Taking the Global Stage: African Continental Crafts at SOCAP24

This year, African Continental Crafts proudly represented Uganda on the global stage at SOCAP24 in San Francisco, marking a significant milestone for artisans and impact-driven initiatives across Africa. The event, attended by social innovators, impact investors, and cultural advocates worldwide, showcased African Continental Crafts’ new model: Traditional Artisan Inclusion—a model poised to drive economic inclusion through the continent’s rich artisanal heritage.

Stephen Rwagweri, the visionary behind African Continental Crafts, led a powerful session titled, “Artisanal Sector in Impact Investing: A Massive Blindspot and Unexplored Potential.” His presentation underscored the untapped potential within Africa’s artisan sector, focusing on how traditional craftsmanship can be scaled to create meaningful economic opportunities for marginalized communities. Drawing on his two decades of expertise in culture, social innovation, and project management, Stephen highlighted the model’s strategic relevance for artisans, indigenous communities, and the global marketplace.

SOCAP24 provided a remarkable opportunity for African Continental Crafts to connect with thought leaders and gain insights into the future of impact investing. The support from global partners, including Prudential and the MacArthur Foundation, has been instrumental in bringing African artisans’ work to the world stage, fostering cross-cultural exchange and economic empowerment.

As the world shifts towards inclusive economic models, African Continental Crafts continues to be at the forefront, advocating for the unique contributions of African artisans and their essential role in the global economy.

Learn more about African Continental Crafts and its commitment to sustainable, inclusive development at africancontinentalcrafts.com