Empreza Diak is a Timorese social enterprise with a clear mission: end poverty by giving people the tools to earn a living. Through artisan training programmes and small business startups, the organisation connects rural communities — many from Atauro Island — with visitors and shoppers in Dili.
What Empreza Diak Sells
The shop carries a broad range of handmade goods: woven textiles, tais cloth, jewellery, eco-friendly bags, and other crafts produced by artisans in remote villages. Every item is made locally, and the quality reflects generations of traditional knowledge. For travellers looking for meaningful souvenirs rather than mass-produced trinkets, this is one of the best stops in Dili.
Supporting Remote Communities
When you buy at Empreza Diak, the money goes directly back to the artisans and their communities. The organisation invests in training, helps groups set up small businesses, and preserves craft techniques that might otherwise disappear. Volunteers who have worked with Empreza Diak consistently highlight how the model creates sustainable income without uprooting people from their traditions or land.
Planning Your Visit
Empreza Diak is rated highly by visitors for the authenticity of its products and the warmth of its staff. Whether you are after a gift, a piece of Timorese cultural heritage, or simply want to support a cause that makes a tangible difference, a visit to their store is well worth your time in Dili.