Africa in the heart of Zagreb

Along with many things that Zagreb has to offer, which make it a true metropolis, the city has recently introduced its first fair trade cafe bar and craft shop: Muzungu. Visitors can enjoy the flavours of real African coffee in an original ambiance, as well as purchase indigenous souvenirs and, thereby, help to improve the lives of African women.

The first Croatian fair trade cafe bar and craft shop, Muzungu, has recently opened in the very heart of Zagreb, at Masarykova 11. Through this project Muzungu’s owner, Ana Bat, helps the economic situation of women in Africa, particularly Uganda, from whom she buys jewellery, coffee and souvenirs under excellent financial terms, which are strictly in accordance with fair trade market laws.

Muzungu was conceived as a place that would unify the culture, art and music of Africa, whilst also offering a bit of something for everyone. The two basic brands on sale are Muzungu and Bead by Bead. The Muzungu brand, named after the central and eastern African word for a person of European descent, consists of jewellery made by the Masai tribes, shamanic drums, masks from the Congo, as well as numerous other items made out of wood, ebony, palm leaves, banana tree bark, etc… The second brand, Bead by Bead, comprises handmade paper jewellery made by women predominantly from Uganda.

In terms of coffee, Muzungu is the only place in Croatia where one can drink or buy organic Good African Coffee from Uganda, which is a 100 percent, full-flavoured and specially roasted Arabica.

In the beginning, nine African women participated in the project, but nowadays around forty sell their products via Muzungu. They are predominantly single mothers with several children, and part of the profits goes to certain African associations whose goal is the education of local women.

Apart from the fact that the entire concept is praiseworthy in itself, this cultural project has provided Zagreb with yet another original feature equally enjoyed by the locals as well as tourists who roam the city on the lookout for unique experiences. Aside from serving as a souvenir shop and coffee-bar, in the afternoons visitors can enjoy numerous programmes such as concerts, workshops, meetings and gatherings, themed evenings, travelogue presentations, and various humanitarian activities.