Blog

Most craft enterprises across Africa already understand the value of ethical trade. They believe in fair work, cultural preservation, and building businesses that sustain communities. That belief is not the missing piece. What we’ve seen, again and again, is that the real challenge is not intention. It is infrastructure. Many sellers are producing...

Sourcing responsibly has become one of the clearest expectations placed on retailers today. Most buyers we work with genuinely want to do the right thing. They care about fair wages, sustainable materials, cultural integrity, and transparency. The challenge is that the market has become crowded with language that sounds ethical but often carries very...

Sourcing handmade products from Africa is deeply rewarding. It connects us to skilled makers, rich material traditions, and living craft cultures that cannot be replicated elsewhere. But it is not simple. Over the years, we’ve seen buyers come into African sourcing with strong values and good intentions, only to feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed by...

Sourcing handmade products from Africa is deeply rewarding, but shipping timelines are often where even experienced buyers start to feel unsure. The uncertainty is not usually about whether the product will arrive. It is about when , and what the process requires in between. We have seen buyers with strong values and clear demand still feel stuck...

Exclusive products are often where ethical sourcing starts to feel complicated. Many buyers come into African craft trade with a clear desire to do things differently. They want originality, deeper relationships, and collections that feel truly distinct. They are not looking for mass replication. They are looking for collaboration. But exclusivity...

Sourcing handmade products from Africa is often presented as either deeply rewarding or unnecessarily complex. For many global buyers, the reality sits somewhere in between. The continent offers extraordinary craftsmanship, unique ancient techniques, and design-led products that resonate with modern consumers. But without the right approach, buyers can...

When people begin sourcing handmade products from Africa, the question often sounds straightforward: Which country should I look to for this product? In reality, this is where many sourcing journeys quietly start to unravel. We’ve seen that challenges around pricing, lead times, consistency, and even ethics often trace back to a single...

In our latest Fireside Chat, we sat down with Georgette Dwomoh-Appiah , a brand strategist, communications consultant and cultural connector working across Africa and the Nordics. Her journey spans Ghana and Sweden, fashion and policy, creative industries and global institutions. What stood out most, however, were the grounded lessons she shared for...

In this Fireside Chat, we spoke with Margaret Dear Kasande-Kobel, an accountant by training and a long-time advocate for fair trade and women-led craft enterprises in Africa. Margaret previously served as Crafts Production and Marketing Manager at Rwenzori Sustainable Trade Center (RSTC) in Uganda, where she helped scale artisan participation,...

When the acquisition of ANKA by Global Shop Group was announced, the news travelled fast through Africa’s entrepreneurial circles. The announcement wasn’t accompanied by the typical fanfare of a high-profile tech exit, but for those like me who’ve followed the evolution of Africa’s creative-commerce space, it represented something profound: the first...

For many African artisans, Etsy was more than just a marketplace but; it was an international stage. A place to share culture, craft heritage, and income. But in August 2025, Etsy’s decision to standardise payments and remove “standalone PayPal” from unsupported countries triggered mass shop closures. It wasn’t about quality, design, or effort. It was...

In a world where retail shelves are saturated with mass-produced goods, standing out means offering more than just beautiful products; it means showcasing pieces with purpose that evoke emotion. For independent retailers and interior designers looking to deepen their product and service storytelling, co-creating unique products rich in design heritage is...

Image Credit: SA Decor & Design Many artisans dream of showcasing their work on global stages—from Paris to New York—but the reality is, exhibiting abroad can be costly and often out of reach for many creative businesses. This is where local and regional trade shows across Africa offer an invaluable launchpad. Investing in well-curated events within...

Image Credit: SA Decor & Design (Maison & Objet) It’s exciting that you’re ready to take your brand to the global stage, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. With dozens of international trade shows happening across Europe, North America and Australia, often within the same season, it’s important to be strategic. Focus on attending events...

If you're sourcing handcrafted African home décor, eco-friendly gifts, or wedding favours with meaning, look no further than Bolga fans from Northern Ghana. These striking, functional pieces blend traditional craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and contemporary design, making them a favourite among interior designers, ethical retailers, corporate gift...

For boutique retailers, gift buyers, and design-conscious brands seeking meaningful accessories, African glass bead jewellery is more than just beautiful—it’s a celebration of culture, identity, and sustainable craftsmanship. Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, these pieces represent a rich legacy of trade, ceremony, and...

Looking to source distinctive handmade decor that blends natural design with cultural heritage? Ilala Garlic Gourd Baskets — inspired by the shape of traditional African calabash gourds — are both functional and sculptural, making them ideal for curated interiors, premium gifting, or thoughtful retail collections. Traditionally used in...

Whether you're building a boutique jewellery line, sourcing for a sustainable fashion brand, or curating accessories for a concept store, Meekono offers a curated, conscious way to bring authentic African craftsmanship to your audience. Our handmade African beaded jewellery is rooted in culture and meaning — a celebration of heritage through color,...

Elegant, sculptural, and full of texture, Juju Hats (also known as Tyn Hats ) have become one of the most striking elements in modern boho and contemporary interiors. Originally worn by royal dancers in the Bamileke tribe of Cameroon during ceremonies, these feathered headdresses symbolised wealth, status, and spiritual connection. Today, they are...

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.