About African Market Baskets

The people living in northern Ghana are traditionally farmers and herdsman, but with its variable climate farming is very difficult. Locals supplement the family income by weaving the baskets we refer to as Bolga baskets which are hand-woven using locally-grown straw. This traditional skill which has been handed down through generations provides employment to thousands of people, mostly women. An average of two baskets a week can be woven by a woman who also has a home and family to tend to. African Market Baskets™ (AMB™) founder and CEO, Steve Karowe has been importing from Africa for 40 years. For the past 23 years he has worked directly with artisans in Bolgatanga and helps support over 5,000 weavers and their families. “One of the greatest parts of importing from Africa is seeing the positive impact we have on artisans and their families,” Steve says. Steve visits Africa regularly to meet with the weavers, solicit feedback, and listen to their concerns and needs. He works with each weaver’s group to ensure that products are being made to the highest quality and design standards. And, he oversees our non-profit Every Basket Helps™ goodwill projects with the goal of reducing poverty in the region. Steve believes strongly in the concept of Fair Trade. By working to Fair Trade standards, AMB™ makes sure that the weavers are happy with conditions and wages. Strong bonds have been formed as Steve and AMB™ have worked with many of the same people for decades. Read their story