What We Do
Proudly Made in Africa is a Trade Justice and Global Citizenship Education social enterprise.
We aspire for a world where African communities thrive, where African entrepreneurs, communities and their businesses capture the value of their own talent and resources through responsible, ethical and ecologically sustainable trade practices creating fair incomes, equal opportunities and well-paying jobs on the continent.
PMIA aims to support this future in three ways:
(1) Delivering Global Citizenship Education programmes and lectures in Ireland in third level colleges and within business leadership circles to change the narrative on Africa from aid to trade, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
(2) Supporting Value Chain Reform in Africa to be reimagined, reformed and redesigned to more finished goods at origin, share value fairly and benefit all stakeholders
(3) Creating Scholarships & Internships for African students to access third level education and ultimately well-paying jobs and careers that can benefit their families and communities.
1 Global Citizenship Education
For too long Africa’s story has been told by outsiders and it has focused on the negative – poverty, conflict, corrupt and charity. We believe this creates a deeply misguided view of the continent.
Proudly Made in Africa is dedicated to bringing African voices, perspectives and experiences into Irish colleges, universities and lecture theatres to let the people of the continent tell their own story and change the narrative from aid and charity to responsible trade, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
We engage with universities, business schools, educators and students in five key ways:
Lecture & Course Collaboration & Delivery: Collaborating with educators, we develop and deliver lectures and modules that introduce Africa, sustainable development and global citizenship topics to students across the campus in undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Empower Students to Engage with Africa: (research projects & case studies): As an integral part of PMIA’s engagement, our team supports student projects to connect directly with entrepreneurs, scholars and organisations in Africa. We enable students to work on real life business challenges from real SME’s in Africa where students deliver final reports and analysis to entrepreneurs and stakeholders in Africa.
Research and Knowledge Exchange: (Ireland & partners in Africa): By harnessing the strength of our networks across Africa, PMIA establishes mutual beneficial research collaboration opportunities for educators and students in Ireland. PMIA initiates Africa research cooperation between Irish and Africa partner universities and research centres include securing opportunities for research funding and PhD and post-doctoral fellowships as well as funding for visiting scholars in Irish business schools.
Collaborating on Digital Content Creation: PMIA is building a digital library of our GCE materials, recorded as five and ten minute components, for use as samples, courses, modules and lectures. The content will allow lecturers ands colleges to complement in-class lectures with digital elements or instruct students to complete coursework online in preparation for workshops and projects.
Co-organizing Africa Business Conferences: Utilizing our experience running Africa Business Conferences, symposiums and workshops PMIA offers support to organise such events in business schools to benefit students, and educators alike.
2 Trade Justice
At Proudly Made in Africa, we believe that trade should be a tool for equitable development, empowering African producers, businesses, and communities to thrive in the global market. Trade justice is central to our mission, guiding our efforts to create fairer trading systems that ensure African-made goods gain visibility, access, and competitiveness internationally. By advocating for policies that promote equitable market access, fair wages, and ethical sourcing practices, we aim to transform the way African goods are traded and valued worldwide.
Our approach to trade justice focuses on dismantling the barriers that have historically restricted African producers from realizing their full potential. From prohibitive tariffs to restrictive regulations, African businesses often face challenges that limit their ability to compete fairly. We work with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international organizations to advocate for trade policies that level the playing field, ensuring that African products can reach global markets on fair terms. This advocacy helps drive systemic change, fostering sustainable growth and economic resilience for African communities.
Through partnerships with African businesses, we also promote fair trade practices within the continent and abroad. By supporting transparent supply chains and ethical sourcing standards, we ensure that African artisans, farmers, and manufacturers receive fair compensation for their work. Proudly Made in Africa works hand-in-hand with local producers to build brand recognition and establish robust distribution networks, ensuring that African goods receive the recognition they deserve and the rewards they have earned.
3 Scholarships and Jobs
At Proudly Made in Africa, we are committed to expanding educational access and creating meaningful career opportunities for African students. By offering scholarships and internships, we open pathways to higher education and professional experiences that enable young Africans to transform their futures. Through these initiatives, we aim not only to support students in pursuing university degrees but also to prepare them for well-paying jobs and impactful careers. This support equips graduates with the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and the broader economic landscape.
Our scholarship program is designed to address financial barriers that often prevent talented students from accessing third-level education. We partner with universities, businesses, and donors who share our vision, helping students obtain the qualifications they need without the burden of excessive debt. These scholarships cover tuition fees, learning materials, and living expenses, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies and fully immerse themselves in their educational journey.
In tandem with scholarships, our internship program offers practical work experience tailored to industry demands, giving students a competitive edge as they enter the job market. We collaborate with companies across diverse sectors to provide hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world challenges. These internships serve as a bridge from academic learning to professional expertise, empowering students to apply their knowledge, develop networks, and gain insights into their chosen fields.
Through these initiatives, Proudly Made in Africa is not only advancing educational access but also fostering a generation of skilled, ambitious professionals who are poised to drive positive change within their communities and across the continent. We believe that by investing in Africa’s youth, we are investing in the future of Africa, paving the way for sustainable economic growth, innovation, and resilience.