At 34 years old, Karina Jamal stands out as one of the most influential figures in sustainable entrepreneurship in Mozambique. An author of three published works, she is also the founder of Koko Boxes Lda, a Mozambican company dedicated to the production of biodegradable packaging and paper bags, which has been redefining the landscape of responsible consumption in the country.
The genesis of Koko Boxes dates back to a modest room in her home, where Karina began the business with limited resources. In an interview with the Lionesses of Africa platform, she recalls: “I always wanted to sell a product that was disposable, that people needed every day, but that was easy to discard and, preferably, did not cause pollution.”
After two years of operation, the company relocated to facilities in Carmoc, Maputo, where it led the commercialization of specialized boxes. Sustained growth led to the sale of the company to Mozambican partners who shared the vision of expanding local production. In 2023, a paper bag factory was inaugurated, aiming to reduce plastic consumption in Mozambique by offering innovative and eco-friendly alternatives.
Koko Boxes currently supplies biodegradable packaging to hotels, retail stores, catering companies, and restaurants, using materials such as sugarcane bagasse, recycled paper, and corn starch.
Karina Jamal continues to inspire through her leadership and commitment to sustainability, positioning Koko Boxes as a benchmark in the eco-packaging sector in Mozambique.
