Kudzanai Sharara in Shanghai, China
A Zimbabwean development organisation is using the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai to secure international markets for rural women artisans, aiming to bypass middlemen who have long been accused of exploiting their trade.
Mendy Mkondwa, Programmes Coordinator of the Self-Help Development Foundation (SHDF), said the organisation is supporting women in the Buhera District, and a smaller number in Lupane District, who produce handcrafted goods. Speaking on the sidelines of the expo, she highlighted the intricacy of the work, holding up a Buhera basket designed as a fruit barrel for bread or eggs.
“The work here is too cumbersome,” Ms Mkondwa said, noting that the baskets are stitched entirely by hand. “We are supporting the women to find markets.”
SHDF is working with ZimTrade to garner international markets, a move prompted by the realisation that middlemen travel to Buhera to “rip the women off their profits”. Ms Mkondwa said the foundation is therefore supporting the artisans with market linkages.
Speaking on the sidelines of the expo, she highlighted the intricacy of the work, holding up a handwoven Buhera basket designed as a fruit barrel for bread or eggs. The organisation’s catalogue showcases a diverse range of handwoven goods, including Buhera Fruit Bowls, Big Bowls, Planters, and Toiletry Trays. Other intricate pieces on display included Buhera Bins, Placemats, and items demonstrating “Perfect Base Weaving.”
Reflecting on the response at the expo, she described the market as “okay” but noted a trend among buyers. “Most of the buyers are buying for personal use,” she said. This has shifted buyer preferences towards smallee items.
One buyer explained that they have “very little houses” and therefore prefer smaller items, as they do not want to display large gifts.
Back home Ms Mkondwa bemoaned the reluctants by young women to venture into such craft which could create employment for them.
Ms Mkondwa said the foundation is still working to secure leads that will translate into larger orders for the 261 women it works with. The CIIE, held in Shanghai, is one of the world’s largest trade expositions and attracts buyers from across the globe.
This year’s CIIE, the ninth edition, runs from November 5 to 10 and has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors from 162 countries, regions and international organisations . The total exhibition area exceeds 440,000 square metres, with more than 300 Fortune Global 500 and industry-leading companies participating, and over 2,000 exhibitors attending for the first time .
The expo’s cultural exchange activities this year featured 60 booths across more than 40,000 square metres, described by organisers as the largest scale in the event’s history . The programme included the debut of an “Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop” and a “Great Nation Crafts” exhibition zone, alongside nearly 100 performances covering ethnic songs and dances, opera, instrumental music, and fashion shows .
The CIIE, held annually in Shanghai, is one of the world’s largest trade expositions and attracts buyers from across the globe.
