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3 Kenyan labels selected for EFI Accelerator programme
13 Feb '21
2 min read
Pic: Haute Fashion Africa
Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), a joint venture of the United Nations and the International Trade Centre, recently selected three Kenyan designer labels—Hamaji, KATUSH by Katungulu Mwendwa and Suave Kenya—to participate in its second Accelerator programme. These were selected based on usage of natural fibres, upcycled and recycled fabrics in their collections.
The selected brands will have access to production support, expand their supply chain and scale up their production, source new products and develop their production team. The accelerator will support the management and production of the key designs of the first collection, which will be manufactured through experienced companies selected within the EFI network.
They will be able to accelerate the business process while having one-on-one mentoring sessions and expert workshops, build brand value by understanding investment, developing strategies for maximising brand equity, building a funding proposition, marketing themselves as an attractive investment proposition to angel investors or VC funds and also pitch to investors at a networking event, according to African media reports.
Hamaji is a bohemian designer apparel collection with its origins in the Swahili word Hamaji, meaning Nomad. Its creations are focused around preserving ancient textile traditions and nomadic craftsmanship whilst empowering local small scale artisans in Africa.
Leisure Lifestyle brand Katush by Katungulu Mwendwa was created for the self-aware, confident and compassionate individual, while bag maker Suave Kenya was founded by Mohammed Awale.
The EFI Accelerator programme focuses on the specific needs of African fashion brands, with a business development approach that prepares its beneficiaries to become investment ready. The accelerator targets existing fashion brands producing in Africa, who require additional support to accelerate their business in the global marketplace.
The selected brands will have access to production support, expand their supply chain and scale up their production, source new products and develop their production team. The accelerator will support the management and production of the key designs of the first collection, which will be manufactured through experienced companies selected within the EFI network.
They will be able to accelerate the business process while having one-on-one mentoring sessions and expert workshops, build brand value by understanding investment, developing strategies for maximising brand equity, building a funding proposition, marketing themselves as an attractive investment proposition to angel investors or VC funds and also pitch to investors at a networking event, according to African media reports.
Hamaji is a bohemian designer apparel collection with its origins in the Swahili word Hamaji, meaning Nomad. Its creations are focused around preserving ancient textile traditions and nomadic craftsmanship whilst empowering local small scale artisans in Africa.
Leisure Lifestyle brand Katush by Katungulu Mwendwa was created for the self-aware, confident and compassionate individual, while bag maker Suave Kenya was founded by Mohammed Awale.
The EFI Accelerator programme focuses on the specific needs of African fashion brands, with a business development approach that prepares its beneficiaries to become investment ready. The accelerator targets existing fashion brands producing in Africa, who require additional support to accelerate their business in the global marketplace.
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