Mafi Mafi

Mafi Mafi is a sustainable fashion label that merges Ethiopia’s rich heritage with modern, ready-to-wear apparel. Founded in 2011 in Addis Ababa, the brand uses hand-woven cloth from local artisans to create luxury pieces. As a social enterprise, Mafi Mafi empowers and upskills young weavers, designers, and seamstresses with fair wages, training, and personal development in a supportive workshop setting.

Founder Mahlet Afework, inspired by her seamstress mother and her own experiences as a teenage rapper in Addis Ababa’s hip hop scene, created Mafi Mafi to modernize ancient textile techniques. The brand releases one annual collection, aiming to disrupt exploitative practices and prioritize ethical production, from local sourcing and equitable wages to hydropower energy and zero-waste processes.

Mafi Mafi addresses the challenges faced by women in the informal textile industry, offering stable employment and fair trade agreements that cut out middlemen. The workshop fosters a community-focused culture with mentorship, training, and a library, supporting professional growth and confidence.

Instead of seasonal collections, Mafi Mafi’s 55-member team collaborates to design and produce unique garments using traditional looms. The facility is plastic-free, and all unused textiles are upcycled into new products. Customers can visit the flagship showroom to meet the passionate team behind these sustainable creations.

With locally sourced cotton, natural dyes, and a zero-waste policy, Mafi Mafi’s commitment to sustainability is reinforced by tree-planting initiatives. The brand exemplifies how fashion can blend tradition, social impact, and environmental consciousness, empowering people and preserving heritage.