When one travels to Africa, one discovers that the continent contains highly skilled and hard working crafts men and women who utilize their skills to produce beautiful, quality products that are made available for purchase in the local markets by tourists and residents.  As the owner of Wafrique, I established this business to bring support to, and promote, African small businesses by providing a marketplace outside of their local markets across the oceans.  

The Company partners with small businesses that are skilled in making high quality handcrafted women’s clothing, men’s clothing, natural fiber handbags and unique jewelry that possess an African touch that will be positively received in the American market.  Wafrique intends to support these businesses, with their desire to become global partners, to become competitive enough to strengthen their local economies.

The clothing such as the linen shirts, which can be said to be similar to the Latin Cubavera and Guayabera shirts, are made by skilled couturiers from Benin, who have received their knowledge and talent through what is known as apprenticeships.  Years of skilled knowledge is passed down from generation to generation in this process thus creating an economy of highly creative and detailed dressmakers.  Wafrique has partnered with these businesses with a desire to encourage the continued teaching of this art.

The handbags and accessories are made by skilled crafts people from Kenya and Madagascar.  These products are made of colorfully woven jute and raffia material with sturdy leather clasps and straps.  The jewelry is made of natural glass and clay beads with brass, silver and gold ornaments.  Some of the jewelry is also hand carved from wood and cow’s horns giving them a natural and unique feel.

Wafrique is owned by a multi-national African who grew up in several African countries and believes in and encourages individuals to “Buy and Wear African”.  I believe that in order to build the African national economies we all need to support the continent and share our culture with others.  By buying what is made in Africa you are encouraging the fellow African on the continent to use his/her skills to earn a decent living and to take pride in creating high quality finished products.

Buy and Wear African with us and your support will help Africa to sustain economic strength and independence.

Liliane McFarlane
Owner