100% Initiative
Some context ….
At In Our Name, we see immense potential where others might overlook it. The informal sector, often dismissed for its perceived lack of growth and survivalist nature, is actually a key player in alleviating poverty and driving sustainable economic progress in Africa.
According to the International Labor Organization’s 2018 report, Women and Men in the Informal Economy: A Statistical Picture, 60% of the global working population is employed in the informal sector. Africa leads with 85.5%, largely due to limited formal sector opportunities and lower education levels. Yet, as the working population in Africa is expected to reach 730.4 million by 2050, it's clear that the formal sector alone cannot meet this demand. The informal sector, responsible for over 81% of jobs across the continent, is the true backbone of many African economies.
This sector is a rich tapestry of diversity - from street vendors feeding communities and workers keeping cities moving, to micro-enterprises creating local employment. It's as vital to Africa's economy as the formal sector.
It's a misconception that all informal sector workers are uneducated. While many have lower levels of formal education, a growing number of graduates are moving into the informal sector, creating micro-enterprises as opportunities in the formal sector remain scarce. This shift is transforming the industry, adding layers of innovation and ambition.
We believe that Africa’s artisans in the informal sector have the potential to become key global suppliers of high-quality, handcrafted products - on par with countries known for their artisan excellence, like Thailand and Vietnam.
The qualities that drive success in the informal sector - entrepreneurial spirit, access to raw materials, strong work ethic, and low labour costs - are the same qualities that can be harnessed to produce goods that meet the high standards of global markets. With proper training in cost-effective production, quality maintenance, and timely delivery, these artisans can successfully compete on the world stage.
Our Role...
Enter the 100% Initiative. We created this program to support artisans in Africa’s informal sector, where incomes are often irregular and working conditions challenging. Our goal is to develop a product-to-market ecosystem that offers these artisans and their communities regular, stable incomes.
We’ve seen the impact of such initiatives firsthand through our work with artisans and small co-operatives in Thailand and Vietnam. When their skills are channeled into sustainable enterprises, the economic benefits ripple through entire communities. We know it’s not easy, but we’re committed to helping the informal sector in Africa evolve into a thriving source of globally sought-after, artisan-made products.
IN OUR NAME IS COMMITTED TO BUILDING A RESPONSIBLE & PURPOSE-DRIVEN COMMUNITY
At In Our Name, we’re not just about making beautiful, sustainable products; we’re about making a meaningful impact. We believe in the power of the informal sector to drive change, and we’re here to support that journey every step of the way. Join us in creating a vibrant, responsible community that uplifts African artisans and brings their incredible, handcrafted work to the global market.
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