More color, more purpose
Who we are
Made of Kitenge brings you well designed travel and lifestyle accessories with a touch of color, made to last and creating a social impact.
1 product = 1 meal
For every product sold, we offer a meal to someone in need across Africa. Making a difference is our drive.
Made in Africa
By producing locally, we create a lasting social impact and help small businesses in east Africa thrive. More regions are planned.
Our story
It all started with a bag. In march of 2017, Jean-Christophe had just embarked on a new adventure: an exchange semester at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The colorful fabrics worn by locals and transformed into all sorts of objects soon captured his attention. Through a common friend, he met Msafiri, a young tailor and fashion designer, happy to make a few bags for him to take home. As a lot of fabric was left over, he decided to make more, to be sold back home in Switzerland. Fast forward and the two are now friends and business partners. Msafiri's workshop has grown exponentially since then and now employs over 10 people!
What's kitenge?
A cotton fabric printed in various colors and patterns, traditionally used to wrap around women's waists, and as headwear. Today, it is widely used to make clothes and accessories.
Behind the scenes
Tanzania is booming with small tailor shops, named fundis, where locals go to have their clothes custom-made. We help them professionalize and develop their skills to reach higher quality standards.
