Sourcing South Africa

Next generation of entrepreneurs

Jun 26, 2017 by Irene Vermeulen

After training and coaching a group of 29 small and medium businesses in South Africa - and bringing them to European trade fairs, it is time for a next generation of entrepreneurs to take their first steps towards the EU market. The ‘Development by Design’ project provides a fast track to the export market, and the kick-off workshop was held in Cape Town in May 2017.

Craftscurator had the honor of initiating this project, and delivering the training, in collaboration with South African expert Solly Levy. Together, they made a selection of 20 companies with export potential. Their criteria for selection? Design, design and design! (And commitment, potential, production capacity and a good price point of course).

Sourcing for new suppliers is always great, but Craftscurator also made visits to the workshops of exporters participating in the running programme, who will be showing at Maison & Objet this September. They have been working on new product development in the last months, and it was exciting to see the new collections taking shape, and giving feedback on the products.

Watch this space for information on where to see the new product ranges. 12 companies are participating in SARCDA Johannesburg August 24-27, and 10 South African exporters will exhibit at Maison & Objet, September 8-12, 2017.

Jacquard woven fabric in African patterns
by a Development by Design NEXT participant
Wavy handwoven baskets
by Design Afrika
Ply wood lamp
by Minima
Lamps inspired on African necklaces
by a Development by Design NEXT participant
Left over wood after inc cutting of tabletops
by furniture maker Saks Corner
Close up of a drawer unit
by furniture designers Meyer von Wielligh
Woven jacquard fabric
by a Development by Design NEXT participant
Colorful beadwork
by a Development by Design NEXT participant
Langazele hand embroidery from KwaZulu Natal
by Africa! Ignite
Funky pattern galore
by Indigi Design