Our work/
Africa Reframed
Archive
Visual Library | Licensing Platform | Creative Resource
Africa Reframed Archive is a non-profit image bank by Commerce & Culture. Through extensive visual content developed in parallel with workshops in East and West Africa, we provide authentic narratives that showcase diversity, innovation, and progress. The Archive complements our Academy and Experiences initiatives, forming an integral part of Africa Reframed's holistic approach to visual storytelling.
Platform and access
The Archive features over 1,000 selected images from Commerce & Culture's collection, now exclusively available through our platform. Previously licensed through a major stock platform, the collection's proven ability to serve across sectors - from development organizations and technology companies to financial institutions and media groups - demonstrates its versatility for contemporary communication needs. Sales to organizations like the UN, Microsoft, HSBC, and BBC validate both the quality of our imagery and its capacity to support diverse objectives.
Our purpose-built platform provides streamlined access through secure organizational accounts. Features include private collection hosting, SDG-aligned search functionality, and team collaboration tools for content sharing and campaign organization. The flexible licensing framework ranges from standard commercial licenses to specialized arrangements for editorial and development sector partners, supporting both immediate needs and long-term objectives. All content is quality-checked and protected by SSL security.
Content and production
Each series is produced through focused briefs that crystallize the Sustainable Development Goals through creative storytelling, connecting our narrative mission with market needs. All imagery maintains professional quality standards and includes complete metadata, available in formats suitable for both digital and print applications. Leading organizations integrate these images into their communications, contributing to meaningful narrative change.
Featured collection/
Digital Life
This collection captures connectivity and digital transformation through authentic moments of engagement.
Image: DL_0472 Professional using laptop in car setting.
Nairobi, Kenya
Featured collection/
Learning Spaces
From traditional classrooms to community spaces, this collection documents both structured learning and natural knowledge sharing.
Image: LS_0238 Teacher in classroom with blackboard.
Bamako, Mali
Featured collection/
Daily Connections
From family bonds to daily interactions, these images capture the genuine moments that build strong social foundations.
Image: DC_0156 Father and child on veranda.
Banjul, The Gambia
Featured collection/
Entrepreneurial Spirit
From urban workshops to community enterprises, this collection celebrates the determination and skill of entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses.
Image: ES_0384 Young mechanic in workshop.
Bamako, Mali
Sustainability and framework
Our content develops through a sustainable framework that combines ethical production, rights management, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. This approach ensures both responsible practices and meaningful impact.
-
All content follows established guidelines for ethical production, with full consent secured from both portrayed individuals and locations. This rights-managed approach provides partners confidence in content usage while ensuring fair practices throughout our production process.
-
Content briefs crystallize the Sustainable Development Goals through creative storytelling. Each production connects development objectives with authentic narratives, serving both communication needs and broader impact.
-
Licensing revenue directly supports activities across all pillars - from photographer training and content development to exhibitions and cultural programming. This integrated approach ensures that each license contributes to both immediate needs and long-term development.
FAQ
-
The Africa Reframed Archive is currently in beta phase, and we are eager to work closely with partners. Contact us to discuss access and partnership opportunities. Full platform launch is planned for Q1 2025.
-
Teams can work efficiently through password-protected organizational accounts. Multiple team members can search independently, create project collections, and share selected content across departments. Access levels can be customized for different team roles, supporting workflows from quick image needs to long-term campaign planning.
-
All images are available in high-resolution formats suitable for professional use. Files include complete metadata, location information, and usage context. Quality-checked formats ensure immediate usability across digital and print applications.
-
Our rights-managed framework offers flexible licensing solutions from standard commercial licenses to custom arrangements. Editorial media partners, development sector organizations, and enterprise clients can access specialized licensing options tailored to their needs.
-
We offer two primary ways to engage: accessing our curated collection through licensing, or co-developing new collections aligned with your communication needs. During the beta phase, we work closely with partners to optimize platform features and content development.
Join the initiative
The Africa Reframed Archive offers two pathways for engagement: accessing our existing curated collection through licensing, or partnering to co-develop new collections that expand our shared narrative mission.
Collection co-development partners can influence brief development and creative direction, gaining full access to co-developed imagery while contributing to the Archive's broader mission. These collections expand our platform's capacity to drive narrative change aligned with the SDGs while generating sustained support for Africa Reframed's work.
Interested? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.
