Blog

Zulu baskets — including colourful telephone wire baskets and traditional Ilala palm designs — are bold, sustainable, and rich in heritage. These handmade African décor pieces are crafted by master weavers in South Africa using materials like repurposed plastic wire and indigenous grasses. Perfect for boho and contemporary interiors, they serve as...

If you’re a retailer, boutique owner, fashion buyer, or stylist searching for sustainable African jewelry that blends authentic craftsmanship with contemporary design, look no further than Ankole horn jewelry from East Africa. Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Uganda, Ankole horn jewelry is made from the ethically sourced horns of the indigenous...

If you’re sourcing ethically made African décor with cultural depth and visual impact, Rwandan Peace Baskets offer a meaningful blend of tradition, beauty, and purpose. Handmade by women artisans across Rwanda, these iconic, lidded baskets are more than décor but they’re symbols of resilience, generosity, and unity. In Rwandan culture, Peace Baskets...

If you’re a retailer, fashion buyer, or interior designer searching for sustainable African textiles that blend authentic craftsmanship with contemporary style, look no further than Adire textiles from Nigeria. Hand-dyed by skilled artisans in Southwestern Nigeria, Adire (Yoruba tie-dye) has become a global favorite among boutique stores, ethical...

For interior designers, gallery owners, and conscious retailers looking to source meaningful wall art, African masks offer far more than aesthetic appeal. These sculptural works of art embody centuries of cultural heritage, spiritual symbolism, and storytelling — all handcrafted by skilled artisans across the continent.

In a world of fast trends and factory finishes, Mudcloth offers something rare: a textile that speaks. Handcrafted in Mali using earth, time, and tradition, Bogolanfini (as it’s known in the Bambara language) is more than beautiful — it’s meaningful. Every piece is a canvas of symbols, telling stories of identity, protection, and heritage through...

If you’re an interior stylist, boutique buyer, or values-driven retailer sourcing contemporary boho décor, Binga baskets — also known as Batonga baskets — offer a perfect balance of tradition and trend. Handwoven by the BaTonga women of Zimbabwe, these shallow, geometric baskets bring texture, story, and soul to any space. Tucked in...

If you’re a fashion or interior designer searching for ethically made textiles that combine vibrant African heritage with modern adaptability, Capulana fabrics from Mozambique are a must-have in your sourcing toolkit. Worn for generations in Mozambique, Capulana is more than just cloth — it’s identity, storytelling, and tradition woven into cotton....

If you’re a retailer or interior designer searching for sustainable boho baskets that combine authentic craftsmanship with modern appeal, look no further than Bolga baskets from Ghana. Handwoven by skilled craftspeople in Northern Ghana, Bolga baskets have become a global favourite among boutiques, homeware stores, and conscious decor buyers....

As businesses increasingly recognise the importance of socially responsible sourcing, traditional corporate gifting is being redefined. Cause-related corporate gifting allows companies to make a difference where it matters most—not just for clients or employees, but for disadvantaged communities. A Gift Beyond the Office The essence of cause-related...

No More Slaves to Fashion…or Anything Else: Fashion Revolution Week It's Fashion Revolution Week, a period that remembers over 1,000 people killed and over 2,500 injured when Rana Plaza, a building housing garment factory workers in Bangladesh, collapsed due to preventable structural problems. It falls at the same time as another important...

HOW TO SOURCE ETHICAL LIFESTYLE & NATURAL PRODUCTS FROM AFRICAN WHOLESALERS At Meekono, the wholesaling marketplace for premium African lifestyle products, we serve discerning buyers sourcing from Africa, whether they’re retailers or decorators diversifying their offering, corporate gift buyers supporting minority artisans, spa or hospitality...

Black History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of the African diaspora. While the United Kingdom observes Black History Month in October and the United States in February, the appreciation of Black heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation should be year-round. One way to honour this legacy is through...

When sourcing artisanal lifestyle products from Africa, one of the most exciting aspects is the diversity of craftsmanship across different regions. Each region of the continent offers unparalleled use of sustainable materials; unique techniques and styles that are narrating the local culture and traditions. Understanding these distinctions can help you...

Product development is an exciting and integral aspect of keeping your vintage African products relevant in today's global market. As you look to expand your business from local to international markets, it becomes even more crucial to diversify and stay ahead of the curve. Luckily, developing unique and innovative products can help you achieve just...

Remember the days when lip-syncing and viral dances dominated TikTok? In social media terms, it seems like many ages ago. While those elements remain part of the application’s appeal, the platform has undergone a metamorphosis, transforming itself into something far more multifaceted.  Think YouTube's vast video library meets Pinterest's visual...

Photo by Surface on Unsplash Our goal is to facilitate the wholesaling of handcrafted, heritage, and natural products. We understand that vendors' success directly impacts our success, which is why we equip them with the tools they need. To help our vendors convert browsing buyers into loyal business partners, we've compiled a list of the...

Photo by Polina Kovaleva| Pexels.com In the world of e-commerce, where the competition is fierce and attention spans are short, having captivating product images can make all the difference. As Hiral Jethwa points out in the podcast 'The Resilient Retail Game Plan,' product photography is akin to a shop window for your products. In this blog...

As the aroma of pumpkin pie and cinnamon fills the air, we eagerly anticipate the joyous festivities of Thanksgiving. This cherished holiday is not only a time for indulging in delectable feasts but also an opportunity to express gratitude and create memorable moments with loved ones. Meekono offers a delightful array of premium products to elevate your...

Laini Money Clip A sleek and practical accessory designed for the modern, minimalist gentleman.  Typically crafted from classic genuine leather, this bifold clip comes in Tan and Mocha with multiple card slots. It offers a stylish and minimalist alternative to the traditional wallet. Its primary function is to securely hold bills and cards in...

In today's fast-paced world, where the convenience of online shopping reigns supreme, brick-and-mortar retailers face a unique challenge: how to attract and retain customers in the age of e-commerce. As a business owner in the retail industry, you're well aware of this shift in consumer behaviour. We come into contact with owners, most of whom...

(Image Source: Martin Gene) In the world of interior design, inspiration can be found in every corner of the globe. One of the most culturally rich and vibrant sources of inspiration is Africa, a continent with a diverse and storied history. African art, craftsmanship, and culture have long captivated the imagination of designers worldwide. We'll...

In today's global marketplace, where consumers are increasingly seeking culture-rich, meaningful products that tell stories of heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability, it's essential for businesses creating and selling African handicrafts to stand out.  One way to do this is through creative storytelling. By sharing the stories behind these...

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect moment to infuse a touch of Africa's natural wonders into your Christmas celebrations. The Meekono Marketing Manager has curated a special collection of our continent's favourites– gifts that resonate with eco-consciousness and sustainability. Here's a glimpse into the gifts that we believe would be a...