Namibian crafters share lessons from China-Africa Expo
Creatives calls for greater support
Namibian artisans who recently represented the country at the 2025 China-Africa Economic Trade Expo in Changsha, Hunan Province, have returned home with valuable lessons, fresh inspiration, and a renewed call for investment in the local creative industry.
A group of Namibian artisans recently returned home, inspired and enlightened, after participating in the 2025 China-Africa Economic Trade Expo in Changsha, Hunan Province.
Supported by the National Arts Council of Namibia through its mobility grant, the crafters showcased their work on an international stage, engaging with global buyers, creatives, and investors.
For Ingrid Eichas of Eichas Trading CC, the most transformative lesson was the power of collaboration. “Seeing African and Chinese businesses work together showed me that strategic partnerships can really help small brands grow globally,” she said.
Eichas plans to seek international distributors and incorporate sustainable materials into her product line, while also enhancing packaging and exploring e-commerce opportunities.
Claudia Hangara, founder of Josephine Leather Works, emphasised the importance of storytelling.
“At the Expo, many visitors asked about the meaning behind my products,” she shared.
Going forward, she intends to ensure each item she produces reflects Namibia’s cultural identity and is presented with clarity and purpose.
Fellow crafter Elisabeth Hangara expressed her gratitude to the National Arts Council of Namibia, crediting their ongoing support as instrumental to her growth.
“Their continued sponsorship has helped me reach new opportunities,” she said.
Veteran exhibitor Maria de Conceciao, who previously visited Beijing and Shanghai, described the Changsha experience as uniquely impactful.
“This expo was an eye-opener. Our Namibian stand stood out, and many people were eager to see what we offered,” she said.
She noted that Namibians are highly creative but lack the necessary resources to consistently participate in global markets, calling for greater government support.
The experience underscored the immense potential of Namibian crafts on the world stage — and the need for continued investment in local talent.
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14HLkBZKdMf/
Supported by the National Arts Council of Namibia through its mobility grant, the crafters showcased their work on an international stage, engaging with global buyers, creatives, and investors.
For Ingrid Eichas of Eichas Trading CC, the most transformative lesson was the power of collaboration. “Seeing African and Chinese businesses work together showed me that strategic partnerships can really help small brands grow globally,” she said.
Eichas plans to seek international distributors and incorporate sustainable materials into her product line, while also enhancing packaging and exploring e-commerce opportunities.
Claudia Hangara, founder of Josephine Leather Works, emphasised the importance of storytelling.
“At the Expo, many visitors asked about the meaning behind my products,” she shared.
Going forward, she intends to ensure each item she produces reflects Namibia’s cultural identity and is presented with clarity and purpose.
Fellow crafter Elisabeth Hangara expressed her gratitude to the National Arts Council of Namibia, crediting their ongoing support as instrumental to her growth.
“Their continued sponsorship has helped me reach new opportunities,” she said.
Veteran exhibitor Maria de Conceciao, who previously visited Beijing and Shanghai, described the Changsha experience as uniquely impactful.
“This expo was an eye-opener. Our Namibian stand stood out, and many people were eager to see what we offered,” she said.
She noted that Namibians are highly creative but lack the necessary resources to consistently participate in global markets, calling for greater government support.
The experience underscored the immense potential of Namibian crafts on the world stage — and the need for continued investment in local talent.
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14HLkBZKdMf/
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