After being torn between two continents, he decided to launch his startup in his home country, Côte d'Ivoire. Through his company, he promotes African artisanal products.

Zaza Gnahoré moved to Belgium at age 14 to join his family. After several years there, he decided in 2019 to return to his native Côte d'Ivoire. A year later, he launched Djoloo, an e-commerce platform dedicated to showcasing African cultural creations.

Djoloo functions as both a display and a conduit, operating as a marketplace that enables African artisans to sell their products—including clothing, home decor, jewelry, and cosmetics—to a global customer base. Creators directly manage their own storefronts and handle product shipping, enhancing their independence and market visibility.

The platform supports multiple currencies, such as the euro, U.S. dollar, CFA franc, Swiss franc, yuan, and British pound, facilitating global market access for artisans often excluded from traditional distribution channels.

"My goal with this project is to highlight African culture, integrate it into everyday experiences, and create employment opportunities," Gnahoré said.

Beyond its e-commerce function, Djoloo also features editorial content. An integrated blog spotlights the inspiring journeys of African creators and shares success stories from partner brands. This storytelling approach aims to foster a community centered on the continent's creative spirit.

Gnahoré studied photography and cinematography at the INRACI Technical and Artistic Secondary School in Brussels from 2010 to 2011. Before his return to Côte d'Ivoire, he worked in 2013 as a video editor and colorist for Lire et Écrire, a continuing education initiative focused on promoting literacy in French-speaking Belgium.

By Melchior Koba,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji