ACT Featured on the Circular Economy Podcast

Catherine Weetman spoke with Elmar Stroomer, founder of Africa Collect Textiles, on the Circular Economy Podcast. The conversation explores how ACT collects used textiles in Kenya and Nigeria for reuse, recycling, and upcycling.

Elmar shares how his background in circular design and his years living in Kenya and Uganda helped shape ACT’s work and growth. Today, ACT operates more than 40 collection points in Nairobi and Lagos, distributes free and affordable clothing to underprivileged communities, and provides employment to over 50 people who collect, sort, and upcycle fashion waste, used uniforms, and off-cuts into new products such as rugs, backpacks, and toys.

The episode also looks at how imported fashion waste from the global north has affected Kenya’s textile sector, and why ACT is focused on creating circular systems for locally produced textiles. Elmar discusses several initiatives, including repurposing workshops, services for resellers, and new ways of using end-of-life clothing in local businesses.