Welcome to Alia's Tribe

where we promote sustainable choices for a better future.

Our Story

For a very long time, people have overlooked the humble plantain tree. They would always harvest its fruit and abandon the stem, until the day one innovative craftsman named Wango saw potential in the fibrous trunks and leaves left behind.

Wango, a passionate environmentalist, envisioned a future where everyday items could be both functional and sustainable. With this dream, he decided to embark on a journey to transform plantain fibre into eco-friendly paper bags.

It all began with gathering the raw materials. Early each morning, Wango and his friend Prudence ventured into the bush, carefully selecting the most resilient plantain trunks. They stripped the outer layers, revealing the tough, fibrous material hidden beneath. This fibre, once considered waste, was now the foundation of their project.

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Back at his workshop (his mother's kitchen), Wango and his friend Prudence proceeded to the next step: breaking down the fibres. They boiled them in large pots of water, allowing them to soften and separate. After the cooking process, the fibres were ready for the next phase.

With the aid of a local grinding mill, the softened plantain fibres were meticulously pulped, transforming into a thick, mushy substance. Prudence explained that this was a critical stage, as the consistency of the pulp determined the paper bags' eventual strength. Once satisfied, they spread the pulp evenly over large screens and left it to dry under the warm sun.

As the days passed, what began as discarded plantain trunks gradually transformed into durable, eco-friendly paper sheets. Wango's careful attention to detail ensured each sheet was smooth and strong, capable of supporting the weight of goods while being gentle on the environment.

Finally, it was time to assemble the bags. Using simple but effective templates, the sheets were cut, folded, and glued (sometimes sewn) into shape. The team took pride in crafting each bag, knowing that they were creating something beautiful and sustainable from what was once discarded.

The community soon embraced these eco-friendly bags, delighted to find a practical alternative to plastic. This initiative not only reduced waste but also provided a new source of income for the community.

And so, from the heart of Etougebe, the story of transforming plantain fibre into paper bags spread far and wide, reaching the ears of huge international partners like the World Bank, who believed in the vision and decided to invest in ALIA. This innovation became a beacon of hope, demonstrating how creativity and respect for nature could lead to a more sustainable world.