Tech

SA re-commerce startup, Faro to combat textile waste in Africa

Published

1 year ago

September 17, 2023

South African re-commerce startup, Faro has commenced the process of combating textile waste in Africa by launching operations to make quality fashion accessible in the continent.

With the new platform, the startup which partners with global fashion brands to source high-quality unsold clothing for resale in Africa, said it hoped to check the inflow of problematic textiles by giving customers a sustainable alternative.

Faro co-founder David Torr, who threw light on the new initiative, said the startup was embarking on a rapid store roll-out with the first outlet scheduled to open in Mitchell’s Plain on the South African Cape Flats in October.

“The roll-out could have incredible environmental implications. Our commitment to the circular economy goes beyond waste prevention; we’re dedicated to addressing the existing problem,” said Torr.

“This dedication has given rise to Faro Impact, a textile recycling initiative. For every kilo of high-quality sustainable clothing we sell, Faro Impact will recycle an equivalent kilo of textile waste.”

The CEO said with his team comprising Michelle Sibanda, Amber Penney and William McCarren, Faro had a wealth of experience in building and promoting ventures in Africa.

“We spent three years trying to reduce waste in the second-hand clothing market, but people wouldn’t change their ways. To fix the problem, I knew we had to build a new supply chain,” he said.

“Faro has partnered with the Bestseller group, whose fashion brands include Jack & Jones, LMTD, Only, Vero Moda, Vila and Noisy May, to bring its unsold brand-new stock directly to the South African market, where it will be sold at up to 70 per cent off retail prices,” he added.

Related Topics:Africa Faro Featured Textile Waste

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Tech

South Sudanese telcos increase tariffs as exchange rates soar

Published

23 hours ago

October 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Telecommunication companies in South Sudan have been forced to increase their tariffs as a result of a hike in the official exchange rate.

Local media reports that the likes of MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan, and Digitel Holdings have jointly announced a tariff adjustment in response to an increase the official exchange rate following an agreement between the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) to align telecommunications service prices with the official exchange rate.

The adjustment will occur in three phases from October to December 2024 with the first change taking effect on the night of October 18, followed by subsequent changes on November 18 and December 18, 2024.

In a joint communique, the telcos confirmed that notifications about the initial adjustment were distributed via various channels and the decision was made after considering the potential impact on customers and the telecom sector.

“Since the first phase began, operators have increased the cost of internet and mobile airtime subscriptions by 600 South Sudanese pounds,” a media platform reported.

“Thus, subscribers now pay SSP1,565 for 100 MB with Zain, SSP1,790 with MTN, and SSP1,835 with Digitel, rather than the previous SSP900.

Meanwhile, another report has also indicated that the parliament will address rising telecommunications tariffs once the committee investigating alleged malpractices within telecommunications companies has submitted its findings.

According to one lawmaker, these practices have significantly raised the cost of communication services in the country, affecting the general public.

Tech

Rwanda’s e-mobiility startup IZI expands electric bus fleet after getting grant from Green Fund

Published

3 days ago

October 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Rwanda’s e-mobility startup, IZI, has announced the delivery of five electric buses to Kigali, the country’s capital city, after obtaining a substantial grant from the Rwandan Green Fund.

IZI, a frontrunner in electric vehicle solutions which says it is on a mission to electrify Rwanda’s public transport sector, has, in just four months of operation, grown its initial fleet of five electric buses to an enviable height.

CEO of the startup, Alex Wilson, believes the grant is a testament to the success story of IZI.

“These results validate our E-Mobility-as-a-Service model. We’re not just reducing emissions; we’re proving that sustainable public transport is economically viable in Africa.

“Building on this success, IZI has secured an RWF 300,000,000 grant from the Rwanda Green Fund to deploy five additional electric buses in Kigali.

“These vehicles will represent the most advanced public transport in Rwanda to date, boasting features such as an independent intelligent driver’s cabin, air suspension balanced driver’s seat, full LCD dashboard, one-step entry, and a flat-floor design for improved passenger comfort,” he said.

He added that the success of IZI’s pilot has led to strong demand from other Rwandan public bus operators.

“IZI has now signed contracts with 4 leading transport companies for the deployment of over 100 buses, marking a significant expansion of its operations.

“Looking ahead, IZI plans to establish a state-of-the-art battery maintenance and repair facility in Kigali, supporting the entire EV ecosystem in Rwanda and positioning the country as a centre of innovation in the EV industry,” he added.