Zapenda: Threads of change

Zapenda

Zapenda: Threads of change

Empowering African tailors through tech-enabled, made-to-order fashion that drives sustainable jobs, dignity, and local prosperity.

Detroit, MI, USA

COD

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

In the Congo, millions of skilled artisans face chronic underemployment due to unstable infrastructure, conflict, and limited access to global markets. Over 81% of the workforce works in the informal sector, and despite rich creative traditions and strong tailoring expertise, economic opportunities are scarce, especially for vulnerable populations like women, and people with disabilities, who are often excluded from formal employment and are vulnerable to exploitation. Globally, the fashion industry produces over 100 billion garments annually, contributing to 10% of carbon emissions and $500 billion waste. Mass production rely on low-quality, high-waste manufacturing, involving high minimum order quantities, limited customization, and unethical labor practices. The dominance of a few global suppliers makes supply chains vulnerable to political shifts, which disrupt economic stability. Africa’s potential for ethical, sustainable manufacturing is often overlooked, and local artisans lack the formal systems and tools to connect to global markets. Zapenda addresses these challenges with a lean, tech-enabled production model. We produce only what is sold, offer remote design consultations, and leverage digital order management to connect global customers to custom clothing and accessories, reducing waste. Our solution provides artisans with consistent income and builds a sustainable, ethical manufacturing model that can be replicated across Africa.

Zapenda is a tech-enabled platform that connects skilled artisans in the Congo with global markets for high-quality, custom-made clothing, accessories, and soft goods. We’ve taken traditional Congolese tailoring and elevated it by training artisans to meet global manufacturing standards, including Western sizing and adjustable designs that extend the longevity of garments. Unlike local practices, where clothes are often custom-fit without sizing, Zapenda’s approach makes garments adjustable to accommodate changing body types over time. We produce curated collections that local boutiques, small businesses, and other entities can choose from, confident in the high quality and craftsmanship of each item. Our team is trained in design thinking, allowing them to solve challenges creatively while preserving the integrity of their traditional craft. By formalizing their work processes, Zapenda tailors not only create bespoke items but also maintain the highest standards of consistency and quality. Through our platform, Zapenda bridges the gap between the talent of Congolese artisans and a Western market eager for ethical, sustainable, and high-quality fashion. We’re providing dignified, stable income to artisans and creating a replicable, sustainable model for manufacturing that can be expanded across Africa.

Zapenda serves two groups: artisans of Congo (and throughout Africa), and conscious consumers (individual buyers and businesses) seeking ethical, high-quality goods. For artisans, Zapenda offers more than a job. It’s an opportunity to escape poverty, abuse, and desperation. Many of our tailors have risen from homelessness and difficult circumstances, now able to consistently provide for their families and guarantee their children an education. Through their work with Zapenda, they not only support themselves but also become pillars in their communities. Their craftsmanship, celebrated globally, from museums to television, gives them pride and recognition they never thought possible. This work provides them dignity, prosperity, and the chance to find that their skills are valued globally. Zapenda's customers, individuals and businesses alike, are seeking alternatives to the harmful cycle of fast fashion. Individuals are tired of low-quality, mass-produced garments that don’t fit because they don't have "standard" bodies. With Zapenda, they access custom-made clothing and accessories designed to last, made with care by artisans in Congo. Business customers (boutiques, designers etc) are looking for sustainable, high-quality products. Zapenda offers ethical, low-waste production process that helps bring their ideas to life, while supporting artisans and communities across Africa.