A new initiative by the International Trade Centre (ITC) is set to break down barriers preventing Indigenous businesses from thriving in global markets—all while preserving their rich cultural heritage and sustainable practices.
Indigenous communities have long been sidelined in global trade, facing obstacles such as poor infrastructure, limited access to finance, and exclusion from formal markets.
Despite representing only 6% of the world's population, they account for 19% of those living in extreme poverty. Yet, these communities safeguard 80% of the planet's biodiversity and hold tenure rights to a quarter of the Earth's surface.
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Recognizing this disparity, ITC has launched the Indigenous Peoples and Trade (IPT) Strategy—a roadmap to help Indigenous entrepreneurs compete in global and regional markets without compromising their cultural identity or sustainability values.
The strategy focuses on three key goals:
Boosting Indigenous businesses' capacity and competitiveness in international trade.
Strengthening business support organizations to assist Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Advocating for policies that support Indigenous-led trade and economic growth.
"Trade has always been integral to Indigenous Peoples," says ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton. "Yet, history has shown a pattern of exclusion and exploitation. This must change."
To make this vision a reality, ITC has identified four major challenges Indigenous traders face:
Land and resource access for traditional food and craft materials.
Protection of intellectual property tied to traditional knowledge.
Administrative barriers due to communal land ownership and unique business models.
An intergenerational approach to business that values sustainability over short-term profit.
Guided by principles like inclusive participation, cultural integrity, transparent consultations, and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, the IPT Strategy lays out 10 objectives to drive action.
These will be implemented through partnerships with Indigenous leaders, national governments, and global organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization and the World Economic Forum.
As a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, ITC is well-positioned to lead this effort. By leveraging its experience in supporting small enterprises, the IPT Strategy aims to create real, lasting change—ensuring that Indigenous businesses are not just participants in global trade but key players shaping its future.
This initiative isn't just about trade—it's about justice, empowerment, and preserving the legacy of Indigenous Peoples for generations to come.
