22-year-old IDP, Ferole Ndeh, boosting local economy in footwear production

Her determination and passion for the production of footwear has taken young Ferole Ndeh to the limelight of local economic boom.

The 22-year-old internally displaced (IDP) lady from the North West Region of Cameroon is making a name for herself and has earned recognitions and referrals from far and near.

Barely over three years into the business, the young entrepreneur has grown her brand of footwear known as ‘Footing in Luxury, FL’.

Growing up, Ndeh was faced with the problem of following a career choice made by her parent and following her passion.

“When I had my Advance level and wanted to continue with my studies, my parents suggested that I should sit for an entrance exam to become a nurse,” Ndeh told a local television, Africa24 TV, in an interview.

“I however told them I’d rather love to further my studies in shoe production,” she added.

She further confessed that despite the pressure from her parents, she was determine to pursue her dream in the arts of cordwainer.

She was later given the opportunity to study at the Octoxii School of Shoemaking and Craft in Lagos State, Nigeria where she was able to amass know-how and experience in the production of footgear.

Excelling amid conflict

Due to the ongoing armed conflict in the English speaking regions of the country, she decided to set up her business in the nation’s economic city in Douala, Littoral Region upon her return from studies.

She now produces a collection of high quality footwear including leather shoes, slippers, sandals and boots which are in high demand.
She makes an average of 4,000 FCFA to 10,000 FCFA per pair.

When quizzed on the challenges she face, the young shoemaker explained that she receives high demand but sometimes unable to meet with the demands due to the lack of machines for mass production.

“As it stands, we have so many commands and we cannot reach out to all the commands because there are no machines to produce larger quantities. We do everything by hand,” she explained.

Aside from producing shoes, Ndeh has been organizing a series of training in order to impact other Cameroonian youths and giving them a chance to be self-employed.

One of such training has been announced for Douala in the month of May.

Her shoe production factory is said to employed two workers and training two other apprentices.

Through her shoe production factory, Ndeh said she remains committed to promoting the ‘Made in Cameroon’ brand.

By Amina Hilda