Artisanat et Developpment

Artisans in Congo have worked in a chaotic situation of war, corruption and uncertainty. Exporters here face considerable obstacles, including the most expensive port in Africa. Artisanat et Developpment is a local nonprofit artisans’ organization that provides training and marketing assistance to Congolese artisans, and ensures that they receive fair payment for their products. Other artisan benefits include interest-free loans for workshop construction, wood-drying kilns and other needs. Along with its export business, Artisanat et Developpment runs a retail store in Kinshasa, Congo’s capital. Historically craftspeople in Congo were not respected. Because of these artisans’ involvement with Artisanat et Developpment, they and their families are now more respected. They achieve dignity through this work.

Artisanat et Developpment was established in 1997 with assistance of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a U.S.-based relief and development organization and Ten Thousand Villages parent organization. Artisanat et Developpment became independent in 2007. In 2003 Ten Thousand Villages was temporarily forced to stop importing from Congo due to local trade barriers including corruption and lack of infrastructure. But Ten Thousand Villages buyers continued to work with MCC offices in Congo and with the director of Artisanat et Developpment to build artisan capacity. With the Congolese presidential and parliamentary elections held in 2006, Ten Thousand Villages was able to again resume trade with Artisanat et Developpment.

Ten Thousand Villages purchases wire vehicles, galimotos, masks, thumb pianos, nativities, and carved accent furniture from Artisanat et Développment. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Artisanat et Développment since 1997.