✦ Our Story
Powering Africa's Creative
Heritage to the World
AfriCraft is a culture-commerce platform connecting African artisans with global buyers through a unique combination of marketplace, immersive virtual gallery experiences, and cultural storytelling.
Why We Exist
The Problem We're Solving
Africa's craft sector is largely informal and fragmented. Most artisans rely on physical markets, social media, and word-of-mouth for sales — channels that lack structure, scalability, and trust mechanisms, severely limiting their market access.
Meanwhile, buyers — particularly tourists, diaspora communities, and interior designers — struggle to find authentic, high-quality African crafts in a centralized and trusted platform.
Our Mission: To empower African artisans by providing access to digital tools, global markets, and immersive platforms that enable them to showcase, sell, and scale their craft while preserving cultural identity.
Our Vision: To become the leading global platform for African crafts, connecting artisans to the world and positioning African creative heritage as a major contributor to the global creative economy.
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
Cultural Authenticity
Every product on AfriCraft is verified for cultural authenticity. We work only with artisans who use traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Artisan First
We exist to serve African artisans. Our platform is built around their needs — giving them tools, visibility, and fair earnings without middlemen.
Global Reach
We connect the African creative economy to buyers in over 100 countries, making authentic African crafts accessible to the world.
Cultural Preservation
Commerce is our vehicle, but cultural preservation is our mission. Every sale keeps a tradition alive and an artisan empowered.
Transparency
Buyers know exactly who made their product, where, and how. Artisans receive fair commission. No hidden fees. No secrets.
Quality Curation
Our cultural curators review every product before it goes live. Only genuine, high-quality African crafts make it onto the platform.
Our Journey
How We Got Here
AfriCraft founded in Abuja, Nigeria by Bennett Essien
First badge of artisans onboarded and platform development begins
Business registered as AfriCraft Commerce Technologies Ltd (RC: 9453883)
Platform launches with marketplace, 3D virtual gallery, and Heritage Points
Plans expansion framework to 5 African countries — Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa
Currently leveraging The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entreprenuership programme for growth
The People
Meet the Team
Bennett Essien
Founder & CEO
Strategic Information Management & Computing Specialist with over a decade of experience in digital technology and business development. Bridging Africa's rich creative heritage and the global digital economy.
Ifiok Eduok
Operations & Vendor Manager
Leads artisan onboarding, vendor relations, and day-to-day platform operations. Ensures every artisan on AfriCraft meets our quality and authenticity standards.
Daniel Imoghie Dida
Marketing & Growth Lead
Drives customer acquisition, brand storytelling, and community growth across AfriCraft's social channels and digital marketing campaigns.
Find Us
Based in the Heart of Africa
Company Details
Be Part of the Movement
Whether you're a buyer, artisan, or investor — there's a place for you in the AfriCraft story.