Swahili Imports

Founded in 1985, Swahili Imports works directly with hundreds of artisans in 10 African nations. Their unique line of modern gifts and home decor is sold in stores around the world, including The Fair Trader, Chicago. Swahili Imports works directly with individuals and micro-enterprises across Africa to develop fair trade gifts, home decor, furniture and personal accessories for the U.S. gift and retail market.

A member of the Fair Trade Federation in good standing, Swahili Imports provides fair payment to artisans and export agents, promotes artisan education and encourages sustainable product development practices. Swahili Imports features over 1500 artisan-crafted products from Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, Mali, Senegal, Uganda, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Sudan and these products are distributed to over 1000 retail stores, museums, educational institutions and catalog companies in the U.S. and abroad.

Swahili Imports works to build a sustainable network of trade between talented African artisans and appreciative customers worldwide. Since 1994, Swahili Imports has been building a network of artisans across Africa. Also, Swahili's partnerships with their artisan’s center on fair and sustainable profit generation, artisan advancement and modern, earth-friendly product development.

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About Swahili

Since 1994, Swahili Imports has been building a network of artisans across Africa. Swahili's partnerships center on fair and sustainable profit generation, artisan advancement and modern, earth-friendly product development.

More than 1000 retail stores, museums, educational institutions and catalogs worldwide currently sell Swahili Imports products, and a limited selection of Swahili Imports products may be purchased via this website and through our Swahili retail store in Eugene's historic Fifth Street Public Market.

Fair Trade Artisans

Fair Trade Artisans
Learn about the artisans who make the wonderful items availble in our store.

• Read more about fair trade artisans

Boutique Services

Fair Trade Boutique
If you don’t see the item you want, just ask us! We love searching for new items.

• Read more about our boutique services

The Fair Trader's Passion for Fair Trade

We at The Fair Trader want to share our passion for fair trade by sharing "Shopping That Makes A Difference" with everyone. You can be confident that a significant percentage of your dollars will go directly to the artisans around the world who create your purchases.  We are proud members of the Fair Trade Federation as well as Chicago Fair Trade.