Discover Africa Under One Roof

Discover Africa Under One Roof: A Journey Through Culture, Craftsmanship and Heritage

Africa is unlike any other continent in the world. It is home to over 1.4 billion people, thousands of ethnic groups and countless artistic traditions that have been passed down through generations. Every woven basket, carved sculpture, hand-beaded necklace and painted canvas tells a story—one of heritage, identity and extraordinary craftsmanship.

At African Trading Port, we believe these stories deserve to be celebrated and shared. For decades, our mission has been simple yet ambitious: to bring Africa under one roof. Today, visitors can explore artwork, artefacts and handcrafted treasures representing practically every African country and culture, all within one extraordinary destination.

Our story began in 1978 with the establishment of an art workshop in Zimbabwe. What started as a passion for African craftsmanship has grown into one of South Africa's most unique collections of authentic African art and décor. Since 2001, African Trading Port has proudly called the historic Old Port Captain's Building at Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront home, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the beauty, diversity and creativity of Africa.

More than just a retail destination, African Trading Port is a cultural experience where every room reveals something new to discover. Whether you're visiting Cape Town for the first time, searching for a meaningful gift, decorating your home or looking to invest in authentic African art, our collection offers an unforgettable journey through the continent's rich artistic heritage.

More Than Shopping – An African Experience

One of the most unique experiences awaiting visitors to African Trading Port is the opportunity to discover the Eyewitness – A Private Collection Museum, tucked away on the top floor of our historic home in the Old Port Captain's Building. Nestled within the vibrant V&A Waterfront, this hidden gem offers visitors a chance to step beyond the gallery floor and into Africa's fascinating past.

Carefully curated over more than 20 years, the Eyewitness – A Private Collection Museum houses an extraordinary private collection of rare artefacts, cultural objects and historical treasures gathered from across the African continent. Many of these remarkable pieces have never before been publicly displayed, providing an intimate and authentic glimpse into Africa's diverse cultures, traditions and history.

As you wander through the museum, you'll encounter ceremonial objects, traditional artefacts, historical collectables and remarkable works of craftsmanship that tell the stories of communities from across the continent. Each piece offers a deeper understanding of Africa's rich cultural heritage, transforming your visit into far more than a shopping experience—it becomes a journey through history.

Whether you're an avid collector, a history enthusiast or simply curious to learn more about Africa's extraordinary past, the museum offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Best of all, entry is completely free, inviting everyone to spend time exploring, learning and appreciating the untouched essence of African art and culture.

Together, African Trading Port and the Eyewitness – A Private Collection Museum create a destination unlike any other at the V&A Waterfront—where authentic African craftsmanship, history, culture and storytelling come together under one roof.

Walking into African Trading Port is unlike entering an ordinary retail store.

Every room reveals something different. Visitors discover towering wooden sculptures standing alongside delicate beadwork, contemporary artwork hanging beside centuries-old antiques, colourful woven baskets displayed with handcrafted furniture and intricate jewellery sparkling next to traditional cultural artefacts. It is an environment where history, culture and creativity exist side by side.

Every collection has been thoughtfully curated to showcase Africa's remarkable diversity. Rather than representing one country or one artistic style, African Trading Port brings together craftsmanship from across the continent, allowing visitors to appreciate the incredible breadth of African creativity in one inspiring space. The result is a shopping experience that feels like you are exploring a museum, art gallery and cultural marketplace combined.

Supporting African Artisans

Behind every handcrafted product is a person with a story.

Many of the artisans represented at African Trading Port live in rural communities where traditional craftsmanship provides an important source of income for families. Generations of knowledge are preserved through the making of baskets, beadwork, carvings, textiles and ceramics. Skills are taught from parents to children, ensuring cultural traditions continue long into the future.

By purchasing authentic African crafts, customers are helping support independent artists and artisan communities while preserving techniques that might otherwise disappear. Every purchase contributes to supporting skilled African artisans, preserving traditional craftsmanship, encouraging sustainable handmade production, promoting ethical trade and celebrating African culture across the world.

When you take home a handcrafted African piece, you're taking home far more than a souvenir. You're taking home part of someone's story.

Discover Treasures from Across the Continent

African Trading Port offers one of the most diverse collections of authentic African products available in South Africa. Visitors can explore handcrafted home décor, original African artwork, traditional beadwork, woven baskets, wooden sculptures, handcrafted jewellery, bespoke furniture, antiques and rare collectables sourced from across the continent.

Whether you're looking for a statement piece for your living room, a thoughtful gift, an investment artwork or something to remind you of your journey through Africa, our ever-changing collections ensure that every visit offers something unique. Because many of our products are handmade in small quantities, no two visits to African Trading Port are ever quite the same.

In today's world of mass production, handmade products are becoming increasingly valuable.

Every handcrafted piece is unique. Slight variations in texture, colour and finish are not imperfections—they are signatures of genuine craftsmanship. Unlike machine-made products, handcrafted African art carries the personality and creativity of the artisan.

These are pieces designed to last, tell stories and become treasured heirlooms. They connect people to cultures, traditions and communities, reminding us that true craftsmanship cannot be rushed or replicated by machines.

Located in the Heart of Cape Town

African Trading Port is proudly located in the historic Old Port Captain's Building at the world-famous V&A Waterfront. Since moving into this landmark building in 2001, we have welcomed millions of local and international visitors eager to experience the richness of African culture through art and craftsmanship.

As one of South Africa's most visited destinations, the V&A Waterfront provides the perfect setting for discovering authentic African treasures. Whether you're spending the day exploring Cape Town or searching for the perfect keepsake before heading home, African Trading Port offers an inspiring destination where art, culture and history come together.

Bringing Africa Into Your Home

Your home tells your story.

Adding authentic African décor introduces warmth, texture and meaning into every space. Whether it's a handwoven basket in your entrance hall, a striking wooden sculpture in your living room, colourful beadwork displayed as wall art or an original painting that becomes the centrepiece of your home, every piece adds personality while celebrating African creativity.

These aren't simply decorative objects—they're conversation starters, cultural treasures and lasting reminders of Africa's incredible artistic heritage.

Experience Africa Under One Roof

For more than four decades, African Trading Port has remained committed to celebrating the creativity of the African continent while supporting the artisans who bring these remarkable works to life. From our beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1978 to our home at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront today, our passion has always been to share Africa's stories through authentic craftsmanship.

Whether you're searching for a meaningful gift, an investment piece for your collection, a unique addition to your home or simply looking to immerse yourself in African culture, you'll find something extraordinary waiting for you.

Step inside and discover why African Trading Port has become a destination for art lovers, collectors, interior designers, travellers and anyone who appreciates the beauty of authentic African craftsmanship.

Experience Africa under one roof at the Old Port Captain's Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Explore handcrafted treasures, discover the stories behind the artisans, and take home a piece of Africa that will be treasured for generations.