Innovation one pager statement, Traditional Artisan Inclusion model by African Continental Crafts

We are piloting “Traditional Artisan Inclusion” which is a new model scalable across Africa. Traditional artisans are the poorest production group where individuals live on less than US$ 2 per day, undefined and forgotten in the mainstream economy yet their artisanal heritage is the only resource they have. In Africa, cultural assets and artisanal skills are largely trapped in informal practice, lacking capacity support for market. Globally, 60% of the workforce is in informal sector as ILO estimates 300 million people to be underserved as home workers who predominantly include traditional artisans. Handmade heritage universally provides the first and basic livelihood skills, shared and transmitted within communities and across generations and remains a fallback when human technical and physical vibrancy fails. It is universally biggest basic livelihood sector, second to agriculture but it is superior to agriculture in overcoming effects of deprivation and technical, literacy and physical limitations and hence it embodies the highest possibilities of human socio-economic resilience. By innovating inclusive artisanal mobilization strategies and training tools to reclaim productivity and social relevancy among the most incapacitated like the elderly, the chronically ill, the illiterate and persons with disabilities and the most resource-deprived like the stateless, the refugees, the landless, the displaced, the indigenous people and the underserved remote rural and urban slum population, the model demonstrates undiscovered potential of the artisanal sector to drive universal economic inclusion. A natural space that maximize human imagination and creativity, the model unfolds the hidden potential of artisanal sector to provide a springboard for inclusive and grassroots-based innovations. The overall goal of the model is improving incomes, livelihoods and resilience of market and industry excluded and bypassed traditional artisans in Africa, reclaiming and adapting them to the mainstream creative manufacturing and global market through innovative mobilization strategies, training tools, digital marketing and international trade strategies. Major actions rotate around development and implementation of innovative and customized mobilization and training and implementation of customized digital marketing and international trade strategies. It is a hybrid model implemented by a coalition led by African Continental Crafts, an early stage mass social enterprise and is involving nonprofits supported by grants, focusing on capacity development, socio-cultural research departments of academic institutions for implementation of supportive studies and for profits social enterprises supported by equity financing to advance digital marketing and international trade components of the model. Moving to piloting in Uganda, Congo Brazaville and Tanzania, the model is planned to scale in several other countries and reach 3 million people along the artisanal value chain in 5 years after pilot. US$ 205,015 is required to pilot in each of the three targeted countries within a duration of 36 months. Stephen Rwagweri Founder & CEO, African Continental Crafts Published on 4th January, 2025, Kampala - Uganda Email: srwagweri@gmail.com, WhatsApp: +256772469751

Insights and perspectives by Stephen Rwagweri as a speaker in global impact discussion

Stephen Rwagweri

Stephen Rwagweri holds under represented insights and perspectives on deepening social impact and driving universal inclusion especially using artisanal sector which is globally an engine of livelihood, springboard of grassroots innovations and potential to drive inclusion that continues to be a subject of tokenism and blind spot in impact investing and policy discussion. His insights and perspectives are informed by a strong passion and a long career built on assembling innovative energies to drive universal inclusion. His over 20 years professional experience has involved research, reflection, designing and scaling innovations around culture and artisan heritage as a tool of inspiring resilience, driving equitable livelihood and universal inclusion while working with major development organizations including UNESCO, Commonwealth Foundation, HIVOS, CIDA among others.

He identifies undiscovered sector potentials to drive universal economic inclusion and ignite a reflection on unnoticed possibilities. Coming from a long career of working with the populations which are resigned in severe limitations and deprivation where himself belonged and ride a theory of change to resilience and equitable livelihood, he shares tactics of disrupting systemic despair and inspiring a belief in possibilities. He delivers his message through story telling using case studies and field data.

 He illustrates his case by unveiling hidden potential of artisanal sector as follows;

1. Artisanal sector globally is uniquely positioned to drive universal economic equity and inclusion.

It is socially and geographically universal human production sector, second to agriculture in providing for livelihoods at grassroots.

 It is the only production sector which can be adapted to literacy, physical and technical limitations and reclaim productivity among the incapacitated and disempowered groups like the elderly, persons with disabilities and the chronically ill who cannot afford the alternatives like agriculture which require more technical and physical fitness and vibrancy. It provides the first basic livelihood skills and remain a fallback when human technical and physical fitness and vibrancy fails.

Artisanal sector can be adapted to the most resource deprived like the refugees, the landless, the stateless and the displaced who cannot access land for agriculture and reclaim them to competitive productivity.

Artisanship is a production sector which integrates the highest content of social, spiritual and therapeutic values and hence able to uplift the wellbeing of people with physical discomfort.

 Artisanal sector is naturally adapted to driving gender balance and geographical equity as it is predominantly up to 90% an economy of female gender and survives in underserved geographies.

The artisanal business operate at the intersection of priority impact sectors and themes including improving livelihood at grassroots, advancing gender balance and women economic emancipation, job creation, promotion of women entrepreneurship, culture preservation and enhancing climate change resilience

 2. Artisanal sector can be a spring board to ignite social innovations at grassroots.

 Artisanal practices is a space that inspire human imaginations and creativity around all aspects of socio-economic life. And therefore, when this space is developed can ignite social innovations in diverse socioeconomic aspects among the population at grassroots

 3.       Maximum nature and human friendliness of artisanal value chain.

There is growing passionate connection between people and handmade products because, in addition to their practical utility, they also tell a human story, symbolize direct human touch and their processes of production and utilization do not launch any attack to human beings and nature through exploitation of labour, materials neither releasing emissions.

 

 

 

Taking global stage at SOCAP 24 magazine

 Access the magazine here

Triggers of collective global reflection and discussions on Artisanal Industry Climaxing in a workshop at SOCAP 24 on 30th October, 2024

 Get the link of the flyer here

Stephen Rwagweri of African Continental Crafts to Speak at Masters of Scale Summit 2024

 

The Masters of Scale Summit 2024 is set to shine a spotlight on African innovation and entrepreneurship as Stephen Rwagweri, the esteemed founder and CEO of African Continental Crafts, joins as one of the event’s distinguished speakers.

Hailing from Fort Portal, Uganda, Rwagweri has been at the forefront of transforming traditional artisanal practices into market-viable goods, fostering economic inclusion, and empowering local communities. His work with African Continental Crafts has opened new opportunities for artisans, connecting them to global markets and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Africa through crafts.

Rwagweri’s participation at the summit is highly anticipated, given his remarkable achievements as a social entrepreneur and cultural expert. He has successfully leveraged traditional crafts to create sustainable livelihoods for artisans, demonstrating how cultural heritage can drive economic development. His insights on utilizing local skills and traditions to foster economic growth and community resilience align perfectly with the themes of innovation and social impact central to the Masters of Scale Summit.

As a prominent speaker on global stages, Rwagweri’s address is expected to inspire and challenge other entrepreneurs to think creatively about leveraging Indigenous knowledge and resources for economic development. His presence at the summit underscores the growing recognition of Africa’s potential to shape the future of global markets through unique and culturally significant products.

Alongside Rwagweri, the summit will feature a select group of 40 early-stage founders who are making significant strides in their industries. Among them is Brandice Daniel, CEO and Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, who is dedicated to promoting diversity in the fashion industry. Her collaboration with top brands amplifies the voices of designers of color and fosters inclusive practices, making her a transformative figure in the fashion world.

Also joining the summit is Bolaji Akinboro, Co-Founder of Tórónet, who leads innovation in the FinTech and DeFi sectors across emerging markets. Akinboro utilizes blockchain technology to drive inclusive economic growth and digital transformation in Africa and beyond, positioning himself as a trailblazer in the industry.

Candice Edwards, CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevoy, is another notable attendee. Her community-focused B2B SaaS platform connects emerging founders with essential resources, fostering innovation and growth in startup ecosystems, particularly for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Her leadership in the tech and venture capital landscape highlights the importance of supporting diverse founders and building inclusive networks.

Supported by Capital One Business, the early-stage founder cohort at the summit is poised to forge valuable connections, share insights, and catalyze positive change in their respective fields. The presence of these exceptional founders, along with other inspiring individuals like Dana Griffin and Cedric Lipsey, promises to redefine industry standards, challenge traditional norms, and pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.

As the Masters of Scale Summit 2024 unfolds, the stories of these visionaries, including Stephen Rwagweri, serve as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, diversity, and collaboration in driving meaningful impact worldwide. The summit will be a fertile ground for new ideas, partnerships, and inspiring journeys that will shape the future of industries across the globe.

Ugandan Culture Expert on UNESCO Panel at Abu Dhabi Summit

Stephen Rwagweri (2nd left) in Abu Dhabi

Kampala, Uganda - Stephen Rwagweri, Executive Director of Engabu Za Tooro and Founder of African Continental Crafts, recently returned from Abu Dhabi where he participated in a prestigious UNESCO panel discussion.

The 6th edition of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, held from March 3rd to 5th, 2024, explored the theme "A Matter of Time." Rwagweri was selected as one of six culture experts to join a UNESCO panel focused on the role of living heritage.

"I was happy to participate in this important discussion," Rwagweri said. "Living heritage is the bridge between our past traditions and the present. It's how we ensure our cultural practices continue to thrive in a changing world."

Abu Dhabi Culture Summit is a major international event that gathers thought leaders from various fields related to art, heritage, and culture. This year's summit focused on how culture can help us navigate a changing world and develop a new understanding of time.

Rwagweri's participation highlights the important role Ugandan culture plays on the international stage. Engabu Za Tooro, the organization he leads, works to preserve and promote the traditional crafts of Uganda. His founding of African Continental Crafts further demonstrates his commitment to showcasing the continent's rich artistic heritage.

Ugandan Culture Expert on UNESCO Panel at Abu Dhabi Summit

Stephen Rwagweri (2nd left) in Abu Dhabi

Kampala, Uganda - Stephen Rwagweri, Executive Director of Engabu Za Tooro and Founder of African Continental Crafts, recently returned from Abu Dhabi where he participated in a prestigious UNESCO panel discussion.

The 6th edition of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, held from March 3rd to 5th, 2024, explored the theme "A Matter of Time." Rwagweri was selected as one of six culture experts to join a UNESCO panel focused on the role of living heritage.

"I was happy to participate in this important discussion," Rwagweri said. "Living heritage is the bridge between our past traditions and the present. It's how we ensure our cultural practices continue to thrive in a changing world."

Abu Dhabi Culture Summit is a major international event that gathers thought leaders from various fields related to art, heritage, and culture. This year's summit focused on how culture can help us navigate a changing world and develop a new understanding of time.

Rwagweri's participation highlights the important role Ugandan culture plays on the international stage. Engabu Za Tooro, the organization he leads, works to preserve and promote the traditional crafts of Uganda. His founding of African Continental Crafts further demonstrates his commitment to showcasing the continent's rich artistic heritage.