Overview:
He noted that the majority of Uganda's trade occurs within the East African region and the broader African continent, making it imperative for the country to activate AfCFTA mechanisms without delay.
President Museveni has emphasized the urgent need to address non-tariff barriers that hinder trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This he said while officially commissioning the free zones export facility and launching the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy for Uganda in Entebbe this evening. He noted that the majority of Uganda’s trade occurs within the East African region and the broader African continent, making it imperative for the country to activate AfCFTA mechanisms without delay.
“Failure to act quickly hampers the rate of our growth and affects the growth of the private sector,” he stated, highlighting the critical role that seamless trade plays in fostering economic resilience and expansion.
“Establishing the Uganda Free Zones Export Facility is a game-changer for our economy.” The President’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and commitment among African nations to overcome trade challenges and unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA.
Mr Museveni also witnessed the signing of a commitment document for the first shipment of Ugandan products to Nigeria in January 2025 under the AfCFTA protocols.
The commitment was signed by Nigerian Trade Representative Ani Charles BASSEY-EYO on behalf of his country and Brenda Opus for Uganda.
This consignment aims to facilitate market testing and profiling of consumer tastes and preferences in Nigeria, thereby laying the groundwork for expanded trade opportunities.
The shipment will include; coffee, black and green tea, milk, fish and pharmaceuticals, with a target quantity of one ton per product.