"Africa Now makes and keeps its promises"
Millicent Akinionyango, fishing gear seller, Rusinga Island, Kenya.
Who are we?
Africa Now is an international development organisation tackling poverty in Africa by helping small-scale producers, and promoting ethical trade.
What do we want?
We want to see Africa free from poverty. Opportunities for enterprise in farming, business and paid employment in Africa will enable all people to realise their full potential and achieve a decent standard of living.
Why?
Africa Now believes that market-based opportunities in business and trade can be made accessible to everyone.
With the right kind of support, disadvantaged people in Africa can make use of these opportunities to improve their standard of living permanently.
Ethical and fair trade practices can increase the income and wellbeing of small-scale African producers and workers. This is more likely when African people play a significant role in the definition of these ethical criteria and standards.
What do we do?
Africa Now promotes equitable and sustainable work and jobs for rural Africans through projects, services and advocacy which enable them to take advantage of market opportunities and fairer trade to achieve a decent standard of living.
How?
Africa Now helps marginalised smallholders with:
* Knowledge of higher value products
* Techniques and equipment to process their crops to add value to them when they are sold
* Training in small business skills such as planning, budgeting, financial and legal knowledge
* Market knowledge: when and how to get the best prices for their products, what standards are required for the export market, and how to meet them
* Links to financial services: not only loans, but also secure deposits, savings, leasing arrangements, and insurance
Africa Now works with the private sector to:
* Encourage international companies doing business with Africa to adopt ethical trading practices and investment policies
* Conduct ethical audits, producing and implementing corrective action plans
* Raise the capacity of African nations to provide ethical business development services