Latest news with #Alara
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Alara Resources awarded 2nd mining licence in Oman
Muscat – Alara Resources Limited, an Australian base and precious metals producer and explorer with projects in Oman, has announced the award of a second mining licence by the sultanate's Ministry of Energy and Minerals over the Daris 3A5 prospect, part of the Daris Copper-Gold Project. This milestone represents a significant strategic achievement for Alara, reinforcing its leadership position in Oman's rapidly developing mining sector. The Daris Copper-Gold Project – in which Alara holds a 50% interest, with the right to increase it to 70% – is located approximately 150km west of Muscat and spans an extensive area of around 587sq km (Block 7) under a mineral exploration licence. The 3A5 mining licence has been granted over a portion of Block 7, covering an area of 0.65sq km. Block 7, including the 3A5 licence, is operated by Daris Resources LLC – a joint venture company in which Alara holds both management and commercial rights. Back in 2013, Alara submitted mining licence applications for two highly prospective copper-gold zones in Block 7 – Daris East and Daris 3A5 – following extensive exploration activities conducted between 2010 and 2012. The company drilled 10 diamond core holes to test and verify the historical mineralisation reported at Daris 3A5. The drilling confirmed the presence of high-grade copper-gold mineralisation at the prospect. Now that the Daris 3A5 mining licence has been secured, Alara plans to carry out geophysical surveys over the next year to determine drill hole locations, followed by diamond core drilling to define the mineralisation boundaries. In a press statement, Atmavireshwar Sthapak, Managing Director of Alara Resources, said, 'The award of the Daris 3A5 mining licence marks another pivotal achievement for Alara and reaffirms our deep commitment to Oman's mining industry. Over the past 15 years, Alara has delivered consistently – from completing exploration programmes and feasibility studies to building Oman's first copper mine and processing facility at Wash-hi Majaza.' 'Daris 3A5 is poised to become our second copper mining operation, and we are excited to unlock further value for our shareholders. We extend our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, our partners at Daris Resources LLC, and the dedicated Alara team who made this milestone possible. We look forward to building on this success to drive our next phase of growth,' he added. Sheikh Salim bin Mustahail al Mashani, Chairman of Al Tamman Trading and Establishment, said, 'We are excited by the granting of the Daris 3A5 mining licence, which represents a significant step forward for the development of Oman's mining sector. This achievement is the result of close collaboration between our team, Alara, and the government authorities – particularly the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Environment Authority. 'We are proud to have worked together with our partners to achieve this important milestone. The Daris project reflects our shared vision of building a sustainable and economically impactful mining industry in the Sultanate. We look forward to supporting the next phase of development and delivering long-term benefits to Oman and its people.'
Observer
05-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
Alara secures mining licence for second copper project in Oman
MUSCAT: Alara Resources Limited, a base and precious metals explorer and producer listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, has announced the award of a mining licence over the Daris 3A5 prospect, part of the Daris Copper-Gold Project in Oman. The licence, granted by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, represents a significant step forward in Alara's strategy to expand its copper mining footprint in the Sultanate. The newly granted licence is the second awarded to an Alara joint venture in Oman, reinforcing the company's position in the country's growing mining sector. The licence covers a 0.65 km² portion of Block 7, a mineral-rich zone located approximately 150 km west of Muscat. The Daris Copper-Gold Project is operated by Daris Resources LLC, a joint venture in which Alara holds a 50 per cent stake and management rights, with an option to increase its interest to 70 per cent. In a statement by Alara Resources, the company noted that the mining licence followed a thorough and lengthy approval process, which involved extensive technical assessments and stakeholder consultations. It emphasised that while the licence allows for future mining activities, further exploration work is still required to determine whether potentially economic mineralisation exists at the Daris 3A5 site. 'This Announcement does not imply that potentially economic mineralisation has been discovered at Daris 3A5,' the company clarified. 'Further exploration is required to ascertain whether economic mineralisation exists at this prospect.' Initial exploration work carried out by Alara between 2010 and 2012, which included airborne electromagnetic (VTEM) surveys, ground magnetic surveys, and diamond drilling, confirmed high-grade copper mineralisation at the Daris 3A5 prospect. Notable drill intercepts included 3.45 metres at 10.28% copper, 17.2 metres at 8.05% copper, and 30.75 metres at 4.69% copper. These promising results laid the groundwork for the mining licence application submitted in 2013. Looking ahead, Alara plans a comprehensive development programme over the next 12 months to define the resource and prepare for potential mining operations. This includes conducting new geophysical surveys, further diamond drilling, and metallurgical test work to evaluate recovery potential. Should the findings warrant it, the company aims to issue a mineral resource estimate and reserve classification under the JORC Code, alongside detailed mine planning and potential toll treatment agreements with existing copper processing facilities in Oman. Commenting on the development, Alara Managing Director Atmavireshwar Sthapak said: 'The award of the Daris 3A5 Mining License marks another pivotal achievement for Alara and reaffirms our deep commitment to the Sultanate of Oman's mining industry. Over the past 15 years Alara has delivered consistently – from completing exploration programs and feasibility studies to building Oman's first copper mine and processing facility at Wash-hi Majaza. Daris 3A5 is poised to become our second copper mining operation, and we are excited to unlock further value for our shareholders.' He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Alara's joint venture partners, and the company's staff for their role in advancing the project. Supporting the sentiment, Shaikh Salim bin Mustahail al Mashani, Chairman of Al Tamman Trading and Establishment, which is part of the joint venture, said: 'We are excited by the granting of the Daris 3A5 Mining License, which represents a significant step forward for the development of Oman's mining sector. This achievement is the result of close collaboration between our team, Alara, and the Government authorities... The Daris project reflects our shared vision of building a sustainable and economically impactful mining industry in the Sultanate.' The Daris 3A5 licence award comes at a time when Oman is prioritising the development of its mining and minerals sector as part of its Vision 2040 economic diversification strategy. Alara's progress not only signals investor confidence in the country's mineral potential but also adds momentum to broader efforts to establish Oman as a hub for copper production in the region.
Observer
24-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
New high-grade copper prospect unveiled in Oman's Block 8
MUSCAT: A UK-based mining firm currently leading the exploration of mineral resources in Block 8 in Oman's North Al Batinah Governorate has announced the discovery of a promising new copper prospect, with rock sampling returning copper concentrations as high as 7.84%. Power Arabia Ltd, majority-owned by Power Metal Resources PLC — a London-listed exploration company with a global project portfolio — described the newly identified Al Maidar Prospect as a 'high prospectivity target.' This new discovery, along with the previously identified Al Mansur Prospect, underscores the Block's potential to host significant copper mineralization, company officials said. The Block is currently held by a joint venture between Australian exploration company Alara Resources Ltd and Oman-based Awtad Copper LLC. However, in October last year, Power Metal Resources signed a provisional agreement with the JV to acquire a 12.5% stake in Block 8. Under the terms of the deal, Power Metal committed to investing approximately $740,000 in exploration activities to earn this stake. 'Exploration work, including rock chip sampling, mapping, and in-fill gravimetric geophysical surveying, has focused on two high-priority prospects — the Al Maidar and Al Mansur Prospects — both of which have the potential to host significant mineralization,' Power Metal Resources said in a statement. Sean Wade, CEO of Power Metal Resources, commented: 'These results further underpin our confidence that these two key prospects have the potential to host significant mineralisation, whilst also demonstrating the wider potential for Block 8 to deliver value to stakeholders and shareholders.' Atmavireshwar Sthapak, Managing Director of Alara Resources, added: 'We are pleased with the encouraging results from recent exploration activities undertaken by our partners in the Block 8 exploration licence. The Al Mansur Prospect, originally discovered by Alara in 2012–13, continues to demonstrate strong potential and has now progressed to the drill-testing stage. The discovery of the new Al Maidar Prospect by Power Metal further highlights the broader potential of Block 8 to host additional copper mineralisation. Alara is committed to advancing the exploration of Block 8 and intends to increase its stake in the joint venture through continued investment alongside Power Metal.' According to Power Metal, rock chip sampling from the Al Maidar Prospect yielded copper concentrations of 7.84%, 4.7%, 2.8%, and 2.7%, showing a strong correlation with an associated structural feature. A full technical report has been submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in support of the project's licence renewal process. Copper mining and processing is now a significant activity within Oman's rapidly growing mining sector. Leading players in this field include Minerals Development Oman (MDO) — the mining investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) — and its subsidiaries Mawarid Mining and Mazoon Mining; Oman Mining Company; Green Tech Mining Services; and Al Hadeetha Resources, among others.
The Advertiser
04-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'She was a normal, healthy kid': Alara's 'heartbreaking' battle with rare disease
Kerri Taylor smiles when she talks of her granddaughter, Alara. Alara Kelly, age five, loves blowing bubbles and watching Bluey and Peppa Pig, according to Kerri, as well as spending time with her mother and older sister. "She's always happy, always smiling," Kerri said. "It's impossible to get the smile off her face." Alara, from Marulan in the NSW southern highlands, was diagnosed with Batten Disease in 2024 - an extremely rare neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. The fatal disease primarily affects the nervous system, resulting in progressive cognitive decline, seizures, and loss of physical function over time. The expected lifespan for Alara's strain of the disease is between 10 and 16 years. Alara's mother, Haylei Taylor, says watching the progression in her daughter has been heartbreaking. "She was a normal, healthy kid before, developing like other kids," Haylei said. "But as the disease has advanced, she's stopped and gone back the other way." A year after the diagnosis, Alara is non-verbal, incontinent, and wheelchair-bound, and must consume food through a nasogastric tube to her stomach. She is unable to play, read, write, or bear her own weight. The speed of the disease's progression has been a shock to her family, but Alara is unaware of her condition due to the cognitive effects - her mind is now similar to that of an 18-month-old, according to her mother. "That's the only good thing about it - she has no clue that it's happening," Haylei said. "But when family comes and sees her, there's such a huge difference from one visit to the next." Haylei says Alara's 12-year-old sister, Mackenzie, has found the process especially difficult. Alongside her partner, Justin Sams, Haylei has done everything to ensure Alara is as comfortable as possible, with the support of Kerri and Alara's father Darcy Kelly. Already they have secured a wheelchair and specialised car seat from the NDIS, but other essential equipment, like a shower commode, neck support, hoist, and wheeled walker, has all been loaned from the community, or need to be hired through the NDIS. A fundraiser event, called Alara's Batten Ball, will be held at the Veolia Arena on Saturday, August 23 to help raise money for vital medical treatments and support, as well as spread awareness of the disease and Alara's story. The ball will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, and live music from local musician Jamie Agius. Haylei says the support of family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community has been overwhelming so far. The fundraiser was initially intended to raise money for a bigger car to fit Alara's wheelchair, but the generous donation of a Kia Carnival from the MacDougall Foundation and Sleapy's Foundation has allowed the family to focus on securing other crucial equipment. Haylei says the act of generosity came as an enormous shock. "I honestly can't thank them enough," she said. The Crescent School, where Alara is enrolled, has also been "amazing" in providing the necessary support, according to both Haylei and Kerri. Haylei also pays tribute to her partner Justin, who has been by her side throughout the difficult journey. "None of this would've been possible without him," she said. Batten Disease is caused by a genetic mutation that allows cellular waste to build up in the brain. There are 13 known strains of the disorder, all with varying symptoms. Alara's strain, called CLN6, is exceedingly rare - she is one of only two people who have been diagnosed in Australia, and only around 125 cases have been recorded worldwide. In 2018, a revolutionary enzyme-replacement treatment for another more common strain - CLN2 - was approved in Australia, which slows the progression of the disease. While no effective treatment for CLN6 has yet been found in Australia, Haylei and Kerri are hopeful that research for a cure continues. But for now, the family is doing what they can to enjoy their time with Alara while giving her the support she needs. The Taylors make regular trips from Marulan to Sydney for specialist care and to Goulburn Base Hospital whenever Alara accidentally pulls her nasogastric tube out - a common occurrence, according to her grandmother. Kerri says the thought of losing her granddaughter is devastating. "It's really hard to see her and know we might not have her around soon," she said "But while she's here, we'll do what we can to make her comfortable." Alara's Batten Ball fundraiser will begin at 5pm on Saturday, August 23 at Veolia Arena. If you would like to donate to help support Alara and her family, please find the online GoFundMe page 'Alara's Batten Battle.' Kerri Taylor smiles when she talks of her granddaughter, Alara. Alara Kelly, age five, loves blowing bubbles and watching Bluey and Peppa Pig, according to Kerri, as well as spending time with her mother and older sister. "She's always happy, always smiling," Kerri said. "It's impossible to get the smile off her face." Alara, from Marulan in the NSW southern highlands, was diagnosed with Batten Disease in 2024 - an extremely rare neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. The fatal disease primarily affects the nervous system, resulting in progressive cognitive decline, seizures, and loss of physical function over time. The expected lifespan for Alara's strain of the disease is between 10 and 16 years. Alara's mother, Haylei Taylor, says watching the progression in her daughter has been heartbreaking. "She was a normal, healthy kid before, developing like other kids," Haylei said. "But as the disease has advanced, she's stopped and gone back the other way." A year after the diagnosis, Alara is non-verbal, incontinent, and wheelchair-bound, and must consume food through a nasogastric tube to her stomach. She is unable to play, read, write, or bear her own weight. The speed of the disease's progression has been a shock to her family, but Alara is unaware of her condition due to the cognitive effects - her mind is now similar to that of an 18-month-old, according to her mother. "That's the only good thing about it - she has no clue that it's happening," Haylei said. "But when family comes and sees her, there's such a huge difference from one visit to the next." Haylei says Alara's 12-year-old sister, Mackenzie, has found the process especially difficult. Alongside her partner, Justin Sams, Haylei has done everything to ensure Alara is as comfortable as possible, with the support of Kerri and Alara's father Darcy Kelly. Already they have secured a wheelchair and specialised car seat from the NDIS, but other essential equipment, like a shower commode, neck support, hoist, and wheeled walker, has all been loaned from the community, or need to be hired through the NDIS. A fundraiser event, called Alara's Batten Ball, will be held at the Veolia Arena on Saturday, August 23 to help raise money for vital medical treatments and support, as well as spread awareness of the disease and Alara's story. The ball will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, and live music from local musician Jamie Agius. Haylei says the support of family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community has been overwhelming so far. The fundraiser was initially intended to raise money for a bigger car to fit Alara's wheelchair, but the generous donation of a Kia Carnival from the MacDougall Foundation and Sleapy's Foundation has allowed the family to focus on securing other crucial equipment. Haylei says the act of generosity came as an enormous shock. "I honestly can't thank them enough," she said. The Crescent School, where Alara is enrolled, has also been "amazing" in providing the necessary support, according to both Haylei and Kerri. Haylei also pays tribute to her partner Justin, who has been by her side throughout the difficult journey. "None of this would've been possible without him," she said. Batten Disease is caused by a genetic mutation that allows cellular waste to build up in the brain. There are 13 known strains of the disorder, all with varying symptoms. Alara's strain, called CLN6, is exceedingly rare - she is one of only two people who have been diagnosed in Australia, and only around 125 cases have been recorded worldwide. In 2018, a revolutionary enzyme-replacement treatment for another more common strain - CLN2 - was approved in Australia, which slows the progression of the disease. While no effective treatment for CLN6 has yet been found in Australia, Haylei and Kerri are hopeful that research for a cure continues. But for now, the family is doing what they can to enjoy their time with Alara while giving her the support she needs. The Taylors make regular trips from Marulan to Sydney for specialist care and to Goulburn Base Hospital whenever Alara accidentally pulls her nasogastric tube out - a common occurrence, according to her grandmother. Kerri says the thought of losing her granddaughter is devastating. "It's really hard to see her and know we might not have her around soon," she said "But while she's here, we'll do what we can to make her comfortable." Alara's Batten Ball fundraiser will begin at 5pm on Saturday, August 23 at Veolia Arena. If you would like to donate to help support Alara and her family, please find the online GoFundMe page 'Alara's Batten Battle.' Kerri Taylor smiles when she talks of her granddaughter, Alara. Alara Kelly, age five, loves blowing bubbles and watching Bluey and Peppa Pig, according to Kerri, as well as spending time with her mother and older sister. "She's always happy, always smiling," Kerri said. "It's impossible to get the smile off her face." Alara, from Marulan in the NSW southern highlands, was diagnosed with Batten Disease in 2024 - an extremely rare neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. The fatal disease primarily affects the nervous system, resulting in progressive cognitive decline, seizures, and loss of physical function over time. The expected lifespan for Alara's strain of the disease is between 10 and 16 years. Alara's mother, Haylei Taylor, says watching the progression in her daughter has been heartbreaking. "She was a normal, healthy kid before, developing like other kids," Haylei said. "But as the disease has advanced, she's stopped and gone back the other way." A year after the diagnosis, Alara is non-verbal, incontinent, and wheelchair-bound, and must consume food through a nasogastric tube to her stomach. She is unable to play, read, write, or bear her own weight. The speed of the disease's progression has been a shock to her family, but Alara is unaware of her condition due to the cognitive effects - her mind is now similar to that of an 18-month-old, according to her mother. "That's the only good thing about it - she has no clue that it's happening," Haylei said. "But when family comes and sees her, there's such a huge difference from one visit to the next." Haylei says Alara's 12-year-old sister, Mackenzie, has found the process especially difficult. Alongside her partner, Justin Sams, Haylei has done everything to ensure Alara is as comfortable as possible, with the support of Kerri and Alara's father Darcy Kelly. Already they have secured a wheelchair and specialised car seat from the NDIS, but other essential equipment, like a shower commode, neck support, hoist, and wheeled walker, has all been loaned from the community, or need to be hired through the NDIS. A fundraiser event, called Alara's Batten Ball, will be held at the Veolia Arena on Saturday, August 23 to help raise money for vital medical treatments and support, as well as spread awareness of the disease and Alara's story. The ball will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, and live music from local musician Jamie Agius. Haylei says the support of family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community has been overwhelming so far. The fundraiser was initially intended to raise money for a bigger car to fit Alara's wheelchair, but the generous donation of a Kia Carnival from the MacDougall Foundation and Sleapy's Foundation has allowed the family to focus on securing other crucial equipment. Haylei says the act of generosity came as an enormous shock. "I honestly can't thank them enough," she said. The Crescent School, where Alara is enrolled, has also been "amazing" in providing the necessary support, according to both Haylei and Kerri. Haylei also pays tribute to her partner Justin, who has been by her side throughout the difficult journey. "None of this would've been possible without him," she said. Batten Disease is caused by a genetic mutation that allows cellular waste to build up in the brain. There are 13 known strains of the disorder, all with varying symptoms. Alara's strain, called CLN6, is exceedingly rare - she is one of only two people who have been diagnosed in Australia, and only around 125 cases have been recorded worldwide. In 2018, a revolutionary enzyme-replacement treatment for another more common strain - CLN2 - was approved in Australia, which slows the progression of the disease. While no effective treatment for CLN6 has yet been found in Australia, Haylei and Kerri are hopeful that research for a cure continues. But for now, the family is doing what they can to enjoy their time with Alara while giving her the support she needs. The Taylors make regular trips from Marulan to Sydney for specialist care and to Goulburn Base Hospital whenever Alara accidentally pulls her nasogastric tube out - a common occurrence, according to her grandmother. Kerri says the thought of losing her granddaughter is devastating. "It's really hard to see her and know we might not have her around soon," she said "But while she's here, we'll do what we can to make her comfortable." Alara's Batten Ball fundraiser will begin at 5pm on Saturday, August 23 at Veolia Arena. If you would like to donate to help support Alara and her family, please find the online GoFundMe page 'Alara's Batten Battle.' Kerri Taylor smiles when she talks of her granddaughter, Alara. Alara Kelly, age five, loves blowing bubbles and watching Bluey and Peppa Pig, according to Kerri, as well as spending time with her mother and older sister. "She's always happy, always smiling," Kerri said. "It's impossible to get the smile off her face." Alara, from Marulan in the NSW southern highlands, was diagnosed with Batten Disease in 2024 - an extremely rare neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. The fatal disease primarily affects the nervous system, resulting in progressive cognitive decline, seizures, and loss of physical function over time. The expected lifespan for Alara's strain of the disease is between 10 and 16 years. Alara's mother, Haylei Taylor, says watching the progression in her daughter has been heartbreaking. "She was a normal, healthy kid before, developing like other kids," Haylei said. "But as the disease has advanced, she's stopped and gone back the other way." A year after the diagnosis, Alara is non-verbal, incontinent, and wheelchair-bound, and must consume food through a nasogastric tube to her stomach. She is unable to play, read, write, or bear her own weight. The speed of the disease's progression has been a shock to her family, but Alara is unaware of her condition due to the cognitive effects - her mind is now similar to that of an 18-month-old, according to her mother. "That's the only good thing about it - she has no clue that it's happening," Haylei said. "But when family comes and sees her, there's such a huge difference from one visit to the next." Haylei says Alara's 12-year-old sister, Mackenzie, has found the process especially difficult. Alongside her partner, Justin Sams, Haylei has done everything to ensure Alara is as comfortable as possible, with the support of Kerri and Alara's father Darcy Kelly. Already they have secured a wheelchair and specialised car seat from the NDIS, but other essential equipment, like a shower commode, neck support, hoist, and wheeled walker, has all been loaned from the community, or need to be hired through the NDIS. A fundraiser event, called Alara's Batten Ball, will be held at the Veolia Arena on Saturday, August 23 to help raise money for vital medical treatments and support, as well as spread awareness of the disease and Alara's story. The ball will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, and live music from local musician Jamie Agius. Haylei says the support of family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community has been overwhelming so far. The fundraiser was initially intended to raise money for a bigger car to fit Alara's wheelchair, but the generous donation of a Kia Carnival from the MacDougall Foundation and Sleapy's Foundation has allowed the family to focus on securing other crucial equipment. Haylei says the act of generosity came as an enormous shock. "I honestly can't thank them enough," she said. The Crescent School, where Alara is enrolled, has also been "amazing" in providing the necessary support, according to both Haylei and Kerri. Haylei also pays tribute to her partner Justin, who has been by her side throughout the difficult journey. "None of this would've been possible without him," she said. Batten Disease is caused by a genetic mutation that allows cellular waste to build up in the brain. There are 13 known strains of the disorder, all with varying symptoms. Alara's strain, called CLN6, is exceedingly rare - she is one of only two people who have been diagnosed in Australia, and only around 125 cases have been recorded worldwide. In 2018, a revolutionary enzyme-replacement treatment for another more common strain - CLN2 - was approved in Australia, which slows the progression of the disease. While no effective treatment for CLN6 has yet been found in Australia, Haylei and Kerri are hopeful that research for a cure continues. But for now, the family is doing what they can to enjoy their time with Alara while giving her the support she needs. The Taylors make regular trips from Marulan to Sydney for specialist care and to Goulburn Base Hospital whenever Alara accidentally pulls her nasogastric tube out - a common occurrence, according to her grandmother. Kerri says the thought of losing her granddaughter is devastating. "It's really hard to see her and know we might not have her around soon," she said "But while she's here, we'll do what we can to make her comfortable." Alara's Batten Ball fundraiser will begin at 5pm on Saturday, August 23 at Veolia Arena. If you would like to donate to help support Alara and her family, please find the online GoFundMe page 'Alara's Batten Battle.'
Business of Fashion
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business of Fashion
Redefining 'Made in Africa'
The author has shared a Podcast. You will need to accept and consent to the use of cookies and similar technologies by our third-party partners (including: YouTube, Instagram or Twitter), in order to view embedded content in this article and others you may visit in future. Africa is experiencing an exciting shift, creatively and commercially, with growing global attention on its rapidly expanding middle-class population. Yet, local fashion entrepreneurs must navigate unique operational challenges and misconceptions about the quality and reputation of 'Made in Africa.' Pink Mango's Maryse Mbonyumutwa entered apparel manufacturing in Rwanda to address both economic and social sustainability. '[Africa] is sustainable by nature, as we've not fully industrialised yet,' he says. Laduma Ngxokolo, founder of South African luxury knitwear brand MaXhosa Africa, drew inspiration from his culture's traditional designs: 'How do we take local traditional aesthetics and modernise them?' he asked. To celebrate African creativity, Reni Folawiyo founded the concept store Alara in Nigeria. 'I started Alara from a very emotional place to elevate African creators, both on the continent and the diaspora,' Folawiyo says. 'The idea of elevating but also empowering remains in everything we do.' On this episode of The BoF Podcast, an illuminating conversation unfolds on stage at BoF CROSSROADS 2025, where Mbonyumutwa, Ngxokolo and Folawiyo, alongside Sudanese-British writer Rozan Ahmed, discussed Africa's unique contributions to fashion, the opportunities in sustainable manufacturing, and how they are redefining what it means to produce, create and sell in Africa. Key Insights: Africa's potential lies in sustainable manufacturing and social responsibility. Mbonyumutwa explains, 'Africa is here to offer social sustainability ... to make sure that now when we talk about environmental sustainability and social sustainability they are aligned.' Local retail can powerfully celebrate and elevate global African creativity. Folawiyo's vision for Alara was clear. 'I started Alara in a very emotional place. I wanted to celebrate African creators, both on the continent and in the diaspora. I wanted to elevate their work, because I hadn't seen it done anywhere else,' she says. 'It was a self-empowerment, self-determination moment and I wanted it to be celebratory.' 'Made in Africa' must represent prestige, not affordability. Ngxokolo says, 'It's not cheap, yet there's a perception that anything that is made in Africa should be reasonably priced or cheap. We put in our heart and souls into our work and present it to the world so that it sits next to their level of brands.' Additional Resources:
