Daniel Kisitu (MuAfrica Repurpose)
A backpack available at MuAfrica Repurpose
Daniel Kisitu is the co-founder of MuAfrica Repurpose, a Uganda-based company that upcycles waste materials to create eco fashion products.
Prior to launching his business, Daniel wasn’t following any particular career path. Then, in 2018, Daniel became friends with an artist who was passionate about saving the environment. Inspired by his passion, Daniel promptly joined him in his work of using waste materials to create usable products, and together they launched MuAfrica Repurpose.
Creating jobs in Uganda through upcycling
Today, MuAfrica Repurpose upcycles rubber and tarpaulin to create fashionable backpacks, wallets, bracelets and more. A growing business, Daniel has made it a part of the mission to employ refugees and youth, creating jobs in his local community.
Daniel and a member of his team in the process of cleaning upcycled plastic to repurpose
Before joining the Because Accelerator’s Fall 2021 Cohort, Daniel’s team often faced challenges raising needed support, understanding important business concepts, and finding ways to export internationally.
“Personally, I don’t have enough knowledge and experience about business development and entrepreneurship, which often forced me to opt for quick-fix options” shared Daniel. “By taking part in the [Because Accelerator] program, I have been able to attain more professional skills and knowledge, such as business modeling, marketing, team building and leadership skills, which have helped me develop my enterprise.”
Additionally, Daniel says that since completing the accelerator his team has been able to identify a reliable means of exporting products, and have so far exported two international orders.
At the end of the fall cohort, Daniel participated in Because International’s post-cohort pitch event—an event where all entrepreneurs have an opportunity to pitch their business to an audience of Because Advisor Network members, supporters, potential investors and more. After the event concluded, Daniel was approached by an investor and received funding to put towards MuAfrica Repurpose.
Daniel holding up a few of the bags from MuAfrica Repurpose
“We are deeply grateful and motivated to have attained such an investment after taking part in Because International’s intensive program,” said Daniel. “This has immensely boosted us with courage and strong faith that we can potentially realize our dream/vision.”
With the investment, MuAfrica Repurpose has purchased a high-quality sewing machine and rented a facility that gives them enough room to scale the business and create more employment opportunities in the community.
By 2030, Daniel hopes to have made a significant impact on Uganda’s waste reduction, to be employing more than 50 refugees and youth, and to have built a self-sustaining social enterprise.
The Because Accelerator is a completely free online training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs who have product-focused ideas and businesses in areas impacted by poverty.