Co-operation for Fair Trade in Africa
The Cooperation for Fair Trade in Africa - COFTA is a network of Fair Trade producer organisations in Africa involved and working with disadvantaged grass root producers to eliminate poverty through Fair Trade.
COFTA is the Africa Regional Chapter for the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and as such the network of all registered WFTO members and registered Fair Trade Organizations in Africa, as well as those seeking or working towards WFTO registration.
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History
COFTA was established by African producers in 2004 and aims to be the continental voice in lobbying for greater market access and Fair Trade advocacy for African Producers, thus striving to empower our marginalised and disadvantaged to become organised, active and self reliant African entrepreneurs.
Mission
COFTA's overall mission as a network is to improve the sustainable livelihoods of African producers through partnerships that advocate for Fair Trade.
COFTA therefore strives to strengthen its members' capacity to benefit from global markets by assisting them to develop quality products and providing them with market access support through shared efforts and resources within the principles and structures of Fair Trade.
Organization
COFTA is currently composed of over 70 member organizations from 20 African countries. COFTA members although predominantly handicraft producers are also involved in tea, coffee, vanilla, honey, dried fruit and juices, textiles among other income generating activities.
COFTA currently has networks in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Swaziland with others soon to be set up in Senegal and Zimbabwe. Its aim is to have a country network, representing Fair Trade producers on a country level, in all its member countries.
