Our Pro bono Work
Supporting Capacity Building and Up-Skilling in Africa
The concept for In Our Name evolved while I was working for retailers and brands in strategic supply chain management, sourcing, and compliance across Europe, North America, and Asia. These experiences provided invaluable insights into various manufacturers, from small ateliers in Florence and automated factories in Panyu to artisans in Chiang Mai. It became clear that very few products sold in established markets had African roots, where I grew up, which highlighted an imbalance and perhaps an inequality for African-made lifestyle products.
So, in 2021, I founded In Our Name, focusing exclusively on manufacturing in Africa, with the knowledge that addressing the skills gap would require extensive financial and time resources. Our pro bono initiative aims to not only change the narrative of African-produced fashion but also empower small indigenous producers and artisans in Kenya, both socially and economically.
The African proverb from the Lozi tribe in Zambia, "Giving is not losing. It is keeping for tomorrow," perfectly captures our approach to driving positive social and economic change for the makers’ futures. We leverage our expertise and enlist support from peers to aid small, locally owned factories and micro-enterprises with strategic and operational support. We are proud to have established a proof-of-concept that we can expand as we grow.
Enhancing Capabilities and Compliance
In Our Name’s primary focus is to support our manufacturing partners in upgrading quality standards, improving efficiencies, and understanding international standards, Regulations, and compliance. These efforts are designed to lay the foundations for capacity building and opportunities for local employment.
Our pro bono work aligns with the "People" pillar of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing several key areas:
Strategic Guidance
Our collaborative approach starts with understanding our partners' goals and ambitions, reviewing their current processes, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending strategic solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and create employment opportunities.
Process Optimisation
We review factory layouts, product flow, inventory management, and production planning. Optimising these processes has led to improvements in productivity, quality, and waste management.
Capacity Building
We introduce capacity-building initiatives through one-on-one training for factory staff and artisans, helping them understand critical building blocks that develop personal and internal capabilities. This enhances their operations and productivity, securing long-term social and economic sustainability.
Making a Difference
Our pro bono work has shown promising results in up-skilling personal and internal capabilities. By continuing to leverage our expertise, we aim to make a lasting positive impact, directly contributing to the overall development of communities and creating a more equitable and sustainable world.