The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, has called on Ugandans to diversify the country’s exports and actively seek new and larger markets to fully harness the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking during the inauguration of the AfCFTA National Implementation Committee (NIC) in Kampala, Gen. Mbadi described the AfCFTA as a transformative platform that will unlock vast trade and investment opportunities for Uganda and the continent at large.
“The AfCFTA is that new, larger market. It opens 54 new doors for our products,” the Minister said. “To benefit, we must diversify our exports, increase value addition, and position our businesses competitively in the regional and continental marketplace.”
The newly inaugurated 36-member National Implementation Committee will serve as Uganda’s central coordination mechanism for the AfCFTA.
It is tasked with providing policy oversight, guiding national implementation efforts, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders including government ministries, private sector actors, civil society, and development partners.
According to Gen. Mbadi, the establishment of the NIC marks a significant step in operationalising Uganda’s AfCFTA commitments and ensuring the country maximises the benefits of continental integration.
Ratified by Uganda on 28th November 2018, the AfCFTA seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services, allowing free movement of business persons and investments across 54 African nations.
The agreement is widely regarded as a landmark opportunity to boost intra-African trade, foster industrialisation, and accelerate sustainable economic growth.
Uganda’s AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy provides a roadmap for achieving these goals by aligning trade policies, improving export competitiveness, and addressing potential challenges in market access and trade facilitation.
“The successful implementation of the AfCFTA will require coordinated efforts across all sectors,” Gen. Mbadi emphasised. “Government ministries, agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society must work together to ensure that Uganda’s participation in the AfCFTA translates into tangible benefits for our people and our economy.”
The National Implementation Committee will operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, which will ensure a coherent, inclusive, and results-driven approach to executing Uganda’s AfCFTA commitments.
With the AfCFTA now in force, Uganda is strategically positioning itself to expand its export base, attract investment, and strengthen its role within Africa’s growing economic landscape.