platforms.
The goal remains straightforward: make financial literacy, skills education, and everyday services more accessible, one platform at a time.
