Uganda has unveiled a bold plan to attract shs5.3 trillion (US$1.4 billion) in agricultural investments, with opportunities in coffee, dairy, beef, maize, and soybeans.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal.
The investments are expected to transform Uganda’s food systems and cement its position as a regional food basket.
Speaking at the Forum, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fred Kyakulaga Bwino, said Uganda’s fertile land and youthful population make it one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for agribusiness.
“Uganda is a young and fast-growing society of nearly 46 million people, with over 78 percent under the age of 35. This dynamic demographic provides a ready, energetic workforce and a large domestic market,” Kyakulaga said.
He highlighted that Uganda recorded 6.1 percent GDP growth in 2024, attracted shs11.4 trillion (US$3 billion) in foreign direct investment, and maintains low inflation. “In short, Uganda is open, stable, competitive, and endowed with numerous comparative advantages,” he told delegates.
The government has lined up incentives for investors, including a 10-year corporate tax holiday, VAT exemptions on seeds and machinery, and a One-Stop Centre for investor services.
Opportunities in Coffee, Dairy and Beef
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) presented a detailed blueprint for investors.
“Our ambition is to triple coffee production from 7 million to 20 million bags. This is not simply about planting more trees but about structured, sustainable value-chain growth,” said Mr. Peter Mulira, Investment Executive at UIA.
He revealed that the dairy sector alone has the potential to grow exports from shs12.2 billion (US$3.2 million) to shs4.9 trillion (US$1.3 billion), backed by modern processing plants and cold-chain facilities.
On beef, Mulira noted: “In Uganda, beef consumption is just 6kg per person annually, four times lower than in comparable countries. This deficit is not a limitation but an opportunity. We invite partners to help us close this gap and scale up Uganda’s role in the regional market.”
