New export programme seeks to help Ugandan firms penetrate foreign markets

The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) supported by development partners has set up an export programme that seeks to connect Uganda’s manufacturing firms to foreign buyers.

The Export Firm Support (EFS) programme is implemented by PSFU with funding from the governments of Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom working under the World Bank.

PSFU Executive Director Stephen Asiimwe said the Export firm support will focus on formal private business entities that are legally established and headquartered in Uganda and with established business interests in the targeted manufacturing and semi-manufacturing sectors.

“Sustainability is driven by continuous innovation. We, who are in business, must understand that to stay in business, we have to innovate newer, friendly, and sustainable innovations for the future generation to withstand the ever-increasing economic shocks,” he said.

“Sustainability is driven by continuous innovation. We, who are in business, must understand that to stay in business, we have to innovate newer, friendly, and sustainable innovations for the future generation to withstand the ever-increasing economic shocks,”

PSFU Executive Director Stephen Asiimwe

PSFU said the support will focus on upgrading firms’ organisational and production capacities and their capabilities to deliver to the demand of foreign buyers.

They explained that funding for the EFS programme falls under Window III of the World Bank-administered Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), which mobilizes donor contributions and invests in strategic areas to promote the effective implementation of Uganda’s National Development Plans.

“Activities under MDTF’s Window III focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation. Uganda requires higher numbers of new jobs to match the pace of labour force growth. More than half a million Ugandans enter the job market every year,” the press statement reads in part.