African adventure in Accra, Ghana

We recently returned from our African adventure. Our journey started inAccra, Ghana, where we met up withHarris ElliottfromLe Tingsand Yayra Agbofah ofThe Revival Project.

Our purpose inAccrawas to experience the reality of the textile waste caused by our overconsumption in the global north.

The Katamanto market, which is one of the largest second-hand clothing markets in the world, is a reaction to all the textile waste coming into the city. It is a crucial element in diverting the amount of textile waste going into the landfill.

Earlier this year in January, more than 80% of the market went up in flames, impacting 30,000 vendors and workers, with many of them losing their entire business.

The Revival is a community-driven initiative focused on tackling textile waste through upcycling, education and job creation. We were introduced to Yayra Agbofah, who is the founder of The Revival, by Harris Elliott.

Through Yayra, we learnt and experienced the enormity of the waste crisis firsthand. However, the work that The Revival is doing locally and the awareness Yayra is creating globally are truly inspiring and evoke hope. Through the efforts of the entire Katamanto community, the market has been rebuilt and is getting back on its feet.

Reflecting on our time in Accra, we felt a sense of duty and mission to join forces with Yayra
to create awareness and alternatives to our overconsuming fashion industry.