STUDIO 4 Portraits: Meeting Abraham

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At just 25 years old, holding a high school diploma (A2) and trained in transit/customs, general resources management, law, and business operations, Abraham has always sought to learn and push himself further. His journey took a decisive turn when he met Traoré Aïcha, then manager of STUDIO 4, who saw in him real potential.

Spotted while working at a copy shop, he was encouraged to apply for an assistant position. After a successful interview and a one-month trial period, Abraham officially joined the team. Since then, he has brought his rigor and organizational skills to the Abidjan Hub, working with passion and dedication.

Abraham, can you tell us about your journey and how you joined STUDIO 4?

I earned a high school diploma in the A2 track before taking several trainings — in transit/customs, management, as well as in law and business operations. Despite these skills, I still lacked real hands-on experience.

It was actually by chance that I heard about STUDIO 4. At the time, I was working in a reprography shop when Traoré Aïcha came to meet me. She told me she saw real potential in me and encouraged me to apply for an assistant position by her side.

I sent in my application and waited several weeks without news, until she returned from vacation. She followed up on my file, I did an interview, completed a one-month trial… and since then, I’ve been part of the adventure!

What are your main daily responsibilities?

My role is quite cross-functional. I handle incoming and outgoing mail, organize and file administrative documents, prepare meetings, and manage petty cash. I also track production sheets, enter data, manage client calendars, and coordinate business trips. Another important part of my work is monitoring payments and sending reminders when necessary. Finally, I assist teams with task planning and help define work procedures to improve our collective efficiency.

You’re also responsible for ESG at STUDIO 4 and its network, with EFI’s support. What does that mean to you?

It’s a big responsibility, but also a sign of trust. Contributing to the development of ESGEnvironmental, Social, and Governance — here in Côte d’Ivoire allows me to have a broader view of our impact and to learn a lot. This role pushes me to think about how we can produce differently — in a more ethical and sustainable way — while helping local businesses move in that direction.

Was this a new concept for you when you started?

Yes, I must admit it was quite new. I had heard of it online, but without fully understanding what it meant. It’s really by working with STUDIO 4 that I discovered, in concrete terms, what ESG represents and everything it can bring to our industry.

Among the ESG projects you’ve led, which ones make you the proudest?

I’m especially proud of having organized awareness-training sessions with several companies. Some of them went on to sign the Code of Conduct (COC) after understanding the value and importance of ESG.

A memorable moment was at Michèle Yakice’s weaving workshop: seeing artisans and local companies commit to this approach was a true source of satisfaction for me.

What are the main challenges you face in this role?

The biggest challenge is probably convincing people.

Some companies, often less industrialized, are reluctant. They believe these are European standards that they don’t want to apply to their own structures.

I understand their hesitation, but we continue to talk, explain, and organize new training sessions whenever needed. The goal isn’t to impose anything, but to gradually support this cultural shift.

What would you like to develop or strengthen in the future?

I’d like to strengthen traceability tools to better monitor production and refine our impact reports. That’s essential for measuring our progress, identifying areas for improvement, and continuing to positively evolve the Hub.

How has this role changed your view of your work?

It’s taught me that work doesn’t stop within the walls of the production Hub. Our actions have a much broader impact – on partners, suppliers, and even on how ethical fashion in Africa is perceived. This overall vision helps me better understand the importance of follow-up and rigor in everything we do.

What values guide your work every day?

I’m driven by the desire to see STUDIO 4 grow, to make it ever more competitive and exemplary in West Africa. I strongly believe in quality work, discipline, and perseverance – for me, those are the true keys to success.

What passion best defines you — one that few people know about?

Photography! I love capturing simple moments Faces, scenes from everyday life.

Please contact us by emailing efashion@intracen.org

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The Ethical Fashion Initiative is a programme of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

 

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