The Baobab Project is a journey to design products with the fruits of the fascinating baobab tree in different African regions, starting in Gambia. I see this ‘tree of life’ as a beautiful metaphor for good ancestry and regenerative thinking. As a brand, we can tell important stories to inspire the future.
Collecting baobab
Baobab grows everywhere in Gambia, especially in the rural provinces. Most fruits are wasted and its economic potential is hardly used. Communities want to join the baobab project and harvest the fruits to benefit their futures.
Reliance, strength, benefit
Baobab trees have benefited African communities in isolated and harsh conditions for centuries. Internationally baobab is increasingly known as a superfood and for its regenerating oil used in cosmetics.
Baobab dialogues
The oldest baobab tree is around 2000 years old. That is why the baobab tree is a beautiful metaphor for good ancestry. Women of different generations talked about their dreams and responsibility to create a better future. Using a baobab as a talking stick.
A metaphor for the future
Migration is the topic that takes climate change and poverty in Gambia to Europe’s doorsteps. Looking at the future, what are Gambians dreams, fears and responsibility, and what are yours and mine? How do we create shared value?
The story begins in Gambia
My journey starts in Gambia, West Africa. On 12 October 2007, a little girl called Kumba Lonneke Ceesay was born there. Her life story is connected to the baobab tree.