Crafting Connections: The MADE51 x NEST x CFDA Refugee Artisan Accelerator

When design meets craftsmanship, new possibilities emerge. Through the MADE51 x Nest x CFDA collaboration, designer Mimi Plange worked with six MADE51 social enterprise partners and refugee artisans to develop a capsule collection that brings traditional techniques into contemporary design.

This partnership demonstrates how creative collaboration can expand market opportunities for refugee-made products and strengthen the artisan enterprises behind them.

The Refugee Artisan Accelerator supports these enterprises through tailored business development, design mentorship, and market access, helping them build the capacity to connect refugee craftsmanship to global markets.

(Image by Jacques Nkinzingabo)

Bridging Design and Opportunity 

Nest, a non-profit organization that champions the artisan economy, worked closely with MADE51 to identify six exceptional artisan enterprises — each employing refugees from different regions and backgrounds. Together, they participated in a series of learning modules led by CFDA experts, exploring best practices in design, production, and ethical trade.

The program culminated in a virtual showcase where these artisan enterprises were introduced to CFDA member designers, fostering connections and opportunities for future collaboration.

Nest and MADE51 also facilitated a capsule collection with CFDA designer, Mimi Plange, using the power of design to elevate refugee-made craft and connect it to the global fashion community. See the collection here.

(Image by Nida Mehboob)

Crafting Resilience Across Borders 

From Pakistan to South Sudan, refugee artisans working together with MADE51 social enterprises are reviving their traditions and expressing their creativity through their craft.

Among them is Saadiya, a Sudanese artisan living in South Sudan who specializes in beadwork. She fled Khartoum when conflict broke out, and now channels her skills into creating bespoke beaded pieces for MADE51’s partner enterprise, ROOTS.

"We were depressed sitting at home, but when we come to the centre we feel happy working with other people. This releases stress." - Saadiya"

Through her work, Saadiya is rebuilding her livelihood and preserving traditional techniques — reflecting the program’s goal to help artisans sustain themselves and continue creating despite displacement.

(Saadiya (L), beading in Gorom Refugee Camp, South Sudan. Image by Ala Kheir)

Meet the Six Enterprises 

Artisan Links (Pakistan)

A Fair Trade certified social enterprise employing Afghan refugee women artisans in Pakistan. Artisan Links creates sustainable handcrafted products that connect global audiences to Afghanistan’s rich heritage, ensuring traditional craft continues to thrive.

Indego Africa (Rwanda)

Empowering Burundian and Congolese refugee women through business education and fair trade craft, Indego Africa has spent over a decade building women-owned enterprises that drive long-term impact in refugee communities.

Bebemoss (Türkiye)

Bebemoss crafts organic, handmade toys while empowering Syrian refugee and underserved women with dignified, flexible work. Their creations reflect a deep commitment to sustainability, equality, and joy in everyday design.

ROOTS Project (South Sudan)

Founded in 2009, ROOTS works with displaced South Sudanese women and refugees from neighboring countries to revive traditional beadwork and weaving techniques — creating opportunities for income, cultural pride, and social cohesion.

WEAVE (Thailand)

WEAVE supports Myanmarese refugee women living along the Thai border, offering fair trade employment and education. Their work promotes equality, human rights, and the preservation of traditional weaving techniques.

Xoomba (Burkina Faso)

Xoomba works with internally displaced artisans to produce handwoven organic textiles and garments in Burkina Faso. Their vision is to make fashion harmless — combining ethical production, sustainability, and beautiful design.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Craft 

The Refugee Artisan Accelerator showcases what’s possible when heritage meets innovation. Refugee artisans are gaining the support they need to create and earn income amidst displacement. By combining traditional skills with contemporary design, the program opens new market opportunities and pathways for refugee-made craft.

Explore the handcrafted products developed through this collaboration, with each piece reflecting the skill, creativity and heritage of refugees around the world.

→ Explore the Collection