When Access is the Issue: How Etsy’s Payments Shift Hurt African Creators

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 about access.

What Changed — The Facts You Need to Know

• As of August 5, 2025, Etsy required all sellers to use Etsy Payments. They ended support for standalone PayPal in regions where Etsy Payments is not yet available.
• While Etsy Payments is available in over 40 countries worldwide, only three African countries — South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco — currently have access to this payment system (Tech-ish, 2025)..
• According to industry analysis, approximately 54,000 sellers were affected globally, representing about 1% of Etsy’s 5.4 million active sellers. A significant portion of these were African businesses.

The Human & Economic Impact

• Lost income & livelihoods. Thousands of African sellers depended on Etsy as a primary revenue stream. Suddenly, those earnings disappeared overnight.
• Lost visibility and trust. Shop ratings, reviews, and years of brand building were wiped out, leaving artisans scrambling to regain international buyer trust. Buyers lose too. International shoppers who loved discovering authentic African creativity are now left wondering where to turn.

The timing of this policy change was especially harsh. For many artisans, it coincided with preparations for peak global retail season. Overnight, African sellers lost access not only to income, but to the international visibility they had painstakingly built.

In this short video, Daphne explains the real impact of Etsy’s payment policy on African artisans—and what it means for buyers who value authentic, ethically made African products. She shares how Meekono was designed as an Africa-first platform that connects makers with retailers, designers, and corporates worldwide.

Meekono’s Mission: Better Designed for African Creators

At Meekono, we think African creatives deserve more than “last in line” when it comes to global platforms. That’s why everything about Meekono is built from the ground up with Africa’s realities in mind:

• Local-friendly payments & logistics: We design for the way African businesses operate, not against it.
• Support beyond storefronts: Business training, design input, and collaboration opportunities.
• Business-to-business focus: Meekono connects vendors to wholesale buyers — retailers, interior designers, corporates — offering scale and stability.
• Transparency & fair pricing: No sudden shutdowns, no hidden fees. Just clear pathways to global markets.

What Should Sellers Do Now?

1. Export your shop data before losing access permanently.
2. Diversify channels — don’t depend on one platform.
3. Look for Africa-first platforms (like Meekono) that prioritise local realities.

Contact us today