Fairtrade Africa, the independent non-profit umbrella organization representing all Fairtrade certified producers in Africa and the Middle East, supporting the development of thriving farming and worker communities, is marking its 20-year anniversary having invested almost €700 million in over 780 community projects across the continent.
These investments have funded schools, health facilities, and climate adaptation initiatives, transforming lives and strengthening cooperatives by improving welfare and enabling producers to build more resilient futures. In addition, Fairtrade Africa has worked to improve women’s opportunities, skills and representation within producer organizations, enabling them to influence decisions which in the past were limited due to broader social norms.
Fairtrade Africa focuses much of its support on enabling smallholder farmers and workers across 33 countries to secure fairer prices, increase market access and introduce sustainable farming practices. By uniting producer organizations under one network, Fairtrade has helped deliver guaranteed minimum prices, premium payments above industry averages and access to finance and training. This has reduced vulnerability to market shocks and allowed farmers to increase trade across Africa.
In marking the 20-year anniversary, Fairtrade Africa launched its new strategy promising to continue supporting African and Middle East small holder farmer empowerment and growth.
Priorities include scaling regenerative agriculture to restore degraded land, equipping 10,000 young farmers with digital climate tools and launching “Made by Africa” brands under the AfCFTA to expand intra-African trade. With more than 25% of leadership roles in Fairtrade cooperatives now held by women, which is three times the industry average, the organization is also committed to deepening women and youth leadership in agriculture.
Reflecting on the past twenty years and the journey ahead, Fairtrade Africa Executive Director Isaac Tongola said: “For two decades, Fairtrade Africa has walked alongside farmers and workers to ensure their voices are heard and their communities thrive. As we look to the next 20 years, our focus is clear: fairer prices, stronger communities, and sustainable trade that works for both people and planet.”
“Fairtrade Africa remains committed to championing fairer prices, building resilient communities, and driving sustainable trade across the continent, ensuring that producers can thrive in a rapidly changing world,” added Mr. Tongola.