The Uganda Embassy in Washington, in partnership with US-based facilitator Elaine Robnett Moore, has launched a six-day training program to equip 100 Ugandan artisans with skills to access the United States market.
The initiative, funded through the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) Fund of the Ugandan Mission to Washington DC, is designed to promote Uganda’s exports and strengthen international trade ties.
Running from August 18 to 23 in Kampala, the program targets artisans producing African crafts and souvenir merchandise. Participants are receiving practical training in product development, finishing techniques, and market alignment, ensuring their creations meet international standards.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the initiative is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to expand cultural exports and create sustainable livelihoods for local artisans.
Uganda’s exports to the United States have grown nearly 28-fold between 1996 and 2022, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). Exports rose from under US$10 million in the late 1990s to US$62 million in 2017, before hitting record highs of US$87 million in 2021 and US$89 million in 2022. Key drivers include coffee, vanilla, and specialty goods, highlighting the potential of Uganda’s high-value products to diversify exports and boost economic growth.
Expanding artisan crafts into this pipeline offers new opportunities for job creation, community empowerment, and positioning Uganda competitively in the global creative economy.
“Uganda’s crafts represent not only creativity but also identity and opportunity. Through this program, we are positioning our artisans to access new markets, increase their incomes, and showcase Uganda’s cultural heritage on the global stage,” said Benon Kayemba, Head of Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The six-day program includes discovery sessions, product development workshops, and practical training on export standards, culminating in a final showcase on August 23 where artisans will present products blending cultural heritage with international market appeal.
Facilitator Elaine Robnett Moore, an internationally recognized trainer, emphasized the need for products to align with evolving global markets. “Ugandan artisans are gifted and their work is unique. This program is about refining what they already do so well and ensuring that their products can compete on the shelves of global trade hubs,” she said.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Uganda’s cultural exports, enhance artisan incomes, and position the country as a key player in the global creative economy. Throughout the week, artisans’ stories and training milestones will be documented, highlighting the human impact of Uganda’s growing creative export sector.
