Askiya
Creating West Africa’s Future. Together
We can accomplish more together than alone. That's why Askiya is dedicated to empowering West African communities in Africa and its diaspora. Generations trust Askiya to help navigate challenges like limited access to resources, infrastructure, and environmental degradation, particularly deforestation. We’re a trusted partner communities turn to for creating mutual success and sustainable economic growth.
Owning Our Future
Our vision is that all West Africans, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to reach their full potential and become integral parts of the global economy. We believe in the power of interdependence, collaboration, and network effects, where each community member contributes to fostering economic growth and mutual success. We combat rural-urban migration by creating pathways for economic development in rural areas.
Our Approach
At Askiya, we are committed to creating economic ecosystems for West Africans solely through our flagship initiative: Makervillages. Makervillages are community-driven initiatives fostering economic growth in rural West Africa by providing essential services, resources, and infrastructure for local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs. These centralized hubs support the entire value chain of local commodities and talent, enabling active participation in production, processing, marketing, and distribution.
Creating Economic Pathways
Makervillages equip individuals with skills for sustainable employment and new income sources by providing training and entrepreneurial support. They also foster innovation and collaboration by offering necessary infrastructure and support for small businesses.
Along with Makervillage, Askiya also establishes the Land Trust to preserve natural forests and balance economic development, promoting environmental conservation. Makervillages operates nurseries that grow regional, traditional trees and plants, and collaborates with local businesses and concessions to replant and restore damaged conservation forests.
Investing in Community Development
Makervillages emphasize community involvement and prioritize local participation in planning and design, ensuring development aligns with community needs. These hubs build social cohesion through community engagement and collaboration. The profits from our activities are invested in a Community Development Account, which provides a pathway for community members to build assets and improve their financial stability through business ownership or education.
Make a Gift
Our work is made possible by generous donations—big and small—from people like you. Give today to help your neighbors build assets, improve financial stability through businesses or education, and pursue their full potential.
Partner with Us
Join our collaborative networks across individuals, organizations, and public and private sectors to promote local production, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Help us do more
Join Our Global Giving Community
Monthly donations are the easiest, most effective way to guarantee that communities have access to the resources and support they need, and help us continue to advocate for critical initiatives like Land Trusts and the development of Makervillages for shared prosperity.
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