Economists say Uganda must leverage its agricultural “cash cow” to drive the country’s ambitious tenfold growth strategy.
They argue that growth in the agro-industrial sector will only be possible if all players across the value chain collaborate to add value and boost productivity.
Jane Nalunga, executive director at SEATINI, cautions that limited market access for finished products remains a major bottleneck, threatening the sustainability of value addition efforts.
Next Media is preparing to bring together leaders from both the public and private sectors to explore solutions for unlocking Uganda’s full potential across key industries during the sixth edition of the Uganda Economic Forum 2025.
Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy aims to multiply the country’s GDP from the current baseline of $50 billion to $500 billion over the next 15 years.
The strategy prioritizes agro-industry, tourism, minerals, and science, technology, and innovation, supported by enablers such as security, electricity, and infrastructure.
Economists insist that to achieve this ambitious target, Uganda must fully harness its agricultural potential, which employs over 70% of the population and contributes significantly to export earnings.
“Uganda’s comparative advantage lies in agriculture, but the challenge has always been low value addition. If we treat agro-industrialisation as our true cash cow, we can multiply earnings across the region,” Nalunga said.
Projections suggest that agro-industrial exports could triple within five years if the government invests in processing capacity, standards certification, logistics, and market intelligence.
While the country has made progress in adding value to crops such as coffee, maize, fruits, and dairy, experts warn that a lack of reliable markets for processed goods threatens to undercut progress.
Although agro-industrialisation will headline Day One of the Forum, sessions will also focus on tourism, manufacturing, and services, sectors described by economists as critical multipliers for jobs and investment.
Tourism is expected to rebound strongly post-COVID, manufacturing could drive import substitution, and services—particularly ICT and finance—remain key growth enablers.
Since its inception, the Uganda Economic Forum has established itself as the country’s premier platform for bridging public and private sector perspectives.
The sixth edition is expected to consolidate this role by producing actionable roadmaps that inform government policy and stimulate private investment.
