Originals from Africa is partnered with Zimbabwean producer group, Mapepa (meaning paper in the local dialect). Mapepa has been making hand made, eco friendly paper for over 20 years. They work with over 50 villages in Southern Africa (Zimbabwe and Botswana). Villagers in Botswana and Zimbabwe have been 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 environments and therefore don't have to commute and leave their children in the care of others. 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. The paper making projects create work opportunities and develop skills which assist villagers in achieving financial independence for their families in a time of over 80% unemployment, high AIDS rates, and a volatile political environment.

All products are ecologically sound - acid free, tree free, lignin free & ph neutral.