USADF Grantees showcase work in trade show in nyc

WASHINGTON - February 6, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 6, 2009 – Seven grantees of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) have showcased their work during the New York International Gift Fair throughout the week of January 26th. Two grantees from Ghana - Yenok Wood Products Limited and Tekura Enterprises Limited - and five grantees from Tanzania - Footloose, Getting Old is to Grow Society, Kwanza Collection, Maasai Women’s Development Cooperative, and Marvelous Batik – participated. Each grantee markets and produces traditional home décor, textiles, wall hangings, ornaments, and jewelry.

USADF Board of Directors’ Vice Chairman, Jack Leslie, spoke during the opening reception of the show. He stated, “The handmade goods made by African artisans build on existing skills of grantees, help develop local entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities. The entrepreneurs are equipped with vision, determination, and commitment and are willing to take risks to overcome obstacles in the way to their success.”

The grantees showed their work in the exclusive Africa Now Booth, developed in collaboration with the West Africa Trade Hub (WATH), funded by USAID, and USADF. An innovative grouping of home décor and accessories from producers in Africa, the booth supports products influenced by African life and art. Buyers could view and order products made by African vendors, further supporting traditional African handmade goods.

Penda Sem, USADF program officer for USADF’s partner in Tanzania, Center for Sustainable Development Initiatives (CSDI), stated the importance of the trade fair, emphasizing “The groups have learned the importance of working together for their expertise compliments each other’s work.  They are coming away from the trade fair with the goal of promoting themselves together as a cohesive Tanzanian group.  They are very grateful to USADF and CSDI who have together helped them to build their capacity and support thousands of others.”

By funding African entrepreneurs like the above grantees, USADF helps to create jobs and secure a better quality of life for thousands. Regional Program Director Kim Ward reinstated this important facet of foreign assistance to Africa, stating “By directly funding African projects, USADF grants provide funding to many grassroots Africans to help them grow their small businesses and earn additional income from their increased production and product sales.”

The show took place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. Africa Now products were showcased at Pier 90. Further information about grantee products may be obtained by contacting USADF.

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 20 African nations. Over the past 25 years, USADF has directly funded nearly 1,500 African projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.

Please click here for an additional press release by CARANA Corporation.
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