market intelligence

think tank and innovation hub with a new stable platform for growth and sustainable development.

Nzeyi explained; “This is being conducted in full collaboration with the government of Uganda and the United Nations Development Programme given that the PSFU is a value-based and ethically driven entity premised on ten sectors that drive Uganda’s economic growth.

“The foundation is also the focal point for the East African Business Council and the COMESA Business Council. Using this platform, the PSFU has spearheaded the Trade Policy and Trade Development agenda on behalf of the Uganda business community, directly engaging with regional policy platforms.”

Farming for the future

Ugandan Investment Authority representative Robert Mukiza focused on the opportunities for Agricultural Value Addition. He reported that the agricultural sector continues to be the most important in Uganda employing approximately 72% of the population and contributing about 32% to the GDP. “However, productivity is limited by a reliance on natural weather conditions and the still widespread use of traditional methods and equipment,” said Mukiza.

Fortunately, Uganda remains among the leading producers of coffee, bananas and oil seed crops (sesame, soybean, sunflower etc.). It is also a major producer of other crops like tea, cotton, organic cotton, tobacco, cereals, fresh foods and vegetables, nuts, essential oils, flowers, poultry and freshwater fish.

The Ugandan government is therefore pushing for greater commercialisation of agriculture by encouraging the use of irrigation and mechanised farming.