Place Description

Chako

The company Chako is a social, creative and environmental enterprise using waste material from the tourism industry to create newly designed objects in order to reduce the environmental footprint of the hospitality sector. Not only do they provide a sustainable alternative to dispose waste but they also foster social and economic opportunities especially for women in order to earn a fair living.

All of Chako’s bottles and print material waste is collected from Zanzibar’s restaurants and hotels whereas the dhow sails are purchased from local fishermen. They run an entirely local production workshop in Mwanakwerekwe near Stone Town, Zanzibar. Glass and bottles are upcycled to a variety of hanging lamps, table lamps and glass jars with hand-carved wooden lids or coconut lids all having unique and attractive designs.

The printing material starts its recycled life being rolled in paper beads to create a colorful bead curtain. The dhow sails are transformed into stylish beach and shopping bags, reversible in order to enjoy two different designs.

Sharing knowledge and empowering employees is one of the main objectives of Chako resulting in intense in-house training as well as English, life skills or hand-carving lessons. Chako also supports its employees in giving out micro-loans to start businesses of their own.

Products available at

• Zenji Boutique
• Kumi
• Jenga
• Madeinafrica
• Blue Bay Beach & Spa Resort
• Sultan Sands Island Resort
• Double Tree By Hilton
• Acn Ltd (ROCK Restaurant, Kichanga Lodge)
• Memories Of Zanzibar
• Schwari
• Essque Zalu
• Gold Zanzibar
• Eden Viaggi Resort
• White Sands Zuri
• Matemwe Lodge