Africa Fairtrade Convention

This was the official website for the 2011 Africa Fair Trade Convention. Content is from the site's 2011 archived pages.

 

About Africa Fairtrade Convention

The Africa Fairtrade Convention provides a platform for African small-scale producers, international traders, policy makers, partner organisations and Fair Trade stakeholders to discuss how better trade conditions can help improve the livelihoods of African farmers and workers. After the successful inaugural edition in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, held at the end of last year, the Africa Fairtrade Convention will this year take place in Accra, Ghana.

On Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 November convention participants will discuss at the Fairtade Africa Forum how collaborations between all involved actors can be enhanced, resulting into more effective output and new opportunities for the different stakeholders in the supply chain – from the coffee planter in Uganda to the retailer in the UK – and beyond. Theme this year is 'Effective Trade Partnerships for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa'. During the final day, on Friday 25 November, the African Assembly, the highest legislative meeting for Fairtrade Africa members, will convene. Non-members are invited to attend as observers.

For the first time, in parallel with the Forum and the African Assembly, a Fairtrade & Organic Expo will take place where small-scale producers, traders, partners, service providers and other stakeholders can meet to build new relationships or strengthen existing ones; where business is being done, valuable information is gathered and opportunities are being created.

Who will attend?

We expect 200 participants from across Africa and beyond, including African producers, international traders & industry professionals, policy makers, NGOs and Fairtrade partners. Representatives of the following organisations have already confirmed attendance: Kraft, Nestlé, Twin, Ofxam, International Solidarity for Development and Investment (SIDI), Fairtrade Foundation and Association for Fairness in Trade.

About us

The Africa Fairtrade Convention 2011 is organised by Fairtrade Africa. Fairtrade is an international movement that works to protect and support small-scale farmers and workers in the South. Our mission is to connect disadvantaged producers with consumers and promote trade justice. We at Fairtrade Africa are representing the African farmers in the global system. For more information, visit our website: www.fairtradeafrica.net

 

Social Programme

Field Trip

On Tuesday 22 November a field trip will be organized to two Fairtrade certified producer organisations near Accra. This will help increase understanding of producer realities and offer participants the opportunity to interact with producers in their environment. A small-scale cocoa farm and a fresh fruit plantation will be visited.  

All convention participants – producers, traders and other stakeholders – are welcomed to attend. The trip, which will take up a full day, will start early in the morning so participants need to arrive the night before in Accra. Please make sure to confirm participation when registering for the Africa Fairtrade Convention. 

Cocktail

After a hard day's work, some relaxation is in order. A cocktail reception will be organized at the end of Day 1 of Fairtrade Africa Forum (23 November) to network and get acquainted again with old friends. 

 

Workshops

What does ‘gender’ mean in Fairtrade farms?
Fairtrade Africa is currently working in collaboration with Fairtrade International and the other Producer Networks (CLAC from Latin American and NAP from Asia) to define a gender strategy for the system. As part of this process FTA will carry out a workshop in order to get input from its members. The aim is twofold: to exchange experiences among producers on the relationship of gender and key topics like health, education, production and economy, leadership and participation in Fairtrade producer organizations  (POs) in Africa and to collect inputs towards the development of a diagnostic and a strategy that allows increased gender equality within the POs in Africa and the wider Fairtrade system in general. 
Who can attend: Producers
For more information contact: Marcela Guerrero Casas at [email protected]

Media training
During the A one-day training, Fairtrade producers will learn how to make the most of media opportunities. The session will include both theoretical and practical sections, whereby mock interviews are set up. After the workshop, producers will have a better knowledge of the media landscape, know how best to prepare for an interview and have learned techniques to guarantee the best results.  
Who can attend: Producers
For more information contact: Veronique Verlinden at [email protected]

Fairtrade Cashew Round Table 
The Fairtrade Cashew Round Table discussion will allow stakeholders to present their positions on setting a Raw Cahshew nut price as well as offer suggestions to improve the current certification model and grow the market for Fairtrade cashew.
Who can attend: Cashew producers from Africa, Asia and South and Central America. Cashew traders, processors and other interested parties including LI’s and NGO’s working directly with Fairtrade cashew producers.
For more information contact: Johanna Zimmermann at [email protected]; Benjamin Gatland at [email protected] 

 

Expo

A Fairtrade & Organic Expo will run during the Africa Fairtrade Convention, where producers, traders, retailers, Fairtrade Labeling Initiatives and other partners can showcase their work. The Expo will also provide a networking opportunity to build stronger supply chain partnerships. Booths will be displayed in an open plan space, while isolated meeting spaces will be provided if required for interviews or discussions.

Why exhibit?

• Face-to-face power- Get first-hand market information & improve understanding of your activities/service capabilities to producers/traders/partners
• Create trust - Improve relationships with your partners which will help further build trust on both sides
• New business - Identify new business opportunities
• Unique - As the first continental-wide agricultural exhibition which brings producers and traders together in Africa, this is a unique setting to meet people and do business
• Network - Introduce your organisation to supply chain stakeholders and partner organisations, identify new value chains available in the region and establish contacts with potential producers
• Showcase - Demonstrate how you work together with Fairtrade to make a difference to the lives of African producers

 

• Forum Theme 
  Effective Trade Partnerships for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa.  
   
• Fairtrade & Organic Expo
  The first continental-wide agricultural expo which brings producers and traders together in Africa
   
• Why exhibit?
  Identify business opportunities and get first-hand market information.
   
• Convention audience
  African small-scale producers, international traders, policy makers, partner organisations, Fair Trade stakeholders…

 

Update:

As an international trader in coffee from Africa, this was a convention I would normally attend. But a long delay at Kennedy International put me a day behind and forced a stay overnight at the airport. But as serendipity would have it, I had a most compelling evening, passing time with other stranded passengers. Even had dinner with one of my heroes, the search engine specialist Bob Sakayama. Many online businesses exist and thrive because of the technical prowess of TNG/Earthling, his NYC consultancy. We spoke for 4 hours and could have kept on going. Although I missed the 2011 Africa Fairtrade Convention, I have attended every one since. Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa is the independent non-profit umbrella organisation representing all Fairtrade certified producers in Africa. Fairtrade Africa is owned by its members, who are African producer organisations certified against international Fairtrade standards producing traditional export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cotton, bananas, mango and non-traditional commodities including shea butter and rooibos tea. It's heartening to see how the organisation which represents over 1,050,000 producers across 33 countries in Africa has grown since its inception more than ten years ago.

 

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More Background on AfricaFairTradeConvention.net

The Africa Fair Trade Convention (AFC) has grown into one of Africa’s most significant events promoting ethical and sustainable trade practices. Organized by Fairtrade Africa, the convention serves as a platform for small-scale producers, traders, NGOs, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at improving the economic conditions of African farmers and workers. The event is a critical part of the global fair trade movement, fostering collaboration and addressing trade imbalances to ensure more equitable economic growth for producers on the continent.

Historical Overview

The Africa Fair Trade Convention was first held in 2010 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Since then, it has evolved into a major annual event, drawing hundreds of participants from across Africa and beyond. Over time, the convention has expanded both in scope and participation, with each year’s event hosted in different African cities, including Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya. The convention's main purpose is to provide a venue where stakeholders can come together to discuss better trade conditions, focusing on sustainable livelihoods for African producers.

Fairtrade Africa, the organizing body, represents over 1,050,000 producers across 33 African countries. These producers are involved in the cultivation and trade of commodities such as coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, and shea butter. Fairtrade Africa’s mission is to improve the working conditions and living standards of small-scale farmers by promoting fair prices and sustainable practices. Over the years, the Africa Fair Trade Convention has served as a key platform for advancing these goals.

Key Objectives and Themes

The central objective of the AFC is to improve trade relationships and supply chains to enhance the livelihoods of African producers. Each year, the convention adopts a specific theme that reflects the most pressing issues in the fair trade movement. One prominent theme in recent years has been “Effective Trade Partnerships for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa”, which highlights the need for stronger partnerships between producers in Africa and international markets. By fostering these partnerships, the convention aims to create more opportunities for African producers to access global markets while ensuring they receive fair compensation for their goods.

A key aspect of the convention’s work is the promotion of local value addition, which allows producers to process raw materials locally rather than exporting them in their unprocessed form. This practice ensures that more revenue stays within the local economy, creating jobs and boosting economic growth. For example, Ghana’s investment in local cocoa processing has enabled the country to export higher-value products like cocoa powder and chocolate, increasing its share of the global cocoa market. Similarly, Kenya has developed local tea processing plants that add value to its exports, further enhancing income for producers.

Audience and Participation

The Africa Fair Trade Convention attracts a wide range of participants, including small-scale producers, international traders, NGOs, policymakers, and corporate representatives. Each year, the convention draws hundreds of attendees from across Africa, with representatives from major companies such as Kraft and Nestlé frequently participating. These companies, along with Fairtrade organizations and NGOs, play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the convention, as they collaborate to improve trade conditions and ensure that African producers benefit more directly from the global trade system.

The audience also includes policymakers who influence trade regulations and standards. By engaging directly with producers and traders, these policymakers can better understand the challenges facing African farmers and work toward creating policies that support fair and equitable trade.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Africa Fair Trade Convention is not just an economic event; it has significant cultural and social implications. By promoting fair wages, gender equality, and sustainable agricultural practices, the convention plays a vital role in addressing social justice issues in Africa. One of the key initiatives discussed at the convention is the promotion of gender equality in fair trade. Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, and the convention provides a platform to address the specific challenges they face in the industry. Workshops and training sessions on topics like media engagement and leadership in fair trade farms are designed to empower female producers and help them gain greater influence in their communities and the marketplace.

Additionally, the convention fosters dialogue on the environmental sustainability of agricultural practices. Many African countries rely heavily on agriculture for their economies, and the fair trade movement emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming methods that minimize environmental degradation. By promoting organic farming practices and reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and fertilizers, the convention aims to create a more sustainable agricultural sector across the continent.

Workshops, Expo, and Key Activities

The convention includes a wide range of workshops, training sessions, and discussions that provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to participants. One such event is the Fairtrade & Organic Expo, where producers showcase their products and meet with potential buyers. This expo allows small-scale producers to connect directly with international traders, bypassing middlemen and ensuring they receive better prices for their goods. The expo is a key feature of the convention, providing a unique opportunity for African producers to showcase their work and create new business opportunities.

Workshops on topics such as gender equality in fair trade farms and media training for producers offer practical support to participants, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive global market. Additionally, the Fairtrade Cashew Round Table allows stakeholders to discuss pricing models and certification improvements for Fairtrade cashew producers, ensuring that they can compete more effectively in the international market.

Examples of Success Stories

Several success stories have emerged from the Africa Fair Trade Convention. For example, Botswana has made significant strides in local diamond processing, ensuring that more of the wealth generated from its diamond industry stays within the country. By cutting and polishing diamonds locally, Botswana has been able to create thousands of jobs and increase revenue, contributing to the country’s overall economic stability. Similarly, Ethiopia has revitalized its leather industry by investing in local processing plants, which has added value to its exports and created new opportunities for economic growth.

These success stories underscore the importance of local value addition—a key theme of the Africa Fair Trade Convention. By encouraging African producers to process and market their goods locally, the convention helps to retain more wealth within the continent and promotes sustainable development.

Press Coverage and Media Impact

The Africa Fair Trade Convention has garnered significant press coverage over the years, particularly for its role in promoting fair trade and sustainable development in Africa. Media outlets frequently cover the convention’s efforts to promote gender equality, enhance local value addition, and foster international trade partnerships. The Fairtrade Global Awards, which are often presented at the convention, also receive considerable attention for their recognition of outstanding contributions to fair trade.

The convention’s media presence has helped raise awareness of fair trade issues and has played a key role in driving consumer demand for ethically sourced products from Africa. This increased demand has opened new markets for African producers, enabling them to compete more effectively on the global stage.

 

The Africa Fair Trade Convention is a vital event for advancing ethical trade practices in Africa. By bringing together producers, traders, policymakers, and NGOs, the convention fosters meaningful dialogue on the most pressing issues facing African agriculture and trade. Through its promotion of local value addition, gender equality, and sustainable agricultural practices, the AFC is playing a crucial role in transforming Africa’s trade landscape and ensuring that more wealth stays within the continent. As the convention continues to grow, its impact on African economies and the global fair trade movement will only become more significant.

 

Partners

Media Partners