There is no more important component to our success than the artistry and hard work of our wonderful development partners, both in the cooperatives and in local government.  Indego Africa takes great pride in their accomplishments and we thank you for taking the time to learn more about them.  Because our work is meeting the great needs of their constituents, the Rwandan local government has pledged to co-develop programs with Indego Africa for the cooperatives.

IAP Partner Covanya

For its first project, Indego Africa has partnered with two artisan cooperatives (ANGE and Covanya) in Rwanda composed entirely of women, many of whom are genocide widows struggling to raise a family. 

A distinctive feature of our business model is the mutual reliance between Indego Africa and its partners.  Partnering with Indego Africa requires a deeper buy-in from cooperatives because both parties depend upon each other for their success:  (a) Indego Africa requires revenue from its partners’ handicrafts and (b) its partners rely on Indego Africa’s market connections and training programs.  This relationship builds cross-cultural respect.

Through the benefits of economic cooperation, ethnic groups also become more aware that their mutual success lies in moving beyond historical tensions.  Finally, because training program are funded by handicraft profits, the women are less dependent on Indego Africa and experience improved self-confidence – thus challenging the aid dependence paradigm.

Click on ANGE or COVANYA below to learn more about the women in these cooperatives and their stories:

	ANGE women work on the following products: Wine Coasters
	Covanya women work on the following products: Agaseke Baskets Basket Ornaments Plateau Baskets

Partnering with Bugesera District

Indego Africa has cultivated a strong relationship with the Rwandan district-level government, which has co-signed each of the cooperative partnership agreements.  The government has agreed to “nurture, and advocate on behalf of, [the cooperative] in areas within its authority and expertise… [and]… assist[ ] [the cooperative] with official registrations.”  As a de facto partner, Indego Africa relies on the district government in:

• resolving disputes,
• arranging for training programs,
• advocating on behalf of partner cooperatives, and
• reviewing workplace health and safety at the cooperatives.

By working together with local government and community members, Indego Africa also diminishes the chances that its advance payment grants are squandered or its cooperative partners fail to deliver products.  This productive relationship between Indego Africa and the government offers further assurance to consumers looking for the products that contribute to development aims.