Kupanga Global represents the latest addition to the family of companies under the FREE (Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) umbrella. It was established with the primary objective of spearheading the marketing efforts for Zambian enterprises, as well as extending its support to those facing barriers in accessing international markets. The genesis of FREE can be traced back to the personal journey of its founder, Dawn Close, whose struggles and aspirations as a woman inspired the organization's strong focus on women's empowerment.
Over a span of 12 years, FREE embarked on a transformative journey, commencing with a sewing project that served as a valuable learning experience. This initial endeavor paved the way for the development of the copper jewelry project, where young women adeptly craft jewelry from electric wire and recycled copper hot water heaters. Their journey has been one of self-discovery, with knowledge acquired through books, tutorials, and YouTube videos, coupled with perseverance in the face of countless trials and errors.