federal focus
“ Private enterprise alleviates poverty . When business is difficult , it means that you can ’ t grow , and if you can ’ t grow , you can ’ t hire people .”
Olowa-n ’ djo Tchala Founder and CEO , Alaffia Olympia WA & Togo West Africa
HOW THE SHEA NUT IS TRANSFORMING WOMEN ’ S LIVES
In small villages in the nation of Togo , women happily gather around large bowls , hand mixing shea butter . As members of an Olympia fair-trade cooperative called Alaffia , they earn a wage four times higher than others in Togo , bringing hope and opportunity to one of the poorest nations in the world .
Olympia-based employees transform the raw ingredients into popular natural care products . Many of the profits go back to the villages where the shea butter was made , delivering better education for children and free medical care for expectant mothers — more than 4,400 deliveries to date .
“ Private enterprise alleviates poverty ,” says Alaffia ’ s founder , Olowo-n ’ djo Tchala . “ But our mission is heavily impacted by excessive regulations and taxation . When business is difficult , it means that you can ’ t grow , and if you can ’ t grow , you can ’ t hire people .”
“ Every human being deserves to have opportunity and a job ,” says Tchala . “ We ’ re just touching the surface . There ’ s so much left to be done .”
To learn more about Alaffia and how businesses are creating jobs and improving lives , visit GrowHereWashington . com . www . AWB . org | 800.521.9325 # GrowHere
Post Office Box 658 Olympia , WA 98507-0658 www . AWB . org | 800.521.9325
Post Office Box 658 Olympia , WA 98507-0658 spring 2021 25