Korea-Africa Foundation, ITC Discuss Cooperation with Kenyan Artisan Delegation

On Tuesday, September 1, the Korea-Africa Foundation held a meeting in its main conference room with officials from the International Trade Centre (ITC)?a joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO)?and a delegation of artisans and cooperative representatives from Kenya.

The visiting delegation, in Korea as part of a project supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), consisted of four representatives from refugee and host communities in Kenya's Kakuma and Lodwar regions, along with ITC officials. The participants are key figures driving inclusive economic growth by producing handicrafts?woven baskets, beadwork, crochet, and home decor items?that embody local traditions and ethical values.

At the meeting, participants reflected on the successful cooperation the Foundation and ITC have built together, including through the Uganda Youth Startup Academy (YSA) project, and held focused discussions on ways to expand exchange between Korea and Africa in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) sector. In particular, they engaged in in-depth discussions on a range of potential areas of cooperation, including expanding inclusive entrepreneurship, ethical sourcing, and exploring entry into the Korean market for African handicrafts.

Building on this visit, the Korea-Africa Foundation plans to further strengthen sustainable partnerships in ethical business and the cultural and creative sectors across Kenya and the broader African continent.

▲ Group photo of the ITC delegation