Beyene Bogale

Ethiopian innovator leading Africa's sustainable fashion revolution through ethical second-hand clothing trade.

Beyene Bogale is transforming East Africa's fashion industry through his pioneering work in ethical second-hand clothing trade. A former textile engineer, he founded Thrift Africa in 2013, which has grown into the continent's largest certified fair-trade platform for second-hand clothing. His 2020 initiative "Wear With Pride" ensures 80% of proceeds go directly to garment workers in Ethiopia's rural regions.

Bogale's 2021 partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation established Africa's first circular fashion certification system. This model now operates in 6 countries, reducing textile waste by 40% among participating brands. His TED Talk "Rethinking Fashion's Ethical Threads" has sparked global conversations about sustainable apparel practices.

In 2023, he launched the "Grow With Garments" program, training 500+ women in textile repair and upcycling. His collaboration with the EU's Circular Economy Initiative produced Africa's first carbon-neutral clothing line showcased at Milan Fashion Week. Recognized by Forbes Africa's 2024 Sustainability Leaders list, Bogale continues advocating for policy changes through his role at the African Apparel Alliance. His work is highlighted in National Geographic's "The New Fabric of Africa" series.