Why We Invested: Hadithi Crafts
R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund Invests in Kenyan Enterprise, Hadithi Crafts Ltd.
The R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund has provided a working capital loan to Hadithi Crafts Ltd, the commercial arm of Hadithi Crafts CBO, a community-based organization rooted in the Tsavo region of southeastern Kenya, to finance inventory for Hadithi Crafts’ debut at the 22nd Annual International Folk Art Market (IFAM), July 9–12, 2026, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Crafts Rooted in Conservation and Community
Founded in 2014 by Lore Defrancq, Hadithi Crafts Support CBO works with nearly 1,900 women artisans who support over 10,000 family members, living in the communities surrounding Tsavo National Parks, a critical ecosystem for wildlife in Kenya. Artisans produce handwoven sisal baskets, Maasai beadwork, stuffed animal toys, and a Wildlife Friendly® certified collection sold through its commercial arm, Hadithi Crafts Ltd. By offering sustainable livelihoods, Hadithi Crafts helps protect wildlife and preserve the delicate balance between humans and nature in the Tsavo region.
“I want any woman in the county who wants to work to have the opportunity to do that. I measure closely how much money goes back into the hands of these women and their communities. For them to be able to support their families and plan a future — that financial income brings pride and autonomy,” explained Lore Defrancq.
With support from the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund, Hadithi Crafts has been expanding its relationships with international buyers by developing export-ready collections that meet buyers’ requirements and exhibiting these collections at U.S. trade shows and markets. © 2026 Hadithi Crafts
Bridging the Gap to International Markets
With support from the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund, Hadithi Crafts has been expanding its relationships with international buyers by developing export-ready collections that meet buyers’ requirements and exhibiting these collections at U.S. trade shows. This working capital loan enables Hadithi to acquire and ship sufficient inventory to participate fully in IFAM 2026 — bridging the gap between production costs and market sales that so often prevents artisan enterprises from participating in international market opportunities like IFAM.
“As a women-led, artisan-focused enterprise having extraordinary impact at the community level, Hadithi Crafts is exactly the kind of enterprise that we love to support. Lore has built an enterprise where the artisans themselves direct how profits are used in their communities,” said Ellen Fish, director of the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund. “IFAM is the right stage for Hadithi Craft’s story, and we are proud to help Hadithi to participate in the market.”
Weaving baskets is a tradition in Taita culture. Hadithi baskets are handwoven by women weavers in the rural communities between the Tsavo East and West National Parks and sold by Hadithi Crafts in Kenya and abroad. © 2026 Hadithi Crafts
Visit Hadithi Crafts at IFAM 2026
The International Folk Art Market is the world’s largest marketplace for handmade folk art, drawing more than 150 master artists from 50+ countries and tens of thousands of visitors to Santa Fe each July. Now in its 22nd year, IFAM is a premier destination for collectors, buyers, and advocates who share a commitment to supporting artisan livelihoods and preserving living craft traditions. Hadithi Crafts will be exhibiting at IFAM for the first time this July.
About Hadithi Crafts
Hadithi Crafts Support CBO is a community-based organization based in southeastern Kenya’s Tsavo region, working with 62 women’s groups representing nearly 1,900 women artisans, to create sustainable livelihoods that protect a vulnerable ecosystem from poaching and deforestation. Hadithi Crafts Ltd is its commercial arm, bringing handwoven baskets, beadwork, and conservation-themed gifts and accessories to international and domestic markets.
About R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund
An initiative of Sprout Enterprise®, the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund invests in artisan enterprises creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities with few economic alternatives. Women’s empowerment, sustainability, and clean energy innovation are key investment themes of the fund. Named as one of the Transformative 25 Funds in 2022 and 2021, R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund has been recognized for transforming finance to benefit people and the planet. The fund is a member of Collective Action for Just Finance.
Baskets from Hadithi Crafts’ Spring/Summer 2026 Catalog. © 2026 Hadithi Crafts