NEPAD, one of Africa’s most influential governmental bodies set up by the African Union to enhance growth in Africa, has made an important step in forming a partnership with Fairtrade Africa. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both parties earlier this year.

The collaboration will give Fairtrade Africa more authority when promoting sustainable production on a continental level. Farmers will also benefit on a short term from the agreement. In the next three years both parties will work together building the capacity of producer organisations and support Fairtrade women farmers.

‘It is a great honour that an organisation like NEPAD recognises us as a central stakeholder in its mission to boost agriculture in Africa,’ says Michael Nkonu, Executive Director at Fairtrade Africa. ‘This partnership will be a major driver for us and open new doors. Fairtrade Africa aims to attain a more holistic approach to development and this is a crucial leap in the process.’

As a first step, NEPAD already sponsored the Africa Fairtrade Convention in Accra, Ghana, enabling producers from across the continent to present their organisation and exhibit their products at the convention’s expo.