Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

BAMIGUGU is a brand in Lagos built on three pillars; Fashion, Art, and Sustainability. We use locally woven fabrics to craft artesian and contemporary fashion collections with all excess materials from production upcycled into more fashion and art pieces.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

According to an analysis by Business Insider, fashion production makes up 10% of total global carbon emissions. BAMIGUGU seeks to create a more sustainable future in the fashion industry by using locally sourced fabrics, a made-to-order system combined with a minimal inventory model. Our approach not only create job opportunities to the local fabric weavers and craftsmen, we also sustain ancient cloth weaving techniques preserving centuries old traditions. Further to our commitment to the environment we employ a zero waste policy in which all excess fabrics from production do not end in land fills but are upcycled into more fashion items not limited to accessories, Avant Gard clothing, and working with local artist to create artworks with our production waste.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

We are working to reduce the impact of fast fashion to the environment while at the same time reviving dying fabric making techniques indigenous to the African continent.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Asides from the job opportunities we create for the local weavers and craftsmen who are typically at the bottom of the socio economic food chain. We also provide a connection to the African history and heritage by telling a story with our creations. Our items also provide our patrons with the opportunity to stand out with our unique designs. We accomplish all these while at the same time contributing to the reduction in the global carbon emission by our eco friendly business operations.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

All lovers of African culture and tradition stands to benefit from our products; from the craftsmen who are passionate about preserving ancient cultures, practices, and techniques, to patrons of the art, fashion enthusiasts and every African as they get their story told through our products

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-07-26

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

I am the sole owner of the stratup

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://bamigugu.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By supporting local craftsmen who are usually at the bottom of the social economical landscape by providing them with job opportunities for their craft we contribute in the no poverty goal

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We support the skills acquisition for both our craftsmen and intended. Providing them with better techniques and resources to make their process more efficient.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Women who are usually the most under served in these communities are equitably employed throughout our value chain. From our weavers, tailors, finance managers and more.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

By working with local craftsmen and supporting their existing craft and trade, we promote a sustainable and inclusive system that supports a sustainable economic growth in our region of operations providing decent work for all.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

We continually strive to revive and re-innovate the entire eco system in the fashion industry through our method of operations, from fabric production working with local weavers, to garment production and the upcycling of fashion production waste we work to ensure that the entire value chain is sustainable and fosters the circular economy.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

We see our selves as not a Nigerian brand but a continental brand not just a Nigeria brand as we hope to work with local weavers across the continent telling their own unique stories through fashion and art.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

By working with communities usually the most under served we provide a preservation of settlements that are not only economically viable through our interventions but can grow to become self reliant and sustainable

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

We employ a made-to-order combined with a minimal inventory management for our items. This approach reiterates our commitment to responsible production and avoiding all forms of over production and waste.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Through our zero waste policy we contribute to the climate action goal, all excesses from production are made into fashion accessories, clothing, art, and custom avant garde looks. We redefine what upcycling can be in the circular economy.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

As part of our

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

3

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Fashion is not new and we are using centuries old African fabric creation techniques. However what we are doing differently is combining these ancient fabric creation techniques with modern fashion design to give a new life and functionality to these centuries old practices. Making them more appealing to new audiences.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our identified main competition is the Nigerian fashion brand Emmy Kasbit, who uses similar type of fabrics for their collections. While they support the local woven fabrics as we do we go a step further in our drive for sustainability and the circular economy ensuring a zero waste in our entire production cycle. Additionally, asides from creating clothing we also cater to our verticals by working with local artists in using our excess fabrics from production in creating art pieces.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?