Seven years ago simple paper making equipment was distributed to over a dozen rural communities throughout Southern Africa. Mapepa (meaning paper in the local dialect) was created. Local people were trained in the art of paper making and over the years have developed a unique range of hand made paper and products.

The communities are encouraged to work in their own enviroments and so are not taken out of their home environment. Materials are collected by the individual communities - materials that are replenishible and plentiful near their homes. From the sheet paper that is made from these materials talented artists fashion sophisticated products using Traditional African tools like the duri and the guyo that are known to these communities .

Through workshops Hand Made Papers of Africa encourage individual designers to create new designs that make the products rich, imaginative, rich in character and unique in their design.
The communities are taught skills that help them attain financial independance. Workshops are ongoing, teaching the communities the importance of creating and working in a Fair Trade environment.