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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...

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 where your target audience already exists. Use your...

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 ,...

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 jewelry 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 jewelry is rooted in culture and meaning — a celebration of heritage through...

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...

Looking to offer your customers jewelry that tells a story, feels timeless, and reflects ethical sourcing? Ankole horn jewelry from East Africa is where natural elegance meets conscious design. Crafted by hand in Uganda, Ankole horn jewelry is made from the ethically sourced horns of the indigenous Ankole-Watusi cattle — known for their grandeur...

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. From the bold wooden masks of...

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...

Why Binga (Batonga) Baskets Belong in Your Store: Contemporary, Cultural, and Consciously Made 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...

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....

We’ve seen a lot of baskets, but Bolga baskets? They really stand out. Originally used in Ghanaian households and markets to carry food, store grain, or present gifts during weddings and ceremonies, Bolga baskets have long been a part of daily life in Bolgatanga. What began as a seasonal craft to supplement income during the dry months grew into a...

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 event:...

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...