eBay has extended a strategic partnership with Mall for Africa (MFA) to further boost the sale of handmade African products in the US.
Founded in 2011, MFA is an e-commerce and m-commerce platform that enables Africans to purchase products from more than 200 US and UK retailers.
In a statement, California-based eBay says the partnership expands upon an existing relationship between the companies, which allows Africans the ability to purchase items from eBayforAfrica or directly through the MFA app.
In terms of the partnership, MFA and eBay will provide Africans in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, SA and Rwanda a new platform to sell their artisan products to the US market.
The inventory will be surfaced on the MFA store on eBay, allowing sellers to expand their businesses and increase brand awareness. To start, product categories will include fashion, art and collectibles, jewellery and clothing. Expansion into other categories and additional African countries will occur in the upcoming months, according to the statement.
"We couldn't be more pleased with extending our partnership with eBay as we empower, expose and positively affect thousands of hard-working artisans while making it convenient for US shoppers to purchase African-made products that would otherwise be unavailable to them," says Chris Folayan, CEO of Mall for Africa.
"As someone who grew up in Africa, became an entrepreneur, and who currently does business in Africa, I know first-hand the importance of cross-border trade and having the opportunity to expand a business internationally," he adds.
Mall for Africa's long-time shipping partner, DHL, will be responsible for all shipping needs. The seller packs the product, prints the label and drops the package off at DHL's nearest drop-off location.
"eBay's vision for commerce is one that is enabled by people, powered by technology, and open to everyone," says Sylvie De Wever, eBay's GM for Latin America and US exports.
"This expanded relationship with Mall for Africa will not only bring great inventory and more selection to our marketplace, but will also create greater economic opportunity for African artisans looking to expand their reach," De Wever concludes.
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