Short history

The African Fairtrade Network (AFN) was established at the 4th Assembly of Africa commodity producer orga­nizations certified by FLO in Addis Ababa Ethiopia in March 2004. AFN is an independent, not for profit umbrella continental network of Fairtrade Certified African producer organizations. AFN held its first ever Members Meeting in Moshi, Tanzania on June 6th and 7th 2006.

Mission & Role

The AFN mission is to increase awareness of fair trade in Africa. Thereby AFN also explores remunerative trade opportunities for Fairtrade producers and workers through networking within and outside Africa. In addition to this, AFN is the body that represents African producers within FLO.

AFN Membership

The membership of the AFN is open to all Fairtrade Certified Producer Organizations and potential applicants, AFN founding organizations that have business relations with Fairtrade Certified Groups and African trade companies which are registered with FLO-CERT. In addition to this, agencies and other organizations promoting fair trade may gain eligibility for AFN membership. Members are grouped in four fair trade regional networks, namely in East, South, West and North Africa.

By July 2006, AFN membership amounted to 164 Fairtrade Certified Producer Organizations and 43 FLO-CERT registered organizations in 24 countries of Africa. Given the AFN wide membership base which also includes Fairtrade aspiring organizations, the total is expected to have grown to well above 230 by the end of 2007.  

For more information on the African Fairtrade Network, you can  visit their website: http://www.2can-consult.com/afn