AFRICA COLLECT TEXTILE CREATES CIRCULARITY FOR FASHION
Location:
Nairobi, Kenya
Sector:
Textile Industry
Jobs created:
86 since 04/22
Impact:
100t recycled
Financial and venture building support since 2022.
The Challenge
Textile Waste: A Growing Crisis
BUILDING CIRCULARITY
FROM JEANS TO CARPETS
The innovation
Transforming Textile Waste
The STANDOUT
Why ACT?
The special thing about ACT is the warm family atmosphere at both locations. When you visit the company, you feel the calm, home-like environment away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city. In the factory, there is an open togetherness, people cook together and eat lunch together, which creates a warm family feeling.
At the weaving centre in Kitui, more than 100 women make baskets for ACT. In doing so, they secure their livelihood and are part of a community. The centre is like a safe haven, providing an environment for these women to share their concerns, pour their hearts out, dance and most importantly, support each other.
CREATING VALUE & JOBS
Key Facts
Start-Up Impact
Economics
- Sustainable income through green jobs in local production
- Securing and benefiting from the value of textiles through recycling
- Incentive model for collection partners and their charities
Climate
- Reduction of textile waste being landfilled
- Prevention of CO2 emissions from burning textiles
- Development and promotion of a resource-efficient circular economy
- Reduction of the overall need of textiles by recycling and upcycling textiles
PEOPLE
Meet the Founders
Alex Musembi

Co-Founder & GM of ACT
Alex serves as the General Manager for ACT in Nairobi. He is an entrepreneur with experience in trading textiles and hospital consumables. Alex is also the Board Secretary of the Knitting Project Foundation and previously worked as a project officer for KICI projects in Kenya. He holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management from the University of Nairobi and has been recognized for his contributions to ACT through a cash prize won at a pitch contest hosted by the E4Impact Incubator in Kenya.
Elmar Stroomer

Co-Founder of ACT
Elmar completed his Master's in Strategic Product Design at the Technical University of Delft in 2007. He has a strong background in product development and has collaborated on various textile sorting and recycling projects with institutions such as TUDelft, ENVIU, and KICI (now Sympany). Elmar spent several years in Kenya and Uganda from 2012 to 2017, establishing ACT and a design office for Design without Borders. He later worked for design studio REGGS, managing clients such as Heineken and AMD. In 2018, Elmar received the Circular Design Award from Rabobank and Desko for his innovative work in creating a 3D woven chaise longue from recycled denim.
Our Portfolio
Explore More Start-ups
- Nairobi, Kenya
Gjenge Makers
- Nairobi, Kenya
Irri-Hub
- Nairobi, Kenya
Damu Sasa
Donate to Start-ups Like Africa Collect Textiles
Donating to Impacc is crucial because it empowers high-potential start-ups to create positive impact, drive sustainable growth, and contribute to societal and environmental well-being. 100% donations will go to the start-ups.
