In 2013, a Challenge Grant ($90,000 over 3 years, 2014-2016) was awarded to Indego Africa for an expansion of its program from its base in Rwanda to another country in Africa.
Indego Africa is a non-profit social enterprise that creates jobs and sustainable livelihoods for female artisan entrepreneurs through market access and education. Indego Africa’s cooperative artisan partners generate income through product sales to meet their families’ basic needs and develop job skills through training programs that enhance their long-term earning potential.
In 2014, Indego Africa conducted research and due diligence on various countries for the Country Expansion, especially Ethiopia and Ghana. A decision was made to expand in Ghana, focusing on the Kumasi area in the Ashanti region. In 2015, meetings in Ghana with artisan collectives, government officials, and local community organizations were held in preparation for the launch. Operations commenced with the hiring of a Ghana Country Director and signing of contracts with several cooperatives. By the end of 2015, Indego Africa was working with 8 artisan groups (~120 artisans) and shipping orders, hired 2 full-time employees, and was preparing Basic Business Training classes for 50 Ghana students in early 2016.