(Yonhap Feature) African businesswomen find future, sustainable livelihood during trip to S. Korea

In September 3, four African businesswomen from Turkana County in Kenya visited South Korea to empower their women-led businesses under the Thrive project, led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The women, including Sarah Sikatenda who heads the Kalobeyei Women Handicraft Cooperative, were impressed by South Korea's emphasis on detail, perfection, and consumer preference for ethical brands.

Sikatenda noted that her cooperative, which produces beaded jewelry, woven baskets, and upcycled textile products, now has over 300 members from South Sudan, Burundi, Ethiopia, and other nations.

Another participant, Joyce Asinyon Logiron, launched the Ekoriakaa Ushanga Group, which supports people with disabilities in the region by producing beaded jewelry and traditional Turkana attire. She appreciated the importance of understanding buyers' perspectives and paying attention to finishing touches, such as loose threads. She also learned about the benefits of a two-way zipper for turning a pouch inside out and using it with two different designs.

Benta Ekiru Eremon, who leads the 50-member Ng ide Etidong Group, expressed the importance of her trip as they were able to identify weaknesses and improve in their group. The lack of automation and processing technologies in Kenya prevents handicraft businesses from fulfilling large orders, according to Eremon. Josephine Lobur Alongita, who leads the Blue Container Women Group, said the biggest take away was the importance of customizing products for different countries when seeking to enter diverse markets.

Despite no immediate agreements, the women stated that building networks with potential buyers was significant. Sikatenda dreamt of selling products made by refugees in Kenya under a single Turkana brand in the future, hoping for further training, including digital marketing, to help artisans reach wider markets.