Innovating Through Art, Design, & Empowerment

From repurposed plastic bricks in Ethiopia to flip-flop vases dazzling crowds in Milan, this issue of the Zelaki Newsletter celebrates the visionary spirit driving sustainable innovation across the African continent.

This week, we spotlight Kubik, a trailblazing Ethiopian startup turning plastic waste into eco-friendly housing solutions. We also look at how Kenyan artisans, in collaboration with Italian designers, are bringing marine conservation to Milan Design Week in the form of joyful, high-design pieces.

In the world of storytelling and performance, we highlight a new UNESCO-backed residency supporting young African women filmmakers and Malawi’s YDC Theatre, which is calling for stronger investment in youth-driven arts. These stories reflect how creativity and community go hand in hand—reshaping not only how we live, but how we imagine the future.

Join us as we continue to follow the threads of African artistry, activism, and innovation shaping the world, one idea at a time.

News from Africa And Beyond

Kubik: Transforming Plastic Waste into Affordable Housing in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Kubik is making significant strides in sustainable construction by converting plastic waste into eco-friendly, affordable building materials. The startup addresses two pressing issues: the abundance of plastic waste and the shortage of cost-effective housing. By repurposing plastic into durable construction blocks, Kubik not only mitigates environmental pollution but also provides a solution to housing challenges.

This innovative approach positions Kubik as a standout player in Africa's green technology sector, demonstrating how environmental challenges can be transformed into opportunities for social impact and economic development.

Article by Matshepo Sehloho for Connecting Africa

Residency Program for African Women Filmmakers Seeks Partners

The "Film Residency for Young Women Filmmakers in Africa," a program launched by UNESCO and its partners, has extended its deadline for partnership applications. The residency is aimed at supporting early-career women filmmakers from across the African continent through mentorship, technical training, and production support.

UNESCO is now actively calling on film institutions, production houses, and cultural organizations across Africa to help design and deliver the residency, with a focus on empowering young women in the industry. This initiative builds on a broader effort to address gender inequality in African cinema by creating new pathways for creative leadership and storytelling.

The program is currently in its development phase and will be shaped collaboratively with local and regional partners to ensure accessibility and cultural relevance.

Article by Art Report Africa Staff for Art Report Africa

Malawi’s YDC Calls for Investment in Youth Arts

In celebration of World Theatre Day for Children and Young People, Malawi’s YDC Theatre issued a passionate call for greater investment in youth-centered arts. Actor and playwright Fumbani Phiri emphasized theatre’s role in shaping creativity, empathy, and critical thinking among the youth. He described theatre as both a platform for empowerment and a tool for societal transformation, urging policymakers to recognize its long-term value. YDC plans to revive the Udolo Wanga Youth Festival later this year.

Article by Sam Banda for The Times Group

Milan Design Week Highlights African Innovation in Sustainability

At this year’s Milan Design Week, Italian designer Serena Confalonieri partnered with Kenyan nonprofit Ocean Sole to unveil the Jambo collection: a vibrant series of sculptural vases made entirely from discarded flip-flops. These flip-flops, collected from beaches across Kenya, are cleaned, pressed into colorful blocks, and hand-carved by local artisans.

The collection is a striking example of how environmental waste can be transformed into joyful, high-design objects. It also represents a powerful model for sustainable development—supporting both marine conservation and artisan employment. By showcasing this work on a global stage like Milan, the project brings attention to African-led, community-based design initiatives that creatively address both ecological and economic challenges.

Article by Ifeoluwa Adedeji for Wallpaper