Shared ownership in Europe to finance productive capacity in Africa.

Producer–Diaspora Ventures bring African producers and diaspora partners together as co-owners of businesses in Europe. Initiated by the Equal Trade Alliance, the model gives producers a stake in the processing, branding, distribution and retail stages where much of their raw materials’ value is created.

How shared ownership works

Farmers and cooperatives supply quality raw materials. Diaspora partners contribute skills, market knowledge, networks and capital. Together, they build ventures that sell finished and semi-finished goods directly to consumers and industrial buyers in higher-value markets.

Revenue is shared according to agreed percentages. Producers participate as owners, with a share in the value created after export. Initial ventures include Equal Trade Coffee, linking Ethiopia and the Netherlands, and Ghana Golden Cashew. Other value chains in scope include cocoa, shea, vanilla and critical minerals.

Two connected tracks

The first track builds co-owned ventures in Europe. Income from processing, brands and sales creates returns for participants and capital for industrial investment.

The second track reinvests a share of venture returns in local circular industry in Africa. These businesses use local by-products as inputs, helping reduce waste while creating jobs and processing capacity. Renewable energy can support sustainable production. Together, the two tracks connect ownership in European markets with investment in African industry.

Transparent revenue sharing

The model is designed around agreed allocations and clear visibility of transactions. Its proposed tools include smart contracts for automatic revenue distribution, real-time tracking for producers, partners and consumers, and records that cannot be altered. These mechanisms are intended to make revenue sharing traceable and accountable.

The longer term goal

By owning more of the value chain and reinvesting part of the returns, producers and diaspora partners aim to strengthen local livelihoods and industrial capacity. The ambition is greater economic sovereignty: more ownership and a stronger role in deciding how value is used.

Build a venture with us

Get in touch with Max Koffi to explore co-ownership, a commercial partnership or investment in producer–diaspora ventures.