Ghanaian fashion-tech start-up WovenAfrica has secured a landmark investment from the African Leadership Academy and the Mastercard Foundation, through the African Career Networks (ACN) program. The funding marks a major boost for Ghana’s creative economy, as the company sets out to digitally transform and globalize the country’s iconic Kente weaving tradition.
The investment will power the launch of WovenAfrica’s Digital Kente Expansion Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at modernizing the centuries-old Kente industry through technology, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. The project is designed to create broader market access for Kente weavers, particularly in Ketu South and the Rural Ashanti Region, connecting them with buyers across Africa and internationally.
“This is a breakthrough for Ghana’s creative economy. It will open up opportunities, create jobs, and empower Ghanaian creatives to become more self-sufficient,” said Benjamin Epton Owusu, Founder and CEO of WovenAfrica.
As part of the initiative, WovenAfrica will collaborate with students and tech talent from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe to enhance its e-commerce platform and scale operations across West Africa. The cross-continental partnership is expected to strengthen Ghana’s digital infrastructure for artisans and improve the global accessibility of authentic Kente products.
Beyond the initial funding, the African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation will provide monthly operational support, ensuring WovenAfrica’s long-term growth and sustainability.
The development is being hailed as a significant milestone for Ghana’s textile sector, with potential to reshape how traditional African fabrics are produced, marketed, and sold in the digital age.
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