Capitec, one of South Africa’s top digital banks, is joining hands with handmadeAFRICA to bring something special to shoppers in the country. Together, they are introducing a new boutique shopping experience that will highlight beautiful African designs. These designs are carefully chosen for their high-quality and ethical production methods.
Asha Patel, who leads Brand and Communications at Capitec, explained that this partnership celebrates the creativity and talent found across Africa. She says, “We believe in the power of African ingenuity and entrepreneurship.” By working with handmadeAFRICA, Capitec is excited to support local creators and small businesses, honouring the cultural heritage of the continent and helping to grow African commerce.
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The Capitec handmadeAFRICA experience is different from traditional events that take place in one location every year. Instead, this boutique will travel to different cities and towns, making it easier for people to enjoy contemporary African design right in their community.
Garreth van Niekerk, the Creative Director of handmadeAFRICA, mentioned that the boutique will showcase unique items from various cities like Accra, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Dakar. Shoppers can expect to find a mix of fashion, accessories, jewelry, home decor, and beauty products. He said, “This experience allows shoppers to enjoy a hands-on shopping experience without worrying about shipping fees or sizing issues.”
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The first event is set to take place on Sunday, October 13, at the NIROX Sculpture Park. This fun day will be filled with music, poetry, and delicious food from Africa, in partnership with Good Neighbours.
At the initial event, shoppers will find products from renowned emerging designers, such as LRNCE, Dye Lab, and Adele Dejak, among many others. Van Niekerk emphasized the importance of building relationships with these talented makers. The goal is to build a network of designers across Africa and sustain the continent’s creative wealth.
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Working with Capitec allows handmadeAFRICA to help small businesses enter new markets more easily. Van Niekerk says they handle the complicated parts of selling across the continent, so designers don’t have to deal with costs like travel. This makes it simpler for new talents to be discovered and grow.
Patel highlighted that Capitec handmadeAFRICA is part of a larger commitment to support small businesses in South Africa. She believes that small to medium enterprises (SMMEs) are crucial for the country’s economy. “The more we support SMMEs, the more we create chances for growth and jobs,” she pointed out.
Through this partnership, Capitec aims to empower these businesses by providing useful banking solutions and celebrating their stories. The Capitec handmadeAFRICA boutique is a step towards uplifting creativity in the African market while helping small businesses thrive.