World Shoe’s new Ghana factory supports public health goals
Footwear manufacturer World Shoe today has opened its first factory in Ghana.
Made from durable EVA foam and infused with antimicrobial and biodegradation agents, the footwear contributes to a "holistic strategy for public health" and is a collaborative effort between public, private and civil service sectors.
World Shoe is the vision of Manny Ohonme, a businessman and philanthropist who has two decades of charity experience delivering nearly 10 million pairs of shoes to people in need across 109 countries.
Kojo Taylor, co-owner of World Shoe Limited in Ghana, said: “More than half a billion people around the world do not have reliable access to quality footwear, leaving them vulnerable to injury and diseases that perpetuate a cycle of poverty.
“We believe the new World Shoe factory will demonstrate how African innovation can propel African development and create change on a global scale. By creating a model to provide people with affordable, high-quality, eco-friendly shoes, we can support education, health and economic outcomes while protecting the environment.”
An important element of World Shoe’s operational model includes plans to sell its products in North America, Europe and elsewhere at a price point that allows the organization to scale its social enterprise and humanitarian efforts.
“We are creating an African brand for the world,” said Astor Chambers, VP of marketing for World Shoe and a veteran of Nike and adidas. “We are fusing together a unique, sustainable product design with the ambition of a brand that stands for large scale social good. This will appeal to socially conscious consumers everywhere and has the potential to revolutionize how we achieve greater health and economic equity.”
