Implementation of a new four-year project to promote sustainable economic growth, boost trade and investment, and create green and decent jobs in Uganda has officially commenced.
The European Union (EU)-funded Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) 2.0 – Trade and Investment Development project will run from 2024 to 2028, with an aim to enhance Uganda’s regional and global competitiveness.
With a total budget of €8 million (UGX 33 billion), the initiative is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and aligns with Uganda’s national priorities to build an inclusive, digital, and knowledge-based economy.
By strengthening trade and investment ties with the EU—a longstanding partner—the project will help Uganda leverage its tariff-free access to the EU market. It will also support trade policy reforms and facilitation to enhance trade with regional neighbors and further contribute to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Key project areas include improving competitiveness, enabling green and sustainable business practices, and expanding Uganda’s e-commerce ecosystem.
The stakeholder engagement undertaken during the six-month inception phase in 2024 laid the groundwork for implementation. Public and private sector actors, especially in the tourism, logistics, and grains sectors, were actively consulted.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, said:
“This project is an enabler for the Government of Uganda to facilitate our private sector to seize more opportunities in regional and global markets. The project objectives align with the National Development Plan IV goal of increasing household incomes, full monetization of the economy, and job creation for sustainable socio-economic transformation. We also expect it to contribute to the realization of our ten-fold growth strategy, aimed at increasing Uganda’s economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040.”
Ms. Sanne Willems, Team Leader Green Transition and Private Sector of the European Community, stated:
“The EU is pleased to strengthen its longstanding partnership with Uganda on trade as part of the Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) Team Europe Initiative. With this EUR 8 million (UGX 33 billion) investment, we are confident we will enhance the trade and investment profile of Uganda’s tourism, logistics, and grains sectors, and bring Uganda’s high-value products even closer to the EU market.”
ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, noted:
“As we work together on phase two of this project, we’re going to see a stronger trade relationship between Uganda and the EU. Sustainability, digital connectivity, and job creation are central to this growth. More small businesses in Uganda will be able to scale their operations, export, and create jobs.”
The project will also contribute to policy reforms, improving competitiveness and enabling green and sustainable practices as well as expanding Uganda’s e-commerce ecosystem.
