> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Reference:: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/articles/making-the-most-of-materials > Date:: 2024 > Tags:: #warp #Africa > WeftLinks:: [[Economic value of craft]] [[Equity value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft provides employment at a time of de-growth]] [[Claim - Craft alleviates poverty]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > There are many examples of recycling craft enterprises in Africa today. ### Highlights Africa has a strong tradition of repair and repurposing, which helps extend the life of products and reduce waste. While the Global North is starting to embrace these practices, there is much to learn from Africa's resourcefulness. By improving repair and reuse systems, both regions can create jobs and promote a more sustainable economy. > Fashion is a key market where this approach can be seen in action. [Sole Rebels](https://www.solerebels.com/) in Ethiopia makes shoes out of recycled tyres, indigenous plant fibres, and local leather. Nigeria’s [Planet 3R](https://www.planet3r.com/) weaves discarded plastic water sachets into bags, homewares, and accessories. Nairobi-based [Rummage Studio](https://www.rummagestudio.com/) sources 95% of the core materials in its bags and accessories from the largest second hand textile market in East Africa: Gikomba. “ > > the hard-to-measure informal sector, known in Kenya as the ‘[Jua Kali](https://www.ilo.org/global/programmes-and-projects/prospects/countries/kenya/WCMS_833562/lang--en/index.htm)’ (which translates literally as ‘fierce sun’, but it has come to signify the small-scale traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, and vendors who often operate in the open air.) Socially, this sector is worth even more, accounting for approximately 83% of total employment in the country, and creating more than 90% of new jobs according to the Kenyan Bureau of Statistics. > > There’s a lot to be learnt from the artisans of Africa > > Some estimates put the [annual growth of the repair and maintenance sector as high as 8.5% in 2023](https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/repair-and-maintenance-global-market-report) with a total global value of USD 1,536 billion. > > From [community repair cafes](https://www.repaircafe.org/en/about/) (now numbering [more than 2,500](https://www.repaircafe.org/en/about/) around the world); > > Angelina Jolie’s recently launched [Atelier Jolie](https://www.atelierjolie.com/) links consumers with tailors to make individual products using leftover quality vintage material and deadstock.