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 on two continents.

We – Thierno Barry and Christian Silaj – met in 2005 in the U14 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 sack of fonio and an idea

It all started with a small donation project. Family and friends supported us in getting the first aid on the way. But it quickly became clear: We don’t just want to help in the short term – but 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, but together with local families cultivated, processed, and marketed it. YAADU was born around Fonio – as a passion project, deeply rooted in our history and origin.

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 Our favorite recipes with Fonio

Of baskets that tell stories

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

We are not about trends or greenwashing. We focus on real partnerships, fair payment, and long-term perspectives. Each of our products stands for craft quality – and for a story that tells of community, pride, and self-determination.

With every purchase, you support families on site in Africa!

> Handmade in Senegal: Each piece is unique

> Natural & durable: Woven from sturdy savannah grass

> Made directly by Yaadu artisans: We work without intermediaries

> 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 the heart of YAADU beats for me where it all began: in the villages of my childhood.

I am regularly 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, my family comes from Croatia. For over 12 years I was a professional footballer – among others at BVB, VfL Bochum and in the 1st league in Luxembourg.

Parallel to sports, I built up Thierno YAADU together. 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

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

We believe that trade on equal footing is possible – and that economic action only really makes sense when it empowers people instead of exploiting them.

Each of our products is created in respectful collaboration. It carries the story of its origin within it – and at the same time brings 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 production at YAADU