AFMASS Uganda Edition spurs investment drive to transform the country into food export hub

UGANDA – Uganda is pushing for increased investment in food storage and manufacturing technologies to strengthen its export potential, following the unveiling of cutting-edge solutions at the AFMASS Food Manufacturing Expo Uganda Edition.

Held at the Africana Hotel & Conference Centre in Kampala from February 11-13, 2025, the Expo is the premier international trade show and conference for the food, beverage manufacturing, and milling industry in Uganda and the Great Lakes region.

Speaking at the Expo, Patrick Mugisha, Commissioner for Business Development and Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Trade, emphasized Uganda’s potential as an agricultural investment hub. He called for greater investments in cold storage, grain storage, and processing technologies to curb food loss due to spoilage.

“Embracing technology will enable Uganda to capitalize on surplus food by enhancing export volumes rather than suffering losses due to post-harvest spoilage,” Mugisha stated.

The Ministry of Trade has outlined a tenfold strategy to grow Uganda’s economy from US$50 billion to US$500 billion, with food storage and processing as a key pillar. The government is actively seeking investments in cold storage centers, value-addition facilities, and technology transfer to strengthen Uganda’s position in the global food market.

Mugisha revealed that, to attract investors, the government has introduced incentives such as tax holidays and free working spaces for companies investing in the agricultural sector. However, challenges such as food export bans have limited Uganda’s trade potential.

Despite Uganda’s vast potential as a food powerhouse, non-technological barriers continue to hinder exports.

Francis Juma, Founder & CEO of FW Africa, the organizers of AFMASS Food Manufacturing Expo, highlighted regulatory requirements as a major obstacle to Uganda’s export market.

“Although East African Community (EAC) member states share common regulatory standards, Uganda still faces significant trade barriers, especially in dairy and grain exports,” Juma said.

He pointed out that traders struggle with unclear regulations regarding allowable goods and services, required certification, tax structures, customs procedures, and trade processes. Additionally, access to information on trade facilitation and complaints resolution remains a major challenge for exporters.

Juma called on the Ugandan government to create an enabling environment for manufacturers, investors, and traders to leverage the country’s agricultural potential. However, he stressed that adherence to regulatory requirements is crucial for success in export markets.

Echoing similar sentiments, Henry Mambwe, CEO of Biyinzika Poultry, emphasized that product quality is essential for Uganda’s success in international trade.

“Uganda should be known for producing high-quality products, both for the local and export markets,” Mambwe stated.

He urged food and feed manufacturers to prioritize meeting international quality standards to enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Food and Technology Solutions

The Expo featured leading food and technology companies presenting a range of innovative solutions to enhance food manufacturing, safety, and export efficiency.

Prognosis Biotech from Greece showcased laboratory testing and food safety solutions designed to ensure compliance with international standards. Altinbilek from Turkey presented advanced grain storage solutions aimed at reducing post-harvest losses. Bastak Instruments, also from Turkey, demonstrated laboratory testing solutions and ingredients tailored for the milling industry.

Makenas from Turkey highlighted the latest grain milling technology, offering high-performance solutions to improve milling efficiency. Fischbein International, representing Belgium and Morocco, exhibited cutting-edge bag weighing, handling, and closing equipment essential for packaging and distribution. Milltech and Cift Kartal, both from Turkey, displayed innovative grain milling technology aimed at boosting production efficiency.

Sorela Scientific from Kenya showcased laboratory equipment and solutions designed to enhance food safety and quality assurance. Decase Chemicals, FDB Ingredia, and Bakels East Africa, with origins in Kenya and Switzerland, presented a diverse range of ingredient solutions catering to the food and beverage industry.

Acetek Software from Kenya introduced software solutions to streamline operations within the food manufacturing sector. F&S Scientific, another Kenyan company, demonstrated laboratory equipment and solutions that support food quality assurance and safety.

With such events taking place in the country, Uganda aims to position itself, by tapping to these technologies, as a regional leader in food production and export, ensuring both food security and economic growth in the years to come.

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