Welcome to African Modern!

African Modern is a privately owned import, design, and wholesale distribution company based in Eugene, Oregon. At the heart of our work is a vibrant network of artisans, cooperatives, export partners, and small enterprises across Africa. We work closely with artisan groups and export partners, often maintaining relationships that span many years. Together we bring handcrafted goods from makers in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mali, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Senegal to customers around the world.

Each piece in our collection reflects generations of artistic knowledge, cultural tradition, and skilled craftsmanship. Many of the artisans we work with transform natural or recycled materials—such as grasses, wood, clay, metals, and textiles—into objects that are both beautiful and deeply rooted in local cultures. These handmade pieces carry stories of community, creativity, and resourcefulness, and we are honored to share them with homes and shops around the globe. Many of our partners are small workshops, family businesses, and artisan cooperatives where mastered techniques are passed from one generation to the next.

Formerly known as Swahili Imports (founded in 1995), African Modern builds on nearly three decades of experience cultivating thoughtful partnerships with African artisans and export groups. Over the years, these relationships have grown into a trusted network of talented, export-ready makers whose work supports families, preserves cultural traditions, and strengthens local economies.

Through our wholesale program, we connect artisans with garden centers, gift shops, museums, zoos, and e-commerce retailers worldwide. By choosing handmade goods, our retail partners help sustain traditional crafts and create meaningful economic opportunities for artisan communities. Our goal is to create lasting, respectful trade relationships that celebrate handmade artistry while expanding opportunity for African communities.

African Modern is proud to uphold the principles of fair trade and maintains membership in both the Fair Trade Federation and the Museum Store Association. If you would like to learn more about the makers behind any item in our collection, we would be delighted to share their stories.

Stores can shop African Modern here, on Faire, at our Atlanta showroom during Atlanta Markets, and at MSA Forward and FTF Conference events. We welcome non-wholesale shoppers to explore our limited retail collection. If you enjoy reading about our work in Africa, or hearing about new arrivals or sales, we invite you to join our mailing list.