Fairtrade Africa regional networks are locally based offices serving different areas of the continent. The regional networks represent Fairtrade Africa on a local level and work directly with producers, often engaging in activities that suit the specific needs of the producers in the area. There are currently four regional network offices in Fairtrade Africa:
- Fairtrade Africa – Southern Africa Network (FTA-SAN)
- Fairtrade Africa – West Africa Network (FTA-WAN)
- Fairtrade Africa – Eastern Africa Network (FTA-EAN)
- Fairtrade Africa – North Africa Network (FTA-NAN)
Aims of the regional networks
Standards:
The regional networks represent Fairtrade producers on issues related to standards – campaigning for new prices, revision of existing standards or making the Fairtrade standards more relevant to local farming practices. If you are a producer or trader working in a product that is currently not covered by the Fairtrade standards, please contact the regional coordinator in your area.
Technical support:
The regional networks support producers through an internal Technical Assistance Fund, which is open to all Fairtrade certified small producer organisations. The fund is available to assist producer organisations in: improving capacity of senior managers to manage more effectively; training and assistance in developing business planning and financial management; supply chain management; environmental management; strengthening internal systems (including database management) and institutional structures (including governance issues).
To find out more about the TAF, please contact the regional coordinator in your area or log in to the members section of this site where TAF documentation can be found.
The regional networks also work with local partners in the public, private and NGO sectors to leverage support for producers. If you are an NGO, government department or simply someone interested in supporting Fairtrade in Africa, please contact your regional coordinator to find out how you can get involved.
Market access:
The regional networks assist in implementing Fairtrade Africa’s broader goal of increasing market opportunities for Fairtrade certified producers. The networks work with local partners to expose producers to new supply chains and promote Fairtrade certified producers in local and international markets.
Networking:
The regional networks are an effective platform to coordinate communication among Fairtrade certified producers. To further encourage collaboration amongst producers, the networks support the establishment and development of country networks. To find out more about country networks and where they exist click here.
Contact
Click here for contact details of Fairtrade Africa regional network offices.