TechnoServe launches corporate handicraft catalogue

TechnoServe Swaziland has launched the first ever corporate handcraft catalogue in the country.
The launch took place at the ministry of commerce, industry, and trade’s offices yesterday.
TechnoServe Swaziland’s Gail Mawocha said the initiative came about after the realisation that there was potential to stimulate the purchase of local handcraft products.
She said the TechnoServe handicraft catalogue had been developed with the aim of ensuring that an awareness of quality handicrafts produced in Swaziland is created and also to encourage local organisations to purchase locally produced handicraft material. “In doing so, we would ensure we give support to people from disadvantaged communities and improve their livelihoods,” she said.
Mawocha added that the availability of the handicraft catalogue would enable people the convenience of being able to shop from one’s office without having to go around the country in search of quality handcraft.
“The products featured in the catalogue are of excellent quality and can be used as farewell gifts, promotional items, Christmas gifts, as well as souvenirs for those who would like to take back home a good product from Swaziland,” she said.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Jabulile Mashwama noted that Swaziland’s reputation as a location for contemporally handicrafted products was growing. “Our country is developing a reputation of being a destination where one can find unique, high quality handicrafts,” she said.
Adding, she pointed out that the country was making strides to become a hub for quality and contemporally handicrafted products. She noted that some of the handcrafts contained in the catalogue had already been exported to countries in Europe, United States of America and neighbouring South Africa. She further implored that interventions by organisations like TechnoServe, which include training, product development, sourcing of markets and provision of business development advice has helped the sector grow in leaps and bounds.
“Handicraft has provided expanded income and employment opportunities, particularly amongst women in poor communities,” she said.The catalogue would be displayed at hotels, corporate entities, and other destinations where it could be of easy access to people.

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