About us

Our story –
from a friendship to a shared vision

YAADU means "journey" in Fula – and that is exactly what it is for us: a journey that began with our friendship and today connects people across two continents.

We – Thierno Barry and Christian Silaj – met in 2005 in the U14 team of Borussia Dortmund. Thierno had just come from Guinea to Germany. From teammates we became friends, and from this friendship grew over the years a shared vision: We wanted to build something meaningful – with heart, mind, and responsibility.

The Beginning – a Bag of Fonio and an Idea

It all started with a small donation project. Family and friends supported us in getting the first aid underway. But it quickly became clear: We don’t just want to help in the short term – we want to make a lasting impact.

Our first step was Fonio, a traditional grain from Thierno’s home village in Guinea. We didn’t just import it; instead, we grew, processed, and marketed it together with local families. YAADU was born around Fonio – as a passion project, deeply rooted in our history and heritage.

Fonio is gluten-free and can be used as a delicious and healthy alternative to rice, quinoa, or couscous in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, or as a side dish.

 

> Healthy & delicious

> Nutrient-rich, gluten-free & vegan

> Locally grown & traded on site

> Bring a piece of Africa to your plate

About Fonio To our favorite recipes with fonio

About baskets that tell stories

Today, YAADU includes far more than just Fonio: We collaborate with artisans in various African countries – for example, with over 40 women in West Africa who weave baskets by traditional handcraft.

We are not about trends or greenwashing. We focus on genuine partnerships, fair pay, and long-term prospects. Each of our products stands for craftsmanship quality – and for a story of community, pride, and self-determination.

With every purchase, you support families locally in Africa!

 

> Handmade in Senegal: Each piece is unique

> Natural & durable: Woven from sturdy savannah grass

> Made directly by Yaadu artisans: We work without middlemen

> With respect for people and nature: From origin to your home.

> Design with meaning: Tradition meets contemporary living

To our baskets

Who we are

Thierno Barry

I was born in Guinea and came to Germany at the age of 13. Later, I studied business administration – but for me, the heart of YAADU beats where it all began: in the villages of my childhood.

I regularly visit on-site in Africa, coordinate production, and work closely with our partners. I know many of them personally – which makes our work not only authentic but also very human.

Christian Silaj

I was born in Germany, and my family comes from Croatia. For over 12 years, I was a professional footballer – including playing for BVB, VfL Bochum, and in the 1st league in Luxembourg.

Alongside my sports career, I helped build Thierno YAADU. Today, I am responsible for the organization in Germany – from IT and marketing to logistics. My focus is on ensuring that our values are lived in every step – in every email, every package, and every decision.

Why we do what we do

For us, YAADU is not a business, but a part of our lives.

We believe that fair trade is possible – and that economic activity truly makes sense when it empowers people instead of exploiting them.

Each of our products is created through respectful collaboration. It carries the story of its origin within it – while also bringing new perspectives for the future.


Producing with respect for people and nature is therefore not only a given for us but a matter close to our hearts.

more about manufacturing at YAADU