From a bag to a brand
The concept behind KOVA Namibia began with a simple problem: Petrina Auino-Mwandingi could not find the kind of leather tote she wanted locally.
Whenever she travelled abroad, she would buy basic, spacious leather totes. Their absence from the Namibian market eventually made her wonder whether she could make one herself.
Auino-Mwandingi is a naturopathic doctor and entrepreneur who founded KOVA Namibia in 2017. The name is inspired by “onkova”, an Oshiwambo and Oshikwanyama word meaning leather.
Her late mother bought her a leather sewing machine, but it remained unused in the garage for several years. Auino-Mwandingi eventually dusted it off, found someone to teach her how to use it and began learning to work with leather.
The first bag she made was for herself. It was simple, functional and well crafted. Seeing the finished product convinced her that other women might also be looking for something similar. “I thought, ‘This could work. I’m sure more women would actually buy something like this,’” she said.
That first tote became the starting point for KOVA Namibia.
Growing from the garage
The business developed slowly and organically.
Auino-Mwandingi spent her weekdays running her naturopathy practice and reserved Sundays for leatherwork in her garage. She worked alongside the woman who had initially taught her the craft.
What began as a teacher-and-student relationship gradually became a working partnership. Together, they made one bag, then two and eventually many more.
KOVA initially sold its products online and at pop-up markets. A significant opportunity came when Pewa from Proud by Pewa invited the brand to join The Studio, which brought together Namibian designers.
This allowed KOVA to sell its bags from a physical retail space for the first time.
When The Studio closed, KOVA opened its own shop in 2023. The business has since expanded its production team and established an atelier alongside its retail store.
Growing pains
Moving from experimenting in a garage to running a manufacturing business brought its own challenges.
Auino-Mwandingi describes them as growing pains rather than one defining obstacle. Different materials and equipment had to be tested along the way. Some worked while others did not.
She also had to learn how to manage a team without formal training in business or manufacturing.
Much of that knowledge came through experience. “You live and you learn. You experiment with different materials and equipment. If it doesn’t work out, you try something else,” she said.
The process also required patience. Rather than forcing KOVA to grow according to a fixed timeline, Auino-Mwandingi allowed the business to develop at its own pace.
Proudly Namibian
KOVA’s commitment to local production remains central to its identity. The company manufactures in Namibia using local materials and skills, with products that reflect Namibian craftsmanship while being designed to appeal to customers beyond the country.
Auino-Mwandingi wants customers to confidently carry a Namibian-made bag in Milan, Paris, Cape Town or Accra without feeling they have compromised on quality or style.
“We are very intentional about creating a local product that actually has global appeal,” she said.
The brand also challenges the idea that products considered fashionable or high quality must be imported.
Auino-Mwandingi believes local businesses can create products that are useful and well made while still offering customers value for money.
Expanding the brand
KOVA Namibia’s plans extend beyond leather tote bags.
The company hopes to expand its offering for men and explore products such as shoes, belts, furniture and homeware.
Auino-Mwandingi also wants to build a business that will outlive her and become a legacy for her children.
The possibilities of working with leather may be broad, but the foundation of the business remains unchanged. KOVA began by solving a local problem. It has since grown into a Namibian manufacturing business using local materials and skills to create products aimed at a wider market.