Amaka Africa Best sellers, deals, coupon code & our review

About Amaka Africa

AMAKA Africa is a social enterprise based in Jinja, Uganda, that sells handmade home goods and accessories made by local artisans. Their about page says the company partners with artisan businesses on quality, safety and labor standards, pays above-market prices, provides business training, and prioritizes businesses that employ and support women. The name comes from a Luganda word meaning family or homestead.

What's in the catalog

The store lists about 76 products, from $8 to $239 with a median of $35. Nothing was discounted when we checked. Three material families define the range.

Upcycled cow horn is the signature. The Kimaka jewelry line, made by women in Kimaka, Uganda, includes earrings around $20 to $25, bangles from $15, and earring-and-necklace sets from $32 to $74. Horn also shows up in home goods like the Horn Napkin Ring Holder set of six ($32), the Decorative Horn Vase ($40) and a footed whiskey tumbler set ($30).

Hand-loomed cotton made from Ugandan raw materials covers placemats and napkins (sets of four at $40), table runners ($45 to $55) and the Kilombera Throw Blanket ($74 to $78). Carved wood and soapstone round it out, from a $15 soapstone angel to large serving pieces such as the Handled Rectangular Charcuterie Board at $225. There's also a seasonal holiday section with $10 horn ornaments and a hand-carved teak nativity set.

What sets it apart

Most fair-trade home decor shops source from many countries; AMAKA focuses on Uganda and tells you which community made many of its products. Because items are handmade from natural materials, color, grain and shape vary from piece to piece, and listings say so. Prices are fair for handmade work: small jewelry and ornaments are gift-friendly, while the big carved boards sit at the price of other artisan woodwork.

Shipping and returns

According to their shipping policy, US orders over $50 ship free. In-stock items ship within two business days, with Ground delivery in 7 to 10 business days or Premium in 4 to 6. There's no overnight or two-day option, and some small-batch items are sold on pre-order with a later ship date noted on the page. Returns are free in the US within 30 days for unused items in original packaging; you email for a prepaid label. Sample sale and special event purchases are final. Contact is by email or phone at (510) 646-0570.

What stands out

• Upcycled cow horn jewelry made by women in Kimaka, Uganda.
• Hand-loomed 100% cotton textiles made from Ugandan raw materials.
• Free US returns with a prepaid label within 30 days.
• Clear social mission with above-market pay and business training for artisans.

Our favorite Amaka Africa products

• Kimaka Half Moon Geometric Drop Earrings & Necklace Set: A cascading geometric earring and necklace set in upcycled cow horn, made by women in Kimaka, at $45.
• Kilombera Throw Blanket with Raised Design: A hand-loomed 100% cotton throw with a raised design, made from Ugandan raw materials, at $78.
• Handled Rectangular Charcuterie Board: A handled board carved from a single piece of wood at $225, for hosts who want a centerpiece.
• Horn Napkin Ring Holder (set of 6): Six ethically sourced cow horn napkin rings for $32, each with its own texture.
• Blue & Cream Plaid Woven Placemats (set of 4): Four hand-woven cotton placemats for $40, which works out to $10 a piece.
• Kimaka Cowhorn "Noel" Star Ornament: A $10 upcycled cow horn star ornament, easy to give in multiples.