Build and own ventures together with African producers.

The Equal Trade Diaspora Community brings individuals and organisations together to develop businesses co-owned by African producers and diaspora members. Starting in Europe, we focus on the stages where much of a product’s value is created: processing, branding, distribution and marketing.

Why join

Diaspora communities already support families through remittances, philanthropy and investment. This community creates a way to combine that commitment with professional expertise, market connections and entrepreneurship. By owning ventures together, producers and diaspora partners can retain more value and reinvest in productive and industrial capacity in Africa.

How you can contribute

Connect producers, professionals and partners across countries.

Learn about value chains, ownership, trade and industrialisation.

Share your expertise, time and introductions.

Help design and evaluate producer–diaspora ventures.

Lead a national chapter, thematic group or partnership.

Consider investment independently when formal opportunities become available.

Your first 30 days

Start with a welcome orientation covering the roadmap and current priorities. We then map your skills and interests, connect you with a chapter or thematic group, and invite you to a community call. You can help shape which early ventures we evaluate. The first ventures are being identified for 2026–2027.

Our partners

Knowledge partners include Wageningen U&R, Jimma University, Thomas More University and the University of Nairobi. Company partners include Shone Coffee and Tuka Coffee Roasters.

Membership does not create investment obligations. Each venture will have its own structure, governance, due diligence and regulatory compliance. Future investment opportunities will be presented separately with their own terms and risks. This page is not an offer to invest or a financial promotion.