The government has over the past few years been supporting initiatives to boost the capacity of the local handicraft sector. As part of this support, the Ministry of Trade and Industry initiated the annual Handicraft Excellence Award Programme (HEAP) in 2011 to boost innovation and creativity in the industry and increase craft exports. 

The management of the competition was this year handed over to the Indashyikirwa Craft Association of Rwanda (ICAR), which is composed of previous winners of the annual awards.

According to the ministry, the competition has increased innovation and quality, which have enhanced the country’s handicraft exports, and improved the welfare of craft-makers.

Paulin Rugero, the ICAR president, was quoted recently as saying that Indashyikirwa would put special focus on handicraft value addition so that Rwanda’s handicrafts can be competitive in international markets.

The ministry links talented Rwandan artisans (HEAP winners) who produce high quality products with regional and international markets.

This year, HEAP held a series of seminars related to market access, design, intellectual property rights, taxation law for SMEs and standards. The group works in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Rwanda Revenue Authority, the Workforce Development Agency and Rwanda Standards Boars, among others.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has also supported artisans to establish a permanent showroom (IKAZE Showroom) in Kigali City to help artisans market their products, especially those from remote areas.