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San Francisco, October 30, 2024 — In a thought-provoking session at SOCAP 2024, Stephen Rwagweri, founder of African Continental Crafts, spotlighted the immense but largely untapped potential of the global artisanal sector within impact investing. The workshop, held at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for Arts, called attention to how this overlooked sector could drive sustainable economic inclusion and transform underserved communities worldwide.
Rwagweri’s presentation shed light on the artisanal sector’s economic value, estimated to be worth $1 trillion globally by the end of 2024, with a projected annual growth rate of 20%. Despite this enormous potential, the sector is often characterized by adjectives like “unexplored” and “underrepresented,” with initiatives predominantly confined to small, localized efforts. Artisans, he noted, frequently face marginalization and tokenism, especially in policy-making and funding.
“Imagine a sector with the capacity to foster universal economic inclusion and reclaim social relevance, yet it remains largely unnoticed by impact investors,” Rwagweri said. He emphasized that artisans worldwide possess valuable skills adaptable to limited resources and can support critical areas such as gender equality, grassroots innovation, and environmental sustainability.
One poignant example presented was that of G.W. Akora of YAWE Uganda, who uses crafting not only as an economic tool but as a therapeutic medium for individuals living with HIV. However, without adequate support, artisans like Akora are often forced to sell their work through international “hawking” tours to sympathetic buyers, despite their products’ competitive potential in the global market.
Rwagweri argued that to realize this sector’s potential, a more inclusive, transnational approach is essential. He highlighted initiatives like UNHCR’s Made 51 and the 6C Framework by Creative Million as models that could offer structured, scalable solutions. He also stressed the need for sustainable funding that goes beyond token grants, advocating for impact-driven loans and equity for artisans to scale their businesses globally.
The call to action is clear: Impact investors and policymakers should recognize the artisanal sector as a viable and valuable avenue for sustainable development and social change. By supporting artisans with the necessary resources and removing barriers to fair economic participation, Rwagweri concluded, the world could unlock a sector with boundless potential to enrich communities and economies globally.
