aBi Unveils Ambitious Strategic Framework for Uganda’s Agricultural Sector

aBi Development has unveiled an ambitious strategic framework aimed at fostering climate-resilient, green, and inclusive agro-industrial growth in Uganda by 2028.

The organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Moses Nyabila, presented the framework during aBi Development’s inaugural annual partners meeting, highlighting the organization’s achievements and future objectives.

Since its inception in 2010, aBi Development has disbursed approximately 320 billion Ugandan shillings in grants and technical assistance to over 300 small and medium-sized enterprises, farmer organizations, and non-governmental organizations. This support has generated an estimated 1.1 trillion Ugandan shillings in additional income for farmers and agribusinesses, impacting approximately 11 million individuals.

The strategic pillars outlined by Mr. Nyabila focus on enhancing climate change resilience, promoting sustainable growth, and improving the sector’s global competitiveness. The Agricultural Business Centre is a hub for agricultural businesses to access finance, markets, and technology.

Looking ahead, we are scaling up efforts through key strategic initiatives, including:
– Agricultural Business Centres – Strengthening market linkages.
– Climate-smart Farm Input Distribution & Services Hubs – Ensuring farmers access high-quality inputs.
– Agri-Finance Accelerator/Fund – Unlocking investment for agribusiness growth.
– Off-taker-led Value Chain Hubs – Enhancing efficiency and sustainability in value chains.
– Digital Farmer Platforms – Leveraging technology for better farmer access to markets and services.

Our planned investment allocations include:
– UGX 10 billion for tubers, cereals, oilseeds, and pulses.
– UGX 12 billion for horticulture.
– UGX 16 billion for coffee.

With agriculture contributing 24% of Uganda’s GDP and employing 70% of the population, the potential for growth is immense. By 2028, aBi Development aims to:
– Reach 2 million farmers with enhanced inputs and services.
– Double the productivity and income of 500,000 smallholder farmers.
– Strengthen agribusiness market linkages for long-term growth.

The organization also articulated its commitment to improving food security and rural livelihoods, while promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga opening the aBi Development Finance 1st Annual Partners’ Meeting

Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, underscored the government’s commitment to facilitating the cluster approach within the agribusiness sector, hailing its potential to revolutionize the nation’s agricultural landscape.

Minister Kyakulaga commended aBi Development and its partners for their proactive role in championing this collaborative model, which he believes is pivotal for addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting Uganda’s agriculture.

“We welcome this drive and are excited about its immense potential in transforming the agribusiness sector and the economy,” Minister Kyakulaga said.

The European Union and Denmark have also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Uganda’s agricultural transformation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices.

Cristina Banuta, Programme Manager for Access to Finance Agri-business and Land at the European Union Delegation to Uganda, stated that “agriculture is not just the backbone of Uganda’s economy; it is the foundation on which millions of lives are built.”

Signe Winding Albjerg, the Danish Ambassador to Uganda, highlighted the importance of sustainable economic development and climate responsibility, noting Denmark’s support for aBi Development’s initiatives aimed at increasing production and productivity through climate-smart solutions.

Samson Emong, Managing Director of Cafe Africa, addressed the challenges facing the coffee sector in complying with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

Mr. Emong emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to enhance traceability and compliance, acknowledging aBi Development’s role in awareness and coordination.

About aBi:

The Agricultural Business Initiative (aBi) is a multi-donor entity devoted to private sector agribusiness development. aBi follows a long-term commitment by being both a catalyst in support of the Ugandan agricultural sector and a conduit through which development partners and investors can build the capacity of the agricultural sector. aBi was jointly founded by the Governments of Denmark and Uganda in 2010. Other Development Partners are; USAID, SIDA, UKAid, and KfW.

aBi is supporting agribusiness development in the private sector to achieve the objective of the Government of Uganda’s Competitiveness and Investment Climate Strategy (CICS).

aBi provides both financing and technical support in selected agricultural value chains and offers an integrated approach on value chain development.

Website: www.abi.co.ug
Phone: +256312351600

Source: www.chimpreports.com

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