Just a few years ago, a Zimbabwean and an American met in South Africa and from their meeting sparked a compelling idea.  Why not establish a partnership between Africa and the U.S. to promote the dignity of work and self-sufficiency in Africa?

The idea could have been just that, an interchange, but both refused to let it drop there.  The Zimbabwean began to search in earnest for underprivileged artisan communities, establishing relationships with the various groups, and communicating ideas and product samples to the American for marketing, distribution, education, and channeling feedback.  Through this partnership, the dream was realized: harnessing the outstanding artistic talent of African artisans to create marketable products for sale in the U.S; thus, Bridge for Africa was born.

Artisans have been tapped in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia to design, produce and market high quality handmade products.  The sales proceeds benefit the artisans and their communities: at least half of the product price is paid to the artisans groups, and the remainder is reinvested in community development, job creation, and training initiatives.