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30 African Social Enterprises

From Kerosene-Replacing Lamps to Female-Owned Design Studios

— October 19, 2011 — Social Good
Many of the images, symbols and narratives that circulate in and around Africa (well, mostly around) don't pay respect to the positivity and humanity that belie the media construction of the continent. For one, Africa is so frequently dismissed as a country in prosaic conversations and political debates (Michele Bachmann, I'm talking to you). For the last time: Africa is not a country!

This top list of African social enterprises explores a different story -- a story not simply rooted in aid and dependence, but rather, a look at how community and fair trade can help to sustain livelihoods in Africa.

These African social enterprises conduct business in Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya and beyond, but they all have one thing in common: the good of Africa. From medicinal transport pods to fair trade coffee and cow-print cushions, these African social enterprises shed light on an emerging sector -- in the Western mainstream at least -- that relies on pre-existing values of community.
5.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
30
Developing World Entrepreneur Webisodes
Developing World Entrepreneur Webisodes
‘Young World Innovators’ Follows African Business
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29
Medicinal Transport Pods
Medicinal Transport Pods
'Matternet' Offers Incredible Solutions to Help the Majority World
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28
African Artist Assist Sites
African Artist Assist Sites
African Cartel Gives Struggling Artists an Online Outlet
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27
H2O-Supporting Coffee Companies
H2O-Supporting Coffee Companies
Three Avocados Helps to Provide Clean Water in Uganda
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26
Smallholder Business Partners
Smallholder Business Partners
Safi Coffee Goes Beyond Fair Trade for the Good of Kenyan Farmers
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25
Poverty Alleviation Footwear
Poverty Alleviation Footwear
Oliberte Strives to Build a Middle Class in Africa
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24
African-Made Soccer Balls
African-Made Soccer Balls
Alive and Kicking Creates Jobs in Zambia and Kenya
<
23
African Abuse Apps
African Abuse Apps
Mobi-Reportabuse is a Ghanian Cellphone Service to Report Violence
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22
African-Sourced Sneakers
African-Sourced Sneakers
SAWA's Classic Shoes Strike a Balance Between Style and Substance
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21
Fair Trade African Soda
Fair Trade African Soda
Ubuntu Cola is a First for the United Kingdom
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20
Benevolent Beaded Bangles
Benevolent Beaded Bangles
The FEED Kenya Bracelet is a Stylish Strategy to Feed Hungry Children
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19
Opportunity-Generating Accessories
Opportunity-Generating Accessories
'Hands Up Not Handouts' Uses Business for Positive Change
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18
Fair Trade Shea Butter
Fair Trade Shea Butter
Delapointe's Products are Made by Women in Burkina Faso
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17
Female-Owned Design Studios
Female-Owned Design Studios
'Creative Women' Supports Economic Independence in the Majority World
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16
Kenyan Art Clinics
Kenyan Art Clinics
The Bombolulu Workshops & Cultural Centre Empowers Artisans of All Abilities
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15
Kerosene-Replacing Lamps
Kerosene-Replacing Lamps
Nuru Uses LED Lights to Create Jobs and Promote Safety in Rural Rwanda
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14
Cow-Print Cushions
Cow-Print Cushions
Deep Dark Africa Creates Simple Fair Trade Home Design
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13
Worn Leather Loafers
Worn Leather Loafers
The Oliberte MAGADO and NAVIRO Shoes are Made in Ethiopia
<
12
Kenyan Running Apparel
Kenyan Running Apparel
Kourage Athletics Supports Livelihoods Through Job Creation
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11
Humanitarian Fashion Lines
Humanitarian Fashion Lines
David Peck Takes Inspiration from and Gives Back to Ugandan Villagers
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10
Jewelry-Funded Water Purifiers
Jewelry-Funded Water Purifiers
The Midomo Launch in Mwingi, Kenya Will Bring Security
<
9
Accessible Bamboo Bicycles
Accessible Bamboo Bicycles
Zambikes International Creates Jobs and Transportation in Zambia
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8
Stripped-Down SUVs
Stripped-Down SUVs
The Mobius One Vehicle Offers Economic Mobility for African Countries
<
7
Fashionable Fair Trade Apparel (UPDATE)
Fashionable Fair Trade Apparel (UPDATE)
Indego Africa Gives Artisans a Protected Place to Create
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6
Economically Sustainable Footwear
Economically Sustainable Footwear
The Oliberte Obida Chukka Boot Helps Build Africa
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5
Ethical Tribal Print Fashion
Ethical Tribal Print Fashion
The Nicole Miller Indego Africa Collection Focuses on Fair Trade
<
4
Upcycled Fair Trade Fashion
Upcycled Fair Trade Fashion
Liz Alig Links Consumers & Producers to Support Ethical Practices
<
3
Explosive Ethical Jewelry
Explosive Ethical Jewelry
'peaceBOMB' Bracelets Embrace War-Inflicted Cities
<
2
Fair Trade Ugandan Goods
Fair Trade Ugandan Goods
One Mango Tree's Clothing and Accessories Have a Beautiful Story
<
1
Disabled Artisan Jewelry Collections
Disabled Artisan Jewelry Collections
The People Tree Wheelchair Campaign with Bombolulu
<