ZAWADI means gift and that is what Zawadi does in abundance. There are gifts for home, family, utilitarian and special occasion items from Africa or that are African inspired. They can be a gift to self or another person.

ZAWADI opened on U St. in Washington,
D. C. in 1992 and has grown and evolved along with the street which is now a major attraction for a diverse and well travelled population of city dwellers and visitors.

The owner, Irene T. Whalen, lived and worked in East, West and Southern Africa over a ten year period and thus brings to ZAWADI a knowledge of the continent which has helped create a very special mixture of contemporary and traditional pieces that reflect the very best of Africa.

ZAWADI features both contemporary and traditional african art with a focus on home acccessories. The textiles, home accessories and art pieces change frequently and are sometimes one of a kind. However, there is always something special to be found in Zawadi.