THE CHALLENGE
The art of traditional African weaving is essential to preserve vibrant culture, identity, and rural livelihoods. Today, this vibrancy is waning.
African artisan communities face constant challenges—globalization of markets, climate change, and technological advances—jeopardizing their long-term stability. Many communities are ill-equipped to provide adequate education, jobs, market access, and the infrastructure to prosper in today’s economy.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Watch the video below to hear from master weaver Thompson Yao Avoryontse as he describes how the natural environment inspires his weaving designs. Thompson also explains the challenges facing Ghanaian weavers and his hopes for sharing Kente with the world.
“Collaboration with TIE will carry our voices out there. They will carry our products out there. That’s why I call Kente the talking cloth, textile of unity. Collaborating with TIE, the whole world can hear our cry. So, I hope for that.”
THE OPPORTUNITY
Currently, the global handicraft market is projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030. It largely bypasses African products. The total value of Ghanaian handicraft exports in 2018 was just US$14 million.
THE APPROACH
TIE Global Artisans takes a systems approach to addressing the challenges that artisans face, building a new generation of cultural entrepreneurs, and reframing the artisan story.
THE SOLUTION
TIE Global Artisans is building a social business that will transform African artisans into global entrepreneurs.
This unique enterprise is built by African, Indian, and US partners with decades of proven experience linking artisans and other entrepreneurs to the global marketplace.
TIE Global Artisans elevates traditional craft and infuses it with innovative methods and markets. TIE reinvests proceeds into the artisans and their families, helping to create an entrepreneurial class that will reinvigorate their own communities.
Join us in building a pathway for a new generation of cultural entrepreneurs!
CONTACT US
Sign up below to learn what you can do to preserve cultural heritage and build the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
