My name is Saratou Alla Ibroh, founder and CEO of ZRASKA, a high-end leather goods company based in Niamey, Niger. My personal journey is deeply rooted in a commitment to promoting local craftsmanship, creating employment, and empowering women leaders in West Africa.
I have a Master’s in Epidemiology, but I turned to entrepreneurship to respond to a critical need: creating economic opportunities for youth and women while preserving our cultural heritage. In 2021, I launched ZRASKA to transform local and recycled leather into quality accessories (bags, clutches,…) that tell a story—blending tradition with innovation.
In just three years, ZRASKA has directly employed 15 people, 56% of them women, and another 10 indirectly. We also train women in crochet using recycled thread and integrate them into our production process. Thanks to our ethical and sustainable model, we have taken part in major international events such as Lineapelle in Milan and New York, and have been finalists in various entrepreneurship competitions.