AMWA is a Fair Trade design and manufacturing workshop based in Knysna, South Africa. We design, screen print and manufacture our own ranges of products including scatter cushions, placemats, ottomans, throws, table runners, bags, belts, purses, various other accessories and t-shirts. We focus on producing unique, original designs using natural or organic raw materials. These are sourced from all over Africa such as Shoowa, Kuba Plaquet and Bogolan cloths. These cloths are all hand woven and dyed in rural communities around Africa. We also use sustainably resourced animal skins such as Springbok and Nguni as well as beautifully tanned genuine leathers.

As original designers we are constantly creating new products for both the local and export markets. Fair Trading and Environmental Responsibility are integral parts of the manufacture and marketing of our products. As such we are registered members of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO). We pride ourselves on our ‘green’ printing practices and only use water based inks with filtration units ensuring acceptable water effluent levels. All other raw materials used in our printing division are chosen for their minimal environmental impact.

We have been designing and manufacturing our own ‘branded’ ranges for the past 20 years with experience in retailing, franchising, exporting and wholesaling.

All our products are hand made in our workshop to exacting quality standards and reflect our commitment to exploring the synergies that result from the confluence of Africa’s rich traditional heritage and contemporary influences.

AMWA is a Khoi-San (Bushman) word meaning ‘the confluence of two rivers’ and this embraces our philosophy in bringing design and function, art and craft, social and environmental responsibility and sustainable business models together.