Industrie Africa is marking its fifth anniversary with a major milestone. The African fashion platform has launched its first luxury concept store in Zanzibar. The store, called Society of Luxury Artisanship (SoLA), opened on Bawe Island’s new private resort.
Founder and CEO Nisha Kanabar chose this unique way to celebrate the company’s success. Instead of a traditional celebration, she opened the luxury retail space exclusively on the private island. The launch also features a limited-edition resort wear collection by Sarah Diouf’s Tongoro brand.
Luxury Concept Store Opens on Private Zanzibar Island
The Society of Luxury Artisanship represents a new chapter for Industrie Africa. The store is located exclusively on Bawe Island, a private resort destination. This strategic location allows the brand to reach affluent tourists visiting Zanzibar.
The concept store will blend African designers with select international labels. Bawe Island’s team approached Industrie Africa to partner on this retail project. The collaboration creates a unique shopping experience for resort guests and luxury travelers.
Tanzanian Founder Celebrates Milestone Achievement
Nisha Kanabar, a fourth-generation Tanzanian, has deep roots in the region. She founded Industrie Africa in 2018 after working at Vogue and Style.com. Her background includes education at Parsons School of Design, where she graduated in 2013.
“Five years in, what I feel most is clarity. I believe more deeply in the purpose of this work and its potential to shift narratives,” Kanabar shared.
The founder grew up in Tanzania with a passion for fashion and clothing. This early interest shaped her current work with African designers. She returned to Tanzania in 2016 after successful years in New York and Dubai.
Platform Supports 49 African Fashion Brands
Industrie Africa started as a digital showroom in 2018. By 2020, it became a multi-brand e-commerce platform. The platform now features 49 brands from across the African continent.
These brands come from Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Mali, Burundi, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Eswatini, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. Popular brands on the platform include Andrea Iyamah, Rendoll, and Onalaja. The platform has built a strong ecosystem of shoppable African designers.
Growing Global Customer Base Reaches 80% in US
Industrie Africa’s customer base is primarily located in the United States, representing 80% of sales. However, the platform is expanding its reach across Europe, South Africa, and other regions. This growth shows increasing global interest in African fashion.
“Industrie Africa was built on the belief that fashion from our continent deserves the same investment, visibility, and consideration as any established luxury market,” Kanabar said.
The platform’s success comes from consistent focus on quality and authenticity. Kanabar credits her conviction, consistency, and resilience for the company’s current thriving state. She followed no traditional business model, which gives Industrie Africa its unique boundlessness.
Tongoro Resort Wear Collection Launches at SoLA
The first designer collaboration at SoLA features Tongoro, a Beyoncé-approved brand. Sarah Diouf designed this limited-edition resort wear capsule specifically for the Zanzibar launch. The collection includes elevated zebra print playsuits, luxe jumpsuits, and vacation-ready maxi dresses.
Tongoro was one of Industrie Africa’s first collaborations back in 2021. The resort wear pieces reflect the rhythm of Zanzibar through Tongoro’s visual language. The collection is available both at the physical store and online globally.
New B2B Division Targets Luxury Hospitality Market
Industrie Africa is launching Select, a new retail consultancy for luxury hospitality. This B2B division will integrate African designers into hotel and resort environments. The debut of SoLA serves as the first example of this new business model.
“The decision to launch in Zanzibar wasn’t driven by customer data. It landed because it was story-first, led by opportunity and intuition,” Nisha explains.
Select aims to create stronger connections between African creativity and luxury hospitality. The consultancy will help hotels and resorts across Africa feature local designers. This approach restores what Kanabar calls “the lost art of consumer intimacy.”
Exclusive Collections and Future Expansion Plans
Alongside the Tongoro launch, Industrie Africa introduced “The Exclusives Shop.” This new section features made-to-order pieces from the platform’s designer base. Brands like Lisa Folawiyo and Hertunba are currently available through this exclusive offering.
Future capsules will reflect different dialogues between place and designer. Each Select collaboration will be unique to its location and cultural context. This approach promises to create authentic connections between African designers and luxury destinations.
The Zanzibar launch represents Industrie Africa’s commitment to innovative retail experiences. The platform continues to challenge traditional fashion business models while supporting African creativity. As tourism surges in Zanzibar, the timing positions SoLA for significant growth in the luxury market.
