Gedion Springmann

Pioneered Africa's largest circular economy platform transforming secondhand clothing industry

Revolutionizing Fashion Through Circular Economy

Gedion Springmann is the founder and CEO of Tuko, Africa's leading online marketplace for secondhand clothing that has diverted millions of garments from landfills while creating economic opportunities across the continent. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Springmann identified the massive waste in global textile supply chains during his studies at MIT's Sloan School of Management. He launched Tuko in 2019 with a mission to 'close the loop' between Western surplus clothing and African consumers, creating a $40M+ platform by 2023. The platform now operates in 15 African countries and employs over 500 people, 60% of whom are women. Tuko's website highlights their 'Buy One Give One' program donating garments to displaced communities.

Social Impact Innovations

Springmann's vision extends beyond commerce to environmental stewardship. Through partnerships with H&M's Conscious Collection and Patagonia, Tuko has diverted 8.2 million kg of clothing from landfills since 2020. His 2022 TEDx talk 'Fashion's Circular Future' has been viewed 2.3 million times. In 2023, Springmann launched the African Circular Fashion Initiative, training 15,000+ artisans in textile upcycling techniques.

Global Recognition

Awarded Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 in 2021 and the Global Unicorn Accelerator Prize in 2023, Springmann's work has been featured in National Geographic's climate issue and the Wall Street Journal's sustainability section. His recent collaboration with UN Environment Programme (UNEP) aims to scale circular fashion models across developing economies.