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Charles Oyamo is Innovating Sustainable Fashion through Agricultural Waste Solutions

Charles Oyamo is Innovating Sustainable Fashion through Agricultural Waste Solutions

Charles Oyamo is a Kenyan entrepreneur and the founder of Rethread Africa, a pioneering startup focused on tackling environmental challenges by transforming agricultural waste into biodegradable textile materials.

A graduate of the University of Nairobi, where he earned a degree in Development Communication, Oyamo is committed to using innovation to solve global problems, particularly those related to sustainability and waste management in the textile industry.

At Rethread Africa, Oyamo and his team are working on creating sustainable, bio-based synthetics from waste products like sugarcane and corn.

These agricultural by-products, which are often discarded, are transformed into high-performance textile fibers.

The fabrics produced by Rethread Africa are biodegradable, meaning they naturally decompose, significantly reducing their environmental impact compared to traditional synthetic materials like polyester.

This approach contributes to the circular economy by repurposing waste, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources, and lowering carbon emissions by up to 80% while using 99% less water than conventional cotton production.

Oyamo’s work addresses critical issues in the fashion industry, which is notorious for its high environmental impact, particularly in terms of water use, pollution, and waste.

By offering sustainable alternatives, Rethread Africa seeks to reduce the fashion industry’s ecological footprint and promote planet-positive solutions.

Oyamo’s innovative approach has garnered significant international attention and accolades.

In 2023, he was named one of the winners of the Global Change Award, an initiative by the H&M Foundation that supports groundbreaking innovations aimed at transforming the fashion industry.

Additionally, in 2022, Rethread Africa was one of the 13 winners of the Make It Circular Challenge, an innovation competition organized by What Design Can Do and the IKEA Foundation.

Oyamo is driven by a passion for sustainability and social impact. His vision for Rethread Africa is not only to reduce waste but also to create new economic opportunities, especially for small-holder farmers who supply agricultural waste to the company.

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Consortium Launches $17 Million Seed Fund to Boost Tech Startups in South Africa

New Investments

Consortium Launches $17 Million Seed Fund to Boost Tech Startups in South Africa

A consortium of leading institutions, including the SA SME Fund, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and E Squared Investments, has launched a R300 million (approximately $17 million) seed fund aimed at supporting tech startups in South Africa.
 

The fund, known as the “Seed Fund of Funds,” will provide much-needed early-stage capital to local startups, addressing a significant funding gap that has historically hindered the growth of emerging technology-driven businesses in the country.

The initiative is expected to support at least 50 startups by providing seed capital, with a strong focus on fostering innovation and driving transformation within the South African economy.

The fund will be managed by experienced fund managers, who will help entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into scalable ventures with the potential to succeed both locally and internationally.

Ketso Gordhan, CEO of the SA SME Fund, highlighted the crucial role that seed funding plays in driving entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Seed funding is the lifeblood of innovation and entrepreneurial growth. Without it, many great ideas would never see the light of day. This fund will ensure that South Africa’s brilliant minds have the resources they need to succeed,” he said.

South Africa’s venture capital ecosystem has traditionally focused on later-stage investments, leaving early-stage startups with limited access to capital.

The launch of this seed fund aims to bridge that gap, creating an environment where emerging entrepreneurs can thrive.

In addition to supporting innovation, the fund’s backers believe it will contribute to job creation and economic transformation, aligning with global trends where tech companies are key drivers of employment in innovation-led industries.

Over the next few years, the fund will distribute capital through five skilled fund managers, helping to ensure the sustainability of South Africa’s venture capital industry while empowering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

Patrick Krappie, acting CEO of TIA, noted the importance of this initiative for the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, stating, “This fund will play a catalytic role in building the foundations of a strong seed-stage funding ecosystem.”

Gladwyn Leeuw, CEO of E Squared Investments, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of accessible capital in driving innovation and economic growth.

E Squared Investments, known for its commitment to transformative change, is a key player in this fund, supporting the vision of fostering technological advancement and economic progress in South Africa.

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AMAKA Studio Secures $2 Million in Seed Funding to Empower African Creators

New Investments

AMAKA Studio Secures $2 Million in Seed Funding to Empower African Creators

AMAKA Studio has raised $2 million in seed funding, aimed at advancing its mission of empowering Black and African creators worldwide.
 

Equitane, previously known as the Africa Transformation and Industrialization Fund (ATIF), led the funding round, which included contributions from partners like Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab and Silverbacks Holdings.

Founded by Adaora Oramah in 2021, AMAKA Studio originally centered on telling stories about Pan-African womanhood.

Since then, the platform has evolved into a broader media-tech space that provides creators with resources to monetize their work and connect with major brands.

With a growing audience, AMAKA Studio has worked alongside influencers and global brands such as Nike and Disney.

At the heart of the company’s vision is the promotion of financial inclusion, representation, and equity for creators from underrepresented groups.

The newly secured funds will be used to expand AMAKA’s creator platform, AMAKA Gigs, designed to connect creators directly with brands.

This platform aims to simplify the process of finding opportunities, allowing creators to secure paid commissions.

The integration of enhanced payment solutions will address the common challenge of compensation within the global creator economy, ensuring seamless transactions for creators.

Additionally, the funding will support targeted marketing campaigns to grow AMAKA’s community and increase user engagement.

CEO Adaora Oramah emphasized AMAKA’s commitment to addressing the needs of underrepresented creators, ensuring they have the tools to build sustainable careers.

She stated, “We are focused on driving economic impact and fostering change for a dynamic community that has long been underserved.”

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