Ruptly
"RE-BANATEX, a Kigali-based startup, is giving banana waste a stylish second life by turning stems and leaves into fashion products using traditional methods, while creating jobs for young Rwandans. Footage filmed at the company's workshop in Eastern Province on Sunday shows staff spinning plant-based fibre on handlooms and traditional equipment, with bags, sandals and other artisanal items made from the eco-friendly yarn on display. "The reason why RB is implementing this project is to see how we can support the Made In Rwanda Movement with locally available material, and also cut down the excessive amount of synthetic textile that we have been seeing available," explained Jonathan Shauri, founder and CEO of RE-BANATEX. RE-BANATEX went through trial and error to develop a suitable material for the textile industry, while building a circular value chain that connects farmers, engineers, and designers. "The production of these looms is not really bigger; they are not really sufficient as the production of automatic or semi-automatic looms, but it has been helping us to understand this material much better," continued Shauri. "Being in touch with fashion designers, they have been giving much feedback, and we are now incorporating that feedback in what we are doing just to fit their needs," he explained. The startup buys discarded banana stems and leaves directly from local farmers, giving them extra income and turning one of Rwanda's key crops into something new. "It has taken us from one level to another, helping us progress. We are earning income without any major challenges, and production is going well," said Nkundimana Prosper, a young designer, further highlighting the company's aim to expand production to up to 100 bags per day. Powered by an innovative, sustainable vision, RE-BANATEX won Rwanda's 2025 Hanga Pitchfest, securing a 50 million Rwandan franc award (around 29,000–34,000 dollars/euros), and now seeks to establish itself as a leading eco-friendly textile producer in Rwanda and across Africa."
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