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Easy Afric Designs: Weaving Barkcloth Artistry in Uganda

At Easy Afric Designs, our journey began with a vision – a vision to blend artistry, tradition, and economic empowerment through the beauty of Ugandan barkcloth. Today, we’re excited to share our story of growth, resilience, and transformation.

Our Easy Afric Design Dream Takes Shape

In 2001, our founder, Sarah Nakisanze, an industrial artist and teacher, embarked on a journey to turn her passion for artistic creation into a vehicle for change. Located in Central Uganda, Easy Afric Designs was born out of a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Ugandan barkcloth – a fabric that holds UNESCO World Heritage status since 2005.

Easy Afric Designs Empowering Communities

Our mission was clear: to create an artisanal network that not only celebrated the beauty of the barkcloth but also translated these creations into industrial products accessible to all. We began small, with just one full-time worker and eight home-based suppliers, but our vision was vast. Today, EAD has grown into a thriving enterprise with a community of people working together.

A Network of Empowerment

One of our proudest achievements has been the creation of a money-lending system that operates as a pooling and revolving scheme among our women suppliers. This innovative approach empowers each supplier to access a lump sum of money from others, enabling them to establish alternative businesses and pursue activities that require significant initial investments. Beyond financial empowerment, this network has fostered a sense of community, elevated self-esteem, and created a robust social and economic support system.

TDC Partnership: A Turning Point Into New Horizons

As we delved deeper into our journey, we faced the challenge of modernizing the image of the barkcloth and making it relevant in contemporary markets. Thanks to the invaluable support of the Textile Development Centre (TDC) and its insightful marketing coaching program, we were able to pivot our approach.

Our partnership with TDC and the strategic changes we implemented allowed us to tap into international markets. We’re especially proud to share that our products found their way into the Australian market, a testament to the effectiveness of our revamped marketing approach.

Here’s what DRIS Consult had to say about our journey with TDC: “TDC support came at the right time and is very well adapted to both develop the activity locally and internationally. It’s a perfect mix between market research, account management, and how each element contributes to the other. It was short but ultra-intense coaching.”

This strategic investment bore fruit as it empowered us to reach new heights and explore untapped opportunities.

Conclusion

As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the support, mentorship, and opportunities that have shaped Easy Afric Designs Ltd. Our feature on this platform marks a milestone in our story, and we are excited about the path ahead.

We continue to celebrate the beauty and heritage of Ugandan barkcloth while embracing innovation and sustainability. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey as we strive to make a positive impact on our community and the world through art, empowerment, and authentic craftsmanship.

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