The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) Chairman, Odrek Rwabwogo, will lead a Ugandan delegation of private sector exporters to Cairo, Egypt for the 3^rd Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023).

Organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim bank) in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the event will run from 9^th-15^th November, 2023 under the theme ‘The AfCFTA Marketplace’.

The trade fair will provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area. It will also facilitate networking opportunities and discussions on how to capitalize on the AfCFTA agreement.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is a significant initiative aiming to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments. Currently, intra-African commerce accounts for only 16% of the total African trade. The IATF aims to boost this percentage by providing a platform for businesses across the continent to connect, showcase their products and services, and explore investment opportunities.

The AfCFTA agreement, which entered into force earlier this year, seeks to create a single market for goods and services within Africa, leading to increased trade and economic development. With the participation of 54 out of the 55 African Union member states (43 parties and another 11 signatories), it is considered the largest free trade agreement in terms of participating countries since the creation of the World Trade Organization.

PACEID recognizes the immense potential that the AfCFTA holds for African businesses and by participating in the trade fair, the committee aims to help local businesses expand their footprint and tap into new markets. PACEID, working with exporters, development partners and the Government of Uganda will showcase at Africa’s Marketplace in Cairo.

“The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development is gearing up to participate in the Intra-African Trade Fair. By showcasing Ugandan products and providing valuable information, the committee hopes to contribute to the growth of exports in Uganda and on the continent at large. We encourage Ugandans businesses to register and take advantage of this unique opportunity to position themselves for success in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.” Matthew Bagonza, PACEID Executive Committee Member notes.

Ugandan exporters will set up exhibition booths at the trade fair, where they will showcase a wide array of products from various industries; agricultural goods and manufactured products. They will also be educated about the benefits of exporting and how to navigate the AfCFTA agreement.

PACEID is working closely with relevant government agencies and trade associations to ensure a successful and impactful participation in the trade fair. This participation is a significant step towards realizing the potential of the AfCFTA and promoting economic prosperity across Africa.

During the seven-day event, attendees will participate in a number of activities; exhibition, investment forum, fashion/entertainment, B2B/B2G platform, Egypt Culture Day, Africa Automotive Show, AU Youth Start-up Programme and Diaspora Day among others.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) is a significant initiative aiming to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments. Currently, intra-African commerce accounts for only 16% of the total African trade. The IATF aims to boost this percentage by providing a platform for businesses across the continent to connect, showcase their products and services, and explore investment opportunities.

We are disappointed by the unfortunate decision by the United States (U.S.) to end the participation of Uganda in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade programme.

The reason given by U.S. President Biden was, ultimately, because Uganda’s democratically elected parliament passed an Act of which he and his colleagues in the U.S. Democratic party disapproved. 

It mattered not that the law in question – the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) – is popular amongst Ugandans. There are numerous public opinion polls conducted by reputable western opinion research companies that are testament to that fact. However, it was not popular with President Biden and his colleagues. Therefore, it seems they have decided Ugandans should be punished.

It is difficult to see for whose benefit the Biden administration took this decision, if not their own domestic voter base in advance of the upcoming 2024 election. Certainly, no Ugandan – whatever their sexual preference – will benefit. While Ugandan trade with the U.S. through AGOA was insubstantial, growth of our exports to the U.S. and other partners was an important pillar of our economic strategy going forward. Ugandan farmers and small business owners will suffer. 

But more than that, it sends a message to all Ugandans – indeed all Africans – that their already slim prospects for economic prosperity are contingent on whether they vote in line with the values of whoever happens to hold high office in the U.S., not their own. They will not find this acceptable. Nor should they.

It is worth noting that democracy is backsliding across Africa while instability is on the rise. Uganda is an increasingly rare example of an African economy that shares Western values of democracy and rule of law. Like most African countries, we also believe in and seek to uphold our own traditional African values – and public support for AHA stands testament to that. 

The AGOA programme was established in order to promote economic growth, good governance and free markets in Africa. It is a policy of great generosity and foresight by those who created it to bind Africa and the U.S. in partnership and respect. It was not established as a stick to beat the populace of African countries who vote in a way that offends the social sensibilities of the developed West. Yet that is how it is being used now. 

We note that the decision made this week is a recommendation to Congress – and not yet passed into law. We therefore remain, as always, ready to discuss this decision with our American partners and allies – and hope that they have the generosity to listen. 

Odrek Rwabwogo 

CHAIRPERSON 

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EXPORTS AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT (PACEID)

Uganda Airlines, on Thursday October 19, 2023, made history with its first ever direct flight from Entebbe International Airport to Lagos, Nigeria, landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.  

Lagos becomes Uganda Airlines’ thirteenth (13^th) destination. This new direct route is expected to open up more trade and investment opportunities between Uganda and Nigeria.

There were extraordinary scenes as the Uganda Airlines team led by Captain Isaac Ogoyi skillfully navigated the skies on the national career’s inaugural flight. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnered with Uganda Airlines on this milestone. Uganda Airlines hailed UNDP team for their dedication to enabling trade, investment and tourism in Uganda.

Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki says the aim is to open more routes on the continent to enhance efficiency, and expediting transit of both passengers and commodities every Sunday, Monday and Thursday. This development comes after the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding in August.

She highlighted the impact of this air brigade not only in Nigeria but across Africa, “Our Entebbe-Lagos flight is the gateway to immense opportunities. It connects Uganda and Nigeria through business, tourism, culture, entertainment and more.”

UNDP Uganda Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah expressed her excitement at the milestone saying, “This is an exciting opportunity for us to connect more within the continent and create more opportunities for trade. This is an airbridge for trade, for jobs, for wealth creation, and for ensuring Africa takes its rightful place in the global world.”

The decision to introduce a direct flight from Entebbe to Lagos comes as Uganda Airlines strives to expand its network and increase connectivity within Africa. With the new route, travelers will now have easy access to one of Africa’s most populous and vibrant cities.

Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has applauded Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki and her team for the initiative. “This new direct route to Nigeria has significant implications for promoting exports and enhancing trade relations between the two countries. The new route offers immense opportunities for Ugandan businesses to expand their export activities into one of Africa’s largest economies.” Noted Rwabwogo.

He further notes that Ugandan products, such as agricultural commodities, textiles, handicrafts, and processed foods, have a competitive advantage in terms of quality and uniqueness. “With the direct connection, these goods can now reach Nigerian consumers and businesses more quickly and reliably. This increased accessibility will raise the profile of Ugandan exports in Nigeria and pave the way for stronger bilateral trade ties.”

H.E. Ismael Ayobami Alatis, Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda has encouraged Ugandans to visit Nigeria and take advantage of the incredible market potential that is there.

The move reinforces Uganda Airlines’ commitment to becoming a leading carrier in the region. Since its relaunch in 2019, the airline has steadily expanded its network and upgraded its fleet, which now includes two brand new Airbus A330neo aircraft. The addition of the Lagos route is another milestone in its ambitious growth plans.

The launch of the direct flight comes at a time when African nations are seeking to boost intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. The AfCFTA aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent, fostering economic integration and enabling African countries to trade among themselves more easily.

The direct flight will also provide a convenient connection for passengers traveling from other parts of the world. With Entebbe International Airport serving as a regional hub, passengers from Europe, the Americas, and Asia can now easily reach Lagos with a seamless transfer in Uganda. This will undoubtedly boost Uganda’s standing in the global aviation industry and further enhance its reputation as a gateway to Africa.

Uganda Airlines will operate flights to Nigeria three times a week with flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, using its 258-seat state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo.

Uganda is known for its rich agricultural landscape, producing some of the finest coffee, tea, and cocoa beans on the continent. What many people aren’t aware of, however, is that Uganda is also a leading exporter of vanilla.

Uganda is currently exporting over 400MT of vanilla a year which is more than 50% production increment in a period of 5years.

According to Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB), Uganda exported 89.038 Tons of cured vanilla worth USD 8.33 million (30.5 billion shillings) by March, 2023.

Ugandan vanilla is a unique and highly sought-after product, simmering with natural flavors and fragrance that is exclusive from other vanilla products in the world. It’s been described as “exquisite,” “delicious,” and “distinctive” by those who have had the pleasure of tasting it. It is for this matter that Ugandan vanilla exporters signed huge deals to export the product to Serbia during the opening of the Uganda Connect trade hub in Belgrade in July this year.

Simon Musisi, Chief Executive Officer of The Simons Uga Limited dealing in premium quality vanilla is one of those who signed deals. He is a processor and exporter of vanilla beans, powder and vanilla pure extracts. “Vanilla processing requires a production team of persons who are trained and experts in that field in order to achieve a higher vanillin and good quality vanilla that can match the global standards of the international food industry.” he says. His major export market is USA and Europe.

The major markets for Uganda’s Vanilla include; USA, Indonesia, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Belgium, South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Denmark, Check Republic, Switzerland and Republic of Korea.

One of the unique qualities of Ugandan vanilla is its hand-picked, thanks to farmers harvesting plants only when they reach maturity, using traditional and time-honored techniques to guarantee the quality of their crops. This dedication to quality ensures that the product is of high value to consumers who seek natural and unique products, which gives Uganda a competitive edge in the global market.

Uganda, the second-largest exporter of vanilla in Africa behind Madagascar, has various suitable growing conditions for vanilla, making it possible to produce a substantial and consistent quantity of vanilla beans every year. The country has two vanilla seasons, the June-July harvest and December-January harvest. The districts of Kayunga, Mukono, Mpigi, Jinja, Kmauli, Bundibugyo, Luwero and Kasese are the biggest vanilla growing regions in Uganda. Vanilla production of vanilla in Uganda is picking up, and farmers are working tirelessly to meet the growing demand for this natural and delectable ingredient.

Vanilla is a significant source of income for many small-scale farmers in Uganda. It provides a valuable opportunity for economic growth and stability in communities across the country. Musisi provides employment to thousands of people during the two seasons of vanilla harvesting. “We directly work with more than 2000 farmers and over 10,000 farmers through general suppliers.”

Vanilla production is an ideal business for farmers in Uganda because it requires a relatively small amount of land and can be grown alongside other crops. This makes it an affordable crop for small-scale farmers who may not have access to a lot of land.

When it comes standards, Musisi says he does not compromise on quality as he always exports the best that meets regional and international standards. “Vanilla is a raw material for the food industry, quality is a major requirement. Therefore, global food standards are mandatory. This is a major challenge that we have tackled through training our farmers and general suppliers to consider good agricultural practices. For example, farmers should not use pesticides on their vanilla farms or intercropping their vanilla gardens with crops that require pesticides, the farmers must harvest their vanilla after maturity and on proper harvest dates,” he emphasizes.

It is because of practices like these that Ugandan vanilla offers unique and exceptional taste and is highly valued in the global market. Uganda’s vanilla industry has transformed into a profitable export, driving economic growth and providing opportunities for local farmers. However, stakeholders must address challenges related to sustainability and market volatility to ensure the long-term growth and success of the industry.

Vanilla is one of the thirteen priority sectors the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) under the leadership of its Chairman, Odrek Rwabwogo, is working with to grow Uganda’s exports revenue to USD6B and beyond by 2028.

Day one of the Uganda-Algeria Trade and Investment Forum & Exhibition kicked off today, Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Hotel Africana with delegates from both countries advocating for value addition and mutual respect for quality requirements. The forum will run throughout the weekend until Monday, October 2, 2023, under the theme; “Harnessing Benefits of AfCTA; Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relations Between Uganda and Algeria”.

The forum is being organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives in partnership with the National Chamber of Commerce, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with support from the Uganda Marketers Society.

The Uganda Algeria-Business and Investment Forum aims to unite trade & investment policymakers, key business groups, trade institutions, and regional organizations from both Uganda and Algeria.

Geraldine Ssali, Permanent Secretary-Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives thanked the Algerian government for their cordiality. “Whenever we come to Algeria, we feel at home. I began to say Algeria is a home away from home for me. Thank you so much. We would like you to also feel at home.” she said.

She also expressed willingness to give Algerians free economic zones so that they can enjoy competitive prices from Ugandan producers so they don’t feel the pinch of high costs of production when they come.

“If we work with Algeria, gone will be the days of looking for a funder for our oil because they are self-sufficient in the oil and gas sector.” H.E. Alintuma Nsambu, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to Algeria noted.

H.E. Oualid Cherif, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Algeria to Uganda was pleased that the efforts between the two countries were crowned with the holding of what he referred to as a ‘historical’ forum. “This development comes as a translation of the strong will demonstrated by our two heads of state, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Mr. Yoweri Museveni, to further enhance these relations in the commercial and investment fields. Like Uganda, Algeria advocates for value addition to its raw materials and the diversification of its economy and its earnings by promoting the non-hydrocarbon exports and boosting the local production of goods and services,” he said.  

Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman- of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development reiterated H.E. Oualid’s point regarding value addition as this will go a long way to boost trade relations between the two nations.

He also urged Ugandan exporters to be intentional by researching new markets to avoid entering them blindly.  “We need to be very intentional, very deliberate from studying the tastes & preferences of our brothers in Algeria & other markets we want to export to & ensure we know what to supply them in terms of standards, quantities and certification”. PACEID is tasked with growing Uganda’s exports to USD6Bn by 2028.

The President of the National Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Olive Kigongo encouraged Ugandan business people to explore Algeria and discover the opportunities it offers to gain a competitive advantage.

Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries said, “Opportunities abound in Uganda. We invite you not only to engage in trade with us but also to actively participate in the value-addition process.”

Miss Ndstefai Khaoula from the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency guided Ugandan traders through the company registration process for trading with Algeria, including the duration of the investment period offered to licensees. “The Algerian Investment Promotion Agency is actively engaged in promoting investment, providing information, streamlining registration procedures, and managing the associated benefits.” – she said.

Others present were Dr. Francis Mwebesa- Cabinet Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Harriet Ntabazi, Amb. Katureebe Tayebwa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba-State Minister of State for Regional Affairs.

Coffee has rarely been out of the headlines in Uganda this year. In February the finance ministry signed an agreement with the Uganda Vinci Coffee Company – a mysterious firm, led by an Italian businesswoman, which promised to build a factory processing 60,000 tonnes of coffee annually.

The deal sparked outrage, not least because it gave Vinci huge tax breaks and priority supply. In May a parliamentary inquiry found that the deal was “unconstitutional, illegal, void and unenforceable”, and parliament voted to terminate it.

Read More: https://african.business/2022/06/energy-resources/uganda-faces-storm-in-a-coffee-cup/

By September of 1969 when I was born, Makerere University in my home country of Uganda was the most prestigious African university any young person with the rare means to access an education could aspire to. But the college, then affiliated with University College London, had less than 3000 students. This was out of a population of 9 million, some 96 percent of whom were subsistence farmers – simply growing food for survival with nothing left to sell – a typical pre-industrial society.

Like many African nations, Uganda had gained its independence just a few years earlier. Across the continent then was an opportunity for us to grow our countries. However, those few who could access university went not with an aspiration to enter the hustle and grind of enterprise; rather, in the hope of filling the coveted positions left by departing colonial offers. Families sacrificed much and risked everything to keep their children in school. Even of those who enjoyed access to education, many struggled to pay the fees and students would often have to cover long distances on foot every day. A government job at the end of all this promised security and comfort. Our nascent enterprise and innovation sectors seemed to offer just risk and uncertainty in comparison.

Read More: https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2022/lack-of-patents-and-small-cash-investments-for-african-youth-undermines-innovation/

The Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) was commissioned by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on March 16th, 2022. PACEID acts as a think tank that advises H.E the President on the strategic and systemic interventions aimed at accelerating exports growth and industrial development for national transformation. PACEID, under the stewardship of Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo, is tasked with improving Uganda’s foreign earnings from the current USD 6BN to USD 12BN and beyond from the prioritized thirteen (13) key products; Coffee, Tea, Fruits & Vegetables, Beef, Dairy, Grains, Sugar, Fish, Banana Flour, Flowers, Tourism, Cement and Steel.  

Coordinated under the Office of the President, PACEID is specifically charged with among others advising H.E the President on practical ways and means of addressing the strategic and operational bottlenecks that impede Uganda from fully harnessing its industrial and export potential.  

As a new approach to export markets, PACEID in partnership with various stakeholders has rolled out a succession of trade, investment and tourism summits hosted in various countries within the East African region, rest of Africa and the world to identify off-takers of the 13 priority exports. So far, PACEID has held five of such successful trade missions; the Uganda-DRC Summit in May 2022 in Goma, the Uganda-South Sudan Summit in Juba in July 2022, the UK-Uganda Business Summit in London, September 2022, the US-UG International Trade Summit & Exhibition in Chicago in December 2022 and the Uganda-South Africa Business Summit in Pretoria in February 2023. These summits feature exhibitions, panel discussions, expert presentations and B2B sessions where participants from the public and private sectors network, share opportunities and identify strategies to position Ugandan products and services internationally and attract potential investors to Uganda.

PACEID has also introduced the concept of Ugandan Trade Representatives (TRs) in targeted markets. TRs are selected for their independent personalities, passion and interest in promoting Uganda’s products and services. To date, the PACEID Committee has appointed five TRs in key export markets; Justin Katoto for the Democratic Republic of Uganda (DRC), Cody Lorance and Olivier Kamanzi (both USA), Mark Pursey for UK, Bratislav Stoiljkovic for the Balkan region (south-east Europe) and Sam Montsi for South Africa. TRs provide technical expertise to help Uganda penetrate new regional and international export markets.

Last month, the exports advisory committee organized a two-days Trade Representatives Forum (TRF) where all relevant public and private sector institutions in the export space gathered to develop a singular view of what Uganda needs to achieve the USD 6BN target. Running under the theme ‘COORDINATION TO DRIVE UGANDA’S EXPORT TARGETS THROUGH TRADE REPRESENTATION’, the TRF was held at State House Entebbe on March 28^th, 2023 and the OPM Conference Centre on March 29^th, 2023 respectively. While at State House- Entebbe, President Museveni expressed his gratitude towards the TRs for their efforts to link Uganda with the big export markets they represent.

After, the TRs had the opportunity to visit key tourism destinations such as Murchison Falls National Park in Masindi and production sites including Tooke in Bushenyi, Ho and Mu Food Technology Company Ltd in Kapeeka, Sseko Designs in Bweyogerere and Zahra Food Industries Limited in Namave Industrial Park.

During the TRF, it was announced that Uganda will be opening a trade center for the Balkans region based in Belgrade, Serbia in June 2023. The center will sell Uganda coffee, bananas, chocolate, grains, and tourism in the region and it will be used as a staging ground for the six Balkan nations of central-southern Europe.

Following this, the Serbian Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, Hon. Tomislav Momirovic and his delegation which includes Milos Adamovic (Assistant Minister), Marco Obradovic (Assistant Minister) and Uganda’s Trade Representative, Mr. Bratislav Stoiljkovic, will arrive in the country on April 18, 2023, to meet H.E. the President the next day Wednesday, April 19, 2023, from 11am to 3pm at State House Entebbe.

The purpose of the visit is to deliver the invitation of the President of Serbia, H.E. Aleksander Vucic to President Yoweri Museveni for the latter to open the Uganda Trade center in June 2023.

The event will also witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, United Nations development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, to operationalize and match the President’s export fund for coffee, fruits & vegetables, dairy, beef, Tourism and other products, to USD30M. The fund is for invoice underwriting for exporters to the new markets. This fund will address the financing bottlenecks that have directly been affecting export performance in priority sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

H.E. Museveni is also expected to make a special Broadcast on the Tourism sector where Uganda is targeting USD1.5bn new revenue by 2027.  

The First US-Uganda International Trade Summit and Exhibition 2022, ended yesterday Sunday 18 December 2022 at the Renaissance Hotel Downtown Chicago with a commitment to off-take of several Ugandan products, investment in some of the firms that exhibited, and a promise to help Uganda design an export credit Fund, unique to our level and intensity of trade and export needs.

The grain sector signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Ohio-based company owned by an indigenous Somali American to buy sim-sim, sorghum, maize, and other raw materials for breakfast cereal grains from Uganda. The Kapeeka-based Namunkekera dried fruits firm got expressions of interest from an African American firm interested in taking stock in the company while the tourism sector got a boost from Mike Patel of Walton International Capital who promised to invest in hotel chains in the game parks in Uganda and also help open up to 6800 hotels for supply of premium Ugandan coffee from companies such as Endiro Coffee and Mountain, the sector exporters and retailers who exhibited in Chicago.

Several other inquiries in the leather sector including a potential order for more than 1000 pairs from Sseko Designs, a fashion firm that exports to the US under the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) were made. The purpose of the three-day trade summit which was opened by President Yoweri Museveni was to introduce key Ugandan products such as coffee, chocolate, banana flour, apparel, beef, vanilla and dairy etc. to American consumers, investors, and retailers, expose Ugandan firms to potential partners and also find new ways to raise funding for the export credit fund for Ugandan exporters to the western market and within the region.

Ugandan companies with support from the African Global Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) led by Dr. Olivier Kamanzi, Uganda’s Trade Representative in Chicago will begin training early next year in standardization, market research, communication, and certification to be able to gain better entry into the US market. The summit which was organized by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) and partly supported by the United Nations Development Program office in Kampala, attracted more than 200 people and 26 Ugandan firms. It was closed by the Uganda Ambassador to the US, Robbie Kakonge.

Odrek  Rwabwogo, Chair of PACEID rallied Ugandans in the Diaspora to come together and start a distribution company for Ugandan products. “There is no way we will sell products here in any sustained way even if we don’t create enough awareness, without a good distribution network that understands Ugandan food products and focuses first on the ethnic markets that understand our foods and later broadly changing the tastes and preferences of many Americans. This is what will help us scale faster as Ugandan firms here” he said.

The summit was attended by Francis Mwebesa- Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Geraldine Ssali, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Trade, Susana Muhwezi, the Presidential Advisor on AGOA, the office of the Governor of Illinois and many Ugandan diasporas and American business community engaged in food processing, off-take, capital and logistics.