In a remarkable journey from Nairobi to the world stage, Rethread Africa has quickly become one of Kenya’s leading innovators, drawing global attention for its creative approach to sustainability in fashion. Winning the 2023 University Innovation Challenge (UIC) solidified its reputation, and in just a year, the startup has represented Kenya, through Uzuzi Hub and a partnership with NCBA Bank, at prestigious events like the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in South Africa, where it claimed the top prize in March 2024.
Rethread Africa has taken part in its biggest challenge yet – competing in the Entrepreneurship World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, among the top 100 startups worldwide.
From University Innovation Challenge to Global Recognition
Rethread Africa is building the technology that turns post-harvest agro-waste from smallholder farmers into bio-based materials. Working with sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct of the sugar industry in Kenya, into a viable, eco-friendly alternative to polyester: polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHA), using a Bacillus species for fermentation. The best part? These textiles are recyclable up to 6 times and will naturally decompose if discarded.
Uzuzi Hub Launches University Innovation Challenge in Partnership with NCBA Bank
How does it work? CottonCycle is a post-consumer polyester and cellulose recycling system using hydrothermal and dissolution treatment on cotton and polyester blends.
Recycled Polyester (rPET): They recover over 97% of polyester fibers, significantly cutting down energy use by 70% compared to virgin PET production. This sustainable approach curbs fossil fuel extraction and reduces the textile industry’s carbon footprint.
The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC)
The Entrepreneurship World Cup is one of the largest and most diverse pitch competitions and support programs of its kind. Every year, tens of thousands of entrepreneurs from 200 countries compete for 1 million dollars in cash prizes
Uzuzi Hub is the lead under the Global Entrepreneurship Network Kenya and this has allowed it to give global opportunities to the youth on that stage. The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates programs in 200 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business.
By fostering deeper cross-border collaboration and initiatives between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurial support organizations, GEN fuels healthier start-and-scale ecosystems that create more jobs, provide education, accelerate innovation, and strengthen economic growth.
Rethread Africa’s momentum hasn’t slowed down. After GEC, they were selected to compete in the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC), one of the most prestigious global entrepreneurship competitions. Set to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the EWC has seen the best 100 startups from around the world competing for recognition, and investment opportunities that could redefine their future.
The team’s founder, Charles, says, “We are honored and thrilled to represent Kenya once again on such a major platform. Although we did not make it to the finals, our journey has been challenging and fulfilling, and we hope to inspire others to believe in the power of local solutions with global impact.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Rethread Africa’s achievements are not only a testament to their hard work and innovation but also an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in Kenya and across Africa. Their success underscores the value of platforms like the University Innovation Challenge, GEC, and EWC which spotlight young innovators who have the potential to create real impact.
