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Indego Africa is committed to the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all relations with its producers and the community organizations that support them. Indego Africa complies with strict economic, social and environmental criteria consistent with fair trade principles and practices in order to create a more equitable and sustainable trade system for producers As a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, Indego Africa's fair trade practices have been thoroughly vetted and found to be in compliance with the Fair Trade Federation's strict requirements. There is no higher standard for the handicraft industry and membership is reserved only for organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the long-term development of their artisans. For more information, please visit Indego Africa's detailed Fair Trade Practices Policy (also in French) or send an email to
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You can also read Indego Africa's application to the Fair Trade Federation here. “Fair Trade is a market-based approach to sustainable development, seeking to empower millions of disadvantaged producers worldwide while protecting the environment for future generations. Fair Trade also empowers consumers to make a difference in the world simply by adjusting their shopping list, giving industry an incentive to do the right thing. The dramatic growth of Fair Trade products proves that consumers are voting for a better world with their purchases, demanding sustainable, ethically sourced goods.” (Source: TransFair USA) MORE INFO!  (a) Coordination. Indego Africa will work directly with its artisans and development partner organizations (“DPOs”) regarding production method, delivery, quantity, work environment, and quality requirements for products being made.
(b) Cost Savings. Indego Africa will keep administrative and marketing costs low, so that it can maximize profits. Indego Africa will return 100% of profits from the sale of goods to artisans and DPOs. (c) Wage Calculations. Indego Africa will consult widely-accepted fair wage calculators and employers in countries and communities where Indego Africa operates in order to determine a fair price for products that it purchases from artisans and DPOs, or when relevant, to set a fair wage. Payments from Indego Africa will be targeted to meet an artisans basic needs.
(a) Skills Building. Indego Africa will work only with DPOs that provide training and skills-building to their artisans and communities. (b) Leadership & Business Development. Indego Africa will deliver leadership and business skills to artisans and DPOs through partnerships that require each partner’s commitment to recordkeeping, quality control and client service. For most DPOs, keeping this commitment will mean working with Indego Africa personnel to improve reporting obligations, budgeting, business planning and marketing. For artisans, keeping this commitment will mean learning how to run a successful small business. (c) Management Decisions. When possible, Indego Africa will involve leaders of DPOs in its major management and commercial decisions. (d) Safety Compliance. Indego Africa will work exclusively with DPOs that maintain a safe and humane workplace that complies with local standards and regulations. (e) Anti-Discrimination. Indego Africa will oppose discrimination of any kind and insist on equal employment opportunities for men and women.
(a) Environmental Sustainability. Indego Africa will not be involved in trading activities that have a significant environmental impact. When artisans source their raw materials, Indego Africa will engage the artisans to find the most sustainable sourcing solution.
(a) Pre-Payment. Indego Africa will provide prepayment to artisans on a negotiated basis (up to 50% of the final price) well in advance of delivery of finished products. (b) Market Trends. Indego Africa will constantly inform its artisans and DPOs of trends in export markets regarding the delivery and price of their products such that all parties operate transparently and full comprehend how they are mutually benefiting from the relationship.
(a) Fair Trade Information. Indego Africa will maintain on its website accurate and extensive information about the fair trade movement, fair trade principles, any fair trade assessments of Indego Africa by third parties and Indego Africa’s own policies and initiatives to ensure fair trade compliance. Please see our Weblinks page for fair trade links. (b) Education About Africa. Indego Africa will promote cultural understanding and educate consumers about African history and culture by providing compelling information on its website regarding Indego Africa artisans and their products, communities, artistic process and personal histories. (c) Mutual Support. Indego Africa will support whenever possible other campaigns aimed at improving the living conditions of the economically disadvantaged in developing countries.
(a) Artistic & Cultural Traditions. Whenever possible, Indego Africa will encourage its artisans to produce traditional products with artistic and cultural significance to them and their community. (b) Respect for Way of Life. Indego Africa will not violate or affect indigenous peoples’ claims on land or any resources of vital importance to their way of life.
(a) Full Transparency. Indego Africa will maintain all current and up-to-date copies of its operational and management policies, financial statements, IRS filings, state-level filings, major business plans and partnership forms on its website. |
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