In January 2023, The Sustainabilist emerged as a beacon of change, founded by a diverse group of talented and skilled individuals. Mohammed Gumaneh, a visionary from The Gambia, leads this initiative as the founder and CEO.
THE SUSTAINABILIST JOURNEY
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Alongside him stand Muhammad Abba Mandara, deputy key person from Nigeria; Fatima Sadiq, treasurer from Nigeria; Ibrahim Yusuf, head of research from Nigeria; Bashar Umar, social media manager from Nigeria; and Mercy Ephraim, secretary general from Tanzania, each contributes their unique strengths to the mission.
The Sustainabilist journey is a testament to the transformative potential of social entrepreneurship in addressing pressing global challenges leading to unemployment. Rooted in a shared commitment to sustainability and social impact, the team has embarked on a mission to redefine conventional paradigms of business and consumption.
The primary goal of The Sustainabilist is to combat unemployment through a unique platform, connecting users with skills provision, laundry services, donations of clothes and shoes, and upcycling services. With a keen focus on skills provision, the team created a marketplace where skilled individuals could register, showcase their services, and let users hire and get the necessary skills.
The platform serves as a meeting ground for busy individuals seeking laundry services, offering a convenient way to connect with service providers. Moreover, it facilitates connections between those unable to afford clothing and generous donors willing to contribute clothes, bags, shoes, and more.
The Sustainabilist has traversed a remarkable path since its inception. The team secured the runner-up position in the Young Technopreneur Challenge 2023 and utilised the prize money to develop their current functional website.
Over eight weeks, The Sustainabilist participated in the Zak Capital-sponsored Micropreneurs Accelerate Programme and was selected to participate in the Social Business Convention and Dialogue hosted by Yunus 3ZERO Centre, further honing their skills and expanding their reach.
The team also clinched the runner-up position in the on-campus 2024 Hult Prize competition, solidifying their commitment to making a positive impact. However, they faced challenges, particularly a lack of funds for app development, which hindered their ability to reach a wider audience. They also faced challenges in identifying donation recipients and raising donation levels. Additionally, the intricacies of logistics posed significant obstacles, requiring innovative solutions and strategic planning.
By collaborating with local charities and community organisations, they worked to improve their donation channels, ensuring a smooth distribution of resources to underserved communities. Fashion waste and unemployment are two interconnected issues that plague communities worldwide.
Fashion Waste and Unemployment:
The rapid pace of the fashion industry and the rise in consumerism have resulted in a huge amount of clothing waste. This waste problem also worsens unemployment, as textile workers and artisans find it increasingly difficult to secure jobs due to the surplus of discarded garments. The Sustainabilist platform aims to tackle these issues by providing a marketplace for upcycling services.
By connecting artisans with consumers seeking sustainable alternatives to fast fashion, the platform reduces waste and creates employment opportunities for marginalised communities. Additionally, by facilitating the donation of clothes and other items,
Access to Essential Services:
Access to essential services like laundry facilities is often taken for granted, but for underserved communities, not having clean clothes can significantly worsen hygiene and self-esteem issues.
The Sustainabilist platform recognises the importance of addressing these basic needs by connecting individuals with laundry services, ensuring everyone can maintain personal hygiene and dignity. Since its inception, The Sustainabilist has made significant strides in addressing these pressing issues and creating positive change worldwide.
A platform for skills exchange has empowered individuals to harness their talents and generate income, reducing dependency on traditional employment avenues. Its emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction fosters a culture of conscious consumption and environmental stewardship.
The Sustainabilist's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility ensures its services reach individuals from all walks of life. By leveraging technology to facilitate connections and streamline processes, the platform democratises access to essential services and fosters a more equitable society.
As The Sustainabilist grows and expands its reach, it remains dedicated to its mission of driving positive change and empowering communities worldwide. By fostering ongoing partnerships and collaborations, the platform aims to amplify its impact and tackle new challenges in sustainability, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
As individuals and organisations rally behind The Sustainabilist's vision of a more sustainable and equitable future, the platform exemplifies the transformative power of social entrepreneurship. The Sustainabilist actively shapes a brighter future by harnessing innovation, collaboration, and compassion.
In 2024, they aim to impart valuable skills to 200 individuals, reflecting their commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable practices. Each milestone brings them closer to their vision of making sustainability a way of life. The Sustainabilist extends heartfelt gratitude to their advisor, Mr. Osaid, whose guidance has been pivotal in shaping their journey. As they move forward, they remain committed to creating a more sustainable future for all.