Sub-Saharan Africa › Multi-Country

Trade Facilitation Office - Canada

Through a series of projects, we partnered with Trade Facilitation Office - Canada (TFO) to build the export capacity of artisan entrepreneurs from Lesotho, Madagascar, Uganda, and Ethiopia through various Market Familiarization Trips (MFT) and training programs. These initiatives included trade show tours, retail store visits in New York City, and workshops designed to enhance market readiness and export capabilities. The MFTs provided 53 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and 9 Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) representatives with direct exposure to the U.S. market, along with personalized coaching and follow-up support to prepare them for future trade shows. Additionally, we facilitated both in-person and online eMarket Readiness Programs to equip participants with essential business skills and industry knowledge. Through feedback from buyers, consultants, and input from both our staff and TFO Canada staff, 6 SMEs were chosen to exhibit at the NY NOW winter show from February 4-7, 2024. 

Key Achievements:  

• Complete 2 MFT trips to New York City to visit Shoppe Object and NY NOW tradeshows for 33 SMEs and 9 TSIs

• Delivered pre-trip orientation webinars and follow-up one-on-one virtual coaching sessions, offering personalized guidance to SMEs in preparation for future trade show participation.

• Hosted the eMarket Readiness Program (eMRP) for all SMEs

• Supported the creation of tailored recommendations for each SME 

• Supported 6 SMEs to exhibit at the NY NOW Tradeshow in February 2024 resulting in $10,000 in sales

Donor: Trade Facilitation Office - Canada (TFO)

Start Date: September 2022

End Date: March 2024

Number of Beneficiaries: 53 Artisans 

Training Hours: 2,551

Number of Businesses Supported: 52