Island Reverie: Industrie Africa’s SoLA Debuts on Bawe Island

Industrie Africa marks its five-year milestone with the launch of SoLA (Society of Luxury Artisanship), a concept store situated within the newly inaugurated luxury property on Bawe Island, just off the coast of Zanzibar. More than a boutique, SoLA represents a physical expression of African design’s evolution, marrying fashion, destination, and experience in one cohesive offering.

A New Chapter in Destination Retail

Set against Bawe Island’s private and pristine backdrop—with 70 villas, discreet butler service, and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean—SoLA anchors Industrie Africa’s new B2B initiative, Industrie Africa Select. This venture reimagines retail for hospitality across the continent, creating immersive fashion experiences tailored to high-end travel destinations.

“Industrie Africa has always been an exercise in translation—of culture, of craft, of commerce. SELECT and SoLA are extensions of that ethos, offering a slower, more in-situ way to engage with Africa’s diverse design landscape. Our aim is to deepen how these stories live in the world, beyond the screen and within physical spaces that honor both place and provenance. It’s a more intentional form of scale: bringing the curation into people’s lived experience, rather than bringing people to the curation in isolation.”

– Nisha Kanabar

The Tongoro Capsule: Resortwear with a Story

Launching Friday, July 18, SoLA unveils its first bespoke collaboration with Senegalese cult-label Tongoro. Known for its ethical craftsmanship and global celebrity following, Tongoro has created a limited-edition capsule collection inspired by Zanzibar. The pieces channel the island's rhythm and mystique, fusing artisanal production with silhouettes and prints that evoke narrative and nostalgia.

The Exclusives Shop: Made-to-Order Artisanship

As part of its anniversary celebration, Industrie Africa has also launched The Exclusives Shop, a digital platform showcasing made-to-order pieces from its designer base. This initiative champions intentional luxury and sustainable production, providing global access to Africa’s rising voices in fashion while reinforcing the brand’s dedication to slow fashion.

"Bringing SoLA to life has been an incredible opportunity to celebrate
and honor the extraordinary work of designers, artisans, and makers
from around the world. Beyond our curated offering, several elements
of the store’s design and fittings were also created in collaboration
with designers and artisans, embedding their work into the very
architecture of the space."

– Sunny Dolat, Creative Director of SoLA