Celebrating the Launch of the Bellafricana Global Marketplace: A New Hub for African Creatives
We’re so excited to announce the soft launch of the Bellafricana Marketplace – a platform dedicated to showcasing the finest creations from independent African brands! This is more than just a marketplace; it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and community, bringing authentic African products to a global audience.
From handmade jewelry to natural skincare, fashion pieces, and home decor, our marketplace is designed to offer unique, high-quality products that tell the stories of the creatives behind them.
Why We Need the Bellafricana Marketplace
The demand for authentic African products is growing exponentially. In fact:
The global handmade goods market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030 (source: Grand View Research).
A Shopify report found that 77% of consumers are actively looking to support small, independent businesses.
African e-commerce is among the fastest-growing sectors globally, driven by a surge in demand for unique, handcrafted goods.
Bellafricana aims to bridge the gap by connecting these eager consumers with talented African creatives, making it easier than ever to shop and support small businesses.
Supporting Small Businesses, One Purchase at a Time
Every item on our platform tells a story, of tradition, craftsmanship, and passion. When you shop on Bellafricana, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re directly supporting small business owners, their families, and their communities. Your purchase makes a real impact, helping creatives thrive and preserving the rich heritage of African artistry.
Bellafricana: A Journey of Growth and Impact
Bellafricana started with a vision to promote African creatives and their exceptional work. From our beginnings in Nigeria, we’ve grown into a global platform connecting entrepreneurs across 18 countries. Along the way, we’ve:
Secured over £150,000 in sponsorships to support African creatives.
Launched the Bellafricana Global Membership to help brands access international markets.
Expanded our community to include thousands of creatives and supporters worldwide.
This marketplace marks a new chapter in our journey, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.
Explore the Marketplace
The Bellafricana Global Marketplace features a curated selection of products from 9 founding brands, including:
Accessory-Ville: Stunning handmade accessories for every occasion.
Ethnik Afrika: Unique African footwear and fashion.
Ako Africa: Eco-friendly home decor with an African touch.
Simeogieme: Vibrant ready-to-wear fashion.
Mojisola: Elegant jewelry crafted with care.
AILAKOKO: Beautifully designed bags and accessories.
OkNolla: Wholesome food products made with love.
Massassi B: Bold and colorful African-inspired fashion.
These brands represent the best of African creativity, and we’re proud to bring their products to you.
Why Shop on Bellafricana Marketplace?
Support African Creatives: Every purchase helps small, independent African businesses grow and thrive.
Discover Unique Products: Our marketplace is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds.
Global Access: We’re UK-based but cater to customers worldwide.
Ease of Use: With a simple interface, secure payment options, and excellent customer support, shopping with us is a breeze.
Shop with Love and Patience
As this is a soft launch, we’re continually working to perfect every aspect of the marketplace. Please shop with love and care as we address any lapses along the way. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to create the ultimate shopping experience.
To thank you for joining us on this journey, we’re offering 10% OFF your first order! Use the code BASOFTLAUNCH1 at checkout (valid for a limited time).
Join Us on This Exciting Journey
Whether you’re looking for unique handmade goods, supporting small businesses, or celebrating African creativity, the Bellafricana Global Marketplace is your new go-to destination.
Visit our website today to discover products you’ll love and be part of a movement that uplifts African creatives.
Thank you for being part of the Bellafricana story. Let’s make a difference together, one purchase at a time.
The spotlight is on African creativity as Bellafricana proudly announces the soft launch of its Global Marketplace, an African marketplace and platform designed to connect small, independent African creative businesses with a global audience. At the core of this initiative are 9 founding brandspowering Bellafricana’s Global Marketplace that reflect the vibrancy, innovation, and rich heritage of African artistry.
This milestone marks a new chapter for Bellafricana, a platform that has consistently championed African creatives and empowered them to showcase their talents worldwide.
Bellafricana’s Journey: From Local Roots to Global Impact
Since its inception, Bellafricana has been a trailblazer in promoting African creativity. From hosting three successful African Creative Exhibition and Awards (ACE Awards) to organizing TALES (The African Lifestyle Experience) and curated pop-up events, Bellafricana has always celebrated African talent.
With the launch of the Global Marketplace, Bellafricana is bridging the gap between talented creatives and international markets, offering a digital storefront that amplifies their reach and impact.
Meet the 9 founding brands powering Bellafricana’s Global Marketplace
These nine brands represent the essence of African creativity and innovation, blending tradition with modernity to produce exceptional products.
1. Accessory-Ville:
Specializing in handcrafted accessories, Accessory-Ville brings a touch of elegance to everyday fashion. Their collection includes beaded bags made in Ghana that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Africa. Known for its bold and elegant beaded bags, Accessory-Ville creates handcrafted premium craftsmanship that celebrate Africa’s cultural heritage while offering a contemporary flair.
At the heart of Accessory-Ville’s mission is a commitment to preserving local craftsmanship. The brand remains devoted to supporting the local beading industry by employing skilled artisans and providing free training to young women, empowering them economically while preserving the rich tradition of beadwork.
Accessory-Ville is now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
2. Ethnik Afrika:
Ethnik Afrika was founded in 2015 by Tunde and Najeeba. Inspired by culture, this brand is reimagining the ancient handwoven traditional Yoruba textile, aso- oke, while preserving the traditional weaving techniques, art forms and know hows. We are exploring the hidden treasures of Africa, along with her culture and heritage, incorporating storytelling through modern designs, one weave at a time.
Handmade in Nigeria, our essence is to continue to support our community of weavers and local artisans with jobs, creating outstanding designs while paying critical attention to craftmanship. With our designs, we celebrate the beauty of our dear continent, AFRIKA.
Ethnik Afrika is now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
3. Modara Naturals:
Modara is a luxurious natural skincare company that uses nature’s best ingredients to create pure, natural bath, body and skincare products. Our products are handmade using 100% natural ingredients ethically sourced from Nigeria, Africa and all around the world where necessary. The name ‘Modara’ is derived from my mother tongue, Yoruba, meaning ‘I do awesome things’ and that pretty much sums up who we are. Modara Limited became a registered company in May 2013 and the brand formally launched her first products in June 2015.
Modara Naturals now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
Modara Naturals is now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
4. Ako Africa:
Ako is an Afrocentric brand. The word “Ako” means fashionable in Nigerian language “Yoruba”.
They hit the sweet spot of Fashion, Art and Culture. Each piece tells a story that helps you connect with their culture. Each piece shows off the amazing artistry that exists in Nigeria and are always a perfect conversation starter.
Ako Africa is now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
5. Simeogieme:
Simeogieme is a luxury fashion brand that blends simplicity, sensuality, and sophistication. The Founder and Creative Director, Osime Saibu, is a fashion enthusiast with a passion for designing clothing and accessories, as well as painting art and creating patterns, with which the fabrics for her clothes are created. She launched the brand Simeogieme in 2010, initially as a hobby and an informal outlet for her passion for fashion. However, this has recently begun an evolution into a growing SME.
Her collections are inspired by bold patterns, vibrant colours, and artistic influences, designed for women who embrace elegance and individuality. Each piece offers a striking combination of creativity and craftsmanship, ensuring a unique style statement. Perfect for those who love to stand out with grace and confidence.
Simeogieme is now selling on Bellafricana global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
6. Mojisola Style:
Mojisola was inspired by her love for artistry and design in her early years. She has always loved looking good and making others look better, an attribute that drew her to the fashion industry. She crafts fashion products made from African indigenous fabrics.
Mojisola Style is now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
7. AILAKOKO:
Àílàkókò, which means ’Timeless’ creates various collections of individually handmade stylish fashion accessories and gifts.
We focus on bringing functionality, creativity, and eco-consciousness to consumption.
Àílàkókò is a solution to boredom, repetition, and inauthenticity, offering limited edition and refreshingly unusual pieces.
Àílàkókò is handmade in London.
Ailakoko is now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African CreativesAilakoko is now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
Kofo Nolla-Omidiran, also known as O’Knolla, is a British-Nigerian artist and designer based in West London.
Inspired by African patterns and the rich tapestry of Ancient African symbol writing, Kofo channels the essence of those age-old forms of communication into her very own modern-day proto-asemic writing. Her work isn’t just art—it’s an invitation to explore a world where symbols speak, but their meanings are left for you to decipher. Kofo’s pieces are like visual riddles, each one offering a fresh adventure into the mysterious realm of the unspoken.
Step into Kofo’s world, where the past and future collide in a mesmerizing dance of symbols and stories, and discover the language that only your imagination can truly understand.
Oknolla is now selling on bellafricana marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
9. Massassi B:
Massassi B showcases a captivating array of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories adorned with exotic hues and intricate patterns, crafted from handmade fabrics sourced mainly from West Africa. Embracing the cultural richness of the region, the brand collaborates with individual artisans and worker groups, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Notably, Massassi B fearlessly incorporates unique textiles like batik, Adire, and woven fabrics indigenous to Africa, seamlessly blending them with Chiffon, Linen & Denim. This fusion not only results in visually stunning pieces but also reflects a commitment to sustainability and longevity. By investing in these timeless garments and accessories, customers not only enhance their style but also support and uplift the skilled makers behind each creation.
Massassi B is now selling on Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
Why Bellafricana is a Game-Changer
The Bellafricana Global Marketplace stands out for its commitment to empowering African creatives. Here’s what sets it apart:
Authenticity: Every product is carefully curated to reflect Africa’s rich culture and craftsmanship.
Sustainability: Many products are made with eco-friendly, upcycled, or natural materials.
Community: Bellafricana fosters connections between creators and consumers, creating a space to celebrate African stories.
Exclusivity: Each product is a limited-edition treasure, offering buyers something truly unique.
Join the Movement
The Bellafricana Global Marketplace isn’t just about shopping, it’s about celebrating African creativity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local artisans. By exploring and purchasing from these 9 foundingbrandspowering Bellafricana’s Global Marketplace, you’re investing in a brighter future for African entrepreneurship.
Shop Now and Explore African Creativity
Visit Bellafricana.co.uk today to explore the collections, learn the stories behind these incredible brands, and join the movement to elevate African artistry.
Conclusion
Bellafricana’s journey is rooted in passion, and this new chapter marks a monumental step toward global recognition of African creatives. Together, let’s celebrate the artistry, innovation, and resilience of these talented entrepreneurs.
Celebrating the Soft Launch of Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Marketplace for Small Independent African Creatives
United Kingdom, January 2025 – Bellafricana, a trailblazer in championing African creativity, is proud to announce the soft launch of itsBellafricana Global Marketplace on January 25, 2025 showcasing unique products in fashion, beauty, art, and lifestyle. This pivotal milestone is the culmination of years of dedication, innovation, and a relentless commitment to connecting Africa’s incredible talents to a global audience.
Bellafricana began its journey with a bold vision: to provide a platform where small, independent African creative businesses could shine. Founded in 2014 by Bukky Asehinde, the platform was born out of her personal struggle to access authentic African products while living abroad. By 2016, Bellafricana evolved beyond eCommerce to become a supportive community for creative entrepreneurs.
A Legacy of Impact and Milestones
From its inception in Nigeria to its expansion into the UK, Bellafricana has been at the forefront of celebrating African creativity. The organization has hosted three successful African Creative Exhibitions and Awards (ACE Awards), which honored excellence in African craftsmanship. It has also curated impactful pop-up markets on Oxford Street London and launched The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES), an immersive event showcasing the best of African culture, fashion, beauty, and art.
In 2019, Bellafricana launched its first marketplace in Nigeria, fulfilling over 1,000 product orders and proving the immense potential of African creatives. However, the journey wasn’t without challenges. To better position itself for global impact, the platform temporarily paused operations to reimagine its future. Today, Bellafricana stands ready to connect African creatives with a global audience through its UK-based platform.
The Bellafricana Global Marketplace – A Collective Leap of Faith
The new marketplace is a celebration of African creativity and entrepreneurship. Launching with 9 founding brands, the platform will feature an array of high-quality, handcrafted products across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and more. Each item tells a unique story, woven with tradition, innovation, and the spirit of its creator. These pioneering brands are stepping forward with courage and conviction, embodying the resilience and creativity that Bellafricana stands for.
“As we prepare for this launch, I reflect on how far we’ve come,” says Bukky Asehinde, Founder of Bellafricana. From fulfilling orders locally in Nigeria to creating a platform that invites the world to experience the magic of African craftsmanship, this journey has been one of faith, learning, and perseverance. This is more than a marketplace, it’s a movement to change the narrative about African products and their creators. We’re here to empower micro and small African creative businesses, providing them with visibility, tools, and opportunities to thrive on a global stage. This marketplace is more than a platform; it’s a home for dreamers, makers, and believers.”
What to Expect
The Bellafricana Global Marketplace offers:
A curated collection of high-quality African-made products, meticulously crafted by independent brands.
Global access, starting from the UK and Europe, with plans to expand worldwide.
A platform rooted in storytelling, connecting customers with the rich heritage behind each product.
Shoppers can expect a seamless experience backed by transparent policies on shipping, returns, and fair trade practices. Vendors, in turn, will benefit from resources like SEO optimization, social media marketing, and access to a broader customer base.
What Sets Bellafricana Apart
Bellafricana is not just about selling products; it’s about creating a meaningful connection between creators and consumers. The platform is built on the values of:
Authenticity: Each product is carefully curated to ensure it reflects the true essence of African culture.
Sustainability: Many of the products are made from eco-friendly materials, promoting fair trade and sustainable practices.
Community: Bellafricana fosters a sense of belonging, bringing creators and customers together to celebrate African heritage.
Exclusivity: The marketplace features limited-edition pieces, ensuring every purchase is a unique treasure.
Opening the Door to the World – Join the Movement
Bellafricana invites the public to join this incredible journey. The soft launch is not just an unveiling but a celebration of courage, creativity, and the boundless potential of African talent.
On January 25, 2025, Bellafricana will take the first step in transforming the global e-commerce landscape by making African craftsmanship more accessible than ever.
For more information, visitwww.bellafricana.co.uk. By shopping on Bellafricana.co.uk, customers directly support African creatives, helping to uplift communities and preserve cultural heritage. The soft launch on January 25th marks the beginning of a global movement to amplify African creativity.
For more information about the marketplace and to explore its offerings, visit www.Bellafricana.co.uk. Follow us on social media @Bellafricanauk @bellafricanamarketplace for updates and exclusive sneak peeks.
About Bellafricana Bellafricana is a tech-enabled community and marketplace that champions African creative entrepreneurs across diverse industries, including fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Founded in 2014 by Bukky Asehinde, Bellafricana aims to bridge the gap between African creators and global consumers. With a focus on authenticity, sustainability, and community, Bellafricana is redefining how the world experiences African creativity.
This year, 2024, has been a special one for Bellafricana. We launched the Bellafricana Global Membership to help African creatives showcase their businesses to the world, and we’re excited to celebrate an important milestone, first 20 global members in just two months!
The Start of Something Big: Bellafricana Global Membership
The Bellafricana Global Membership was created to give African creatives the support they need to grow their businesses globally. We know how challenging it can be to access international markets, and this membership is here to make that journey easier.
With this milestone, we’re reminded of why we started to build a supportive space where African entrepreneurs can connect with opportunities beyond borders and show the world the beauty of their craft.
Why This Global Membership Milestone Matters
Welcoming first 20 members so quickly is a big achievement for us! These members represent creatives from industries like fashion, crafts, skincare, and home decor. They’re passionate, hardworking, and ready to take their businesses to the global stage.
But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building a community where creatives can connect, grow, and succeed together.
Meet Our First 20 Global Family Members
We are incredibly proud to introduce our amazing Bellafricana Global family Members, who are making waves with their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit:
Bellafricana First 20 Global Family Members
1. Adesola Balogun (Founder, Outspok’n Clothiers): A premium fashion brand offering tailored and ready-to-wear clothing that blends African aesthetics with modern styles.
4. Alabo Chika (Founder, Jane Alabo Jewelry): Specializes in bespoke luxury jewelry, creating custom pieces like rings, necklaces, and cufflinks tailored to individual tastes
Check out their website to shop unique and authentic fashion wears
7. Teniade Macaulay (Founder, Teniade Macaulay): A fashion brand that prioritizes planet-friendly practices, delivering effortlessly chic, sustainably crafted, and sophisticated fashion that aligns with their customers’ values.
Check out their website to shop unique and authentic fashion wears
These creatives represent the heart of African entrepreneurship, bringing innovation, beauty, and authenticity to global markets. We’re honored to support them on this journey.
What’s in the Bellafricana Global Membership?
The Bellafricana Global Membership offers broader exposure and opportunities for African creatives to reach international markets. Here’s what members enjoy:
Access to a Global Audience: Showcase your business to a wider international audience.
Larger Networks: Connect with industry experts, global partners, and like-minded creatives.
Comprehensive Business Tools: Gain resources designed to help your business grow and thrive.
International Opportunities: Tap into events, collaborations, and resources tailored for global success.
It’s more than just a membership, it’s your gateway to taking your creative business to the next level.
Looking Ahead
This milestone is only the beginning of Bellafricana Global Membership Milestone. We’re committed to helping more creatives showcase their talents worldwide. Together, we can achieve so much more.
Join Us Today!
If you’re ready to grow your creative business and connect with global opportunities, we’d love to have you in our family.
This Bellafricana Global Membership Milestone is a reminder of what’s possible when we work together. We’re excited about what the future holds and can’t wait to celebrate more achievements with you.
Bellafricana partnered with Salesforce to host a special Christmas marketplace at the Salesforce HQ in London, UK. This Bellafricana Christmas Marketplace With Salesforce marked Bellafricana’s second partnership with Salesforce after our first in October to celebrate Black History month.
Salesforce is a global leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and has been a strong advocate for black-owned small businesses and independent African creatives. Beyond providing technology solutions, they actively create opportunities for small businesses to reach wider audiences and grow. This collaboration with Bellafricana is part of Salesforce’s ongoing efforts to support diversity and inclusion by helping African entrepreneurs showcase their talents on a global stage.
Salesforce has been a great ally in helping our members reach a global audience, and this collaboration has further highlighted their commitment to supporting small businesses and African creatives.
Bellafricana partnership with Salesforce
A Growing Partnership With Salesforce
Our partnership with Salesforce began in October, when we worked together to celebrate Black History Month. That first collaboration gave African creatives a platform to share their stories, connect with global audiences, and showcase their unique talents. Building on that success, this Christmas marketplace was another incredible opportunity to spotlight our community and celebrate African innovation.
Spotlighting Our Incredible Members At The Bellafricana Christmas Marketplace With Salesforce
Two Bellafricana Global members, Adebukola Rebecca Kadiri, the founder of TDP Home, and Iyabo Ademosu, the founder of MassassiB, had the amazing opportunity to showcase their unique products to a global audience. From stunning home decor to beautiful handcrafted items, their work received well-deserved attention and admiration.
Our founder, Bukky Asehinde, was also there to cheer them on and show her support as they proudly represented African creativity on the world stage.
Picture of TDP Home At the Salesforce EventPicture of Massassib at the Salesforce EventPicture of Bellafricana Founder, Bukky Asheinde with TDP Home, and Massassib At the Salesforce EventPicture of A Customer Excited To Shop From TDP Home
The Power of Community
The success of the Bellafricana Christmas Marketplace With Salesforce event wasn’t just about the products on display, it was a testament to the strength of the Bellafricana community. Bellafricana’s Christmas Marketplace with Salesforce highlighted how a strong network can open doors to bigger opportunities for African creatives.
The Bellafricana community has always been about helping small, independent creatives reach bigger opportunities, and this marketplace was a perfect example of that. It’s a reminder that being part of a strong, connected network can take your business to the next level.
Exciting Things Ahead: TALES 2025
This partnership is just the beginning! We’re super excited to announce TALES by Bellafricana, our annual signature marketplace event, which will run from July 25th to August 2nd, 2025.
TALES (The African Lifestyle Experience) is a curated pop-up event designed to spotlight African creativity, lifestyle, and craftsmanship on a global stage. Early bird registration for vendors is now live!
Ready to take your creative business to the global stage? Join our growing family and unlock incredible opportunities! By joining the Bellafricana Global Family, you can access events, partnerships, and a community that supports your growth. Together, we can help you achieve your goals and shine globally.
The Bellafricana Christmas Marketplace With Salesforce was a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when we come together. We’re so proud of our members and can’t wait to see what’s next.
Stay tuned for more updates about TALES 2025 and other exciting initiatives. Let’s keep growing, supporting, and celebrating African creativity!
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