Mwani Zanzibar
TURNING SEAWEED INTO SOAP
Image: Rosa van Ederen
on the sands of Paje
The mamas of Mwani Zanzibar in Paje make all-natural skincare products with the key ingredient seaweed farmed a matter of metres away in the Indian Ocean. Mark Edwards finds out about the clean and ethical range and the way in which the company presents a model for how seaweed farming can provide independence and a secure career while protecting the islands’ fragile coastline.
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ressed in their uniform of headscarfs and flowing dresses coloured a shade of blue that is as azure as the Indian Ocean they wade into waist deep to work, the Mwani Zanzibar ‘mamas’ stand out from the rest of the many seaweed farmers that tend to their harvest around the coastline of the Zanzibar archipelago. The 17 women employed by the social enterprise also distinguish themselves in roles that go far beyond growing seaweed. In fact, that’s where the work just begins.
From Mwani Zanzibar’s production centre – an impressive hut with a roof thatched with coconut leaves – just moments from Paje beach on the east coast of Unguja, the women handcraft a range of all-natural skin products with the harvested seaweed a key ingredient. Their soaps, body scrubs and butters are also made with herbs and spices grown in the centre’s gardens or sourced from across Africa. Seaweed is a veritable elixir of proteins, enzymes, minerals and vitamins and, as Mwani Zanzibar
Lemongrass Body Butter is among the all-natural Mwani Zanzibar products Image: Mwani Zanzibar
The Mwani mamas – among them Maua (second left) – tend to their farms Image: Rosa van Ederen
director Klaartje Schade details, its effect on the skin can turn back the hands of time. “It is naturally abundant in essential amino acids and moisturising phytonutrients, protein-rich seaweed restructures collagen to combat premature skin ageing,” she says. “This treasured ingredient is also effective in the treatment of skin conditions like acne and eczema. It detoxifies and restores the natural balance of your skin, whilst its powerful antioxidants protect against environmental pollutants.” airtanzania.co.tz
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