But the two founders Maura Mendes and Raphael Baptista have known many of the craftsmen for years. For the producers of arts and crafts, market in Maputo is the only direct marketing opportunity. The rest of the production goes on between dealers and buyers in the sub-Region (especially from South Africa). The proposed prices are generally low. With BaobArt, a marketing organization founded in 201
1, the craftspeople have a chance again to export their products under the conditions of fair trade. Mainly focused on promoting Mozambique’s craft across the borders, BaobArt proposes a thorough quality control, the marketing of local products and support to the producers, especially in the areas of production, product design and development. The objectives of BaobArt are described by Maura Mendes, as follows: the marketing of Mozambican handicrafts is done under the conditions of fair trade; a long-term cooperation with selected artisan groups is set; create a regular income-generating activity for craft producers; the attainment of recognition for Mozambican arts and crafts abroad. BaobArt is still a small organization with only three employees. The team supervises sales and marketing, quality control, export management and training / support to entrepreneurs in the fields of design, quality and financing. BaobArt is based in Maputo, Southern Province of Mozambique.
