Frances Akamu

A Ugandan entrepreneur who founded Africa's first women's cooperative to empower rural female farmers economically.

Origins and Early Challenges

Frances Akamu (1915–2001) grew up in rural Uganda during British colonial rule, where women were legally barred from owning land or participating in formal trade. Despite these barriers, she learned basket-weaving from her mother and began selling crafts at local markets by age 12. Her 1940 petition to the colonial government (ugandahistory.org) exposed systemic gender discrimination in agricultural policies.

Cooperative Revolution

In 1953, Akamu organized 150 women to form the Nile Valley Women's Cooperative, the first all-female agricultural cooperative in Africa. This collective secured land leases and export contracts, tripling members' incomes within five years. By 1960, the cooperative operated a processing plant and export office, exporting crafts to Europe through the newly established Fair Trade Africa network.

Innovation and Legacy

Akamu's 1965 invention of the Uganda Weave technique revolutionized basket-making, creating designs that commanded premium prices internationally. Her autobiography 《Hands that Build》 (1970) remains a key text in African economic history. The cooperative's model inspired similar groups in Kenya and Tanzania, forming the basis for modern microfinance initiatives.

Modern Impact

Today, the Frances Akamu Foundation continues her work, supporting over 5,000 women annually through training programs. Her story is featured in the African Economic History Museum in Kampala.