Passionate about sustainable development and driven by a vision to create positive change, I am the Co-founder and CEO of Rethread Africa. With a background in Development Communication from the University of Nairobi, I am deeply committed to addressing the pressing challenges of the climate crisis and promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry.Born in Naivasha and partly raised in Nairobi, my formative years and school holidays were spent in my ancestral village in Kamreri, Migori County. The firsthand experience of witnessing the devastating effects of the climate crisis on smallholder agriculture ignited a fire within me to find solutions that empower communities to adapt and combat these challenges.My entrepreneurial journey began with Stofresh Africa, an agritech startup focused on reducing postharvest wastage in farming communities. Although the venture did not unfold as desired, it instilled in me the power of relentless problem-solving and the potential for innovative solutions.At Rethread Africa, I am driven by the belief that sustainable fashion can create a positive impact on both people and the planet. Our mission is to transform agricultural waste into biodegradable, soil-enriching fabric. By leveraging the untapped resource of agro-waste, we not only create sustainable alternatives but also generate new income opportunities for smallholder farmers.As the team lead at Rethread Africa, my role encompasses building relationships and partnerships that bridge the gap between communities and the fashion industry. By connecting people and resources, we strive to create a thriving ecosystem where sustainable practices flourish.I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in a short period of time, including being the youngest team to win the H&M Foundation's Global Change Award in 2023 and the first African team in five years to achieve this recognition. This validation reinforces our commitment to driving positive green growth in the communities we serve.Join me on this journey as we reimagine the fashion industry, champion sustainability, and create a future where fashion is not only beautiful but also regenerative and inclusive.
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Project LeadLinq EnergyNairobi County, Kenya -
Founder & CeoRethread Africa Nov 2022 - PresentNairobi County, KenyaLeadership: Established Rethread Africa to revolutionize the materials industry by bioengineering microbes to upcycle agricultural waste into sustainable, carbon-neutral materials.Strategic Oversight: Lead strategic planning and execution across all aspects of the company, including research and development, partnerships, and fundraising efforts.Innovation and Development: Spearheading the development of novel PHA-producing microbes, optimizing feedstock flexibility to ensure the use of diverse agricultural wastes.Team Building: Building and managing a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals committed to our mission.Partnerships and Collaboration: Fostered strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including the H&M Foundation's Global Change Award and leading brands.Community Engagement: Drive initiatives to empower smallholder farmers by turning agricultural waste into valuable resources, creating new green jobs, and contributing to rural development.Fundraising: Successfully secured over $245,000 in grants and prize money; preparing for the first round of venture capital funding to scale operations.Sustainability Advocacy: Advocate for sustainable materials and practices through public speaking, media engagements, and participation in global forums such as the Earthshot Prize Innovation Camp, The Sustainable Fashion Forum, and Africa Tech Festival.Achievements:Finalist for the 2024 Waislitz Global Citizens’ Award.Nominated for the 2024 Earthshot Prize in the "Build A Waste-Free World" category.Expanded operations to include multiple labs and a design studio in Nairobi.Created 12 jobs and collaborated with over 35 farmers within the first year of operations.Initiated projects in Kenya and Rwanda, targeting the highest unemployment rates among young people and reducing agricultural waste emissions. -
Communications InternUn Climate Change Jun 2023 - Oct 2023Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyMy role entails collaborating with a dynamic team to create engaging and impactful communication materials. I am particularly excited about working on internal training programs, where I have the opportunity to contribute to professional development and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the organization.In addition to my involvement in internal training programs, I am also responsible for supporting various projects within the UNFCCC. This allows me to actively participate in the organization's efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development globally. Through my work, I aim to leverage effective communication strategies to raise awareness, mobilize stakeholders, and inspire action towards a more sustainable future.I am thrilled to be part of the UNFCCC ICT Division, where I can contribute to the organization's mission of creating a sustainable and resilient future for all. I look forward to collaborating with talented professionals and leveraging my skills to amplify the UNFCCC's message and drive positive change on a global scale. -
Co-FounderStofresh Africa Feb 2022 - Nov 2022Nairobi, KenyaAt Stofresh, we are a team of dedicated, passionate and young individuals recreating Africa's fresh food supply chain using people, tech and data. We have built a platform that connects smallholder farmers to shared cold storage facilities and gives them direct access to markets. -
FellowImpact Toolbox Apr 2022 - Sep 2022The youth in development fellowship provides emerging civic leaders and social entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to lead social change initiatives effectively. YID Fellows engage in a transformative learning experience, where they hone their leadership skills while learning to lead sustainable social change. This year’s YID fellows represent about 10% of the applications received. -
International Volunteer Day County Campaign Team LeadUnited Nations Volunteers Nov 2021 - Dec 2021Nairobi, KenyaLed the country coordination team for the International Volunteer Day 2021 in Kenya.
Charles Oyamo Skills
Charles Oyamo Education Details
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Development Communication -
Our Lady Of Mercy Ringa Boys High SchoolEnglish Language And Literature/Letters
Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Oyamo
What company does Charles Oyamo work for?
Charles Oyamo works for Linq Energy
What is Charles Oyamo's role at the current company?
Charles Oyamo's current role is Project Lead.
What schools did Charles Oyamo attend?
Charles Oyamo attended University Of Nairobi, Our Lady Of Mercy Ringa Boys High School.
What skills is Charles Oyamo known for?
Charles Oyamo has skills like Leadership, Presentation Skills, Social Media, Public Speaking, Skilled Multi Tasker, Cultural Diversity, Google Suite, Digital Media, Digital Content, Communication, Content Marketing, Digital Marketing.
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