Ugandan Gemstones Value Addition Project – ASILI GEMS LTD
Description
The Ugandan Gemstone Value Addition Project by ASILI GEMS LTD transforms locally mined rough gemstones into precision-cut, polished and fully finished luxury products. The project integrates mining partnerships, gemological science and a modern lapidary studio to build Uganda’s first end-to-end gemstone refinement pipeline. By keeping cutting, polishing and jewellery manufacturing inside the country, the innovation traps economic value, builds local skills and reduces reliance on foreign processors. This model positions Uganda as a credible source of high-quality gemstones and African-crafted luxury for regional and global markets.
Impact
The Ugandan Gemstone Value Addition Project by ASILI GEMS LTD turns a largely informal, artisan and women-led mining activity into a structured, higher income value chain. By cutting, polishing and designing gemstones and precious metal jewellery within Uganda, the project increases the earnings of miners, especially women, and creates skilled urban jobs in lapidary, design and manufacturing. It also introduces formal training, quality standards and traceability, helping artisanal miners transition from selling cheap rough stones to supplying a recognised local industry. Over time, this innovation strengthens rural–urban economic linkages and positions communities at the bottom of the chain as partners in a growing export-ready African luxury sector.
Target Audience
Artisanal miners, women miners, youth and jewellers, approximately 300,000 Ugandans in direct employed in the ASM sector
Industrial Value Chains
Partnerships
Institutional / Organizational (owned or managed by a university, company, NGO, or government agency)
Video
Watch VideoInnovation Details
October 10, 2025
Contact Information
Dr. Apollo Buregyeya
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