By 2020, 91% of the world's population had access to electricity. This was an increase from 83% of the world's population in 2010. Two-thirds of those still without electricity (733 million people) live in sub-Saharan Africa. Access to electricity in Madagascar is very limited. The electricity network is poorly developed and power outages are common. Recurring cyclones make it difficult to extend and secure access to electricity. This means major problems for electricity-dependent production in companies. On the other hand, genuine hand crafts based on plant fibres harvested by hand and dried in the sun to then be braided or crocheted, still has possibilities.
La Maison Afrique FAIR TRADE hand crafts are providing opportunities and empowerment to women in Madagascar. Women make up more than 75% of artisans and the majority live in rural areas (where access to infrastructure such as electricity and roads is particularly poor). Women are decision-makers and responsable in producer groups. They receive support from La Maison Afrique FAIR TRADE, for example, in the form of interest-free loans, access to warehouse, export administration, orders within the framework of long-term cooperation. In addition, La Maison Afrique FAIR TRADE sticks to the genuine craftsmanship that gives women empowerment – when the electricity companies do not.

On La Maison Afrique FAIR TRADE's website, there is more information about the crafts and the artisans under the menu heading HAND CRAFTS.
The assortment can be found under the menu headings HATS, BAGS, GIFTS AND INTERIOR. Log in to see prices and order.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
One of the 17 global goals is gender equality (goal no. 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls ). More about the global goals can be found under the heading menu LA MAISON AFRIQUE FAIR TRADE then select FAIR TRADE CRAFTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

The statistics above regarding access to electricity in the world are taken from the UN's website regarding Sustainable Development Goal no. 7.