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About us
Welcome to Tahoua Import, the Fair Trade wholesale company for art objects and gift items from various African countries.
We would love to tell you more about our history, mission, and vision.
History of Tahoua Import
In 1991, Cecile Meeuwsen started Tahoua Import in the town of 'Tahoua' in Niger. Driven by a sense of justice and a belief in the power of craftsmanship, she committed herself to fair trade and empowering local artisans.
Over 30 years, Cecile has given Tahoua Import an indispensable status in the Fair Trade industry and made it the largest importer from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, with great continuity in product sourcing.
On January 1, 2025, after 30 wonderful years, she will pass the baton to Marianne de Bruin.
Our countries
Tahoua Import operates in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, three landlocked Sahel countries without access to the sea, which complicates their economic situation. Once wealthy kingdoms, they are now hit by drought, complex politics and low world market prices.
Despite the challenges, including low education rates and lack of drinking water, arts and crafts play a crucial role in their economy. The creativity in this region is enormous and arts and crafts should be given a platform on the Dutch/European market.
Occasionally we also have products in our collection from Rwanda, Madagascar, Eswatini and Tanzania.
Our mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between the rich African crafts and arts and crafts and the Dutch and European markets, so that these unique products receive the appreciation they deserve and reach a wide audience.
In addition, we want to make FairTrade the norm and make it hip and relevant again for a young audience, to show that fair trade is not only good for the world, but also stylish and contemporary.
Our vision
There are 4 points that together form our vision:
1. We do business FairTrade and it is important to be regularly audited on this. Read more about Tahoua as a WFTO company here.
2. Trading with Africa can only be done based on a 'No aid but Trade' principle. (see next paragraph for explanation)
3. Creating continuity in sales for producers is important, so that developments can take place.
4. FairTrade should be the norm in the world for production and consumption. It is important to invest time and energy in raising people's awareness of this.
'No Aid But Trade' Principle
At Tahoua Import we believe in the "No Aid but Trade" principle.
Africa is the richest continent in terms of natural resources. We do not see Africa as a country dependent on aid, but as a continent that thrives on fair trade. We work closely with talented artisans in Africa, from Burkina Faso to South Africa, and work together to create a platform to share their beautiful creations with the world, but also a fair price for their craftsmanship.
By doing this, they not only create a source of income, but also a prospect of a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.
According to Tahoua Import, the aim should be to enable people to fully follow their autonomy and thus be, make and let them be economically independent.
Acquisition of Hammershus FairTrade
As of November 2025, Tahoua Import has expanded with the company Hammershuus FairTrade from Denmark.
Tahoua Import has thereby taken on an additional product group; baskets from Ghana.
Hammershuus FairTrade was founded by Morten Ledskov and this company is the Scandinavian expert in the field of baskets from Ghana, bronze statues from Burkina Faso and more.
We are incredibly honored that Tahoua Import can continue this work with wonderful producer groups and that we can also operate in the Scandinavian market.
See you soon!
Warm regards,
Team Tahoua
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