Endelea
(Italy)

Endelea is an ethical fashion brand born in Milan in 2018 with the idea of creating clothing and accessories collections using African fabrics with Italian design. The collections are designed in Milan and handmade in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The brand was selected as "Designers for the Planet" at Milan Fashion Week 2022 and 2023, being awarded with Premio Camera Buyer and Young Designer DHL Award.
The name Endelea, which means "to keep going" in Swahili, reflects the brand's philosophy and is consistent with an approach that places people at the center, creating value for both customers and the communities involved in the project. Endelea has a dual objective. On one hand, the company aims to contribute to the development of the fashion industry in Tanzania. To achieve this, fabric purchases are made locally, as is almost all the production. Additionally, part of the revenue is invested in organizing workshops and collaborating with Tanzanian schools and universities.
On the other hand, Endelea aims to create a dialogue between Europe and Africa by introducing authentic African textile culture and positioning itself as an inclusive brand.
Since 2020, Endelea has been a benefit corporation, a company that works to have a positive impact on people and the environment. The team is composed of 85% women, with a gender pay gap of zero. Tailors and seamstresses in Tanzania receive 116% higher wages than the national average, and they all have health insurance for themselves and their families.
In 2023, both Endelea and its Tanzanian company received the coveted B Corp Certification, in recognition of their high social and environmental impact standards.