At Ziada Solutions, banana stalks left behind after harvest are given a second life — woven by hand into carpets and lampshades that carry both beauty and purpose. But beyond the products, Ziada is building something deeper: a model where sustainability, craftsmanship, and community empowerment come together.
Roots & Identity: Where It All Begins
The name Ziada, a Swahili word meaning “extra” or “added value,” reflects the heart of the organization’s mission — creating value where others see none.
Founded by Alex and Samuel Thuo, two eco conscious and craft enthusiast, Ziada Solutions was born out of a deep appreciation for local craftsmanship and a desire to innovate within it. Inspired by Kenya’s rich artisan culture, they immersed themselves in learning and refining the art of banana fiber extraction and handloom weaving.
Today, Ziada operates in Kikuyu with a team of 75 artisans — 60 women and 15 men — with a strong focus on women’s empowerment and inclusive economic opportunity.
Journey to Craft: Building a New Tradition
Unlike many traditional crafts passed down through generations, Ziada’s work represents a new kind of heritage — one built at the intersection of innovation and tradition.
Over the past five years, the team has developed deep expertise in transforming banana fibre into high-quality, handmade home décor. By working closely with local farmers in Western Kenya and the Banana Association of Kenya, Ziada has built a supply chain that supports both agriculture and craft.
What began as an idea has grown into a thriving ecosystem — connecting farmers, artisans, and global markets.
Creative Process: From Banana Plant to Finished Piece
Every Ziada product begins in the fields, where discarded banana stalks are reimagined as raw material for craft.
1. Extraction: Giving New Life to Banana Stalks
After harvest, banana stalks are collected and split into layers. Fibers are extracted manually or using machines, separating usable strands from plant material.
2. Cleaning & Preparation
The fibres are washed thoroughly to remove sap and impurities, ensuring strength and consistency.
3. Drying & Fibre Alignment
The fibres are sun-dried for about two days, then combed and aligned to prepare them for weaving.
4. Preparing the Loom (Warping)
Cotton threads are stretched tightly across a frame, creating a strong base structure.
5. Hand Weaving
Artisans interweave banana fibres by hand, carefully controlling tension and pattern. A standard 2 by 6 carpet takes up to three days and requires two skilled artisans.
6. Finishing & Quality Check
Edges are secured, fibres trimmed, and each piece inspected to ensure durability and quality.
What emerges is more than a product — it is a story of transformation, skill, and intention.
A Sustainable Craft: What It Means
At Ziada Solutions, sustainability is not a feature — it is the foundation.
By converting agricultural waste into functional design, the process:
- Reduces environmental waste
- Creates sustainable raw materials
- Supports artisan livelihoods
- Promotes eco-friendly, handmade home décor
Each piece represents a shift — from waste to worth, from overlooked to essential.
Products: Designed for Everyday Living
Ziada Solutions produces a range of handcrafted items, including banana fibre carpets and handwoven lampshades
The most popular product is the 3 by 5 plain banana fibre carpet, valued for its versatility and natural aesthetic. Despite its simplicity, it is one of the most technically demanding pieces to produce, requiring precision, consistency, and time.
No two products are exactly alike — each carries subtle variations that reflect its handmade origin.
Meaning & Impact: Beyond the Product
Ziada Solutions is as much about people as it is about products.
In Taita Taveta, the organization tackles food waste by collecting unsellable bananas, processing them into flour using solar dehydration, and donating it to local schools to support children’s nutrition.
In Kikuyu, Ziada runs free daily training sessions, equipping community members with weaving skills that create pathways to income and independence.
For the artisans — especially women — this work provides not just employment, but dignity, stability, and opportunity.
Future & Dreams: Scaling Impact Through Partnership
Image suggestion: Products being packaged for export or displayed for global buyers.
Ziada Solutions is looking ahead with intention — focused on growth, collaboration, and scaling impact.
Through its partnership with Mawu Africa, Ziada is expanding access to both wholesale and retail markets, connecting its products to conscious global consumers who value sustainability and handmade craftsmanship.
This partnership enables:
- Greater market access
- Increased production opportunities
- Stronger income stability for artisans
At its core, Ziada’s vision is clear: to create more jobs, empower more women and youth, and build a future where sustainability and craftsmanship go hand in hand.
Ziada and Mawu Africa team
Bring Sustainable Craft Home
Every Ziada product carries a journey — from farm to fiber, from fiber to form.
By choosing Ziada Solutions on Mawu Africa, you are supporting:
- Sustainable materials
- Women-led artisan communities
- Ethical, handmade production
- Innovation rooted in African craft
Explore Ziada’s Crafts collection on Mawu Africa and bring home a piece of purposeful design.
