Our Story - Mawilo Africa

Where It Begins

Mawilo Africa was founded by Stella Riungu, an entrepreneur driven by a vision to transform how African craftsmanship is experienced and appreciated.

With a background in supply chain management and years of hands-on experience working with people and products, Stella saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional african artistry and modern, high-quality gifting. She built Mawilo Africa to bring locally made products from handwoven sisal baskets to Maasai shuka fleece blankets into the corporate and premium gifting space.

Her journey has been one of persistence, creativity, and purpose growing Mawilo Africa from an idea into a brand that celebrates culture while creating opportunities for local artisans.

In 2025, Stella’s entrepreneurial impact was recognized when she received $5,000 in funding from TEFF (The Tony Elumelu Foundation) as a Tony Elumelu Foundation 2025 Grant Winner a milestone supporting the next phase of Mawilo Africa’s growth.

Today, Mawilo Africa stands as a reflection of her journey bold, authentic, and proudly African.

Mawilo means Made With Love

Made with intention, with skill, with pride — by real hands with real stories. That truth lives in every basket, every blanket, every towel that carries our name.

"Every piece we make carries a heartbeat. It's made by real hands with real stories."

— Stella Riungu, Founder

The Artisans of Mawilo

Behind every Mawilo Africa product is a community of talented Kenyan — artisans, weavers, and craftswomen who have inherited their skills across generations and continue to evolve them with creativity and care.

These artisans are not suppliers. They are co-creators. They are the soul of this brand. Through Mawilo Africa, they have a platform to do what they have always done brilliantly — and to have the world take notice. Every purchase made supports their livelihoods, their families, and their communities.

Our Vision

Together, Stella and the artisan community behind Mawilo Africa share one bold vision: to see this brand stand alongside the world's great African lifestyle labels — celebrating Kenya's creativity, championing its people, and carrying its heritage with pride to every corner of the globe.

Made with love — by all of us.