At GemGenève 2025, an extraordinary chapter in Zambian jewellery history was written. A group of young women from a remote copper-mining town stepped into the international spotlight, not only showcasing handcrafted jewellery but also bringing stories of resilience, culture, and creativity. Nsanshi Art, a training initiative based in Solwezi, North-Western Zambia, transformed copper and silver into more than ornaments — they became symbols of empowerment.
Fusing craft with purpose: the soul of Nsanshi Art
At the heart of Nsanshi Art is Michele Scholtz, a quietly passionate teacher and mentor who has guided a generation of young Zambian women to discover the transformative power of jewellery. Founded by the Kansanshi Foundation and Kansanshi Mining PLC in 2020, Nsanshi Art began as a modest workshop and has grown into a thriving creative space where craftsmanship meets identity.
“We don’t just teach skills,” says Scholtz. “We help students discover their value.” That ethos is visible in every piece created by the students — rings and necklaces that reflect the rhythm of local drums, the textures of the Zambezi River, or even the tools of the mining industry. “Each design is a story,” she adds. “One of heritage, of resilience, and of hope.”
Their debut at GemGenève 2025, held from 8 to 11 May, was more than an exhibition — it was a declaration. Invited by curator Nadège Totah and supported by the Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa (JGAA), the Nsanshi team crossed continents not to sell luxury, but to present a vision of what ethical, culturally rooted jewellery can be.
ESG redefined: from extraction to expression
For Kansanshi Mining PLC, the story of Nsanshi Art goes far beyond corporate social responsibility. It’s a demonstration of how mining operations can actively invest in communities, not just through infrastructure or employment, but by nurturing human creativity.
“Zambia is famous for its copper, but we want to be known for what we do with it,” says Arnold Malambo, ESG Manager at Kansanshi Mining. “Jewellery-making offers a tangible path to livelihood — especially for young women.” By training local youth in metalwork and design, the Kansanshi Foundation turns extractive wealth into opportunity. These initiatives are more than community outreach; they are long-term investments in cultural sustainability. “Success at GemGenève meant recognition not only for Nsanshi, but for the entire idea that mining can enable, not overshadow, artistry,” Malambo adds.
This vision has opened doors to further partnerships, such as with JGAA, which plays a crucial role in bringing African designers into global conversations about sustainability, creativity, and identity in the jewellery sector.
A rising voice: the story of Aphia Hangili
Among the standout talents of Nsanshi Art is Aphia Hangili, a top graduate whose intricate work was selected for the Geneva showcase. While visa complications prevented her from attending in person, her jewellery spoke volumes. Each piece carried the careful craftsmanship and bold imagination that define the Nsanshi aesthetic.
Hangili’s story represents hundreds of others — young people who, with the right mentorship and tools, can turn raw materials and raw talent into something globally relevant. Her absence was a poignant reminder that access and visibility are still hurdles — but ones that are now being challenged with each new international appearance.
From Jaipur to Milan to Geneva: a growing global footprint
Nsanshi Art’s Geneva moment was not their first encounter with the international scene. In 2023, they participated in the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) Congress in Jaipur, India. Then, in early 2024, they exhibited at Milano Fashion & Jewels in Italy — a turning point for the young women of Nsanshi, who presented a modern interpretation of traditional Zambian waist beads made from copper mined in their own hometown.
These opportunities were made possible through the tireless advocacy of Longo Mulaisho Zinsner, founder of JGAA, and the mentorship of global jewellery experts such as Roxanne Simone (UK), Alexandra Hart (US), and Kelvin Birk (Germany/UK). Longo’s commitment extended even to building connections with London’s K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, further expanding the students’ exposure to world-class techniques and design thinking.“These young women are learning to put their personal imprint on every piece,” Birk noted. “That gives their work lasting value — not just in the marketplace, but in the cultural landscape.”
Jewellery with a message: a Zambian voice on a global stage
At a time when the luxury world is searching for authenticity, sustainability, and deeper meaning, Nsanshi Art offers exactly that. These are not just accessories — they are wearable narratives forged from local materials, heritage, and ambition.
Representing Zambia at GemGenève 2025 were Michele Scholtz and Pamela Chanda, CSR Gender Officer at Kansanshi Mining. Their presence was not just symbolic; it was revolutionary. “We didn’t just take jewellery to Geneva,” Scholtz reflected. “We took a piece of Zambia’s soul.”
The message resonated clearly: talent can thrive anywhere, and brilliance can emerge from even the most overlooked places. The young women of Nsanshi Art did more than exhibit jewellery — they redefined what success in the jewellery world can look like, and who gets to define it. Their journey from Solwezi to Switzerland is only the beginning.
