EleAgbe Co. Ltd, Ghana

EleAgbe is a fair trade business operating in Ghana.

It all started with the story of a young lady who was searching for a job to earn a living to fend for herself and her ward, and found a temporary employment arranging beads. Once that job was over she used the skills she gained to go from house to house with a pair of scissors, string and pliers to offer to fix or redesign broken necklaces or bracelets or a fee. Money gathered from fixing and redesigning beads became the start-up capital for the birthing of Ele Agbe.

They now produce beads and jewelry, shea butter products and home decorations, including baskets.

Ele Agbe is a social enterprise that believes in giving back to society, therefore it organizes with other partners yearly medical missions to the rural areas of Ghana.

EleAgbe shared with us the store of one of the basket weavers whose baskets are available at Global Village Nanaimo. “ Modesta is a 36-year-old married woman with four children (2 boys and 2 girls). She started weaving baskets at the age of thirteen. She started weaving immediately after marriage as a result of the fact that weaving was one of the main occupations in their area and she did not have too many options. Also it brings her happiness. Despite the challenges associated with sourcing materials and market price fluctuations, Modesta weaves to support the management of her home and the care and education of her children. She hopes for stable prices and a constant flow of orders for the sake of her family. Weavers like Modesta face challenges such as fluctuating demand and uncertain prices in the local markets. Ele Agbe supports the weavers by paying fair prices, providing training and seeking customers.”