Meet the woman transforming Niger’s waste into ingenious products

Diana recovers and processes used tires as an entrepreneur. Aside from creating employment through her new-found passion, the Nigerien national decided on this path after realizing how used tyres were used during marches, and protests among others.

Drawing inspiration from her aunt who through a similar path recycles plastic waste by making bags, Diana now owns the ‘Leydi’s House’ in the capital Niamey.

Since 2021, she has made assortments of items and accessories including handbags, furniture, leather wallets, armchairs and others designed by hand with used tyres and local leathers.

“Our products are essentially made from tires and by hand. 95% of everything is done by hand with the waste that constitutes the raw material,” she told local news outlet Le Sahel.

Although finding the materials is difficult, Diana’s perseverance has led to the success of the brand which has employed many young people in the city.

“These young people are mostly unemployed. This activity allows them to avoid hanging out in the streets or being social outcasts. I offer them this small-income-generating activity in order to make my modest contribution to reducing the unemployment rate,” she added.