Alex Mativo, born on April 21, 1994, is a visionary Kenyan entrepreneur and fashion designer. He is the founder and CEO of E-LAB, a groundbreaking company dedicated to eradicating electronic waste in Africa by transforming it into innovative products for the fashion and interior design industry. Additionally, Mativo is the recipient of the prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award, recognizing his impactful contributions to sustainable development and entrepreneurship.
Alex Mativo was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and grew up in Athi-River. His educational journey began at Lenana School in Nairobi, where his interest in innovation and environmental sustainability first took root. His upbringing in a region facing significant waste management challenges sparked his passion for creating sustainable solutions.
In 2013, at just 19 years old, Mativo founded E-LAB with a mission to address the growing problem of electronic waste in his community. His vision was to convert e-waste into valuable products, thereby reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable living. E-LAB quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach, participating in the Startup Open competition the same year. The company was listed among the Global Entrepreneurship Week’s top 50 most innovative companies worldwide by the Global Entrepreneurship Week and the Kauffman Foundation.
Mativo’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop with E-LAB. He went on to establish Nanasi, a retail company designed to help businesses and brands streamline their social media sales through a single platform. This venture further showcased his ability to identify and address market needs with creative solutions. In addition to Nanasi, Mativo launched Ethnic Brand, a virtual factory for fashion brands, solidifying his influence in the fashion industry.
Beyond his business ventures, Mativo is a sought-after speaker, sharing his startup journey and advocating for design thinking across Africa. Notably, he delivered a TEDx talk at the African Leadership University in May 2016, discussing the importance of embracing design thinking. He shared the stage with the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, further establishing his prominence as a thought leader.
Mativo’s work has garnered international attention, with features on media platforms such as CNN, Al Jazeera, eNCA Africa, and the BBC. His efforts through E-LAB have resulted in the eradication of over 3,000 tons of electronic waste across Africa, demonstrating his significant environmental impact.
Mativo’s innovative contributions have earned him several accolades, including 2015 DXD (Disruption by Design) Upcoming Disruptor of the Year by Up Magazine; GEW 50 in 2013 by Global Entrepreneurship Week; Queen’s Young Leaders Award in 2016; Global Student Entrepreneurship Award in 2017.
Alex Mativo’s journey from a young innovator in Nairobi to a globally recognized entrepreneur underscores the transformative power of sustainable innovation. Through E-LAB, Nanasi, and Ethnic Brand, Mativo continues to lead efforts in reducing electronic waste and promoting eco-friendly practices in the fashion and design industries. His story is a testament to the impact one individual can make in addressing global environmental challenges through entrepreneurship and innovation.
