Thriving through weaving
Madwa is a social enterprise dedicated to reviving traditional weaving while creating stable livelihoods for rural craftswomen in Eswatini. Working with locally sourced grasses, reeds and sedges, artisans transform these materials into high-quality woven items such as blankets, throws and homeware that carry both beauty and purpose. The harvesting of the raw materials creates further jobs, particularly for the more isolated communities. The initiative safeguards skills passed down through generations, notably through the use of the imbongolo loom, which now produces designs that blend cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
Beyond craft, Madwa is about empowering craftswomen and providing them with financial independence and opportunities to contribute to their communities. Based across two weaving workshops in the Hho Hho Valley and the Bulungu area of Eswatini, Madwa works closely with all of its weavers, developing new ideas and products for local and international markets. Supported by a design team and market access, Madwa connects Eswatini’s artisans with a global audience. Each handmade piece tells a story of resilience, and the enduring power of tradition adapted to our times.
